Srinagar, September 2 (KNC): Political activity intensified across Srinagar on Wednesday as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling National Conference (NC) organised separate demonstrations, with police stopping both groups from marching towards their intended destinations.
The BJP staged its protest in Lal Chowk, where party leaders and workers assembled before beginning a procession towards Jahangir Chowk. The protesters intended to proceed further towards the Civil Secretariat, but police personnel intercepted the march at Jahangir Chowk and prevented it from moving ahead.
Meanwhile, the National Conference organised a separate demonstration in the Rajbagh area, with its leaders and workers planning to march towards the BJP headquarters. The proposed procession was also stopped by police before reaching its destination.
The simultaneous protests resulted in increased political activity at two prominent locations in Srinagar. Security personnel remained deployed at the sites to regulate the gatherings and prevent the rival processions from converging. Officials said there were no general restrictions on movement throughout the city.
BJP Questions NC Government Over Public Issues
Addressing BJP workers and supporters, Leader of Opposition in the J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma launched a strong attack on the NC-led administration, alleging that the government had failed to adequately address several issues confronting the public.
Sharma referred to concerns related to electricity supply, drinking water, roads, employment and rising electricity bills, claiming that a number of assurances made by the National Conference during the Assembly elections had not been implemented.
He also questioned Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the issue of statehood and challenged the government to seek a renewed mandate from the people on the matter.
Sharma said the BJP would continue highlighting issues which, according to the party, were directly affecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sat Sharma Says Government Must Deliver or Quit
BJP J&K president and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma said the protest was organised to draw attention to what he described as shortcomings in the functioning of the NC government.
He said the people had become increasingly dissatisfied with the administration and asserted that the government must either address public concerns or make way for an alternative.
Sat Sharma also accused the NC of attempting to divert public attention from pressing issues and criticised what he termed the party’s political approach towards matters concerning Pakistan.
NC Demonstration Seeks Fulfilment of Centre’s Commitments
At Rajbagh, the National Conference held its demonstration against the BJP-led Union government, saying the protest was aimed at reminding the Centre of commitments made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
NC Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said the party wanted the BJP leadership at the Centre to act on assurances and commitments concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the National Conference intended to undertake a peaceful march towards the BJP headquarters to convey its demands directly to the central leadership.
Sadiq clarified that the demonstration was aimed at drawing the attention of the BJP leadership in Delhi rather than targeting the party’s local leadership.
Among the principal demands raised by the NC were restoration of statehood, constitutional safeguards and rationalisation of the reservation system.
He also stressed the need to address issues affecting the youth, saying the National Conference would continue pursuing these matters through democratic and peaceful means.
Sakina Itoo: ‘Every Day Is a Day of Protest’
NC leader and Education Minister Sakina Itoo said the party would continue its campaign for what it described as the restoration of the rights and safeguards of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“For us, every day is a day of protest,” Itoo said, maintaining that the party would continue taking up its demands through peaceful democratic platforms.
She reiterated the NC’s demand for the restoration of Article 370, Article 35A and statehood, saying the party would continue pursuing these issues through constitutional and democratic avenues.
Itoo also alleged that several NC workers encountered difficulties while travelling to the protest venue.
Nasir Aslam Wani Highlights Statehood and Reservation
Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani said the National Conference had been awaiting action on commitments related to Jammu and Kashmir.
He particularly highlighted restoration of statehood and rationalisation of reservations, describing them as important issues, especially for the younger generation.
Wani said the party had exercised patience while awaiting concrete action and questioned the delay in addressing these matters.
Police Prevent Both Processions From Advancing
The NC demonstration continued at Rajbagh before police intervened to stop the proposed march towards the BJP office.
Similarly, the BJP procession that began from Lal Chowk was halted at Jahangir Chowk before it could advance towards the Civil Secretariat.
Despite the sharp political rhetoric from both sides, the two demonstrations remained separate and peaceful. Police personnel maintained a visible presence at both locations and prevented the protesters from proceeding towards their respective destinations.
The developments marked another day of heightened political activity in Srinagar, with the BJP focusing on governance and public grievances, while the National Conference pressed for statehood, constitutional safeguards and changes to the reservation framework.(KNC)
