Why Are Congress Leaders Protesting at Jantar Mantar for J&K Statehood Restoration?
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Synopsis
In a significant show of unity, Congress leaders from Jammu and Kashmir staged a powerful protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the urgent restoration of statehood for J&K and the inclusion of Ladakh in the 6th schedule. This gathering underscores the ongoing struggle for democratic rights in the region amidst a backdrop of political tension.
Key Takeaways
- Massive Protest: Over 500 Congress workers gathered at Jantar Mantar.
- Demand for Statehood: Immediate restoration of statehood for Jammu & Kashmir.
- Ladakh Inclusion: Advocacy for Ladakh's inclusion in the 6th schedule.
- Political Support: Leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi extended support.
- Public Sentiment: Growing anger against BJP's policies reflected in protests.
Delhi, July 22 (NationPress) Leaders of the Jammu and Kashmir Congress, headed by JK Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra, organized a protest at Jantar Mantar advocating for the swift restoration of statehood for Jammu & Kashmir and the inclusion of the Ladakh region in the 6th schedule.
This demonstration coincided with the ongoing Monsoon session in both houses of Parliament. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi have expressed their unwavering support for the J&K Congress leaders and workers who assembled at Jantar Mantar to demand the restoration of statehood and the constitutional inclusion of Ladakh.
A spokesperson from Congress stated that a significant protest was staged at Jantar Mantar, with prominent figures like Tariq Hameed Karra, CLP Leader G.A. Mir, and AICC General Secretary for J&K and Ladakh Syed Naseer Hussain leading the charge.
The assembly called for the prompt restoration of full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir and condemned the BJP's undemocratic and authoritarian suppression of democratic rights in the region.
More than 500 Congress workers and leaders from all over Jammu & Kashmir traveled to Delhi by bus, chanting slogans such as ‘Delhi Chalo’ and ‘Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq.’ Overcoming long distances and security barriers, they aimed to amplify the voices of the people from the former state.
Participants carried placards stating ‘Loktantra Bahal Karo’, ‘Statehood Wapas Karo’, and ‘Jammu Kashmir Ke Saath Nyaay Karo’, creating an atmosphere of passionate speeches, patriotic slogans, and a collective demand to end bureaucratic governance and restore democracy.
Speaking at the protest, AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K. C. Venugopal noted that the admission of significant security lapses by the Lt. Governor following the Pahalgam terror attack validates their position.
“Unelected, unaccountable administrators cannot substitute a democratically elected government. Jammu & Kashmir deserves its dignity, its Assembly, and its voice. The Congress Party will not cease its efforts until democracy is fully reinstated,” he asserted.
This protest in Delhi is part of a continuous movement by the Congress Party, following two significant demonstrations previously held in Jammu and Srinagar.
On Sunday, the Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) conducted a major protest in the city center of Jammu, where both Tariq Hameed Karra and G.A. Mir were detained by authorities while advocating peacefully for statehood, democratic elections, and the restoration of constitutional rights.
Despite police crackdowns, hundreds of Congress workers continued their protests, reflecting the mounting public discontent against the BJP's oppressive policies.
“On Saturday, another protest took place at the Congress headquarters in Srinagar, where senior leaders addressed a large crowd of grassroots workers who were confined within the premises by state authorities,” the spokesperson added.
Point of View
It's crucial to acknowledge the voices of the people seeking statehood and democratic rights. While the Congress party's actions represent a significant political stance, the call for restoration of democracy resonates deeply within a region grappling with complex socio-political challenges. Our commitment should always be to uphold democratic principles and ensure that the voices of all citizens are heard.
NationPress
23/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main demand of the Congress protest?
The primary demand of the Congress protest is the immediate restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir and the inclusion of the Ladakh region in the 6th schedule of the Constitution.
Who led the protest at Jantar Mantar?
The protest at Jantar Mantar was led by Tariq Hameed Karra, the President of the Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), along with other prominent Congress leaders.
How many Congress workers participated in the protest?
Over 500 Congress workers and leaders from various parts of Jammu & Kashmir participated in the protest at Jantar Mantar.
What slogans were raised during the protest?
Protesters raised slogans such as ‘Delhi Chalo’ and ‘Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq’ to emphasize their demands for statehood and democratic rights.
What was the government's response to the protests?
The government has faced criticism for its undemocratic and authoritarian suppression of democratic rights in the region, as highlighted by the Congress leaders during the protests.
