BJP workers stage protest in Baramulla over National Conference’s pre-1953 position remarks. (Img: Dynamite News)
Baramulla: The political debate over Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional history has intensified after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and workers staged a protest in Baramulla against recent remarks by the National Conference (NC) regarding the pre-1953 position of the erstwhile state.
The demonstration was held at the BJP district headquarters in Khawaja Bagh, Baramulla, where party workers raised objections to the NC’s stand and questioned the party’s views on the region’s constitutional framework before 1953. The protest has brought the historical and political issues surrounding Jammu and Kashmir back into public discussion.
The BJP has alleged that any move linked to the pre-1953 position goes against the existing constitutional structure and national interest. Party workers demanded clarity from the National Conference over its position on the issue.
The protest was organised following comments by National Conference leaders that referred to the political status of Jammu and Kashmir before 1953.
The period before 1953 remains a significant chapter in Jammu and Kashmir’s political history, as it relates to the region’s relationship with the Indian Union, constitutional arrangements and governance structure during the early years after Independence.
The BJP has opposed any discussion that it believes could challenge the current constitutional framework, while maintaining that Jammu and Kashmir’s integration with India is a settled matter.
The issue has become part of a broader political conversation in the Union Territory involving constitutional rights, restoration of statehood and the future political roadmap of Jammu and Kashmir.
During the demonstration, police personnel were deployed at the protest site to maintain security and prevent any escalation.
Officials stopped the protesters from moving ahead, citing law and order concerns. The situation remained under control as security personnel monitored the gathering.
Political protests over sensitive issues in Jammu and Kashmir often draw heightened security attention due to the region’s complex political background and public sentiment.
Several senior BJP leaders and office-bearers participated in the protest, including Farooq Ahmad Malik, Harjeet Singh Duke, District General Secretary; Riyaz Ahmad Dantu, District Spokesperson; Shafqat Abdullah, District Youth President; Amanjeet Singh, District Minority Morcha President; Fareeda, District President of Mahila Morcha; and Umer Khan, BJP Uri Constituency President.
Party workers raised slogans against the National Conference and sought answers from the opposition party regarding its views on the pre-1953 political arrangement.
The protest comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir continues to witness political discussions over constitutional changes, restoration of full statehood and the region’s future governance structure.
The BJP has stated that it supports restoration of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir but has opposed demands related to restoring the constitutional position that existed before August 5, 2019.
The National Conference, meanwhile, has continued to highlight issues related to the political rights, identity and aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir.
The latest protest reflects the continuing political divide between parties in Jammu and Kashmir over questions of history, constitutional arrangements and governance.
With discussions around statehood, political representation and regional identity remaining key issues, such debates are expected to remain central to the political discourse in the Union Territory.
The coming days may see further reactions from political parties as they present their views on Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional journey and future direction.
