Jammu: JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra on Monday announced a new phase of protests and outreach activities to intensify the party’s demand for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. This comes after what he called the successful conclusion of the party’s “Delhi Chalo” programme.
Addressing a press conference at PCC headquarters in Jammu, Karra said the party will observe August 5 as a Black Day, marking six years since the state was downgraded. Peaceful sit-in protests will be held in Jammu, Srinagar, and all district headquarters to press for the demand.
He also announced a day-long hunger strike from August 9 to 20, excluding August 15 and 16. The campaign will begin on Quit India Day and conclude on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, with a pledge to continue the struggle till statehood is restored.
Karra said a mass outreach campaign including “Chai Pe Charcha” will start from August 1 to August 5, reaching out to civil society, trade groups, transport unions, and local communities across cities and towns.
He was accompanied by senior party leaders including Raman Bhalla, Mula Ram, Yogesh Sawhney, Ved Mahajan, and others.
Karra said the earlier phases of the statehood movement—Srinagar Chalo, Jammu Chalo, and Delhi Chalo—received overwhelming support, including from national leaders, and helped bring attention to the issue at the national level.
The party will now move into a more aggressive phase with mass contact programmes, dharnas, rallies, and hunger strikes across the Union Territory. He also demanded a special session to bring legislation for restoring statehood.
Karra also informed that he will be visiting Rajouri and Poonch for three days, meeting victims of cross-border firing and families of children adopted by the party under the direction of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He will also visit Budha Amarnath and Nangaali Sahib during the trip.
Karra reaffirmed that the Congress party remains fully committed to its campaign “Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq” and called on all like-minded groups and individuals to join the movement for restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s dignity, status, and rights. (KNS)
