PDP demands restoration of Articles 370, 35A

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday welcomed the recent appeal by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for a collective push toward restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

“However, PDP expresses serious concern over the selective focus on statehood, while overlooking the far more critical demand for restoring Article 370 and Article 35A, which form the constitutional foundation of Jammu and Kashmir’s identity, rights, and autonomy,” party said in a statement.

PDP chief spokesperson Mehboob Beg said it was disheartening to see that the National Conference (NC), under CM Omar Abdullah’s leadership, has not demonstrated urgency or clarity on the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. “The abrogation of Article 370 and 35A in August 2019 was a historic betrayal that struck at the heart of our political and cultural identity. Ignoring this reality while demanding statehood alone dilutes the larger struggle for justice and dignity,” Beg said.

He said the PDP views the current narrative centred only on statehood as one that aligns too closely with the BJP-led Central government’s agenda, which has selectively promised statehood while remaining silent on special status.

“Statehood without special status is akin to treating the symptoms while ignoring the root cause. The people did not vote for administrative adjustments, they voted for the return of their rights, their land, and their constitutional dignity,” Beg said.

“PDP calls on all political parties and the people of Jammu and Kashmir to unite in the struggle for justice, dignity, and constitutional rights. The party remains firm in its resolve to relentlessly pursue the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, irrespective of the Central government’s stance,” he said.