SRINAGAR : On the eve of the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, the Mehbooba Mufti-led People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest in Srinagar, reiterating its demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights, identity and dignity.
Mehbooba Mufti, accompanied by senior PDP leaders and workers, led the demonstration, saying the party would continue its democratic and constitutional struggle for the restoration of the rights and guarantees that were revoked on August 5, 2019. The protest was organised ahead of the anniversary of the Centre’s decision to abrogate Articles 370 and 35A and reorganise the erstwhile state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Addressing party workers, Mehbooba said the PDP remains committed to seeking justice through peaceful and democratic means. She asserted that the party would continue to raise its voice for the restoration of the constitutional safeguards that, according to it, protected the unique identity and special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
The protest was held amid heightened security arrangements across the Valley ahead of August 5. Authorities have intensified surveillance and security measures across Jammu and Kashmir in view of the anniversary, with political parties adopting contrasting positions on the 2019 decision. While the BJP is marking the occasion as a historic milestone, parties including the PDP have announced peaceful protests demanding the restoration of the erstwhile constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir.
On August 5, 2019, the Government of India revoked the special constitutional status of the erstwhile state by rendering Article 370 inoperative, which also led to the removal of Article 35A. Parliament simultaneously passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, bifurcating the state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The move continues to remain a major political issue in the region, with the PDP consistently advocating for the restoration of the constitutional provisions.
