NC protests Article 370, 35A abrogation with massive protests across J&K

Srinagar, 05 Aug: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Tuesday held peaceful protests across Jammu and Kashmir against the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. 

The main protest, held at the party headquarters Nawa-e-Subha in Srinagar, reaffirmed the party’s steadfast commitment to the ongoing democratic struggle for the restoration of the region’s constitutional rights.

Led by Provincial President Kashmir Showkat Ahmad Mir, the protest witnessed participation from all party wings including the Youth National Conference, Women’s Wing, Minority Wing, Parent Body, and media and Social media teams. 

Among others senior leader Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan, Hon’ble MLA’s Shameema Firdous, Salman Ali Sagar, Ahsan Pardesi, Sajad Shafi Uri, State Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar, Provincial Women’s Wing President Er. Sabiya Qadri, and District President Peer Afaq Ahmad also joined the protests.

Simultaneous protests were held at NC offices across all district headquarters in Kashmir, underscoring widespread dissent against the unilateral decisions taken on August 5, 2019.

The party leaders strongly condemned police restrictions on peaceful protests and denounced the abrogation as a violation of democratic principles. They emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir’s unique political, cultural, and geographical diversity necessitates governance under a federal system that promotes decentralization, respect for local identity, and guarantees constitutional protections.

“Federalism, as practiced in India, allows states and regions to exercise self-governance while remaining part of the larger union, thereby preserving unity in diversity,” the leaders said. They argued that Jammu and Kashmir’s exclusion from this federal framework has led to political disenfranchisement and denial of fundamental rights.

They further highlighted that while citizens elsewhere in India continue to enjoy their rights under a constitutional federal setup, the people of Jammu and Kashmir remain deprived of these safeguards undermining the authority of a popularly elected government with a strong public mandate, as well as trust, development, and stability in the region.

The NC reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful democratic struggle, calling for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and rights within a true federal framework that respects its pluralistic character and upholds democratic governance.

The functionaries were holding placards demanding restoration of special status, full statehood and constitutional guarantees.