Srinagar, June 30 (KNS): J&K Peoples Conference President Sajad Gani Lone today presided over a landmark joint press conference in Srinagar, where leaders from the Justice and Development Front (JDF) and the People's Democratic Front (PDF) formally unveiled the Declaration for Change — a visionary political roadmap aimed at reshaping the political and constitutional future of Jammu & Kashmir.

This formal declaration marks the launch of a strategic alliance named People's Alliance For Change (PAC) between JKPC, JDF, and PDF — which Lone described as a “moral and political necessity to represent the real victims of the past three decades.” The move signals a decisive shift away from what he termed the “comfort of an elite political class” toward a people-led movement rooted in justice, accountability, and dignity.

Sajad Lone’s keynote address struck a powerful chord as he laid bare the systematic disempowerment of J&K’s people since the 1990s — culminating in the revocation of Articles 370 and 35-A on August 5, 2019. “The most politically empowered state was reduced to a Union Territory,” he said. “And this act of disempowerment needs a political response that reflects the pain of the people, not the privilege of the elite.”

Lone declared that the current political order continues to reward those who once contributed to the suffering, while the actual victims remain voiceless. “There has been no closure to the decades of pain because those who inflicted it still rule. That must end. The real victims must now represent the pain they carry,” he asserted.

The Declaration for Change, jointly adopted by the three formations, outlines a comprehensive commitment to the restoration of Articles 370, 35-A, and full statehood — to be pursued through democratic and constitutional means. The alliance also calls for general amnesty for political prisoners and conflict-affected youth, the reintegration of the marginalized, and an end to exclusionary politics.

In a bold move, Lone highlighted the discriminatory nature of recent recruitment drives, stating that “up to ninety percent of new government job appointments have gone to the Jammu region,” branding the reservation system as “systematically biased against Kashmiris.” He criticized the silence of traditional political parties, accusing them of enabling injustice through inaction.

Further, the declaration pledges to empower J&K’s youth through education, entrepreneurship, and inclusive governance, while calling out the “politics of pretence” that has dominated J&K’s leadership narrative. “Even grief has been stolen from the real sufferers,” Lone said, calling for a singular, transparent political language anchored in truth — not tokenism.

Describing the new alliance as the beginning of a “larger political alternative,” he extended an open invitation to all like-minded political forces. “This is not a moment. It is a movement — from changelessness to change,” he said.

Addressing the press conference, JDF President Shameem Ahmad Thoker remarked that when it comes to Sajad Lone and himself, there is absolute unanimity between their parties on a fundamental truth.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“Those who have inflicted pain cannot claim to represent it,” he said. “Pain is an intensely personal and often excruciating experience — one that cannot be understood or healed by those who have never borne it. It is not a commodity to be traded in the marketplace; it is something one must live through to truly comprehend.”

He added that the most profound bond between them lies in their shared past. “His late father, and the leaders we continue to remember with immense respect and reverence — perhaps even they shared many common values,” he said.

PDF Chairman Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen asserted that the People's Alliance for Change (PAC) stands firmly on the foundation of transparency and an unwavering commitment to restoring the dignity of the people.

“Our resolve is clear — we will not indulge in double-speak, saying one thing in Kashmir, another in Jammu, and something entirely different in New Delhi. This alliance is built on a unified, people-centric agenda, crafted through consensus and aimed particularly at the vast majority who have borne the brunt of decades of suffering. That chapter of pain must end — and it will,” he declared.

General Secretary Molvi Imran Reza Ansari stated that this umbrella alliance is rooted in justice and equality — both of which have become essential in the present times.

"Today, the rights of the people are being obliterated. Had the present government — and those before it — been truly committed to public welfare and sincerely addressed the grievances and aspirations of the people, there would have been no need for the formation of this alliance. Today, the public especially our youth are deeply disillusioned. Instead of resolving the pressing issues, the government is resorting to theatrics, merely engaging with people to dodge accountability," he said.

Those from JKPC leadership who were present included Vice President Abdul Gani Vakil, Chief Spokesperson Adv. Bashir Ahmad Dar, DDC Chairman Kupwara Irfan Panditpuri, Sheikh Imran, Provisional Secretary Irfan Mattoo,Youth Wing President Mudasir Karim & senior leaders Dr. Mudasir Akbar Shah — all reinforcing the party’s serious commitment to the movement.

The Justice and Development Front was represented by its President Shamim Ahmed Thoker, Vice President Abdul Rehman Shalla, General Secretary Sayar Ahmed Reshi, Chief Coordinator Dr. Talat Majid, Chief Organiser Dr. Kalimullah Lone, Youth President Farooq Ahmed Ganai, and Media Organiser Ahsan Malik — forming a united front in this landmark political realignment.

From the People’s Democratic Front, the leadership comprised Chairman Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, General Secretary Dr. Nissar Ahmad Paul, Vice President Abdul Rashid, Spokesperson Mushtaq Shamin, Legal Advisor Adv. Arif Shah, and State Secretary Adv. Rayees Ahmad — all uniting behind the declaration with urgency and resolve. (KNS)