J&K Parties Observe Article 370 Anniversary as 'Black Day'; Protest Marches Curtailed

Srinagar: Several political parties in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday observed the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 as a "Black Day", renewing their demand for the restoration of the region's special constitutional status and full statehood.

Leaders and workers from parties including the National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) attempted to hold protest marches and public demonstrations in Srinagar and other parts of the Union Territory. Many leaders carried placards and raised slogans, calling for the restoration of constitutional rights and democratic safeguards.

However, several protest programmes were curtailed by the authorities. Security personnel were deployed at key locations, and restrictions were imposed in certain areas to prevent large gatherings. Some political leaders alleged that they were stopped from proceeding with planned marches or prevented from leaving their residences.

Opposition parties criticised the restrictions, arguing that peaceful democratic protests should be allowed. They described the measures as an attempt to suppress dissent and reiterated their demand for the restoration of Article 370 and Jammu and Kashmir's statehood.

The Centre has consistently defended the decision to abrogate Article 370 on August 5, 2019, stating that the move has improved governance, strengthened national integration and accelerated development in the Union Territory. The government has also maintained that the restoration of statehood will take place at an appropriate time.

The anniversary continues to evoke contrasting political responses. While regional parties describe the date as a setback for Jammu and Kashmir's constitutional identity, the BJP marks it as a milestone in the country's integration and development.

Security arrangements remained tight across parts of the Union Territory throughout the day to maintain law and order and ensure that public activities continued without disruption.

The issue remains one of the most significant political and constitutional debates in Jammu and Kashmir, with regional parties continuing to press for the restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees through democratic and legal means.