Article 370 – PDP Announces Peaceful August 5 Protests Across Jammu and Kashmir
Article 370 – The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has announced a series of peaceful demonstrations across Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, reiterating its demand for the restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A while calling for a peaceful and lasting resolution to the Kashmir issue.
The announcement was made by PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti during the party’s 27th foundation day event at its headquarters in Srinagar on Tuesday. Addressing party workers and supporters, Mufti said district-level demonstrations would be organized throughout the Union Territory as part of the party’s campaign to press for the reinstatement of the constitutional provisions and to advocate dialogue over conflict.
Party Plans District-Level Demonstrations
Speaking at the gathering, Mufti urged party members from every district to participate in peaceful protests on August 5. She said the demonstrations would focus on three key demands: the restoration of Article 370, the return of Article 35A, and efforts toward a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue.
The PDP has consistently maintained its position on these constitutional provisions since they were revoked in August 2019. The party has repeatedly argued that restoring them is essential for addressing political concerns in the region through democratic means.
Mehbooba Mufti Expresses Regret Over Earlier Remarks
During her address, Mufti also referred to comments she made during a recent visit to New Delhi that had drawn criticism from several political leaders. She acknowledged that her remarks may have caused hurt and publicly expressed regret.
She stated that if her comments regarding violence against protesters in Kashmir had offended anyone, she sincerely apologized. Her statement marked an effort to clarify her position after days of political debate surrounding her earlier observations.
Remarks Followed Visit to Student Protest
The controversy originated after Mufti visited Jantar Mantar on July 23 to support a protest organized over alleged examination irregularities. While speaking there, she condemned police action against students protesting in the national capital.
At the same time, she remarked that the situation in Kashmir differed because security forces in the region were engaged in counter-insurgency operations. Those comments were widely discussed and interpreted differently by political parties, leading to criticism from several quarters.
Political Reactions Intensify
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and leaders from the National Conference were among those who questioned Mufti’s remarks, alleging that they appeared to justify the use of force against protesters in Kashmir. Other opposition voices also raised concerns, arguing that the comments sent the wrong message regarding civil protests.
The PDP, however, rejected those allegations. Party leaders claimed that portions of Mufti’s statements had been distorted and alleged that artificial intelligence tools were used to circulate misleading versions of her remarks. The party maintained that her original comments had been taken out of context during the political exchange.
Focus Returns to Constitutional Demands
With the announcement of the August 5 demonstrations, the PDP has shifted attention back to its long-standing political agenda. The party has emphasized that all planned protests will remain peaceful and democratic while highlighting its continued demand for constitutional safeguards and political dialogue.
The proposed demonstrations are expected to take place simultaneously at district headquarters across Jammu and Kashmir, with party workers participating under the leadership of local units. As political discussions continue in the region, the protests are likely to become another focal point in the ongoing debate over Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional and political future.