Lagatar24 Desk
Srinagar: On Saturday, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti released the party’s manifesto for the upcoming Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections, emphasizing key issues such as the restoration of Article 370, diplomatic efforts with Pakistan, and the protection of human rights. During the release, Mufti also expressed her party’s willingness to support the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance, provided they accept PDP’s core agenda.
The PDP’s manifesto is a resolute call for restoring the constitutional provisions that were removed in 2019, aiming to return Jammu & Kashmir to its pre-abrogation status. The document underlines the party’s commitment to ensuring that the voices of J&K’s people are heard and their rights safeguarded.
“The unconstitutional and illegal revocation of Articles 370 and 35A in 2019 has only deepened the alienation felt by the people of Kashmir,” the manifesto states. “PDP is steadfast in its pursuit of restoring these constitutional guarantees and committed to reinstating Jammu & Kashmir’s original status.”
Another significant focus of the manifesto is fostering diplomatic initiatives between India and Pakistan. The PDP advocates for conflict resolution, confidence-building measures, and regional cooperation. They also emphasize the need to enhance cross-LoC connectivity for trade and social exchange.
On domestic policy, the PDP vows to work towards the revocation of laws like the Public Safety Act (PSA), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the Enemy Property Act, which they claim have led to unjust arrests of political and social activists, journalists, and concerned citizens. The manifesto also reaffirms the party’s commitment to the revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).
The party further promises to re-establish the Jammu & Kashmir Human Rights Commission and ensure the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland, pledging to upgrade the existing housing scheme for returning families from 1 BHK to 2 BHK apartments.
Among other guarantees, the PDP promises to provide 200 units of free electricity to every household, a one-time settlement for pending electricity bills, and the abolition of the meter system for water supply.
Mehbooba Mufti’s clear conditions for supporting the Congress-NC alliance indicate that the PDP is prepared to play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s political landscape, provided its agenda for Jammu & Kashmir is adopted. As the election draws near, the manifesto sets the stage for what is likely to be a highly contested political battle in the region.
