The protestors condemned what they described as the BJP-led Centre's “undemocratic, authoritarian, and unconstitutional” suppression of democratic rights in the region.
NEW DELHI — The Jammu & Kashmir Congress staged a massive protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Tuesday, demanding the immediate restoration of full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir. The demonstration was led by PCC President Tariq Hameed Karra, Congress Legislative Party Leader G.A. Mir, and AICC General Secretary in charge of J&K and Ladakh, Dr Syed Naseer Hussain. Several senior AICC leaders and hundreds of supporters joined the protest.
The protestors condemned what they described as the BJP-led Centre’s “undemocratic, authoritarian, and unconstitutional” suppression of democratic rights in the region. Congress leaders asserted that the party would raise the issue in both Houses of Parliament during the ongoing monsoon session.
Jammu & Kashmir was stripped of its special status and bifurcated into two Union Territories in August 2019 — an unprecedented move that, Congress leaders said, marked the first time in India’s history that a state was downgraded in such a manner.
Addressing the gathering, AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal said, “Jammu & Kashmir is the first instance of a state being downgraded into a Union Territory. This is a serious case of democratic backsliding and an insult to the people of the region. It is unacceptable.”
AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal, flanked by senior Congress leaders, addresses protestors at Jantar Mantar.
He added, “When the Lieutenant Governor himself admits to grave security lapses in the Pahalgam terror attack, it vindicates our stand. Unelected, unaccountable administrators cannot replace a democratically elected government. Jammu & Kashmir deserves its dignity, its Assembly, and its voice. The Congress Party will not rest until democracy is fully restored. The promises made in Parliament must be fulfilled.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi extended full support to the protesting J&K Congress leaders and workers.
Over 500 Congress workers and leaders from across Jammu & Kashmir travelled to the national capital in buses, braving long journeys and security restrictions. They raised slogans like “Delhi Chalo” and “Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq,” calling for the restoration of democratic rights.
Protesters carried placards reading “Loktantra Bahal Karo,” “Statehood Wapas Karo,” and “Jammu Kashmir Ke Saath Nyaay Karo.” The demonstration featured impassioned speeches, patriotic slogans, and a united call to end bureaucratic rule and restore democracy.
Tuesday’s protest is part of the Congress Party’s sustained campaign. It follows two major demonstrations previously held in Jammu and Srinagar.
On Sunday, the Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) held a protest at the city centre in Jammu, during which PCC President Karra and CLP Leader Mir were detained by police while peacefully demanding the restoration of statehood and democratic elections. Despite the crackdown, Congress workers and a large number of people continued their protest undeterred, reflecting widespread public anger against the BJP’s policies in the region.
Earlier, on Saturday, a similar protest was held at the Congress headquarters in Srinagar, where senior leaders addressed a large gathering of grassroots workers who were cordoned off inside the premises by security forces.
