The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday organized a one-day convention at Dak Bungalow Baramulla, which witnessed the participation of senior party leaders, workers, and a large number of supporters The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday organized a one-day convention at Dak Bungalow Baramulla, which witnessed the participation of senior party leaders, workers, and a large number of supporters. Among those present were senior leader of PDP , and other prominent party functionaries. The convention was addressed by PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, who spoke on various political and social issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing the gathering, Mehbooba Mufti said that the current situation in the region is “grim,” highlighting rising unemployment and growing distress among youth as well as elders. She alleged that even religious institutions are facing interference and expressed concern over increasing electricity tariffs. She criticized the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC), stating that the party has failed to meet the expectations of the people despite receiving a strong mandate. Comparing governance, she said that during PDP’s tenure, efforts were made to deliver on the ground despite challenges, whereas the present dispensation has not achieved significant progress. Referring to past initiatives, Mehbooba Mufti said that the opening of the Muzaffarabad trade route was aimed at boosting economic activity and reducing tensions, especially benefiting the region’s fruit industry. She expressed regret over its closure, stating that trade could have improved the overall situation. She also raised concerns over tourism management, mentioning that several destinations like Pahalgam were closed, and urged the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to pay attention to broader issues across the region. Highlighting PDP’s past governance, she said that significant developments, including medical colleges and infrastructure, were achieved within a short span, which, according to her, other governments could not accomplish over decades. On political alliances, she defended PDP’s decision to form a government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating that the party safeguarded key interests and did not compromise on power projects. She also spoke about regional aspirations, calling for Sopore to be granted district status and Uri to be declared a hill district, emphasizing its potential as a future gateway to Kashmir. She reiterated that the Muzaffarabad road should eventually be reopened. Mehbooba Mufti further appealed for a special package for the Sikh community, acknowledging their support to Kashmir and its people over the years. She urged the government to extend land lease benefits to laborers, stating that such measures would provide much-needed relief. Concluding her speech, she alleged that the BJP targeted PDP politically, stating that the party remains a key force capable of challenging them in the region. The convention concluded with party leaders reiterating their commitment to addressing public issues and strengthening the party at the grassroots level in Baramulla.

Mudasir Ahmad

Photographer खोई, बारामूला, जम्मू और कश्मीर•

4 hrs ago

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday organized a one-day convention at Dak Bungalow Baramulla, which witnessed the participation of senior party leaders, workers, and a large number of supporters The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday organized a one-day convention at Dak Bungalow Baramulla, which witnessed the participation of senior party leaders, workers, and a large number of supporters. Among those present were senior leader of PDP , and other prominent party functionaries. The convention was addressed by PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, who spoke on various political and social issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing the gathering, Mehbooba Mufti said that the current situation in the region is “grim,” highlighting rising unemployment and growing distress among youth as well as elders. She alleged that even religious institutions are facing interference and expressed concern over increasing electricity tariffs. She criticized the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC), stating that the party has failed to meet the expectations of the people despite receiving a strong mandate. Comparing governance, she said that during PDP’s tenure, efforts were made to deliver on the ground despite challenges, whereas the present dispensation has not achieved significant progress. Referring to past initiatives, Mehbooba Mufti said that the opening of the Muzaffarabad trade route was aimed at boosting economic activity and reducing tensions, especially benefiting the region’s fruit industry. She expressed regret over its closure, stating that trade could have improved the overall situation. She also raised concerns over tourism management, mentioning that several destinations like Pahalgam were closed, and urged the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to pay attention to broader issues across the region. Highlighting PDP’s past governance, she said that significant developments, including medical colleges and infrastructure, were achieved within a short span, which, according to her, other governments could not accomplish over decades. On political alliances, she defended PDP’s decision to form a government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating that the party safeguarded key interests and did not compromise on power projects. She also spoke about regional aspirations, calling for Sopore to be granted district status and Uri to be declared a hill district, emphasizing its potential as a future gateway to Kashmir. She reiterated that the Muzaffarabad road should eventually be reopened. Mehbooba Mufti further appealed for a special package for the Sikh community, acknowledging their support to Kashmir and its people over the years. She urged the government to extend land lease benefits to laborers, stating that such measures would provide much-needed relief. Concluding her speech, she alleged that the BJP targeted PDP politically, stating that the party remains a key force capable of challenging them in the region. The convention concluded with party leaders reiterating their commitment to addressing public issues and strengthening the party at the grassroots level in Baramulla.