PDP Launches Manifesto, Promises Restoration Of J-K's Original Status, Ind-Pak Talks

Srinagar: Mehbooba Mufti's Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday released its manifesto for the Assembly elections, to be held in three phases on September 18, 25 and October 1. PDP has promised to pursue the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir to its "original status", and advocate for confidence-building measures (CBMs) and regional cooperation between India and Pakistan.

The manifesto was released during a function at the party headquarters here by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti along with senior leaders of the party.

In one of her big claims, Mehbooba Mufti said that her party is ready not to contest the upcoming elections and extend full support to National Conference and Congress alliance if they agree to support PDP's agenda.  

"The PDP is resolute in its pursuit of restoring the constitutional guarantees that were unjustly scrapped, and is committed to restoring Jammu & Kashmir to its original status, ensuring that the voices of its people are heard and their rights are safeguarded," it said.

What are PDP's manifesto promises?  

• PDP claims revocation of Article 370 and 35A is "unconstitutional and illegal revocation" and has "further complicated the Kashmir issue, deepening the alienation felt by the people of the region".
• PDP firmly believes that meaningful engagement is the only way forward.
• PDP has advocated for improving relations between India and Pakistan. 
• It has promised to advocate for diplomatic initiatives between the two neighbours, emphasising conflict resolution, CBMs, and regional cooperation.
• PDP's manifesto titled 'People's Aspirations' promised to establish full connectivity across the Line of Control (LoC) for trade and social exchange.
• It advocated for a regional free-trade area and shared economic market.
• The party strives for the opening of old and traditional trade routes to central and south Asia through Jammu and Kashmir, it said.
• The manifesto strives for revocation of the Public Safety Act (PSA), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Enemy Act, and said it committed for the revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
• It also promises to revisit and address the cases of "unjust" job terminations -- referring to the sacking of J-K government employees over terror abetment charges.
• Promising to protect the land and employment rights of the people of J-K, the party said locals will have the first right in all government tenders as well as mining contracts.
• It said, if elected to power, the party would accelerate the process to identify and fill all government vacancies on a fast-track basis within one year.
• PDP has also promised to regularise 60,000 daily wagers within one year.
• It will also launch initiatives to create jobs in key sectors like tourism, agriculture, and technology.
• On return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, PDP's said the party is committed to the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland, "ensuring they are welcomed back as honoured members of our community".
• The party promised revoking the current one-BHK scheme to minimum allocation of two-BHK apartments for every returning family, and to strive that Kashmiri Pandits are the first beneficiaries of the Centre's scheme of five marlas of land for landless families.
• It also said the party would advocate for the opening and promotion of Sharda Peeth across the LoC as a full-fledged religious pilgrimage site.
• The manifesto promised 200 free units of electricity to every household, free water, 12 gas cylinders every year to economically weaker sections of society, abolition of property tax for all households and stamp duty for women purchasing property.

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