People's Democratic Party releases parliamentary election manifesto

The People's Democratic Party on Saturday released its parliamentary election manifesto, pledging to work towards restoring Jammu and Kashmir's “original status” and advocating for confidence-building measures (CBMs) and regional cooperation between India and Pakistan.

The manifesto was released by Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti at an event held at the party headquarters along with senior party leaders.

“The People's Democratic Party firmly seeks to restore the constitutional guarantees that were unjustly abrogated and is committed to restoring Jammu and Kashmir to its original status and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and their rights are safeguarded,” the statement read.

The declaration said the “unconstitutional and illegal revocation” of Articles 370 and 35A in 2019 “further complicated the Kashmir issue and deepened the sense of alienation among the people of the region”.

According to reports, the People's Democratic Party firmly believes that meaningful engagement is the only way forward.

The party is committed to improving relations between India and Pakistan, promising to advocate diplomatic initiatives between the two neighbors that emphasize conflict resolution, confidence-building measures and regional cooperation.

The declaration titled “The People's Aspiration” promises comprehensive connectivity across the Line of Control (LoC) to enable trade and social exchanges.

It advocates the establishment of regional free trade areas and shared economic markets.

The party is committed to opening up ancient and traditional trade routes to Central and South Asia through Jammu and Kashmir.

The manifesto commits to the repeal of the Public Safety Act (PSA), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Enemies Act, and expresses its commitment to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

It also promised to revisit and resolve cases of “unjust” dismissals – referring to the dismissal of JK government employees over terrorism abetting charges.

The party promised to protect the land and employment rights of people in JK and said locals would have priority in all government tenders and mining contracts.

If elected, the party will speed up the process to quickly identify and fill all government vacancies within a year, the report said.

“Sixty thousand daily bets will be regulated within a year,” the manifesto reads, adding that it will introduce initiatives to create jobs in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture and technology.

On the issue of return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, the People's Democratic Party's manifesto said the party is committed to the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homes “ensuring they are welcomed as honorable members of our community”.

“We will work to engage all stakeholders to ensure an end to this humanitarian crisis. This is not just a return but a restoration of the cultural and spiritual essence of Kashmir.

The party promised to scrap the current one-BHK scheme, which allots at least two-BHK flats to every returning family, and work to make Kashmiri Pandits the first beneficiaries of the Centre's scheme to provide five malalas of land to landless families.

It also said the party will advocate for the opening and promotion of Sharda Peeth as a full-fledged religious pilgrimage site across the Line of Control.

“This initiative aims to reconnect people with their cultural and religious heritage and promote further understanding and peace between communities on both sides of the Line of Control,” the statement added.

The manifesto promised to provide 200 kilowatt hours of free electricity to every household, provide free water to socio-economically disadvantaged groups, 12 gas cylinders every year, abolish property tax for all households and stamp duty on property purchases by women.

(This report has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from United News Agency-PTI)