New Delhi : Amid persistent rainfall in the national capital, the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) on Tuesday staged a determined protest at Jantar Mantar, reiterating its demand for the immediate restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Organised under the party’s “Delhi Chalo” programme, the protest was spearheaded by JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra and drew participation from Congress leaders and workers representing diverse districts of the Union Territory. Defying wet weather and humid conditions, the protestors gathered in large numbers, holding placards and chanting slogans urging the Union Government to fulfil its commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Despite adverse weather, the enthusiasm of our workers has not dampened,” Karra told reporters at the protest site. “We are here to demand justice, dignity, and the democratic rights that were unconstitutionally taken from the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Statehood must be restored without delay.”
Karra was joined by senior Congress leaders including Vikar Rasool Wani, Raman Bhalla, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, and others who echoed the demand, describing the continuing delay in restoring statehood as a deliberate attempt to politically disempower the region.
The protest also served as a symbolic reminder of the Centre’s August 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370 and bifurcate the erstwhile state into two Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Since then, demands for the restoration of statehood have grown steadily, cutting across political lines.
“While the Centre has on multiple occasions assured that statehood will be restored “at an appropriate time,” Karra said that the prolonged delay reflects a lack of political will.
Congress functionaries present at Jantar Mantar accused the BJP-led government of failing to honour its word. “This is not just about statehood. It’s about identity, representation, and accountability,” said Ghulam Ahmad Mir.
The JKPCC has vowed to continue raising the issue both within and outside Parliament. “We will amplify this demand through every democratic platform available to us,” Karra added. [KNT]
