In poll manifesto, PDP speaks of ‘onslaught’ on Kashmiri identity after Article 370 abrogation

THE PEOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) that is contesting all three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir on Friday released its manifesto for the polls. In its manifesto, the party brings focus to the situation in Jammu and Kashmir since the revocationofarticle370inaugust 2019.Thedocumenthighlightsissues such as the return of power projects to J&K, road connectivity, access to clean drinking water, women and youth empowerment, and upgrade of infrastructure in government schools among other concerns.

Statingthat“therehasbeenan unending onslaught on our collective identity, land, jobs, resources and infringement upon the very freedom to speak”, the manifesto emphasises “the dire need” to raise voice against this in Parliament. The manifesto also talks about the youth “languishing in prisons outside the state”. It adds that “after the unilateral and illegal revocation of J&K’S special statusitsyouthhavethebeenfirst and worst sufferers of a slew of GOIS unilateral and draconian policies and decisions”.

Earlier in the day, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti led the party’s campaign in Pulwama where she ralliedsupportfortheparty’scandidate for the Srinagar. Mufti said, “The main purpose of the PDP to seek votes is to tell the country through Parliament what BJP has done in 2019 is not acceptable.”

Muftialsoattackedthebjp,accusingitofseekingto“stripaway” the rights and resources of the people of J&K, “pushing them towards a state of bonded labour”.

Invoking the legacy of PDP founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, her father, she said, “People heaved a sigh of relief when for the first time PDP formed the government in J&K. Not stone or gun – vote is our only weapon and we must use it now to give a befitting reply to the elements who are out to besiege our conscience and identity.”

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti