Thousands of youth, including sportsmen from different parts of the Kashmir valley on Friday converged at the newly renovated Bakshi Stadium to celebrate the third anniversary of Abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A.
The atmosphere inside stadium was electrifying. Players representing different games participated in march past amidst thunderous applause from audience. Earlier, the Bakshi stadium, refurbished at a cost of over 50 crore, was thrown open by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. After its formal inauguration world class sports facility would be thrown open to sportsmen to take advantage of best training facilities. Outside stadium, normal life remained peaceful throughout day even as elaborate security arrangements were made to prevent any untoward incident. The main city centre of Lal Chowk also witnessed hectic activity despite 'hartal call'.
On the other hand, regional political parties in Kashmir valley including Peoples Democratic Party and National Conference registered their token protest.
Former J&K CM and National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah reiterated the party’s resolve to continue the struggle to challenge the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A.
“We will continue our peaceful struggle using all legal & constitutional means to challenge what was done to J&K on 5th Aug 2019. The road ahead may be a long one, full of twists & turns but it’s not one ?@JKNC_ will abandon,” Omar said on Twitter.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti staged a protest at the city centre in Srinagar to mark the third anniversary of the revocation of special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Sajad Lone-led People’s Conference (PC) said August 5 would always be a reminder of “the humiliation that people of J&K were subjected to three years ago”.
In Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir Unit Chief Ravinder Raina targeted PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti over her recent utterances.
Raina said that "Har Ghar Tiranga" Abhiyaan in Jammu and Kashmir has gained massive support in Jammu & Kashmir, which has frustrated Madam Mehbooba Mufti.
"Madam Mufti has lost her political space. The people of Jammu & Kashmir have rejected her. She must come forward to support the "Har Ghar Tiranga" Abhiyaan in J&K and unfurl the Tiranga on her housetop", said Raina.