In contrast, the National Conference (NC), Congress, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and CPI(M) observed the day as a “Black Day”, demanding restoration of statehood and constitutional safeguards. In Srinagar, BJP general secretary (organisation) Ashok Kaul marked the occasion at the party office in Jawahar Nagar. The NC also staged protests in Jammu and Srinagar, with leaders wearing black badges and reiterating their demand for restoration of statehood. Party leaders questioned the BJP’s claims of improved security, citing continued militant attacks in the region. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti also staged a sit-in protest in Srinagar, while party leaders attempting to march towards the city centre were stopped by police.