SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday announced that the party will hold peaceful district-level protests across Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, while reiterating its demand for the restoration of the erstwhile Union Territory’s constitutional status, including Articles 370 and 35A.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar on the PDP’s 27th foundation day, Mehbooba said the party had originally planned celebrations across all districts but decided to scale down the programme in view of the recent heavy rains and the resulting loss of life and property, particularly in Rajouri and Poonch.
She said the party had adopted a resolution reaffirming its commitment to resolving the Kashmir issue through dialogue, restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights and identity, and continuing its political struggle through peaceful means, reconciliation and confidence-building measures.
Mehbooba said the vision of the party’s founder, late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, continued to guide the PDP despite political challenges over the past 27 years. She maintained that lasting peace could only be achieved through meaningful engagement and dialogue, adding that the party would continue to work for reconciliation among the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
The PDP president also called for the reopening of the traditional cross-Line of Control routes to Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot for travel and trade, saying Jammu and Kashmir could serve as a bridge between South Asia and Central Asia. She urged the Union Government to facilitate the opening of the Sharda Peeth corridor for Kashmiri Pandits.
She further demanded the release of political prisoners, including undertrial detainees and those booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and appealed to the Centre to review the security situation in areas where militancy has declined, with a view to gradually withdrawing the Army from civilian areas and relocating troops to barracks.
Highlighting economic issues, Mehbooba sought either compensation or the transfer of at least two hydroelectric power projects to Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that the Union Territory contributes electricity to the country while consumers continue to pay high power tariffs. She also backed the demand for a separate administrative division for the Pir Panjal and Chenab regions to accelerate development.
The PDP chief reiterated the party’s commitment to the dignified return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits and expressed solidarity with civilians affected by ongoing conflicts in West Asia, calling for an end to the bloodshed.
Announcing the party’s future programme, Mehbooba said PDP leaders and workers would organise peaceful protests across Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 against the abrogation of Article 370 and the changes made to the constitutional status of the erstwhile state.
