The Congress and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held protests in Srinagar, denouncing the abrogation of Article 370 and terming August 5 as a “Black Day.” Protesters demanded the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, carrying banners that read, “Black Day for Jammu & Kashmir. On this day, BJP snatched away the crown of statehood from us. People and Jammu & Kashmir will not forgive BJP.”
PDP Slams Restrictions, Calls Abrogation Illegal
PDP leader Iltija Mufti criticized the government for allegedly silencing dissent. She described the 2019 move as an “illegal abrogation” that took away Jammu and Kashmir’s constitution and flag. She added, “We are a legal party, and even six years after the abrogation of Article 370, we are not being allowed to protest.” Mufti recalled that political leaders and civilians were placed under house arrest in 2019, and claimed the situation remains unchanged even today.
Accusations of Human Rights Violations
Mufti alleged that PDP members were confined “like animals” at the party office. She said, “A huge CRPF vehicle has been stationed here, and we are not being allowed to move forward.” Accusing the government of stripping fundamental rights, she questioned whether any constitutional freedoms are still applicable in the Union Territory.
Concerns About Future Changes
The PDP leader also expressed concern over reported plans to alter the region’s administrative boundaries. She said, “There are rumours that Jammu will be separated and South Kashmir merged with it and given statehood.”
August 5, 2025, marked six years since the central government revoked Article 370, removing Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and converting it into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Political Leaders Renew Statehood Demand
Since the abrogation, political leaders across the region have consistently demanded the restoration of statehood. The demand has intensified following the formation of the Omar Abdullah-led government after the recent assembly elections.
BJP Celebrates, Mehbooba Calls for Blackout
While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) celebrated the anniversary, former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called for a 15-minute blackout in protest. She urged citizens to switch off lights to symbolically oppose the move.
Amit Shah’s 2019 Statement Recalled
The protestors also recalled Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s 2019 remarks when he tabled the resolution to revoke Article 370. Shah had blamed three political families for exploiting the state under the guise of the special status and said, “Article 370 didn’t connect J&K to India—Maharaja Hari Singh did that in 1947.”
Understanding Article 370’s Impact
Before it was revoked, Article 370 granted Jammu and Kashmir a special status, including the power to make its own laws and restrictions on land ownership for outsiders. The abrogation ended these privileges and brought the region under central governance
Also Read: Supreme Court to Hear Plea on Restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s Statehood on August 8
