PDP open to join INDIA bloc, leadership to decide on modalities: Para

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Aug 20: The People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) youth leader, Waheed Ur Rehman Para, said today that the party is open to join the INDIA bloc but emphasized that the final decision would be taken by the party leadership regarding the specifics.

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He made these remarks while speaking to reporters in Pulwama. Para said that the PDP remains open to the INDIA bloc, but the leadership will decide the future course of action at an appropriate time. “At present, the party has not reached that stage. We are open to the INDIA bloc, but the leadership will make decisions when the time comes,” he said.
Para said that elections are taking place in Jammu and Kashmir after a gap of decade. He said the party is determined to end the “raid raj” in the region. “Whether it is lawyers, Government employees, journalists, business community members, or activists, all have faced raids and arrests. The financial or mental stress and the growing disillusionment among people, feeling that their rights and Government have slipped away, have left them disheartened. Our Government, Constitution, flag, and rights were taken from us. Instead of creating jobs, people are being terminated from their positions,” he said.
He further remarked that peace is being enforced through the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and imprisoning people. “Our aim will be to address all issues. As we saw in 2002, during the PDP government, people felt a sense of relief and freedom. We will once again seek votes to revive that atmosphere and stand against the August 5 decision,” he added.
Para said that the party will fight politically for constitutional rights and the rights of dignity and identity for the people.