Protests Erupt in Kashmir as Article 370 Abrogation Anniversary Sparks Tensions

On the anniversary of the Article 370 abrogation, Congress and PDP protest in Srinagar, calling it a 'black day'. Protestors demand statehood restoration, while PDP's Iltija Mufti criticizes the government's actions and house arrests. The abrogation of Article 370 remains contentious, with ongoing calls for Jammu & Kashmir's statehood reinstatement.

Protests erupted in Srinagar on Tuesday as members of Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) marked the anniversary of the Article 370 abrogation by labeling it a 'black day'. The protestors demanded the restoration of Jammu & Kashmir's statehood, carrying banners that denounced the Bharatiya Janata Party's decision.

PDP leader Iltija Mufti criticized the government, calling the abrogation 'illegal' and highlighting restrictions faced by her party in organizing protests. She recalled the house arrests of political leaders when Article 370 was scrapped in 2019, asserting that little has changed in six years, with voices being stifled and rights deprived.

As tensions simmer, former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called for a protest blackout, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the government's actions, accusing opposition parties of exploiting Jammu & Kashmir. The controversial move, which transformed the region into Union Territories, continues to evoke strong reactions and demands for the reinstatement of statehood.

(With inputs from agencies.)