The Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against leaders and workers of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) following street protests held in Srinagar to mark the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370.
The case was filed after PDP members organised rallies and demonstrations in parts of Srinagar on August 4 and August 5, commemorating the seventh anniversary of the Centre’s decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 in 2019.
According to police officials, the FIR was registered against PDP functionaries for allegedly conducting the rallies without obtaining prior permission from the authorities. The name of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has also been mentioned in the case.
The police action came two days after PDP leaders and supporters participated in multiple demonstrations across Srinagar. The protests were organised as a political expression against the changes introduced in Jammu and Kashmir after the constitutional changes of August 2019.
The PDP strongly criticised the registration of the FIR, describing it as an “abuse of power and authority”. Party leaders alleged that the police action reflected an attempt to suppress political expression and restrict democratic activities.
The party maintained that peaceful protests and public gatherings are part of democratic rights and accused the administration of using legal measures to silence opposition voices. PDP leaders argued that registering cases against political workers for expressing their views undermines democratic values.
The issue has once again brought focus on the continuing political debate surrounding the abrogation of Article 370, which remains one of the most significant and controversial decisions related to Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional status.
Since the 2019 changes, political parties in the region have taken different positions on the decision. While some groups support the move as a step towards greater integration and development, others have continued to oppose it and demand political restoration.
The FIR against PDP members is expected to intensify political discussions in Jammu and Kashmir, with opposition parties raising concerns over freedom of assembly and the handling of political protests in the Union Territory.
Police authorities have maintained that legal action was taken because the rallies were allegedly organised without required permissions and that the registration of the case followed established procedures.
The development adds another chapter to the ongoing political tensions surrounding public demonstrations, security regulations, and political activity in Jammu and Kashmir.