by Saif Ullah Bashir/Shakir Ashraf
SRINAGAR: For the first time after the abrogation of article 370 and 35A, the People’s Democratic Party held a meeting at the party headquarters in Srinagar on Wednesday. At the meeting, the party leadership pledged its support for the restoration of special status and demanded the release of all prisoners.
A total of dozen people attended the meeting including some seniors leaders of PDP Ghulam Nabi Hanjura, Ajaz Ahmed Mir(former MLA), Waheed-ur-Rehman(youth leader), Suhail Bukhari (Media in charge), Tahir Syed (Additional spokesperson), and some party workers.
Parra while talking to the media asked for the release of the prisoners languishing since last year August 5. “Without any evidence, documents, and proof our leaders are behind bars since August 2019. We seek to release all political leaders particularly those boys who are behind bars in outside jails,” said Para.
Good to see @YouthJKPDP make a start with political meetings. Political activities must resume unhindered & the administration is duty bound to ensure a level playing field for all political parties. https://t.co/kzmCMSFq6b
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) September 16, 2020
Parra also equated the present scenario with that of the 90’s. He said that it looks like we live in a monarch state and not in a democracy. “If the USA and Afghanistan can talk with Taliban so why is it difficult for this government to engage with the people of Kashmir through dialogue?” asked Parra. “it was a year of silence, denial, and injustice with Kashmir.”
Party leaders said that they will continue to struggle for the restoration of special status and will follow the Gupkar declaration.
Another senior leader Ghulam Nabi Hanjura made a surprise entry at the headquarters; he was stopped at his residence and was not allowed to attend the meeting. He however made a dramatic escape and reached the headquarters.
Youth wing today met for the first time since Aug,5 2019. The meeting was presided over by VP A R Veeri Sb, General Secretary G N Lone Hanjura Sb, Youth President @parawahid , Ex MLA @MirAijaz89 Media Advisor @Suhail_Bukhari & party leader Bashir Mir.Threadbare deliberations held pic.twitter.com/LttbMKrfIV
— J&K PDP (@jkpdp) September 16, 2020
Hanjura at the meeting lambasted the MHA (ministry of home affairs) for issuing false statements in the parliament. “They are lying in parliament that no minister in the valley is under house detention. I went out of my house after 13 months and our 20 leaders are still under house detention particularly our party president Mehbooba Mufti. She is still booked under PSA”. Said Hanjura. He further said that 370 and 35A were a bridge between the people of Kashmir and the Centre. With its abrogation government has hurt the sentiments of people and PDP will strive for the restoration of special status.
