Mehbooba Mufti Reiterates Call for Restoration of Articles 370, 35A Ahead of Anniversary

SRINAGAR, Aug. 5, 2026: People's Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday night reaffirmed her party's commitment to seeking the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution, ahead of the seventh anniversary of their abrogation.

Speaking during a protest in Srinagar, Mufti said the PDP would continue its political campaign for the restoration of the constitutional provisions, the resolution of the Kashmir issue, and the release of detainees held in prisons across India.

"The PDP, our community, we will fight. Along with resolving the Kashmir issue, we will also address Articles 370 and 35A and the release of prisoners languishing in various jails across the country," Mufti said.

The protest was held on the eve of August 5, marking seven years since the Government of India revoked the special constitutional status of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 and reorganized it into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The move remains a subject of political debate in the region.

Regional political parties, including the PDP, have continued to advocate for the restoration of the former constitutional provisions and greater political autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, the Indian government maintains that the 2019 constitutional changes have strengthened national integration, improved governance, and accelerated development in the Union Territory.

The differing positions reflect the continuing political discourse surrounding the constitutional changes, with regional parties seeking their reversal through democratic and political means while the central government considers the 2019 decision final and beneficial for the region.