SRINAGAR, Dec 14: The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) General Council on Saturday vowed to continue its peaceful, democratic struggle for the restoration of jammu and Kashmir’s special status, revoked on August 5, 2019.
The PDP held its first general council meeting after the Assembly elections in which the party faced rout and only won three seats. The meeting which was held at the party headquarters in Srinagar was chaired by PDP President Mehbooba Mufti.
In a resolution passed after the meeting, the party resolved 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 party acknowledged the outcome of the recent Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections and said that while the PDP’s performance fell short of expectations, the party expressed confidence in its elected representatives to articulate the concerns and aspirations of the people.
The PDP urged the Union government to address the “disempowerment, deprivation, and humiliation” caused by what it termed the unconstitutional revocation of Article 370.
The PDP resolution expected hope that the ruling National Conference government, will act in accordance with the significant mandate and trust placed in their manifesto and commitments.
However, the council noted that the new government’s initial actions had not fully met expectations and urged it to effectively address the people’s needs.
“However, we note that the initial actions of the current government have not fully met these expectations. We urge the J&K government to recognize the mandate’s true essence and lead effectively,” the PDP resolution read.
The PDP emphasized the need for the government to address pressing issues, including electricity shortages, rising unemployment, the drug crisis, and the release of prisoners. It also raised concerns about the overexploitation of natural resources, which it warned was causing irreversible damage to the environment and ecology.
The PDP resolution also called for a review of the status of political prisoners held in various jails across India. It demanded the release of individuals held on weak or non-existent charges and urged authorities to transfer prisoners back to Jammu and Kashmir.
The resolution also voiced deep concern over the increasing climate of hatred against Muslims in India.
The party urged 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. “
Reiterating its belief in India’s diversity, the PDP called for mutual respect and the protection of individual rights and freedoms. (Agencies)
