Congress Protests in Jammu, Demands PM Modi’s Resignation
Party leaders criticise Centre’s policies and call for revival of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood during demonstration.
Jammu, Mar 9: The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Congress staged a protest in Jammu on Monday against the BJP-led central government, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and pressing for the early restoration of statehood to the Union Territory.
The demonstration took place outside the party’s headquarters at Shaheedi Chowk along Residency Road and was led by Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra. A large number of party leaders and workers, including women activists, gathered at the site carrying placards and raising slogans against the Centre.
Protesters displayed banners calling for the restoration of statehood and voiced opposition to recent government policies, including concerns related to international trade arrangements and domestic economic issues.
Police personnel were deployed in large numbers in the area to maintain law and order and prevented the demonstrators from marching beyond the party office premises.
Addressing the gathering, Karra criticised the central government’s handling of foreign policy and economic matters. He alleged that the country’s international standing had been weakened and accused the leadership of compromising national interests in its engagement with global powers.
He also questioned external influence on India’s economic decisions, particularly in relation to energy imports, saying such matters should be determined by the country’s own strategic priorities.
During the protest, some demonstrators also burned flags of the United States and Israel as part of their demonstration.
Karra said the Congress had planned similar protests across all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir during the ongoing Budget session of Parliament. However, he alleged that authorities did not allow demonstrations in certain parts of the Kashmir Valley and claimed that some party workers were detained or placed under house arrest.
The Congress leader described these actions as restrictions on democratic rights and reiterated that the party would continue its campaign until full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir is restored.
He also criticised the Centre over rising prices, including increases in LPG costs, stating that such hikes would place an additional financial burden on ordinary households.
