National Conference (NC) leaders and workers stage a protest in Srinagar, demanding restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and fulfilment of commitments made by the Centre (Img: Dynamite News)
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) on Wednesday staged a protest in Srinagar against the BJP-led Union Government, accusing it of not fulfilling commitments made regarding Jammu and Kashmir, including the restoration of statehood.
NC leaders and workers gathered in Srinagar and held a demonstration outside the BJP office, carrying placards demanding the return of statehood and restoration of political and constitutional rights for the region.
The party said the protest was aimed at reminding the BJP of assurances made in Parliament and before the Supreme Court regarding the restoration of statehood and other issues related to Jammu and Kashmir.
The NC also raised demands for constitutional safeguards and action on reservation-related matters in the Valley.
Addressing the protesters, NC chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said the party wants the promises made by the BJP to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to be fulfilled.
He clarified that the protest was directed against the Centre and not against the local BJP leadership in Jammu and Kashmir.
The procession planned by the NC from the protest venue was stopped by police as security was tightened across Srinagar.
Authorities increased deployment after multiple political demonstrations were scheduled in the city, with officials taking precautionary measures to prevent any untoward incident.
The NC protest came after the BJP organised a demonstration against the Omar Abdullah-led government over issues including unemployment, governance and electricity tariff hikes.
The back-to-back protests have intensified the political confrontation between the two parties in Jammu and Kashmir.
The National Conference reiterated that the mandate of the people must be respected and demanded immediate steps towards restoring statehood and fulfilling commitments made by the Union Government.
