SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC), led by Sajjad Lone, has officially launched its manifesto for the upcoming assembly elections, laying out a comprehensive agenda for governance, security, and socio-economic reforms.
The manifesto underscores JKPC’s continued fight for the reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status under Articles 370 and 35A. The party is committed to seeking constitutional remedies for restoring the region’s political identity and rights over land and jobs.
Lone’s manifesto gives a lot of importance to the 1987 rigged assembly polls and wishes to set up a commission to investigate it. The manifesto has presented the 1987 election as a turning point in Jammu and Kashmir’s political history, often viewed as a moment that triggered widespread disillusionment among the population, especially the youth. The JKPC manifesto states that the rigging of these elections was a “blatant assault on the democratic process,” which led to a significant erosion of trust in democratic institutions.
JKPC emphasises that the rigged elections of 1987 served as a catalyst for the rise of militancy and political unrest in the region. The party frames this event as a key driver of the current turmoil, stressing that the failure to uphold the electoral process and the subsequent disillusionment among the people cannot be overlooked.
The manifesto further notes that JKPC has been at the forefront of advocating for electoral reforms and transparency. It promises to work towards ensuring free and fair elections, with mechanisms in place to prevent such manipulation from recurring. The party’s stance is clear in its commitment to restoring faith in democracy by protecting the sanctity of the electoral process.
A significant section of the manifesto addresses the need to enhance the security apparatus, focusing on creating an atmosphere of safety and normalcy. The party acknowledges the toll the militancy has taken on the region, pledging to tackle terrorism through dialogue, socio-economic development, and security reforms.
The manifesto promises to expedite efforts to secure peace while offering alternatives to militancy. It suggests measures for the reintegration of former militants, offering rehabilitation programs aimed at bringing them back into the mainstream. These efforts are tied to broader initiatives of improving public security and law enforcement, ensuring that peace prevails without infringing on the human rights of the local population.
Economic revival is another core element, with an emphasis on job creation, boosting local industries, and strengthening infrastructure. The manifesto lays out plans to promote traditional sectors like handicrafts and horticulture, alongside developing modern industries and improving tourism.
In an effort to ease restrictions and provide opportunities for growth, the JKPC manifesto addresses the issue of passport issuance for those with relatives who have been involved in militancy. The party promises to advocate for the fair treatment of all citizens, aiming to remove blanket bans on passport applications, ensuring that people are not unfairly punished due to the actions of family members. This stands as part of JKPC’s broader vision of restorative justice and rehabilitation, aimed at fostering unity and rebuilding trust among the people.
The JKPC has pledged justice for those affected by the decades-long conflict, including political prisoners and civilians. The manifesto affirms the need for a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate human rights violations and provide compensation to victims.
Youth empowerment and women’s participation in the economy are key pillars. The party plans to create schemes for skill development and entrepreneurship. Additionally, women’s empowerment policies are embedded into their vision for socio-economic progress, recognising the need for their greater representation in governance and employment sectors.
The JKPC said it is committed to improving the education system by focusing on infrastructure development, teacher training, and reducing the dropout rate. Healthcare reforms will prioritise rural areas, aiming to enhance accessibility and improve the quality of services.
The party’s vision includes improving public infrastructure such as roads, telecommunication, and water supplies. A particular emphasis is laid on building sustainable urbanisation and improving public utilities in the rural parts of the region.
Lone, who finished third in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, presented the manifesto, highlighting the JKPC’s vision of a peaceful, dignified, and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir. In his speech, he reaffirmed the party’s focus on addressing the root causes of unrest while safeguarding the rights of citizens.
He emphasised that the manifesto is not just a political promise but a comprehensive vision aimed at restoring the region’s status and dignity. Sajjad Lone assured the public that his party would work towards addressing the socio-economic grievances of the people and restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s rightful place within India’s constitutional framework.
