J&K Parties Observe August 5 as ‘Black Day’; PDP, NC, Apni Party and AIP Hold Symbolic Protests
By: News Desk | 05 Aug 2025
Political parties across Jammu & Kashmir marked August 5 as a “Black Day” on the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, holding symbolic protests and demonstrations despite heightened security and restrictions imposed by the administration.
The observance saw participation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), National Conference (NC), Apni Party, and the Awami Itihaad Party (AIP). While authorities had denied formal permission for public demonstrations, reports indicated that party leaders and workers gathered at several locations in the Valley, raising political slogans and reiterating demands for the restoration of constitutional safeguards and statehood.
The anniversary once again highlighted the continuing political divide over the constitutional changes introduced on August 5, 2019, when the Union Government revoked Jammu & Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 and reorganized the former state into two Union Territories.
August 5 Continues to Shape Kashmir’s Political Narrative
For many regional political parties, August 5 remains a symbol of what they describe as the loss of Jammu & Kashmir’s constitutional identity and political autonomy.
Since 2019, opposition parties in the region have observed the anniversary through protests, public statements, and commemorative events, while the Central Government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) continue to describe the constitutional changes as a historic reform that strengthened national integration, improved governance, and accelerated development.
The contrasting narratives once again dominated political discourse across the Valley.
PDP Calls August 5 a ‘Constitutional Betrayal’
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) organized symbolic demonstrations led by party president Mehbooba Mufti.
Addressing party workers, Mufti described August 5 as a reminder of what she called a “constitutional betrayal”, asserting that the constitutional changes of 2019 altered Jammu & Kashmir’s political and constitutional framework without the consent of its people.
The PDP reiterated its long-standing demand for the restoration of Article 370 and other constitutional protections that existed before August 2019.
Party leaders also emphasized the need to continue what they described as a democratic and peaceful political struggle.
National Conference Reiterates Statehood Demand
The National Conference (NC) observed the anniversary through symbolic protests in parts of Kashmir.
Senior party leaders reiterated their demand for the early restoration of Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood, describing it as an essential democratic step.
The party maintained that restoring full statehood should remain an immediate political priority while continuing to pursue constitutional and legal avenues concerning Article 370.
NC leaders also appealed for strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring greater political representation for the people of the Union Territory.
Apni Party Declares August 5 a ‘Black Day’
The Apni Party, led by Altaf Bukhari, also observed August 5 as a “Black Day.”
Speaking during party programmes, Bukhari said the constitutional changes continued to influence Jammu & Kashmir’s political landscape and reiterated demands for both the restoration of constitutional safeguards and statehood.
The party stressed that its political movement would continue through constitutional and democratic means.
Awami Itihaad Party Holds Protests in North Kashmir
The Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) held symbolic protests in Baramulla and Sopore, where party workers raised slogans supporting the restoration of Article 370.
The party aligned itself with broader opposition voices calling for constitutional safeguards, democratic rights, and greater political representation for Jammu & Kashmir.
AIP leaders maintained that August 5 would continue to be observed annually as a reminder of the constitutional changes implemented in 2019.
Heavy Security Across the Valley
The political programmes took place under extensive security arrangements across Kashmir.
Authorities had earlier declined permission for large public gatherings and significantly increased the deployment of police and Central Armed Police Forces across sensitive districts.
Security personnel maintained checkpoints, intensified vehicle inspections, and conducted area domination patrols in Srinagar, Baramulla, Pulwama, Anantnag, and other locations.
Officials said the preventive measures were aimed at ensuring law and order and preventing any untoward incidents during a politically sensitive anniversary.
Different Parties, Different Political Priorities
Although regional parties shared the observance of August 5 as a “Black Day,” their political priorities continue to differ.
| Political Party | Position on August 5 | Primary Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) | Valley-wide symbolic protests | Restoration of Article 370 |
| National Conference (NC) | Symbolic protests | Restoration of statehood while continuing constitutional efforts |
| Apni Party | Observed “Black Day” | Statehood and constitutional safeguards |
| Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) | Black Day observance | Restoration of Article 370 |
Despite differences in strategy, all four parties used the anniversary to reiterate their opposition to the constitutional changes introduced in August 2019.
Political Significance of the Anniversary
The seventh anniversary once again demonstrated that Article 370 remains central to Jammu & Kashmir’s political discourse.
For opposition parties, the observance served as an opportunity to reinforce their political messaging, mobilize supporters, and keep constitutional issues at the forefront of public debate.
The anniversary also reflected the continuing gap between regional political aspirations and the Centre’s position that the constitutional changes are final and have contributed to improved governance and development.
Political analysts note that August 5 has evolved into an annual occasion where competing narratives over Jammu & Kashmir’s constitutional future become particularly visible.
Public Sentiment and Security Remain Closely Linked
The anniversary continues to evoke strong emotions among different sections of society.
For many supporters of regional parties, August 5 represents the loss of constitutional protections and political identity. Conversely, supporters of the constitutional changes view the day as marking a new phase of integration and administrative reform.
The administration’s extensive security deployment reflected concerns over maintaining public order while allowing normal civic life to continue.
Outlook
The observance of August 5 as a “Black Day” by several regional political parties underscores that the debate surrounding Article 370 remains far from settled in Jammu & Kashmir.
Although restrictions limited the scale of public demonstrations, symbolic protests ensured that the anniversary remained politically significant. As demands for statehood, constitutional safeguards, and greater democratic representation continue, August 5 is likely to remain one of the most consequential dates in the Union Territory’s political calendar.
The differing narratives surrounding the anniversary also indicate that Article 370 will continue to influence electoral politics, public discourse, and Centre–Union Territory relations in the years ahead.
Key Highlights
- PDP, National Conference, Apni Party, and AIP observed August 5 as a “Black Day”.
- Symbolic protests were held across parts of the Kashmir Valley despite security restrictions.
- Mehbooba Mufti described the anniversary as a reminder of a “constitutional betrayal.”
- The National Conference reiterated its demand for the restoration of Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood while continuing its constitutional campaign.
- Apni Party and AIP also renewed demands for constitutional safeguards and democratic rights.
- Heavy security deployment, checkpoints, and preventive measures remained in place across the Valley as authorities monitored the sensitive anniversary.
