J&K Police foiled the Congress’ peaceful march in Srinagar demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. Congress leaders, including state president Tariq Hameed Karra, condemned the administration’s undemocratic move and vowed to intensify protests, including a planned nationwide campaign starting July 21.
In a dramatic turn of events, Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday thwarted a planned peaceful march organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) in Srinagar, which was aimed at demanding the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress leaders and workers, who had gathered at the party headquarters on Maulana Azad Road, were prevented from marching towards Lal Chowk, the city’s commercial and symbolic hub.
Jammu and Kashmir Congress president, Tariq Hameed Karra, expressed strong condemnation against the police action, accusing the Union Territory administration of violating democratic principles. “We were locked inside our own party headquarters and not allowed to exercise our democratic right to hold a peaceful march,” Karra said while addressing reporters.
Karra alleged that Congress workers from across the Valley, who were on their way to Srinagar to participate in the march, were intercepted and barred from reaching the party office. “The administration’s move reflects frustration and undemocratic intent. This suppression of political voices is unacceptable,” he said.
The Srinagar event was part of the JKPCC’s broader campaign — ‘Srinagar Chalo’ — intended to press for the immediate restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. A similar march titled ‘Jammu Chalo’ is scheduled for Sunday, with plans for an even bigger mobilization in Delhi on July 21. “We will escalate our protests. This is just the beginning,” Karra added.
He further stated that the Congress planned to submit a memorandum to the Divisional Commissioner demanding that the government table a bill in the upcoming Parliament session to restore statehood. However, the administration’s clampdown derailed those plans.
Despite the restrictions, the situation at the party office remained peaceful, and the protestors later dispersed without confrontation. “We are committed to a democratic and non-violent movement. But we will not remain silent,” Karra reiterated.
The Congress leadership in Jammu and Kashmir sees the denial of permission for the march as an indication of a shrinking democratic space in the region post the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019. These constitutional changes led to the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Referring to national support, Karra thanked All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the government to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. “Our leadership at the national level stands with us. The people of Jammu and Kashmir must know that they are not alone in this fight,” he said.
He also mentioned that several senior Congress leaders, including party MLA Irfan Lone, were among those prevented from reaching the party headquarters. “We have received information that our leaders were stopped at multiple checkpoints, which is a clear attempt to stifle dissent,” Karra noted.
The Congress party has consistently demanded the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood ever since its revocation in 2019. Party leaders have maintained that statehood is essential for restoring public trust, political empowerment, and democratic governance in the region.
Political observers believe that Saturday’s incident highlights the tense political climate in Jammu and Kashmir, with mainstream parties increasingly facing hurdles in holding peaceful events. The Congress’ renewed push for statehood comes at a time when regional discontent over the lack of full state powers is gaining traction.
With the Delhi march scheduled for July 21, Congress is expected to ramp up its nationwide campaign. The party has indicated that its senior leadership will participate in the protest in the national capital, further amplifying the demand.
| Also Read: Arunachal Governor briefs President Murmu on ‘Viksit Arunachal |
As political tensions continue to simmer in the Valley, the denial of basic democratic rights such as peaceful assembly is raising questions about the state of governance in the region. The coming days are likely to see increased political mobilization by opposition parties, especially as the Parliament session approaches.
