Amid heightened security, the ruling National Conference (NC) and the Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held street protests across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday (August 5, 2026) to mark the 7th anniversary of the abrogation of provisions of Article 370, which had granted the erstwhile State special status.
Recalling August 5, 2019, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, “Seven years, we haven’t forgotten, and we haven’t reconciled, far less accepted our current circumstances. My party and I remain committed to reversing all that was done to J&K that took away our rights and threatens our identity. ‘The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep…’”
“August 5 a Black Day”
Several NC leaders and legislators held protests in their respective constituencies across the Union Territory. Senior Minister Sakina Itoo led a protest at the party headquarters in Srinagar, where NC leaders carried placards demanding the restoration of J&K’s special status. “August 5 will always be observed by us as a Black Day,” said NC legislator Ahsan Pardesi.
NC Minister Javed Rana said the emotions associated with August 5 remain as profound today as they were then. “Time may have moved forward, but our resolve has only grown stronger. We have neither forgotten nor accepted the circumstances that deprived J&K of its special status and reduced a historic State into a Union Territory. Our commitment has never been about confrontation; it has always been about restoring dignity, democratic rights, constitutional guarantees and the trust of our people through lawful and peaceful means,” said Mr. Rana.
“Erosion of Constitution”
Following a call by the Opposition PDP, party leaders held district-wise protests across J&K. The PDP alleged several of its leaders had been placed under house arrest. The party posted videos on social media of several party leaders detained at police stations, and others allegedly prevented from leaving their homes. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti held a late evening protest on Tuesday (August 4, 2026) and termed August 5 as “the first step towards erosion of the Constitution by the BJP”.
“The message is loud and clear: no amount of manufactured normalcy or carefully crafted narratives can erase the aspirations of the people of J&K. Our demand for dignity, justice, and the restoration of Article 370 remains as strong as ever,” said Ms. Mufti.
Other regional parties, including the J&K Apni Party, the Awami Ittehad and the J&K Peoples Conference, also registered their protests over the Centre’s decisions made in 2019.
“What happened on August 5, 2019, was a systematic assault on the relationship between the Union of India and J&K. Seven years later, the sweeping crackdown on political activity and democratic expression continues. Ironically, this is being projected as one of the BJP government’s biggest achievements. It continues to rely on strong-arm methods to shrink space for dissent and stifle press freedom,” CPI(M) leader and legislator M.Y. Tarigami said.
CRPF personnel stop a vehicle at the city centre, Lal Chowk, on the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in Srinagar
| Photo Credit:
Imran Nissar
Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq termed August 5 as “a painful reminder of the day when a decision was imposed upon J&K by the Government of India, reneging on its own constitutional commitments made to the people, and unilaterally altering its structure and status, further disempowering a people awaiting conflict resolution.”
The Mirwaiz hoped that a day would come when the Government of India would honour the spirit of “Insaniyat and Jamhooriyat”, and engage with the people of J&K with justice, sincerity and respect.
However, BJP leader Ashok Kaul said August 5 “is a golden day and not a black day” and distributed sweets among workers. “The Centre ended three decades of terrorism and stone pelting. Schools remain open. We celebrate the day,” said Mr. Kaul.
LG hands over job letters
Meanwhile, Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha handed over appointment letters to the kin of civilian victims of terrorism in Srinagar on the occasion. “Our commitment is unwavering. Every eligible terror-affected family will receive justice, rehabilitation and the opportunity to rebuild life with dignity. Terrorism must be eliminated completely, and this remains a collective duty of every citizen committed to peace, stability and development,” said Mr. Sinha.
Police stop Congress workers during a protest on the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, demanding the restoration of the special status
| Photo Credit:
PTI
Referring to August 5, 2019, the Lieutenant Governor termed it “a historic turning point”. “The extension of over 890 Central laws has significantly strengthened governance, transparency, accountability and equal opportunities throughout the UT,” said Mr. Sinha.
Security was heightened across J&K on the anniversary, with the police warning of action against those organising protests without permission.
Published – August 05, 2026 12:38 pm IST
