Srinagar protest showdown: BJP, NC hold protests over governance & statehood; security heightened

Srinagar is witnessing heightened security as the BJP and National Conference prepare for rival protests over sharply different political demands. The NC plans a peaceful gherao of the BJP headquarters, demanding restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, constitutional safeguards and implementation of assurances made by the Centre. The BJP, meanwhile, is marching towards the Civil Secretariat, raising issues including unemployment, corruption, electricity tariffs and governance. With security tightened across key routes in Srinagar, the rival protests have brought the political contest between the BJP and NC into sharp focus.