J&K Congress announces protests, hunger strikes for statehood restoration

Jammu, Jul 28: The Congress Party will observe a Black Day on August 5, the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir, J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Karra said on Monday.Addressing a press conference at the JKPCC headquarters here, Karra said that Congress workers and leaders will also undertake a 12-day hunger strike from August 9 to 20, 2025, in support of their demand for the restoration of full statehood to J&K.On August 5, the party will hold peaceful protests and dharnas across Jammu, Srinagar, and all district headquarters to mark the occasion, he said, adding, “The day will be observed as a Black Day, with sit-in dharnas at Maharaja Hari Singh Statue Park and district headquarters to press for the re-establishment of full statehood.”Regarding the planned hunger strike, Karra said that on August 9, Quit India Day, the party will launch a day-long hunger strike at both Jammu and Srinagar headquarters, which will continue until August 20— the birth anniversary of late Rajiv Gandhi. The strike will be temporarily halted on August 15 and 16 for Independence Day celebrations.The J&K Congress chief said that the first phase of the statehood movement, “Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq”, which included Srinagar Chalo, Jammu Chalo, and Delhi Chalo, was highly successful, drawing widespread support from the national leadership and bringing the issue into the national political spotlight.He said the party will now intensify its protests through various democratic means, including dharnas, hunger strikes, Churahe-pe-Charch (street corner discussions), and mass contact programmes, to exert pressure on the BJP government to fulfill its commitment and restore full statehood at the earliest.Meanwhile, Karra announced his upcoming three-day visit to Rajouri and Poonch, where he will interact with locals at Sunderbani, Rajouri, and Poonch, focusing on the statehood mission.He said that, on instructions from the high command, the party has adopted children affected by Pakistan firing in Poonch, and he will meet these families during his visit.The JKPCC chief also plans to visit the Holy Budda Amarnath pilgrimage site for prayers for peace, brotherhood, and the safety of the people.