SRINAGAR: The All Parties United Front (APUF), a coalition of over a dozen opposition political and social groups in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), staged a protest today against the authorities’ anti’s masses policies.
The demonstration, reported by Kashmir Media Service, was held to demand the restoration of statehood for IIOJK ahead of the Supreme Court’s September 30 deadline for assembly elections in the region.
Protesters, including senior members from Congress, National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party, and Communist Party of India-Marxist, gathered near the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh by the Tawi bridge.
They also called for the rollback of a recent order by the Modi government that grants additional powers to the Lieutenant Governor.
Congress leader Ravinder Sharma criticized the BJP for its failure to restore statehood and hold assembly elections despite promises made in Parliament and the Supreme Court. He accused the BJP of using the new powers given to the Lieutenant Governor to perpetuate its proxy rule.
The demonstrators carried placards and chanted slogans demanding the restoration of statehood, land and job rights, and the timely conduct of assembly elections.
National Conference leader Rattan Lal Gupta also condemned the BJP for delaying the elections and expressed hope that the visiting Election Commission would ensure the polls are held as scheduled.
