Security Tightened in Srinagar as BJP, NC Protest

Security was tightened across Srinagar on Wednesday as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Conference (NC) held separate protests over different political and public issues.

The NC, led by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, organised a march towards the BJP office, demanding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The party also sought accountability from the Centre over commitments made in Parliament and before the Supreme Court.

In a statement, the NC said it wanted constitutional guarantees, restoration of statehood, clearance of the reservation file and justice for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The party maintained that the electoral mandate given by the people of the Union Territory should be respected.

The protest comes amid the NC’s continued opposition to the changes introduced after the abrogation of Article 370. Omar Abdullah has repeatedly said that his party remains committed to reversing administrative and constitutional changes that, according to the NC, affected Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and identity.

The situation became tense as the NC alleged that police stopped its protest from moving forward and prevented people from joining the march. The party also claimed that some of its elected representatives were mishandled.

The NC contrasted this with the BJP’s protest, alleging that BJP workers were allowed to march towards the Srinagar Secretariat. The claims added to the political confrontation between the two parties.

The BJP, meanwhile, held its own demonstration, focusing on issues such as rising electricity prices and unemployment among young people.

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma defended the BJP’s protest, saying the party had already announced plans to raise issues affecting ordinary residents. He said youth employment was one of the main concerns.

Sharma also accused the National Conference of suddenly announcing its protest after the BJP had planned its programme. He questioned the timing of the NC’s demonstration and alleged that the previous government had mishandled employment opportunities.

A BJP spokesperson in Jammu and Kashmir said young people across the Union Territory deserve better employment opportunities and greater transparency in recruitment and appointments.

With both parties taking their protests to the streets on the same day, authorities increased security arrangements in Srinagar to prevent clashes and maintain law and order.

The demonstrations highlight the continuing political divide in Jammu and Kashmir, with the NC focusing on the demand for restoration of statehood and the BJP highlighting unemployment, electricity costs and other issues affecting residents.

Police and security personnel remained deployed in sensitive areas as authorities monitored the situation and worked to prevent the rival protests from turning into confrontations.