The Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has released its election manifesto ahead of the assembly elections. Mehbooba Mufti has promised to provide 12 cylinders to poor people in 12 months. The manifesto also promises to abolish the meter system for water supply and provide free water, give 12 gas cylinders every year to economically weaker sections of society, abolish property tax and stamp duty for women buying property, and increase old-age pensions.
Mehbooba Mufti released the manifesto at the party headquarters in the presence of senior leaders. The manifesto states that the PDP is committed to restoring the constitutional guarantees that were unjustly revoked and is committed to restoring Jammu and Kashmir to its original status, ensuring that the voice of its people is heard and their rights are protected.
The manifesto states that the revocation of Article 370 and 35A in 2019 has further complicated the Kashmir issue. The PDP believes that meaningful engagement is the only way forward. The party has emphasized improving relations between India and Pakistan, advocating for diplomatic initiatives between the two neighbors, conflict resolution, confidence-building measures, and regional cooperation.
The manifesto, titled ‘People’s Aspirations’, promises to establish full connectivity across the LoC for trade and social exchange, advocating for a regional free trade area and shared economic market. The party aims to reopen old and traditional trade routes through Jammu and Kashmir for Central and South Asia.
The manifesto attempts to repeal the Public Security Act (PSA), Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and Enemy Act, and states that it is committed to repealing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). The manifesto also promises to reconsider and resolve cases of wrongful termination of jobs, including those of Jammu and Kashmir government employees dismissed for allegedly inciting terrorism.
The party has promised to protect the land and employment rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that local people will have the first right to all government tenders as well as mining contracts. If the party comes to power, it will identify all government vacancies on a fast-track basis within a year and speed up the process of filling them. Sixty thousand daily wage earners will be regularized within a year. Initiatives will be launched to create employment in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and technology.”