National Conference (NC) leaders and workers held a protest in Jammu on Wednesday, marking the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370. The protest aimed to demand the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, which was revoked in 2019.
Scores of NC officials, including MLAs, gathered at the party headquarters, Nawa-i-Subah, to make their voices heard. Led by Minister Sakina Itoo, the protest saw enthusiastic participation from party members and supporters.
The protestors carried placards displaying slogans in support of Article 370 and the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. However, they faced resistance from police who did not allow them to march out of the party office complex.
Addressing reporters, Minister Itoo reaffirmed the party’s position, stating, “We demand that our special status and rights, which were snatched from us, be restored. Our party has been protesting peacefully for the restoration of our rights since then.”
Itoo emphasized the importance of restoring the rights and guarantees that Jammu and Kashmir enjoyed prior to the abrogation. The minister pointed out that the NC had passed a resolution in the assembly with a two-thirds majority, along with another resolution in the cabinet which has been sent to the Union Government.
She stated, “This resolution conveys the voice of the people, demanding the restoration of rights that were taken away.” The ongoing protest highlights the desire among residents and political leaders to reinstate the provisions of Article 370.
Since its abrogation, Article 370 has remained a contentious issue in Indian politics, particularly in the context of Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy. Many in Jammu and Kashmir feel that the special status was crucial for maintaining their identity and social contract with the Indian Union.
The National Conference, one of the oldest political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, continues to advocate for the rights of the people in the region. The protest is part of their broader strategy to pressure the government for the restoration of rights and to rekindle the conversation about Jammu and Kashmir’s political future.
Numerous civil society groups and the general populace also contribute voices to the demand for restoring Article 370. The protest by NC leaders underscores the ongoing sentiments over the issue and reflects the political landscape of the region.
