Cong to protest on March 9 against US deal

The Jammu and Kashmir Congress on Friday announced that it would hold protests across districts on March 9 against the India-US trade deal, with party unit chief Tariq Hameed Karra demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue.

Addressing a rally against the trade deal in the RS Pura border belt, Karra alleged that the Prime Minister had “surrendered” before US President Donald Trump and compromised the dignity, honour and interests of the nation.

“We demand the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his surrender before US President Donald Trump and compromising the dignity, honour and interests of the nation in the US trade deal and succumbing to US pressures over foreign policy,” he said.

Karra termed the trade deal “anti-farmer and anti-people” and alleged that it went against the interests of the country. The Prime Minister bowed before the US due to fear of disclosures related to the Epstein files and a case involving industrialist Gautam Adani in the US, the Congress leader charged.

Karra also claimed that India’s established foreign policy had been compromised and the country had lost several international friends under the present government.

He said Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi had also raised concerns over the issue and alleged that the country’s interests were at stake.

The Congress will hold protests at district headquarters across Jammu and Kashmir on March 9, coinciding with the beginning of the second phase of the Budget session of Parliament.

Karra further said the party is also planning to organise a yatra to oppose the trade deal and press for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.