PDP Urges Centre to Follow 'Agenda of Alliance' for Respective Solution to J-K Problems

Strategic Insights -

Addressing a presser on Saturday, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti advocated for a dialogue with the people of J-K before starting talks with Pakistan, claiming that the BJP's rigid policy has only "silenced the people" of the Union territory. The developments of August 5, 2019, when Centre revoked special status of J-K under Article 370 and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two UTs, are completing six years, and the situation in J-K has deteriorated over the years, Mufti said. PDP and BJP worked out the 'agenda of alliance' after forming the government in January 2015, and Mufti said that the document is still relevant and needs to be studied for a honourable solution to J-K's issues.

Key Takeaways:

  • PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti urged the Centre to follow the 'agenda of alliance' reached between PDP and BJP in 2015 for a respectable solution to the problems facing J-K.
  • Mufti claimed that the BJP's rigid policy has only "silenced the people" of the Union territory, where the situation is deteriorating, and a "volcano is building".
  • PDP and BJP formed a government in January 2015 and worked out the 'agenda of alliance', which included measures such as opening roads, transferring power projects, and removing Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.
  • Mufti said that the BJP's policies have led to an increase in unemployment, criminal activities, and loot of natural resources in J-K post August 5, 2019.
  • Mehbooba Mufti favoured revival of sporting ties between India and Pakistan to normalise the tense situation.

Statistics:

  • J-K continues to be the flashpoint between India and Pakistan, with clouds of war hovering over the region.
  • Thousands of youth have been jailed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Public Safety Act (PSA) since the strict policy was adopted by the BJP.
  • 6 years have passed since the Centre revoked special status of J-K under Article 370 and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two UTs on August 5, 2019.

Sources:

  • Northlines, Jammu Tawi - Published on August 2.