Article 370 Back In Focus: Mehbooba Mufti Announces Statewide Protest On August 5

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has announced district-wide protests across Jammu & Kashmir on August 5, reiterating demands for the restoration of Article 370, release of political detainees and renewed dialogue.

Mehbooba Mufti Announces Statewide Protest On August 5 (Img: X)

Srinagar: People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has announced that her party will organise protests across all districts of Jammu & Kashmir on August 5, marking the anniversary of the 2019 constitutional changes related to the former state's special status.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar during the party's 27th Foundation Day programme, Mufti said the demonstrations would focus on the party's long-standing political and constitutional demands.

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Focus on Article 370 and Political Rights

Mufti reiterated the PDP's demand for the restoration of Jammu & Kashmir's constitutional safeguards and called for a political resolution through dialogue. She said the party remains committed to its founding principles of promoting peace, reconciliation and democratic engagement.

According to the PDP, meaningful dialogue is essential for achieving a lasting solution to issues concerning the region.

Key Demands Raised by PDP

During the press conference, Mehbooba Mufti outlined several demands, including:

• Restoration of constitutional rights linked to Jammu & Kashmir.
• Release of political detainees and individuals held under preventive detention laws.
• Reopening of cross-Line of Control (LoC) travel and trade routes, including routes connecting Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot.
• Review of the security situation in areas where militancy has declined and relocation of security forces from civilian areas where feasible.

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• Transfer of selected hydropower projects to Jammu & Kashmir or provision of appropriate compensation.
• Opening of the Sharda Peeth corridor for Kashmiri Pandits and support for their dignified return and rehabilitation.

Foundation Day Programme Scaled Down

Mufti said the PDP had initially planned large-scale Foundation Day events across the Union Territory. However, the programme was curtailed due to heavy rainfall and loss of life and property reported in parts of Rajouri and Poonch.

She also expressed concern over ongoing conflicts in West Asia and appealed for an end to violence.