Mehbooba Mufti calls for J&K-wide protest on August 5; says ‘meaningful engagement only way forward’

Published 28 July 2026 · politics

Jammu & Kashmir Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, while speaking on the party’s 27th Foundation Day in Srinagar on Tuesday (July 28

Jammu & Kashmir Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, while speaking on the party’s 27th Foundation Day in Srinagar on Tuesday (July 28, 2026), said meaningful democratic engagement among all stakeholders is the only sustainable path towards lasting peace and stability in the region. Mufti also called for Jammu & Kashmir-wide protests on August 5, the anniversary of the Centre’s move to end Jammu & Kashmir’s autonomous status, to press for the demand of the restoration of Article 370. “PDP’s core philosophy is ‘Peace with Dignity’. Dialogue, reconciliation, confidence-building and meaningful democratic engagement among all stakeholders is the only sustainable path towards lasting peace and stability in the region,” said Ms. Mufti. The PDP unanimously adopted a political resolution on the occasion and pledged to follow the ideals of its founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

It called for “continued democratic struggle for the restoration of Article 370, Article 35A and the constitutional guarantees, which protected the unique identity and special status of Jammu & Kashmir”. The resolution also demanded the immediate release of political prisoners and detainees, “an end to the misuse of preventive detention laws, and the restoration of democratic rights, civil liberties and the rule of law”. “At a time when J&K is passing through one of the most difficult phases in its contemporary history, the party renewed its resolve to pursue peaceful, democratic and constitutional means to safeguard the rights, identity, dignity and aspirations of its people,” said the resolution. The party said it will also work towards “reopening historic roads, Cross-LoC routes, and traditional trade and travel links with the objective of transforming J&K into a bridge connecting South and Central Asia”.

The PDP also called for the dignified return, rehabilitation and secure resettlement of Kashmiri Pandits and all other displaced communities. It also pledged to work towards greater administrative justice for the Pir Panjal and Chenab regions, and enhanced political representation and empowerment of women. SC upholds abrogation of Article 370, says move was part of 70-year-old exercise to integrate J&K to the Union Meanwhile, Ms. Mufti clarified the recent remarks, which sparked protests from the ruling Conference and other parties in Jammu & Kashmir. “I said there is militancy and intended to say ‘Bahana Banta Hain’, but I could not utter the word ‘Bahana’. I apologise to the people of J&K if my misconstrued statement hurt their sentiments,” said Ms. Mufti. She accused the NC leaders of “always complaining to Delhi about my statements, which forces them to take a position on serious issues in Kashmir”.