Party alleged Suppression of Democratic Rights; Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful Struggle
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): A proposed rally by the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Indian National Congress, aimed at demanding the restoration of statehood, was stopped by authorities on Saturday triggering sharp reactions from party leaders and workers.
The rally was part of the Congress’s broader campaign to seek the return of full statehood and democratic rights to Jammu and Kashmir, which was downgraded to a Union Territory following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
Local Congress leaders alleged that police and security forces were deployed in large numbers, preventing them from assembling or marching peacefully. They claimed the administration denied formal permission at the last minute, citing security and law and order concerns.
“This is yet another attempt to muzzle the voice of democracy. Peaceful protest is a constitutional right, and blocking our rally shows the government’s fear of genuine public sentiment,” said a senior Congress leader.
Many party workers who had gathered in anticipation of the rally were reportedly detained briefly and asked to disperse. Visuals from various locations showed police barricades and checkpoints blocking key roads.
The Jammu and Kashmir Congress unit has been consistently vocal about its demand for the restoration of statehood, assembly elections, and constitutional guarantees for the people of the region.
“The people of J&K have been kept in a state of political limbo for too long. We will not stop until our democratic rights are fully restored,” said another party spokesperson.
The incident has sparked criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups who view the move as a sign of shrinking democratic space in the Union Territory.
As the demand for statehood continues to grow across party lines, events reflect the increasing tension between regional political aspirations and administrative restrictions.
Further developments are expected as Congress plans to escalate its campaign in the coming weeks(DD)
