5 hrs ago
BJP, National Conference Hold Rival Protests Across Srinagar Streets
The BJP and the National Conference held separate protests in Srinagar.
Each party was protesting against the other side’s policies and promises.
BJP supporters criticized the Jammu and Kashmir government over jobs, electricity prices and alleged administrative problems.
They marched toward the Civil Secretariat but were stopped by security forces.
Some protesters broke through a barricade, and clashes were reported.
The National Conference wanted the Union government to answer questions about constitutional guarantees and statehood.
Its workers tried to reach a BJP office but were stopped by police.
Some National Conference members were detained.
Mehbooba Mufti said the police had helped facilitate both protests.
The Bharatiya Janata Party held a protest against the Omar Abdullah-led government over recruitment, power tariffs and governance issues.
BJP leaders Sunil Sharma and Sat Sharma led hundreds of supporters from Lal Chowk toward the Civil Secretariat.
Security forces stopped the BJP march near Hari Singh High Street after protesters breached a barricade and clashes followed.
The National Conference organized a counter-protest seeking accountability from the Union government over constitutional guarantees and Jammu and Kashmir statehood.
Police prevented National Conference workers from reaching the BJP office in Jawahar Nagar, and several members, including Tanvir Sadiq, were detained.
- Who
- The Bharatiya Janata Party, the National Conference, security forces, and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti were involved or commented.
- What
- The BJP and National Conference held rival protests in Srinagar, with both groups stopped by security forces and clashes or scuffles reported.
- Where
- In Srinagar, including Lal Chowk, the Civil Secretariat area, Hari Singh High Street, Rajbagh and Jawahar Nagar.
- When
- On Wednesday; the first report describes the events as occurring today.
- Why
- The BJP protested against the Omar Abdullah government over recruitment, power tariffs and alleged governance problems, while the National Conference sought accountability from the Union government over constitutional guarantees and Jammu and Kashmir statehood.
BJP’s allegations
National Conference’s demands
Target of protest
BJP’s allegations
The BJP protested against the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government, alleging administrative paralysis, corruption and other governance failures.
National Conference’s demands
The National Conference organized a counter-protest aimed at the BJP and the Union government, demanding accountability for promises made on constitutional guarantees and statehood.
Main policy concerns
BJP’s allegations
The BJP raised recruitment issues, alleged backdoor appointments, unemployment, outsourcing of government jobs, alleged election irregularities and the 6.83 per cent electricity-tariff increase.
National Conference’s demands
The National Conference focused on the Union government’s commitments concerning constitutional guarantees and restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
Interpretation of the protests
BJP’s allegations
The BJP presented its march as opposition to the Jammu and Kashmir government’s policies and performance.
National Conference’s demands
Mehbooba Mufti, who criticized both parties, said police had facilitated the rival protests and described the confrontation as a “fixed match.”
Key facts
- BJP protest
- A Secretariat Gherao protest targeted the Omar Abdullah-led government.
- BJP grievances
- The party cited administrative paralysis, corruption, alleged backdoor appointments, unemployment, outsourcing of government jobs, election irregularities and a 6.83 per cent electricity-tariff increase.
- BJP leaders
- The protest was led by Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma and Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Sat Sharma.
- National Conference demand
- The party sought accountability for promises made by the Union government in Parliament and before the Supreme Court concerning constitutional guarantees and restoration of statehood.
- Security response
- Security forces erected barricades and prevented both marches from reaching their intended destinations.
- Detentions
- Several National Conference members, including chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, were taken to Rajbagh Police Station.
- Mehbooba Mufti’s view
- The Peoples Democratic Party president accused police of facilitating both protests.
Sources
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