Congress to Stage Massive Statehood Protests in Jammu & Kashmir on August 5
By: Javid Amin | Srinagar | 28 July 2025
Why August 5 Still Resonates in Jammu & Kashmir
Six years ago, on August 5, 2019, the Government of India made one of the most far-reaching constitutional decisions in recent Indian history — the abrogation of Article 370. The decision revoked the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, bifurcated the state into two Union Territories — Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh — and dissolved its legislative autonomy.
While the move was celebrated by some sections of the country as a push for greater national integration, it triggered political unrest, constitutional debate, and mass alienation within the region.
Now, as the sixth anniversary of this event approaches, the Indian National Congress is set to intensify its agitation for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Under the campaign slogan “Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq” (Our State, Our Right), the party is organizing a series of coordinated protests, public campaigns, and hunger strikes across the Union Territory.
Congress Protest Calendar: From Sit-Ins to Hunger Strikes
The Congress party has planned a detailed timeline of protest activities to build political pressure and public consciousness around the statehood demand.
August 5: District-Wide Peaceful Sit-Ins
On the anniversary of Article 370’s abrogation, the Congress will hold peaceful sit-ins across all district headquarters of Jammu and Kashmir. The party’s central protest event will take place at Maharaja Hari Singh Park in Jammu, a symbolic venue named after the last Dogra ruler of the erstwhile princely state.
Party workers, senior leaders, and public sympathizers will gather to register their dissent against the continued Union Territory status of the region.
“We are not protesting against the nation. We are protesting for the rights of our people, for our democratic identity. August 5 is a reminder that our voice was silenced without consent,” said Raman Bhalla, Working President of J&K Congress.
August 1 Onward: Statewide Public Engagement Campaign
Leading up to August 5, the party will initiate a public engagement campaign, mobilizing people at the grassroots level through street meetings, social media outreach, pamphlet distribution, and door-to-door visits.
The goal is to increase public awareness of:
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The constitutional implications of the revocation of Article 370.
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The economic and political impact of being downgraded from a full-fledged state.
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The importance of local representation and legislative control.
August 9–20: Hunger Strike for Statehood
In a powerful symbolic gesture, Congress will conduct a 12-day hunger strike from August 9 to 20 at its party offices in Jammu and Srinagar.
Importantly, the hunger strike will be paused on August 15 and 16 in honor of Independence Day celebrations, signaling that while the protest is against governmental policy, it respects national unity and sovereignty.
Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq: A Slogan Rooted in History
The Congress has titled its campaign “Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq”, which translates to “Our State, Our Right”. This phrase is not just a slogan—it is a reflection of the deep-seated historical and emotional connection that people in Jammu and Kashmir feel toward their former statehood.
Historical Identity of J&K
Jammu and Kashmir, with its own flag, constitution, and legislative powers under Article 370, enjoyed a unique position in India. While the region was part of the Indian Union, its autonomy allowed for local governance based on its distinct socio-political and cultural needs.
With the revocation of Article 370 and the dissolution of statehood, many residents feel their political identity was erased overnight.
“We are not asking for any privileges. We are simply asking for the restoration of our democratic rights. A Union Territory is not what the people of J&K voted for,” said Tariq Hameed Karra, senior Congress leader and former Member of Parliament.
Context: What Happened on August 5, 2019?
To understand the depth of public sentiment and political mobilization, it’s essential to revisit the events of August 5, 2019.
The Government of India:
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Revoked Article 370 through a Presidential Order.
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Dissolved Article 35A, which allowed J&K to define “permanent residents”.
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Bifurcated the state into two Union Territories — Jammu & Kashmir with a legislative assembly, and Ladakh without one.
The move was made without any legislative input from the then-suspended Jammu & Kashmir Assembly, and amid a massive lockdown, communication blackout, and arrests of political leaders.
Fallout and Public Backlash
The revocation resulted in:
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Mass detentions of local politicians across party lines.
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Long-term internet shutdowns, among the longest ever in a democracy.
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Economic stagnation, particularly in tourism, trade, and agriculture.
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Widespread feeling of disenfranchisement, especially in Kashmir Valley.
Even leaders who previously supported accession with India were left in a political vacuum, prompting a re-evaluation of democratic processes and federalism.
Congress’s Position on Jammu and Kashmir Since 2019
Since the abrogation, the Congress has consistently maintained that:
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The revocation of Article 370 was unconstitutional.
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Statehood must be restored immediately.
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Jammu and Kashmir must not be treated as a “governor-driven” Union Territory without accountability.
During Parliament debates, Congress leaders have repeatedly pointed out that:
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The reorganization lacked the consent of the people.
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The region’s economy and political confidence have deteriorated.
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Development and integration cannot come at the cost of constitutional rights.
Political Implications: Why Congress Is Raising the Pitch Now
Upcoming Elections in J&K
There are growing rumors of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir within the next 6–12 months. Congress aims to re-establish itself as a key player, especially as BJP attempts to consolidate its influence in the Jammu region.
By reviving the statehood issue, Congress hopes to:
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Mobilize public sentiment across regional and religious lines.
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Reposition itself as a people-first party, distinct from BJP’s centralist approach.
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Unite other opposition groups under a common democratic agenda.
Outreach to Other Parties
Sources indicate that the Congress may seek coordination with like-minded parties, including:
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National Conference (NC)
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People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
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CPI(M)
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Apni Party (selectively)
This alignment would mirror the goals of the INDIA bloc, though in a regionally focused framework.
Voices from the Ground: Public Opinion on Statehood Demand
Many residents, especially in Jammu, Chenab Valley, and South Kashmir, express support for restoring full statehood.
“We want our Assembly, our MLAs, our decision-making. The Lieutenant Governor doesn’t come from here. He doesn’t know what people are going through,” says Mushtaq Ahmad, a trader in Anantnag.
“Being a Union Territory means we are ruled by bureaucrats. Where is our vote? Where is our voice?” asks Renu Sharma, a schoolteacher in Udhampur.
Even apolitical youth groups and civil society voices are calling for decentralized power, citing the inefficiency of central control in addressing local grievances.
Socio-Economic Impact Since Article 370 Revocation
Despite government claims of increased development, the ground reality presents a mixed picture.
Economy and Employment
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Tourism, although rebounding in 2023–2024, remains seasonal and vulnerable to security perceptions.
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Unemployment among J&K youth is among the highest in India, especially in urban Kashmir.
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Private sector investment remains sluggish due to perceived instability and bureaucratic red tape.
Education and Healthcare
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Education suffered due to internet shutdowns from 2019–2021.
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Medical infrastructure has improved in urban areas, but rural accessibility remains poor.
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Government schemes often lack local accountability, as elected MLAs are absent.
Legal Debates and Constitutional Challenges
Several petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 are still pending before the Supreme Court of India.
Legal experts argue:
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Article 370 was a permanent feature, despite the word “temporary” in the heading.
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The J&K Constituent Assembly’s dissolution in 1957 meant no further changes could be made unilaterally.
The Supreme Court reserved its judgment after extensive hearings in 2023, but a final verdict is still awaited.
Regional Breakdown: Support for Statehood by Area
Jammu Region
Surprisingly, even in BJP stronghold areas like Jammu city, Kathua, and Samba, there’s growing demand for restoration of a locally accountable government.
Kashmir Valley
Here, the demand for statehood with constitutional guarantees is almost unanimous, cutting across political affiliations.
Ladakh
Now a separate Union Territory, Ladakh has its own autonomy movement seeking sixth schedule protections and full-fledged statehood.
Congress’s Broader Strategy: Reclaiming Lost Ground in J&K
For Congress, this protest campaign is not just about Article 370 — it’s about political revival.
Rebuilding Trust
By aligning with constitutional values and democratic rights, Congress hopes to regain trust in a region where it has lost ground to regional parties and the BJP.
Framing the Narrative
The messaging of “Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq” gives Congress a people-centric identity that resonates more deeply than abstract legal arguments.
Countering BJP
The BJP has framed Article 370’s abrogation as “national integration”. Congress is pushing back with the idea of “federalism and fairness”, asserting that true integration cannot be forced.
Conclusion: August 5 as a Symbol of Political Awakening
As India marks six years since the revocation of Article 370, August 5 is no longer just a date. It has become a symbol of political awakening, constitutional debate, and a renewed demand for democratic justice in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Congress protest movement, driven by public mobilization, peaceful demonstrations, and legal arguments, seeks not to return to the past — but to secure a future where the people of J&K can govern themselves with dignity, equality, and full constitutional rights.
