Mehbooba Mufti reveals PDP manifesto: Trade across LOC, return of Kashmiri Pandits, and other key points

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti made a significant announcement on Saturday (August 24), ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in the Indian Union Territory ofJammu and Kashmir, during the release of her party's manifesto.

Mufti said that if the National Conference (NC) and Congress were willing to accept the PDP's manifesto and align on resolving the problems of Kashmir, she would support their alliance without contesting any seats.

"Alliance and seat sharing are faraway things. If the National Conference and Congress are ready to adopt our agenda, we will say they should contest on all seats, we will follow them because for me solving the problem of Kashmir is more important than anything else..." she said.

"When we allied earlier also, we had an agenda, when we allied with the BJP, we had an agenda which they agreed to but the alliance between the National Conference and Congress is not happening on the agenda, it is happening on seat sharing," the PDP leaderadded.

Resumption of trade across LOC

In the PDP manifesto, Mufti has advocated for the resumption of trade across the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan. The National Conference has similarly included this point in its "12 guarantees" within its manifesto.

The PDP leader also noted the challenges that have arisen since the abrogation of Article 370, remarking, "The issue has become even more complicated after the removal of Article 370. We will take Jammu and Kashmir out of the quagmire of difficulties."

Free electricity, no water taxes, and more

The manifesto outlines various socio-economic initiatives designed to ease the difficulties faced by the people.

Mufti promised, "We will provide free electricity up to 200 units, abolish water taxes, and there should be no water meters. We will also offer a one-time settlement for old electricity bills. For the poor, we will implement the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed scheme again, providing 12 cylinders a year."

"We will double social security benefits like old age pensions and widow pensions. We will ensure that all government jobs are filled, and temples and gurdwaras will receive free electricity," she said.

Return of Kashmiri Pandits

She also committed to facilitating the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley, emphasising that her party would take all necessary steps to ensure their safe return.

Mufti clarified that the upcoming elections are not just about statehood or seat sharing, but about larger goals. "For me, this election is not for statehood or seat sharing... We have a bigger goal... We are fighting for dignity, for the resolution of the Kashmir issue," she continued.

(With inputs from agencies)