In Jammu and Kashmir, several Congress leaders, including J&K Congress President Tariq Hameed Karra, were detained by police on Sunday, July 20, 2025, during a planned march advocating for the restoration of statehood. The protest, organized under the banner "Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq" (Our State, Our Rights), was disrupted for the second consecutive day.

The Congress leaders and activists assembled at the party headquarters in Shaheedi Chowk, Jammu, intending to march to Raj Bhawan to submit a memorandum to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. However, they were stopped by police near their party headquarters. After a brief exchange and minor scuffle, they continued, only to be intercepted again on Residency Road. The detained leaders were taken to district police lines before being released.

Karra criticized the authorities, stating their actions reflect a disregard for democratic principles and the people's voice. He affirmed that the Congress party would not be intimidated and would continue fighting for their rights. He clarified that the march aimed to submit a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the Lieutenant Governor, highlighting the people's desire for statehood.

The police action was condemned by a Congress spokesperson, who accused the police of manhandling Rajouri MLA Iftkhar Ahmed and undermining democratic principles and the right to peaceful protest. The party demanded an immediate investigation and accountability for those responsible, emphasizing the need to reinforce democratic values and maintain public trust in institutions. They described the police behavior as "utterly unacceptable" and stated that such actions cannot be endured in a healthy democracy.

Despite the disruptions, Karra announced that the party would proceed with its "Delhi Chalo" program on Monday to protest outside the Parliament during the Monsoon Session's first day. The INDIA bloc also plans to raise the demand for the restoration of full statehood to J&K during the upcoming Parliament session.

This clampdown follows a similar incident in Srinagar on Saturday, where a Congress march to Raj Bhawan was also prevented by the police. These protests occur after Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to the Prime Minister demanding the restoration of statehood to J&K, which was downgraded to a Union Territory in 2019.