PDP Plans J&K-Wide Demonstrations, Demands Restoration of Article 370

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has directed party leaders and office bearers to ensure active participation in district-level protests across Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, marking the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370.

The protests have been planned to demand the restoration of Article 370 and the release of political prisoners, according to a statement issued by the party. The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Mehbooba Mufti with senior PDP leaders, legislators, and district presidents of the party’s parent, women, and youth wings.

In a statement released after the meeting, the PDP said all party functionaries had been instructed to mobilise workers and ensure their presence in the planned demonstrations. The protests are expected to be held across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir as the party renews its opposition to the Centre’s 2019 decision.

Article 370, which granted special constitutional status to Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated by the Union government on August 5, 2019. The move was accompanied by the reorganisation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Since then, the PDP and several other regional political groups have repeatedly demanded the restoration of the region’s former special status. The party has also raised concerns over the detention of political leaders and activists following the 2019 developments.

The upcoming protests are likely to highlight the PDP’s continued political stance on Article 370 and its efforts to mobilise support on the issue. The demonstrations will take place amid ongoing debates over Jammu and Kashmir’s political future, governance structure, and the restoration of electoral and democratic processes in the Union Territory.

The August 5 protests will serve as a significant political activity for the PDP as it seeks to reinforce its position among supporters and opposition groups in Jammu and Kashmir.