Reaffirms Push for Article 370 Restoration, Political Prisoners’ Release, Cross-LoC Connectivity, Return of Power Projects; Announces UT-Wide August 5 Protests
Aazan Manzoor
Srinagar, July 28 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said the party remains firmly committed to its founding vision of resolving the Kashmir issue through dialogue, restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights, and ensuring peace with dignity, while announcing district-level protests on August 5 against the abrogation of Article 370.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar on the occasion of the PDP’s 27th foundation day, Mehbooba Mufti, as per news agency JKNS, said the party had intended to celebrate the day across all districts but scaled down the programme due to the prevailing weather situation and loss of life and property caused by heavy rains, particularly in Rajouri and Poonch.
She said the vision laid down by late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed continues to guide the PDP despite political challenges over the past 27 years.
Mehbooba said the party has adopted a resolution reaffirming its commitment to the complete resolution of the Kashmir issue, restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s identity and constitutional safeguards, and continuation of peaceful political struggle through dialogue, reconciliation and confidence-building measures.
She said lasting peace cannot be achieved without meaningful engagement and reiterated that the PDP would continue working for reconciliation between regions and communities of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
The PDP president also called for reopening the traditional cross-Line of Control routes, including Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot, for travel and trade, saying Jammu and Kashmir can become an important bridge between South Asia and Central Asia.
She urged the Government of India to facilitate the reopening of the Sharda Peeth corridor for Kashmiri Pandits, similar to religious access granted to pilgrims elsewhere.
Mehbooba demanded the release of political prisoners, including undertrial detainees and those booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA) and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), saying many have remained in jail for years without conclusion of their trials.
She also appealed to the Centre to review the security situation in areas where militancy has significantly declined and gradually withdraw the Army from civilian areas while moving troops back to barracks.
Raising economic concerns, she demanded compensation or transfer of at least two hydroelectric power projects to Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that despite contributing electricity to the country, the Union Territory continues to pay high tariffs.
Mehbooba also supported the long-pending demand for creating a separate administrative division for the Pir Panjal and Chenab regions to accelerate development.
She reiterated the PDP’s commitment to the dignified return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits and also expressed solidarity with civilians affected by ongoing conflicts in West Asia, calling for an end to bloodshed.
Announcing the party’s future programme, Mehbooba said PDP leaders and workers would hold 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. (JKNS)
