Srinagar: The PDP on Saturday resolved to “reinvigorate its struggle” for peace with dignity for Jammu and Kashmir, using all democratic and constitutional methods for resolving the “Kashmir issue”, including the restoration of the erstwhile state’s special status.
The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) passed a resolution in this connection during its general council meeting chaired by party president Mehbooba Mufti.
The party also reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to its foundational principles.
“We resolve to reinvigorate our struggle for peace with dignity for the state of Jammu and Kashmir, using all democratic and constitutional methods to resolve the Kashmir issue, including the restoration of the special status that was enjoyed by our people until August 5, 2019, under the Constitution of India,” the PDP said in the resolution.
The party also expressed “deep concern over the increasing climate of hatred against Muslims in India” and implored Prime Minister Narendra Modi to leverage his influence to curb violence, dispel false narratives and halt the “targeting of Muslims through what we perceive as judicial overreach”.
“We reaffirm our belief in India as a nation that celebrates diversity, mutual respect, and the protection of individual rights and beliefs,” the PDP said in the resolution.
The general council also called for the release of political prisoners.
“The meeting demands an immediate process to review the status of political prisoners held in various jails across India. We call for the release of all individuals detained on weak or non-existent charges and advocate for transferring prisoners to Jammu and Kashmir,” the PDP said.
On the party’s performance in the recent assembly elections, the general council acknowledged that while it did not meet expectations, “we are confident that the elected representatives can effectively articulate the concerns, aspirations and opinions of the people”.
“PDP urges the Union government and the broader Indian populace about the issues of disempowerment, deprivation and humiliation resulting from the unconstitutional revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights, Article 370,” it said.
The general council also expressed hope that the National Conference-led government would act in accordance with the significant mandate and trust placed in its manifesto and commitments.
“However, we note that the initial actions of the National Conference government have not fully met these expectations. We urge the Jammu and Kashmir government to recognise the mandate’s true essence and lead effectively,” the PDP said.
It added the party believed that the government must take effective measures in addressing critical issues such as electricity shortages, unemployment, the drugs crisis, release of prisoners and the “overexploitation” of natural resources irreversibly damaging the environment and ecology.
Earlier speaking to the general council meeting, Mehbooba Mufti alleged that the National Conference (NC) has maintained grave silence over pressing issues despite having 50 MLAs.
“Jammu and Kashmir is going through a tumultuous phase, so is PDP. If you remember in 1999 when one party (NC) had 60 plus MLAs with one minister in BJP government at the centre, it was PDP only who fought energetically against injustices and government sponsored gunmen (Ikhwan). There was no district in Kashmir region where PDP didn’t raise its voice against their oppression,” she said, adding that “our intention was based on sincerity”.
“Today the time has put the same responsibility on our shoulders and we have to talk for statehood, special status and release of prisoners, as the ruling government has kept silent on these issues,” Mufti said.
Mufti reiterated that the PDP remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing these issues through democratic and constitutional methods.
She also highlighted the importance of advocating for the release of political prisoners, many of whom she said have been detained since the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in August 2019. “These individuals are not just political detainees; they are the voice of the people, silenced for standing up for their rights. Their release is essential for fostering trust and creating an atmosphere of peace,” she added.
In addition to advocating for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights, the PDP chief criticized the lack of political will among other parties to address the region’s unique challenges.
She stated that the PDP will continue to fight for the restoration of Article 370, which guaranteed special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and for the restoration of full statehood to the region.
Mufti’s address also touched upon the broader issues faced by the people, including unemployment, environmental degradation, and the drug crisis. She called for a comprehensive approach to governance that prioritizes the needs and rights of the people over “political expediency”.
Concluding her speech, Mufti reiterated the PDP’s commitment to being the voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “While others may hesitate, we will not stop fighting for the dignity, rights, and aspirations of the people. The PDP has always been and will always remain the torchbearer for justice and peace in Jammu and Kashmir,” she said. (With additional inputs from PTI)
