Kashmir parties protest CEC appointment; draw parallels to 2019 lockdown

Political workers from major regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir mounted coordinated protests against the Chief Election Commissioner on Wednesday, intensifying scrutiny of the appointment even as demonstrations remained localized to administrative constraints.

The planned march through Lal Chowk, Srinagar's commercial nerve center, was prevented by security personnel, forcing protesters to stage their demonstration at alternate locations. Participants carried placards bearing images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside the CEC, attempting to draw connections between the appointment and broader political developments affecting the union territory.

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and senior National Conference leader Omar Abdullah were among prominent regional voices criticizing the move. Both leaders drew comparisons between the current political environment and the stringent restrictions imposed in 2019 following the central government's decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir's special constitutional status.

The protests underscored growing tensions between New Delhi and Kashmir's regional political establishment over governance and autonomy questions. Regional parties have increasingly coordinated their responses to central government policies, particularly concerning electoral processes and administrative appointments affecting the union territory's governance structure.

Security arrangements remained heightened across Srinagar's commercial zones as additional personnel were deployed to manage the demonstrations and prevent major disruptions to public movement.