Srinagar/Jammu

The Indian National Congress on Monday held protests across Jammu and Kashmir against the Centre over the India–US trade deal and demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The party also reiterated its demand for the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory.

Protest in Srinagar

In Srinagar, several Congress workers and leaders gathered at the office of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee on M.A. Road and raised slogans against the central government.

The protesters, led by MLA Nizamuddin Bhat, planned to march outside the party office but were stopped by police, who sealed the gate to prevent them from taking out the rally.

Bhat accused the government of compromising the country’s sovereignty through the trade agreement.

“The simple consequence of the trade deal is that India’s sovereignty and image have been compromised. It will have far-reaching consequences,” he said.

He also claimed the agreement would harm the country’s economic base and affect ordinary citizens.

Protest in Jammu

In Jammu, Congress activists assembled outside the party headquarters at Shaheedi Chowk along Residency Road but were prevented by police from marching ahead.

Protesters carried placards reading “Restore Statehood” and “Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq” while raising slogans against the central government and the Indo-US trade deal.

Launching a sharp attack on the Centre, J&K Congress chief Tariq Ahmed Karra alleged that the prime minister had weakened India’s global standing.

He said India once played a leading role in the Non-Aligned Movement and regional cooperation platforms like SAARC, but claimed the country’s image had deteriorated in recent years.

Karra also alleged that India’s decisions on trade and energy security were being influenced by other countries, referring to issues such as buying oil from Russia.

During the protest, demonstrators burned flags of the United States and Israel as a mark of protest.

Allegations of restrictions on protests

Karra said the party had planned demonstrations in all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir during the ongoing Parliament of India Budget session, but alleged that police prevented peaceful protests in several districts in the Kashmir Valley.

He claimed that some Congress workers were detained or placed under house arrest.

“Our constitutional right to protest is not being allowed. This is not democracy but autocracy,” Karra said.

Demand for statehood

Reiterating the party’s stand, Karra said the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir remained a key demand.

“Restoration of statehood is our stated stand. Our constitutional guarantees must be restored,” he said.

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He also criticised the government over rising prices, including an increase in LPG rates, saying the hikes would add to the financial burden on millions of people.