JAMMU, The Congress party staged a demonstration today in Jammu, voicing its strong disapproval of the Indian government’s decision, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to divide the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) into two union territories.

According to Kashmir Media Service, after the special status of IIOJK was revoked on August 05, 2019, the Jammu and Kashmir Re-Organisation Act was subsequently issued by the Modi administration, bifurcating the occupied region into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

The demonstration witnessed the participation of many party leaders and workers, and was spearheaded by the Congress chief in IIOJK, Vikar Rasool. The rallying cry of the protesters was a demand for the immediate restoration of the region’s status as it was prior to August 05, 2019.

While addressing the gathered crowd, Vikar Rasool stated the Congress party’s firm opposition to the 2019 decisions. He underscored the party’s dedication to regaining all the rights previously accorded to occupied Kashmir that were subsequently revoked.

The gathering was punctuated with speeches decrying the withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. Speakers articulated their unwavering position against the 2019 actions and expressed determination to reinstate the rights and standing of IIOJK to its former state.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami, a leader from the Communist Party of India Marxist (CPI-M), commented on the day’s significance, highlighting the removal of the occupied Jammu and Kashmir flag from the Civil Secretariat. He questioned whether this day should be seen as a true celebration or a slight to the residents of the former state of J and K. Furthermore, he expressed concerns about the noticeable stagnation in development, job prospects, and the general livelihood of ordinary citizens.

Tarigami vehemently criticized the BJP’s commemoration of the day, labeling it as an affront to the inhabitants of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. He emphasized the day’s importance as a moment to voice powerful opposition against the constitutional actions taken on August 05, 2019, which diminished the status of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and disenfranchised its population.

Additionally, Omar Abdullah, the National Conference President, while speaking to journalists in the Karnah area of Kupwara, pledged his party’s full effort in reinstating statehood, whether before or after the impending elections.