Public resentment against authorities intensifies as protests erupt across IIOJK
Jammu: Widespread public resentment against the occupation authorities in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir continued to surface in the form of protests, demonstrations and political resistance, highlighting deepening anger over denial of rights, administrative failures and erosion of democratic norms across the territory.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in Udhampur district of Jammu region, anger spilled onto the streets as the Congress party led a massive protest march against continued and unjustified power cuts. Led by District Congress Committee president Sumeet Magotra, protesters marched through main markets, raising slogans against the authorities. Addressing the gathering, Magotra said residents were suffering immensely during harsh winter conditions despite assurances of uninterrupted power following installation of smart meters, and warned of intensified agitation if authorities failed to act.
Public outrage was also witnessed at Udhampur District Hospital following the death of a patient allegedly due to the absence of doctors in the emergency ward. MLA Udhampur West, Pawan Gupta, staged a protest at the hospital, demanding strict action against negligent staff and round-the-clock availability of doctors. Traders’ bodies and locals later joined demonstrations, accusing hospital authorities of gross mismanagement and mocking the facility as a “referral hospital” lacking even basic healthcare services.
Meanwhile, Congress workers held protests across several districts of IIOJK to demand restoration of full statehood. Demonstrations under the banners “Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq” were held in Rajouri, Doda, Kishtwar and other areas, where speakers condemned the Modi-led Indian government for weakening rural employment guarantees and continuing to deny statehood to the territory.
Separately, resentment was also evident in south Kashmir, where villagers opposed the proposed Bijbehara–Pahalgam railway line, fearing loss of orchards and agricultural land.
