In Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Indian police today foiled a protest march organized by the IOJK Congress chapter in Srinagar, which was aimed at demanding the restoration of statehood to the territory.  According to Kashmir Media Service, the protest was led by IOJK Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra. Party leaders and workers had assembled at the Congress office in Srinagar with plans to march towards the office of the Divisional Commissioner to submit a memorandum outlining their demands.

However, police, acting under the directives of the New Delhi-appointed administration headed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, sealed the main entrance of the party office, effectively blocking the march.  Speaking to reporters, Karra criticized the move, stating, “We wanted to reiterate our demand for statehood and submit a memorandum, but we were stopped by police from taking out the protest march.”

He further said several party leaders were stopped from reaching the Congress office. “We have been informed that many of our leaders and workers have been stopped at different places and not allowed to reach here”.  “This is an undemocratic act on the part of the administration, and it reeks of their frustration,” Karra added.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)