Srinagar, July 19 (Scoop News)-People's Democratic Front (PDF) President and former Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Sunday said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had voted not merely for the restoration of statehood but also for the restoration of Article 370 and 35A and the constitutional position that existed before August 5, 2019.
Addressing a public rally at Kachwari in Budgam district, Yaseen said the People's Democratic Front had earlier written to the National Conference seeking clarity regarding its proposed Jantar Mantar protest over the demand for restoration of statehood. He said the National Conference leadership has now responded to the letter. Following the response and deliberations within the party, the PDF has decided not to participate in the proposed Jantar Mantar protest while reiterating its full support for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's pre-August 5, 2019 constitutional position.
"The people voted for the restoration of their constitutional and political rights, not for symbolic politics. Their mandate was for the restoration of statehood along with Articles 370 and 35A and the constitutional safeguards that existed before August 5, 2019," Yaseen said.
He said the People's Democratic Front has always maintained a consistent stand on the issue and would support every sincere effort aimed at restoring Jammu and Kashmir's constitutional and democratic rights.
Yaseen said the party had sought clarification from the National Conference regarding the nature of the statehood being demanded through the proposed protest.
He expressed satisfaction that the National Conference leadership had not responded to the party's communication, following which the PDF decided to stay away from the protest while hoping that political engagement on the larger constitutional issues would continue.
The former minister observed that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have publicly stated on several occasions that statehood to Jammu and Kashmir would be restored at an appropriate time. He said the real concern of the people extends beyond statehood and encompasses the restoration of the constitutional position that existed prior to August 5, 2019.
"If the objective is the restoration of the pre-August 5, 2019 constitutional position, including Articles 370 and 35A, the People's Democratic Front has always supported that demand and will continue to do so," he said.
Yaseen also reminded the ruling National Conference of the commitments it made during the Assembly elections, including employment generation, subsidised ration, uninterrupted electricity, improved public services, better governance and accelerated development. He alleged that many of these promises remain unfulfilled and that the people continue to wait for tangible improvements in their daily lives.
He said unemployment among educated youth remains a major concern, developmental works have not progressed at the expected pace and people across Jammu and Kashmir continue to struggle with inflation, economic uncertainty and irregular basic services.
"The government must now focus on governance rather than political symbolism. People expect employment opportunities, economic relief, quality public services and timely fulfilment of the promises made to them during the elections," he said.
Calling for greater political accountability, Yaseen urged the government to concentrate on addressing the pressing concerns of the people through effective governance and development. He reiterated that the People's Democratic Front remains committed to safeguarding the constitutional, political and democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and will continue to support every genuine initiative aimed at restoring the pre-August 5, 2019 constitutional position.
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