BJP celebrates Art 370 abrogation anniversary; Cong and PDP protest

The fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, which provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was marked by contrasting reactions across the region with mainstream regional party leaders kept “locked” inside their homes.

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The day underscored the ongoing political divide in Jammu and Kashmir, with regional parties calling for the reinstatement of rights they argue were stripped away, while the ruling BJP party celebrated the government’s decision as a step towards greater integration.

While a handful of activists of the BJP celebrated in Srinagar, Congress and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) held protests in Jammu, declaring the day a “black day” for the region. The day was marked by claims of repression from regional party leaders as former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti announced on social media that she had been placed under house arrest and calling August 5, 2019, a “dark day” for both Jammu and Kashmir and Indian democracy.