Jammu, Feb. 14 -- Congress leaders on Saturday staged a protest in Jammu district against the end of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), calling it a "BJP conspiracy."

The demonstration was led by Congress MP Dr Syed Naseer, who accused the ruling party of undermining the employment rights of rural workers.

Heavy deployment of security personnel was reported as large crowds gathered, holding posters of Mahatma Gandhi and chanting slogans condemning the government's decision. The Jammu and Kashmir Police intervened to manage the situation and detained several protestors to prevent escalation.

Speaking to the media, Naseer emphasised that the protest is to safeguard the right to work of labourers.

"This...