Iltija Mufti Leads August 5 Protest in Srinagar, Reiterates Demand for Restoration of Articles 370 and 35A

Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti, accompanied by PDP President Mehbooba Mufti and party workers, held a protest in Srinagar on Tuesday to mark the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370. The party reiterated its demand for the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, along with what it described as the constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Sit-In Held, Protest March Stopped

The programme began with a sit-in and candlelight vigil outside the PDP headquarters on Residency Road.

Later, Iltija Mufti attempted to lead a protest march towards Lal Chowk. However, police personnel stopped the procession before it could proceed further.

According to the PDP, Iltija Mufti and several party workers were briefly detained before being released after the demonstration ended.

PDP Reiterates Key Demands

Addressing party supporters and the media, PDP leaders said the restoration of statehood alone would not be sufficient, and reiterated their demand for the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A.

The party maintained that these constitutional provisions protected Jammu and Kashmir’s identity and rights.

The PDP also called for:

• Restoration of Articles 370 and 35A.
• Protection of constitutional and democratic rights.
• Release of political detainees.
• Greater protection of civil liberties.
• Political dialogue and confidence-building measures.

Party leaders said lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir requires democratic engagement and a political process involving local stakeholders.

Background

On 5 August 2019, the Union Government revoked Article 370, which granted special constitutional status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, and effectively rendered Article 35A inoperative. Parliament also passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which reorganised the former state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The constitutional changes continue to be a major political issue in the region.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) maintains that the 2019 measures strengthened national integration, improved governance, expanded the application of central laws and accelerated development.

Regional parties, including the PDP and the National Conference, continue to oppose the decision and seek the restoration of the constitutional provisions that existed before August 2019.

Suggested Graphics

Graphic 1: PDP Protest Highlights