Jammu and Kashmir Assembly LoP and BJP MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma. File
| Photo Credit: Imran Nissar
The BJP has announced to hold Union Territory-wide protests on July 20, which coincides with the ruling National Conference (NC) proposed sit-in at Jantar Mantar over the demands of Statehood status and constitutional guarantees. Meanwhile, the Congress in J&K has supported the NC’s move.
The BJP is preparing to organise protests over the J&K government’s outsourcing of jobs and will assemble outside the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar on July 20.
“J&K’s youth deserve merit, not outsourcing and backdoor appointments. We will hold the Civil Secretariat Gherao in Srinagar on July 20 and raise a voice for transparent recruitment and justice for J&K’s youth,” said BJP spokesman Manzoor Bhat.
In Jammu, senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma held a meeting of office bearers, district presidents, and district prabharis at the BJP Headquarters. A BJP spokesman said Mr. Sharma reviewed the organizational work and upcoming programs.
“The BJP’s stand is clear and consistent: Article 370 is history, and Jammu & Kashmir is moving forward on the path of peace, development, and integration under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” said Mr. Sharma. He accused the NC of diverting attention from governance failure by organising these protests.
BJP leader and J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi said the restoration of Statehood “would not come through political protests at Jantar Mantar”. “The ruling party has failed to fulfil the promises it made to the people and was now trying to shift the public discourse by organising demonstrations,” said Ms. Andrabi.
She said the Prime Minister and the Home Minister have already stated and assured that Statehood will be restored. “It will return, but not because of a protest at Jantar Mantar,” she added.
Meanwhile, the ruling NC is also gearing up for the upcoming protest in New Delhi. With uncertainty looming over the Delhi Police’s permission to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar, the NC has made it clear it will still go ahead. “The venue and manner might change but not the plan to go to Delhi. We will go to Delhi and raise our voice in some corner,” said Mr. Abdullah.
With the regional parties like Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), J&K Awami Ittehad Party and J&K Peoples Conference yet to decide on their participation in the protest, NC leader and Mr. Abdullah’s political advisor Nasir Aslam Wani said, “Those who truly care for Jammu and Kashmir and stand with its people will join us at Jantar Mantar on July 20. Our programme will go ahead regardless of permission.
Meanwhile, J&K Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir said his party will attend the protest. “Restoration of Statehood is a people’s issue and not a party matter,” said Mr. Mir.
J&K Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari has dropped broad hints at not joining the protest. “Had the ruling party been serious about the restoration of J&K’s Statehood, it would have demanded it over the past six years, especially at the time of government formation in 2024 as they had got a huge mandate. They are raising the issue now only because they want to strengthen their own government,” said Mr. Bukhari.
Published – July 17, 2026 05:15 am IST
