PDP to Hold August 5 Protests Seeking Restoration of Article 370

SRINAGAR, Jul 28: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday announced that the party will stage peaceful protests across Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, demanding the restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A, besides calling for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue.

The announcement was made at the PDP’s 27th foundation day function held at the party headquarters in Srinagar.

Addressing party workers, the former chief minister said peaceful demonstrations would be organised at district headquarters across the Union Territory.

“All our people will hold peaceful protests in their districts on August 5 for the restoration of Article 370, 35A and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue,” she said.

Mehbooba also expressed regret over her recent remarks made during a protest at Jantar Mantar, saying she did not intend to hurt anyone.

“I apologise if my remarks on violence against protesters in Kashmir have hurt anyone,” she said.

Her comments came after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other political leaders criticised her for allegedly justifying the use of force against protesters in Kashmir.

Mehbooba had visited Jantar Mantar on July 23 to extend support to protests against alleged examination irregularities.

While condemning police action against student protesters in Delhi, the PDP had maintained that the security situation in Kashmir was different because security forces were engaged in combating militancy.

The remarks triggered criticism from several political parties, including the ruling National Conference. The PDP, however, accused the National Conference of using artificial intelligence to distort Mehbooba Mufti’s statement. (Agencies)