National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has cautioned that protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar will intensify if the promises made to the demonstrators are not fulfilled. Abdullah’s statement comes amidst ongoing agitations concerning various issues, including demands for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
The veteran politician has been a vocal proponent of resolving the concerns raised by various groups participating in the Jantar Mantar protests. While specific details of the promises made to the current agitators were not immediately clear, Abdullah’s stance indicates a commitment to ensuring accountability from the government.
Reports from the Jantar Mantar protest site in recent weeks have highlighted a range of grievances, from examination irregularities to broader political demands. In late July, a significant protest led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) concerning alleged NEET paper leaks and examination irregularities concluded with the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and assurances from the Centre regarding the protesters’ demands. The CJP protest, which lasted for 37 days, saw widespread participation and garnered national attention.
Following the CJP’s withdrawal of their protest, authorities carried out cleanliness drives at the Jantar Mantar site, which had been occupied by demonstrators for an extended period. The Delhi Police had registered several First Information Reports (FIRs) concerning violence that occurred during some of the demonstrations, including charges of attempt to murder and assault on police personnel.
Earlier in July, Farooq Abdullah had also led a march to Jantar Mantar, advocating for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. He extended invitations to various political parties, including members of the INDIA bloc and regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir, to join this protest. The NC president emphasized that the demonstration was not about a single party or region but about defending India’s federal spirit and upholding the constitution.
Abdullah has consistently raised concerns about the political situation in Jammu and Kashmir, advocating for the return of its statehood and constitutional guarantees. He has also, on separate occasions, voiced concerns over human rights issues in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, appealing to the United Nations Human Rights Committee to assess the situation.
The continuity of protests at Jantar Mantar, a well-known site for public demonstrations in the national capital, underscores the persistent public engagement with various socio-political and economic issues. Political observers note that such sustained agitations often pressure the government to address the demands of the affected population.
The Chenab Times News Desk