Facing tough competition from its arch-rival National Conference on three Lok Sabha seats of Kashmir Valley, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has made abrogation of Article 370 as its poll plank by promising the people to restore the “special status” of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Within hours of filing her nomination paper from the Rajouri-Anantnag constituency, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti released her party’s manifesto and termed the abrogation of Article 370 as illegal and unconstitutional.
“Since 2019 after the illegal abrogation of Article 370 J&K has been converted into an open air prison. There has been an unending onslaught on our collective identity, land, jobs, resources and infringement upon the very freedom to speak”, reads the manifesto released by the PDP.
“A slew of decisions taken thousands of kilometers away in Delhi are being taken on a daily basis to disempower and dispossess us. There is a dire need to raise our voice against this onslaught on the floor of the parliament”, the party said.
“First starting with drastic changes to state subject and land laws. Followed by outsourcing of our resources by gifting contracts to outsiders. Even development projects are handed over to non-locals. Hundreds of government employees have been fired on flimsy grounds. Along with livelihoods passports too have been criminalized”, the party further mentioned.
The PDP further pointed out that every recruitment scheme since 2019 stands tainted by murky scams and these scams deprived hard-working aspirants of job opportunities.
“Thousands of youngsters continue languishing in jails in and outside J&K as undertrials. Most belong to poor families who lack even the wherewithal to visit them across the country. The backbone of our economy has been our vibrant horticulture sector. This too has borne the brunt of a set of anti-trade measures taken such as the removal of tax barriers on imported apples and walnuts”, the party said.
Party raises issue of forcible eviction
“Tribal communities like Gujjars, Bakerwals, and Paharis are being forcibly evicted from their lands which they’ve inhabited for generations. Thus rendering them homeless”, the party pointed out.
Amid the ongoing campaign, @jkpdp president @MehboobaMufti promises to protect the identity and rights of the people of #JammuandKashmir. pic.twitter.com/MuKgulsgCE
— Gaon Tribune (@GaonTribune) April 20, 2024
Trade on the Uri Muzaffarabad and Poonch Rawalakote which was a steady source of income to thousands of families has been shut down arbitrarily.
“ For the past five years, we have been made to believe that our collective disempowerment is our fait accompli. They are trying to enforce a sullen sense of silence and defeat. But where there is a will there is a way. Our voice is the only weapon to fight these nefarious designs. Our voice will be heard”, the PDP observed.
Prioritising Youth Empowerment Party’s main agenda: Mehbooba
Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (JKPDP) is committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of the youth of Jammu & Kashmir and youth are the main strength of our party.
Addressing the function during the joining of prominent youth NC leader Feroz Khan from Rajouri, PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti said that Empowering youth and ensuring their dignity and honor are crucial aspects of any political party’s platform, and it’s commendable that JKPDP emphasizes these values.
She said that Youth involvement can bring vitality and fresh perspectives to the party, helping it connect with the aspirations of younger generations. “By prioritizing youth empowerment and dignity, JKPDP can work towards a more inclusive and prosperous future for Jammu and Kashmir”, she said.
PDP contesting elections on three seats of Kashmir Valley
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which is part of the INDIA bloc but contesting all seats in Valley, declared the names of three candidates for the Lok Sabha elections in Kashmir.
PDP President Mehbooba Mufti is contesting from the Anantnag-Rajouri seat against the National Conference Mian Altaf, making the newly carved out constituency the most high-profile contest in Jammu and Kashmir. The Apni Party has named Zaffar Iqbal Manhas. The BJP has not fielded its candidate for this seat.
PDP’s youth wing president Waheed Parra is contesting the polls from Srinagar and former Rajya Sabha member Mir Fayaz from Baramulla. The PDP is supporting the Congress on two Jammu region seats of Udhampur and Jammu.
