Did J&K Police Prevent Congress' March for Statehood Restoration in Srinagar?
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Synopsis
On July 19, police in Srinagar halted a Congress-led march advocating for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, leading to accusations of undemocratic practices. This incident reflects ongoing tensions between political parties and the administration, as Congress plans future protests to escalate their demands.
Key Takeaways
- Police intervention disrupted a peaceful Congress march in Srinagar.
- The party was advocating for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
- Accusations of undemocratic practices were directed at the Union Territory administration.
- Congress plans to escalate protests leading up to a significant march in Delhi.
- Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union Territories in 2019.
Srinagar, July 19 (NationPress) On Saturday, the police interrupted a march organized by leaders and members of the Congress party in Srinagar, advocating for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
The police prevented the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee from proceeding toward the city center, Lal Chowk, from their headquarters located on Maulana Azad Road.
The president of Jammu and Kashmir Congress, Tariq Hameed Karra, stated that police confined them within the party headquarters, obstructing their intention to conduct a peaceful march to Lal Chowk.
Karra criticized the Union Territory administration for blocking party members from reaching their headquarters in Srinagar, labeling such actions as "undemocratic and indicative of administrative frustration".
During a press briefing at the Congress headquarters in Srinagar, Karra reported that numerous workers traveling from different regions of the Valley were halted as the party aimed to submit a memorandum to the Divisional Commissioner, urging for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
"We gathered peacefully to emphasize our demand, but we were restricted from proceeding and confined to our headquarters. This suppression is intolerable in a democratic environment. We will amplify our protests leading up to the planned July 21 march to Delhi, where senior Congress leaders are set to escalate the campaign for statehood," Karra remarked.
Karra expressed gratitude towards AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for reaching out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in favor of restoring statehood.
The Congress' Jammu and Kashmir unit had scheduled a 'Srinagar Chalo' march on Saturday followed by a 'Jammu Chalo' march the next day.
Karra mentioned that several Congress leaders, including party MLA Irfan Lone, were impeded from accessing the party office in Srinagar.
"We have received reports that many of our leaders and workers have been obstructed at various locations and were unable to make it here," Karra added.
The demonstrators later dispersed without incident.
The Congress' Jammu and Kashmir unit proposed protest marches in both Srinagar and Jammu to reinforce their demand for a bill to be introduced in the next Parliament session for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir was divided into two Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, on August 5, 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A.
Point of View
It is vital to maintain an unbiased perspective amidst the ongoing political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir. The recent police actions against Congress' peaceful protest raise concerns about democratic freedoms and administrative accountability. The situation warrants careful observation as it unfolds, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and resolution in our democratic framework.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the Congress march in Srinagar?
The Congress march aimed to advocate for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
How did the police respond to the Congress march?
The police intervened and prevented Congress leaders and workers from proceeding to Lal Chowk, confining them to their headquarters.
Who is the president of the Jammu and Kashmir Congress?
The president of the Jammu and Kashmir Congress is Tariq Hameed Karra.
What accusations were made against the Union Territory administration?
Tariq Hameed Karra accused the administration of undemocratic practices and preventing party workers from reaching their headquarters.
What are the next steps planned by the Congress party?
The Congress party plans to intensify protests, including a march to Delhi on July 21.
