PDP and National Conference Protest Article 370 Abrogation Anniversary

People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti led a series of protests in Srinagar starting August 4, 2026, to mark the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370. During a candlelight vigil and subsequent demonstrations on August 5, Mufti demanded the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, the release of political prisoners, and the withdrawal of the army from civilian areas. She also called for the reopening of trade routes to Muzaffarabad and Rawalkot, arguing that the special status was essential for the identity and employment rights of local residents.

National Conference MLA Sajjad Shaheen joined these calls, urging the Government of India to fulfill its promise and Supreme Court affidavit to restore statehood to the region, which he stated was wrongly downgraded to two Union Territories. Other political groups, including the Indian National Congress, also scheduled demonstrations in Jammu at sites such as Shaheedi Chowk to demand constitutional safeguards for land and jobs.

In response to the planned unrest, the Indian Army, Border Security Force, and local police intensified surveillance across Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces established multi-layered arrangements and increased patrols along the International Border, the Line of Control, and the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway to maintain order during the anniversary events.