Protests held in IIOJK for restoration of IIOJK’s pre-2019 special status
Srinagar: On the seventh anniversary of India’s illegal revocation of Article 370, a growing chorus of local political parties in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir has demanded the immediate restoration of the special status of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the 5 August 2019 move to downgrade the territory was a grave injustice.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), National Conference, IIOJK chapter of Congress and other parties marked the day with protests and statements condemning the August 5, 2019 decision, which they described as undemocratic and humiliating for the people of Kashmir.
Despite Indian police restrictions and curbs in Lal Chowk, Srinagar and other parts of the territory, the protesters termed the day a “Black Day” and accused the BJP of betraying the people. “It’s a day the historic Dogra state was dismembered. The promise of statehood remains unfulfilled,” a Congress leader said. The party has launched a protest under the banner ‘Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq’ to press for the demand.
PDP leaders held protest demonstrations and demanded the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, and the release of prisoners. They said that post-abrogation, the territory has witnessed rising unemployment, harassment, arrests, attachment and demolition of properties, drug addiction, and economic neglect. They said outsiders were increasingly taking local jobs and contracts, further alienating the native population.
Other parties and protesters also slammed the BJP-led Indian government and demanded the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s pre-August 2019 status.
