Jammu/Srinagar: Protests and celebrations marked the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah saying the “wounds have not yet healed” and reiterating his resolve to continue seeking the restoration of the region’s special status and statehood.
The ruling National Conference and opposition PDP held protests in all districts to mark the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, demanding the restoration of the special status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Scores of NC leaders, MLAs, and workers, led by Minister Sakina Itoo, assembled at the party headquarters, Nawa-i-Subah, here and held a protest march.
The protesters, carrying placards in support of Article 370 and special status, tried to take the march out of the party office complex but were not allowed to by the police.
Similar protests were reported from other districts of the union territory.
Speaking to reporters, Itoo, the Minister for Education and Social Welfare, said, “We demand that our special status and rights, which were snatched from us, be restored. Our party has been protesting peacefully for the restoration of our rights since then.”
PDP leader Iltija Mufti, along with party leaders, including MLA Pulwama Waheed Para, and spokesperson Mohit Bhan, took out a protest march at Sonwar here.
Raising slogans demanding the restoration of Article 370, the PDP leaders tried to march towards the Dalgate area, but were stopped by the police.
Speaking to reporters, Iltija said the party wants to protest peacefully.
“I want to remind the prime minister and the home minister that we will fight for it. We want to protest peacefully for it. You are snatching even that right from us. The police here are doing real terror,” she said.
She said the way Gen-Zs “brought down the government to their knees”, “we will compel them the same way”.
“We will make sure that you will have to restore our flag, our law, our constitution, and everything else,” she added.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha dismissed the protests held by NC and PDP, saying he “did not see” any demonstrations.
“I did not see any (protest). If I see, I will talk to you (about it),” the LG told a reporter when asked about protests by the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Sinha said August 5, 2019 — the date marking the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A — ended the “discriminatory system” in Jammu and Kashmir.
However, Omar Abdullah said the “wounds” of the people had not yet healed seven years after the abrogation of Article 370, asserting that the Centre’s promise to restore statehood to the Union Territory remained unfulfilled.
Abdullah said the people had hoped that at least some of their grievances would be addressed through the restoration of statehood.
“Our wounds have not yet healed. We had hoped that some of the pain would be addressed and that the promise of restoring statehood would be fulfilled. But today marks seven years since August 5, 2019, and that promise remains unfulfilled,” the chief minister told reporters in Surankote tehsil of Poonch district.
The BJP-led central government abrogated Article 370 on August 5, 2019, revoking the special constitutional status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating it into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The chief minister said the Centre is yet to honour its commitment to restore statehood and reiterated his government’s stand on the issue.
“As we said while passing the resolution in the assembly, we remain firm in our stand and will continue to seek justice for the injustices done to us,” Abdullah said.
Earlier in a post on X, Abdullah reiterated his commitment to reversing the Centre’s decisions, saying the ruling National Conference has not accepted the “current circumstances”.
“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,” he said in the post.
He ended his message with a line from American poet Robert Frost’s ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’.
“The woods are lovely, dark & deep. But I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep…..”
However, the BJP and some sections of society celebrated the anniversary, claiming that the abrogation of Article 370 marked Jammu and Kashmir’s integration with the mainstream. The BJP took out a victory rally in Jammu and several other districts of the Union territory, including Srinagar and Anantnag districts.
The BJP rally, led by party MLA Yudhvir Sethi along with other legislators and senior leaders, passed through the old city areas of Jammu with participants raising slogans in support of the Centre’s August 5, 2019 decision.
“Our party marks August 5 as a historic milestone to commemorate the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, which ended the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and reorganised the erstwhile state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh,” Sethi said.
West Pakistani refugees and members of the Valmiki community separately celebrated the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Samba by unfurling the Tricolour and distributing sweets.
They hailed August 5, 2019, as a historic day that ended decades of discrimination and ushered in equal rights, expanded opportunities in education and employment, and a renewed sense of dignity and hope.
In the Valley, People’s Conference president Sajad Lone, CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said the August 5 decision was a brutal and systematic assault on the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement, Lone said August 5 will be held with contempt and disdain by the people of J&K for all times to come.
“It was the day of disempowerment of the people of J&K. When everything was taken away
Article 370, Article 35A. And to add salt to the wounds, J&K was relegated to a Union Territory,” he said.
Tarigami said the events of August 5 amounted to a systematic assault on the relationship between the Union of India and Jammu and Kashmir.
“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,” he said.
Kashmir’s chief preacher Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Wednesday said the abrogation of Article 370 was a painful reminder of how the Centre imposed its unilateral decision on Jammu and Kashmir and disempowered the people by altering the region’s constitutional status.
PTI

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday handed over appointment letters to 37 Next of Kins (NoKs) of civilians who were brutally killed by terrorists. He said it is a profound honour to stand with the families of terror victims on this historic day and it is not merely about appointment letters but it is about remembrance of martyrs, justice to terror victim families, and the reaffirmation of our national will.
“My heartfelt tribute to the innocent civilians martyred by terrorists and I salute the families who, after decades of anguish and wait, now hold appointment letters that restore dignity and livelihood. For several decades, the pain of terror victim families remained unacknowledged, their wounds unseen. Terrorism tore apart homes and cast futures into uncertainty. No statistic can capture the anguish and suffering of the terror victim families. The pain lives in memories and in the quiet endurance of those who carried on despite unbearable loss. Today’s appointment letters are not just documents of employment but they are symbols of social justice, recognition and the nation’s solemn promise that its martyrs will never be forgotten, nor their families abandoned,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He also stated that our commitment is reflected in decisive action. After 5th August 2019, we have dismantled the terror ecosystem to a large extent, strengthened the law and order, restored equal rights and created opportunities that allow families to rebuild their lives with confidence.
“The transformation we witness today in Jammu Kashmir is due to the historic changes of 5th August 2019. That day marked a constitutional correction and a new beginning for the UT. Discriminatory barriers were removed, equal rights were extended to those who were suffering due to discriminatory laws. The principle of one nation, one flag, one constitution was fully implemented and one standard of dignity, justice, and opportunity for all the Indian citizens was upheld,” the Lieutenant Governor said, further adding that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the marginalized groups, tribals, displaced persons from PoK and Chhamb and refugees have received legal rights such as full citizenship, voting rights and ownership rights over property under the Constitution of India. Farmers and artisans, he said, are creating new opportunities. Our universities, colleges, research and incubation centres are preparing the new generation for global competition.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that the terror victim families receiving appointment letters today are among the many beneficiaries of this new order post abrogation of Article 370.
“Their cases, delayed for decades, have finally been addressed. This is not compensation for loss because no money, no job, no paper can replace a loved one. It is, however, an assurance that the nation stands beside them and we are determined to help rebuild lives and restore dignity,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that due to Article 370 and 35 A, the terror ecosystem was operating with impunity and their aim was to fracture the society, spread fear and silence the hope and dream.
“After abrogation of Article 370, the attempt of neighbouring country and terror ecosystem operating in the valley was foiled. The people of Jammu Kashmir have chosen peace over violence, education over indoctrination, jobs over dependency, and dignity over despair. The young generation deserve a future free of fear and that is the future we are building together under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that our work is about justice, development, and inclusion. He said peace must be anchored in opportunity.
“A society that trusts its institutions becomes resilient against fear. A family that receives services without discrimination becomes a stakeholder in peace and progress. A youth empowered with education and employment is empowered to fight separatism and terrorism. Justice for terror victims is moving with speed and sincerity because it is a national obligation. No grievance is being ignored, no family will be left invisible. Justice delayed has caused enough suffering. Now justice to the terror victim families is timely, humane, responsive and consistent. This day also sends a message to the enemies of peace that terrorism cannot defeat a determined nation. Its handlers from across the border may conspire in darkness, but the light of justice will find them. Jammu Kashmir’s future will be written by its youth, its workers, its farmers, its teachers, its women and all who believe in peace and progress,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor called upon people to remember this day as a turning point, when wounds of common man were acknowledged, suffering was met with swift action, equal rights were provided to all, discriminatory laws were revoked and the nation renewed its resolve to secure a brighter future for Jammu Kashmir.
“We are absolutely resolved to dismantle the terror network, to bring its perpetrators and enablers to justice and to secure for every citizen of UT a life of peace, equality, and hope. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the shadows of discrimination lifted in 2019, ushering in a new era of social justice and inclusive development. Today, Jammu Kashmir is advancing with renewed confidence and all-around development is driving peace and prosperity.
By ending the system that bred discrimination and terrorism, the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi made it clear that in Jammu Kashmir, lamps of prosperity would not burn only in a select few palaces but also in the huts of the poor. Today, after 33 years, a lamp has been lit in the home of martyr Wali Mohammad Wani of Shopian. On 16 July 1993, Wali Mohammad was killed by terrorists’ bullets. Today not only his family but the entire Shopian feels connected to the national mainstream,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that Industrial growth witnessed by Jammu Kashmir post abrogation of Article 370 is unprecedented. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has also fulfilled the decades-long dream of rail travel from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
“In the financial year 2025-26, investment in Jammu Kashmir amounted to Rs 5,824 crore, which is 13 times the average investment in the period before 2021. Jammu Airport and Srinagar Airport are being expanded and connectivity is being further strengthened by GoI. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to double hydroelectric power generation by 2028,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Issuing a stern warning to conflict profiteers, the Lieutenant Governor said that the days of those with corrupt intentions including individuals attempting to influence the system are officially over. He warned that anyone trying to cause disruptions will face severe consequences.
Appointment letters were also handed over to 32 beneficiaries under Compassionate Appointment Rules SRO-43 and Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (RAS).
Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; DGP, Nalin Prabhat; Principal Secretary Home, Chandraker Bharti; Commissioner Secretary, GAD, M Raju; IGP Kashmir, VK Birdi; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg; Chairman, Save Youth Save Future Foundation, Wajahat Farooq Bhat and other members of the Foundation, senior officials, members of various social organisations and family members of victims of terrorism were present.

Srinagar: Rainfall lashed several parts of the Kashmir Valley on Wednesday, while a cloudburst was reported in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, prompting authorities to remain on alert amid forecasts of more rain over the coming days.
According to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, light to moderate rainfall was recorded across parts of Jammu and Kashmir during the past 24 hours, with significant precipitation in the Jammu region. Kathua received 81 mm of rain, followed by Udhampur 66.6 mm, Katra 51 mm and Samba 47 mm.
An official told KNO that a cloudburst was reported from the Nagam area of D K Marg in Kulgam district, leading to a sharp rise in the water level of Namlan Nallah and several other streams. “The situation is being closely monitored. There were no immediate reports of loss of life or major damage,” he added.
Authorities advised the residents living near nallahs and low-lying areas were advised to remain vigilant as a precaution against possible flash floods and inundation.
MET FORECASTS LIGHT TO MODERATE RAIN, THUNDERSHOWERS
The MeT office has forecast light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places between August 6 and 8, with the possibility of brief intense showers at a few locations.
It said most places are likely to receive spells of light to moderate rain between August 9 and 11, with heavy rainfall or brief intense showers expected in a few districts, while light rain and thundershowers are likely at many places from August 12 to 15.
The weather office warned that heavy rainfall and intense showers during August 5 and August 9-11 could trigger flash floods and landslides at vulnerable locations and advised people to remain cautious.

Srinagar: PDP leader Waheed Para on Wednesday termed Union Minister Giriraj Singh’s remarks describing former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti as a “terrorist” as “outrageous” and “irresponsible”.
“Giriraj Singh’s remarks calling PDP president Mehbooba Mufti a ‘terrorist’ are outrageous, irresponsible, and beneath the dignity of a Union Minister. Such language against a former chief minister of J&K and a senior Muslim woman leader reflects nothing but prejudice and political intolerance,” Para said in a post on X.
He was reacting to Singh’s remarks that Mufti, who heads the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), “is a terrorist as she has supported terrorists always”.
Singh also claimed that the BJP had tried to reform Mufti during its alliance with the PDP.
“Since there was no improvement, we let her go,” he said.
Para said Singh’s remarks reflected his mindset rather than a political position.
“This is not a political statement, it is a reflection of Giriraj Singh’s own mindset,” the Pulwama MLA said.
Mufti courted controversy on Tuesday after she was seen holding the national flag upside down during a protest here against the abrogation of Article 370.
PTI

Poonch: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday visited the flood-affected areas of Poonch district to assess the devastation caused by the recent flash floods and cloudbursts, meet the affected families and review the relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken by the district administration.
During the visit, the Chief Minister met bereaved families in Murrah, Surankote and Arigam-Loran, expressed his heartfelt condolences and assured them of the Government’s unwavering support in overcoming the tragedy.
At Murrah, the Chief Minister visited the residence of Mohammad Latif, who tragically lost eight members of his family in the flash floods. Offering his deepest sympathies, he prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.
In Surankote, the Chief Minister interacted with affected families and a delegation from Sangla, Darra Sangla and Lower Sangla. The delegation apprised him of the extensive damage caused to residential houses, agricultural land and infrastructure, besides the tragic loss of lives.
The Chief Minister also visited Arigam-Loran, where he met the family of Mohd Rafiq and Riaz Ahmed, who lost seven members of their family in the flash floods. He participated in Fatiha Khwani, prayed for the departed souls and conveyed his profound condolences to the grieving family.
Interacting with the affected residents, the Chief Minister patiently heard their grievances and hardships arising from the natural calamity. He assured them that the Government stands firmly with every affected family and would ensure all possible relief, rehabilitation and assistance.
Announcing a major rehabilitation measure, the Chief Minister said that families who have been rendered landless due to the disaster would be provided 5-marla plots for their resettlement.
Referring to the unprecedented nature of the disaster, the Chief Minister said it was unfortunate that cloudbursts remain difficult to predict with the existing technological capabilities. He said the Government would explore the adoption of advanced early-warning technologies to improve disaster preparedness and help minimise the loss of lives and property in the future.
Later, the Chief Minister chaired a review meeting to assess the rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken by the District Administration in the aftermath of the disaster. The Chief Minister directed officers to expedite damage assessment, ensure immediate relief and restore essential services.
He appreciated the prompt, coordinated and dedicated response of the civil administration and other agencies involved in relief operations.
He particularly commended the Deputy Commissioner, Poonch and the Senior Superintendent of Police, Poonch, for their proactive leadership and timely interventions that helped save lives and ensure swift assistance to the affected population.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmed Rana, MLA Poonch-Haveli Aijaz Ahmed Jan, MLA Surankote Choudhary Mohammad Akram, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta,senior district officers and other concerned officials.