Srinagar Congress workers protest Indo–US trade deal, express solidarity with Iran

Following the National Level protest against India-US trade deal, Congress Party workers from capital City and adjoining areas of Srinagar district joined the protest as a mark of endorsement to LOP Rahul Gandhi’s call.The protest was held to stand in support of the Party and its leadership in their clarion call against the trade deal compromising India’s economic interests and National security and reiterate our support and raise a strong voice of protest at the beginning of the Parliament session.

The protest also served as a reminder that the concerns of the people cannot be ignored and must be addressed with seriousness and accountability. Through this peaceful demonstration, Congress leaders and workers sought to highlight pressing National and International issues and reaffirm Party’s commitment to stand with justice, democratic values, and the sentiments of the people.

Hundreds of workers assembled at Srinagar Party Headquarters including District functionaries despite severe restrictions which selectively obstructed flow.  Several leaders of the party including district presidents in Baramulla, Kupwara, Shopian, Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Ganderbal districts in Valley were detained and barred from leading the protest.

The protestors who made it to Srinagar party headquarters were Gheraod by the heavy contingents of police and CRPF who did not allow the intended march upto Divisional Commissioner’s office despite pleadings. Later the workers were forced to hold a sit in.The protests were led by Srinagar District coordinator Nizamuddin Bhat Chief whip and MLA, District President Dr. Audil Farooq Mir Lasjan. Youth President Yasir Mandoo, Party leader Dr Waleed Karra, Waseem Ahmad Shalla, Seerat Bashir and other senior leaders including Blocks Presidents of Srinagar also joined the protest.

A verbal resolution was passed at the gathering exhorting upon Union government to cancel the “ignominious” deal ‘to save India’s security and economic interests.The gathering stood in complete solidarity with Iran and its people facing the arrogance of the US and rogue state Israel. The gathering also renewed the pledge to continue the struggle for restoration of statehood to J&K, warning of serious repercussions of any atrocious policy of perpetration & subversion of the Constitution.The gathering later dispersed peacefully.

Meanwhile, District Coordinator MLA Irfan Hafeez Lone, Surinder Singh Channi, Abdul Raheem Rather Nissar Ahmad Mandoo, Bashir Ahmad Magray, Mohd Amin Bhat including district Presidents Mohd Iqbal Mir (Bla) Farooq Ahmad Bhat, Abdul Rashid Lone, Umer Jaan, Shabnum Jan, Adv. Sheikh Farooq, Senior Leader Mohd Iqbal Mir (Ang) and others were barred from joining the protests in South and North Kashmir.