Srinagar, Oct 24 (UNI) Leaders of “ Political Alliance of Gupkar Declaration” (PAGD), including three former Chief Ministers (CMs) on Saturday met here to discuss future strategy with regard their demand for restoration of Article 370 and 35 A which were abrogated by the Centre on August 5, 2019.

The meeting held at the residence of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former CM Mehbooba Mufti at Fairview Gupkar, was attended among others by former CMs Dr Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah, CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, Peoples Conference (PC) chief Sajjad Gani Lone and Awami National Conference (ANC) vice president.

However, Congress after supporting the first Gupkar Declaration on August 4,2019, gave slip to subsequent meetings, including on Saturday.

Todays meeting was held a day after Mehbooba addressed press conference, first since her release after 14 month detention, during which she announced that she will not hoist the national flag until the flag of erstwhile state was not restored. However, the statement of Mehbooba evoked serious criticism, particularly from Bharatiya Janata Party and other saffron parties who demanded her arrest on sedition charges.

Earlier, during the day Dr Abdullah met eight senior leaders of the party from Jammu and discussed the current political situation and aspirations and concerns of the people of Jammu. Dr Abdullah also attended the meeting after he was questioned twice by Enforcement Directorate (ED) on October 19 and 21, when he turned 84, in connection with J&K Cricket Association (JKCA) multi crore scam. The signatories of the PAGD alleged that questioning of Dr Abdullah was a political vendetta.

The PAGD are demanding restoration of special status of the Jammu and Kashmir and release of all other detenues arrested before or on August 5 last year.

UNI BAS JW1630