“Go beyond rhetoric on political engagement, release political prisoners”


JK News Today

Srinagar, March 27

In its first meeting of the reconstituted Political Affairs Committee on Saturday , the Peoples Democratic Party urged India and Pakistan to consolidate the peace moves and asked the Central government to translate its rhetoric on political engagement into reality.


It was also first meeting since Mehbooba Mufti was re-elected president of the PDP.

The meeting that was held with Mehbooba Mufti in chair, deliberated upon the prevailing political situation in the state and the party’s response to the emerging situation.

“Ruing the uncertainty and the imposed atmosphere of panic unleashed the members lauded the resolve of PDP and unanimously endorsed the stance of the party president Mehbooba Mufti regarding the prevailing situation and issues post August 5,” a press release of the party said after the meeting.

Deliberating on the thaw in relations between India and Pakistan the members welcomed the recent gestures of peace from both sides of the border and ceasefire agreement leading to de-escalation of tensions.

“The PAC urged governments in both capitals to go beyond rhetoric, deepen the process of dialogue and broaden the scope of political engagement keeping Jammu and Kashmir front and centre of the process to make it result oriented and sustainable,” the meeting resolved.

Highlighting the dynamic shift in the geopolitical engagements of the subcontinent the meeting observed that the stance and agenda as propounded by PDP is proving to be the guide (go to reference) for establishment of durable peace in the region thereby proving it more relevant than ever before.

Terming connectivity and free flow of goods and people as pivotal for up-liftment of people in the subcontinent devastated by wars and penury the meeting pitched for early resumption of Cross Loc trade, opening up of Srinagar- Muzaffarabad, Poonch-Rawalakote, Kargil –Skardu and Jammu-Sialkote roads.

“ Condemning the unleashing of Central Agencies to coerce and muzzle Mehbooba Mufti, the voice of Kashmir, the members expressed their solidarity with the party president and resolved to standby by her and the party in the fight for restoration of our rights and dignity of people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

It is important to mention that senior leaders and PAC members Mohammad Sartaj Madni and Naeem Akhtar couldn’t attend the meeting as both are under illegal detention. The meeting condemned their continued their continued incarceration and demanded their immediate release and well as the release of all political prisoners.

The meeting further expressed gratitude to the party workers at the grassroots level who have stood with the party and its struggle despite the pressures and harassments exhorted by the system. “The workers are the real strength of the party and PDP shall stand firm to represent their aspirations”, the meeting resolved.