Celebrations and Protests mark 6th Anniversary of Article 370 abrogation

Jammu Tawi, August 5:
The sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A was observed across Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday with contrasting responses, reflecting the region’s political diversity and ongoing debate over the 2019 decision that altered its constitutional status.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) marked the day with widespread celebrations across all districts of the Union Territory. Public programmes, ‘Tiranga Yatras’, and patriotic events were organised from urban centres to remote border villages. The events were held to commemorate what party workers described as a “historic step” that brought constitutional integration, equal rights, and expanded access to central welfare schemes.

Several events saw enthusiastic public participation, especially in Udhampur, Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri, Kathua, Samba, Reasi, Ramban, Poonch, and parts of the Kashmir Valley. Organisers highlighted the impact of the abrogation on governance and development, claiming benefits had reached previously marginalised communities, including Gujjars, Bakarwals, refugees from West Pakistan, and women affected by discriminatory provisions.

Cultural performances, flag hoisting ceremonies, and discussions on constitutional rights were among the key features of the celebrations. Many social and educational institutions also participated in localised programmes promoting national unity and civic awareness.

In contrast, opposition parties and civil society groups observed the day as a “black day”, demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and the re-establishment of a democratically elected government. Demonstrations were organised by the Congress, National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the All Parties United Morcha (APUM) in several districts.

In Jammu city, protesters garlanded the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh and raised slogans seeking the restoration of the state’s pre-August 2019 status. Similar demonstrations were held in other districts, with participants arguing that the 2019 decision undermined democratic representation and regional autonomy.

Congress leaders criticised the continued absence of an elected government, accusing the Centre of delaying the implementation of the Supreme Court’s directive for early restoration of statehood. The party announced a chain hunger strike across the Union Territory from August 9 to 21 as part of its campaign titled Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq.

Police intervened in some of the rallies. In Rajouri, a Congress march was stopped, and several participants were briefly detained. Similarly, protests by NC and PDP workers in Jammu city and Gandhi Nagar area were curtailed by authorities citing security and administrative reasons.

The day served as a reminder of the continuing divide in public and political sentiment across the region—while one section celebrated national integration and new opportunities, another expressed concern over democratic rights and identity.