New Delhi, August 5,: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday led a joint protest by INDIA bloc parties and Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Members of Parliament in the Parliament complex, demanding the immediate restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and seeking a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the alleged use of force against students protesting at Jantar Mantar.
The protest witnessed participation from senior opposition leaders and MPs of several INDIA alliance constituents, including the National Conference, who assembled carrying placards demanding that the Centre fulfil its commitment to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
The MPs also demanded that Home Minister Amit Shah address Parliament over the reported police action against students during a demonstration at Jantar Mantar, describing the issue as one that required the government’s immediate response.
National Conference MPs joined the protest, asserting that the restoration of full statehood was essential for the democratic rights and constitutional aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The demonstration was held outside the Parliament amid continuing political debate over Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional and administrative status, with opposition parties pressing the Centre to honour its assurance on statehood.
The protest comes on the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, with the demand for restoration of statehood remaining one of the principal issues raised by opposition parties both inside and outside Parliament. [KNT]
