The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), led by president Tariq Karra, launched a hunger strike at its M A Road headquarters in Srinagar on Saturday, demanding the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. Joined by senior leaders, including AICC general secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir and party MLAs, the protest marks the start of the party’s 'Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq' campaign, with a similar strike planned in Jammu on Sunday.

The agitation coincides with the anniversary of the Quit India Movement, symbolizing resistance against the Centre’s 2019 decision to abrogate Articles 370 and 35A, which stripped J-K of its statehood and bifurcated it into two Union territories—J-K and Ladakh. Karra criticized the "blind, deaf, and dumb government in Delhi," vowing to hold six hunger strikes across J-K districts from August 9 to 21 to press for the 1.40 crore citizens’ aspirations.

Speaking to reporters, Karra noted that the ongoing Parliament session offers a window for progress on statehood restoration. “If no developments occur by August 21, we will announce a new program,” he stated. The peaceful protest underscores Congress’s commitment to restoring J-K’s statehood, amplifying public demands for democratic rights and regional autonomy.

Also Read: Congress Accuses Scindia, BJP of Shielding Poll Fraud, Demands Audit of Voter Rolls

Also Read: Priyanka Demands EC Probe into Explosive Vote Fraud Claims