Will ‘reinvigorate struggle’ for peace with dignity for J&K: PDP resolution

Srinagar: The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday resolved to “reinvigorate its struggle” for peace with dignity in Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue through democratic and constitutional means.

The PDP passed a resolution during its general council meeting chaired by party president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, which also calls for the restoration of the region’s erstwhile special status.

“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 resolution reads.

While demanding an immediate process to review the status of political prisoners held in various jails across the country, the PDP meeting called for the release of all individuals detained on “weak or non-existent charges” and advocated for transferring prisoners to Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting also criticized the National Conference-led government for “not acting in accordance with the significant mandate and trust placed in their manifesto and commitments.”

“We urge the J&K government to recognize the mandate's true essence and lead effectively. The government must take effective measures in addressing critical issues such as electricity shortages, unemployment, the drug crisis, the release of prisoners, and the overexploitation of natural resources which are damaging the environment and ecology,” it said.

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 resolution added.