Black Day Protests Mark Fifth Anniversary of Article 370 Abrogation

The Congress and PDP held rallies in Jammu and Kashmir to protest the fifth anniversary of Article 370 abrogation. Led by regional leaders like Vikar Rasool Wani and Amrik Singh, the protests demanded the restoration of statehood and raised concerns about the rising terrorist attacks and unemployment.

The fifth anniversary of Article 370 abrogation saw the Congress and People's Democratic Party (PDP) staging separate protests in Jammu and Kashmir, marking the day as a 'black day'. They demanded the restoration of statehood and special status for the region, highlighting rising terrorism and unemployment as key issues.

Congress chief Vikar Rasool Wani led a procession of hundreds carrying black flags, criticizing the BJP for its failure to curb terrorism and foster development as promised. Participants were stopped by police from advancing further, leading to a sit-in protest. Wani termed August 5 as the 'darkest day' in the region's history, condemning the downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir into a union territory.

Simultaneously, PDP workers, led by Amrik Singh and Virender Singh, held another rally in Gandhinagar. Protestors criticized the BJP for the state's bifurcation and pushed for restoring its special status and statehood. Regional leader Mehbooba Mufti and others claimed house arrests amid enhanced security, noting the day's symbolic injustice.

(With inputs from agencies.)