PDP's promises 'Self Rule' in its election manifesto

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday released its election manifesto which promised to pursue 'Self Rule' as framework for resolution of Kashmir, besides effective governance to fight corruption and to rebuild the shattered economy of the state.

"The special status enshrined in Article 370 (of Constitution) is required to empower the people of Jammu and Kashmir and help deal with the issues of identity, borders and governance," the manifesto, released by senior PDP leaders, including party patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, read.

The party, in the manifesto titled 'an aspiration agenda', asserted that Article 370 effects everything from political discourse to personal responses, economy to emotions, society to sensibilities and institutions to ideologies. The party said the self rule document will be the guiding framework for resolution which included closer ties across the Line of Control, making borders irrelevant and complete connectivity between various parts of the state.

It also envisages economic and social integration of the region around Jammu and Kashmir by setting up Regional Free Trade Area and common economic market. The PDP has also included its earlier agenda of setting up joint coordination mechanism for projects across the Line of Control and joint regulatory commission on trade and tariffs.

The party has promised constitutional restructuring by restoring the powers of the state Assembly and empowering the sub-regions of the state.

The PDP manifesto, which bears the stamp of former JK Bank chairman and now party candidate from Rajpora constituency Haseeb A Drabu, also talked about reviving the economy, resource generation and protection of environment.