New political alliance in Valley pushes for full statehood, restoration of Art 370
In a significant political development in Jammu and Kashmir, three parties—Sajad Lone’s J&K Peoples Conference, Hakeem Yasin’s People’s Democratic Front, and the Justice and Development Front (comprising former members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami)—on Monday announced the formation of a “strategic alliance” named the People’s Alliance for Change (PAC).
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Handwara MLA Lone described the alliance as both a “moral and political necessity to represent the real victims of the past three decades,” and projected it as a “larger political alternative.”
The three groups also adopted a Declaration for Change, which outlines their commitment to the restoration of Articles 370, 35-A, and full statehood, to be pursued through democratic and constitutional means.
The declaration stated, “Irrespective of our ideological differences, we have decided to explore common ground and move forward in a spirit of togetherness.”
It further added, “If Kashmir is to move forward, it needs a new political culture based on unity, integrity, and development — not fear, confusion, or opportunism.”
The alliance also called for general amnesty for political prisoners and conflict-affected youth, the reintegration of the marginalised, and an end to exclusionary politics.
Lone extended an “open invitation to all like-minded political forces.” “This is not a moment—it is a movement, from changelessness to change,” he told reporters.
In the last Assembly elections, Lone’s People’s Conference managed to win just one seat, while Hakeem Yasin lost from the Khansahib Assembly seat, which he had previously represented as an Independent. The People’s Conference maintains a significant support base in north Kashmir, while Yasin’s influence is largely confined to Budgam’s Khansahib area.
The Justice and Development Front (JDF), formed by former members of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami, had backed several candidates in last year’s Assembly polls, but none secured a seat. While Jamaat-e-Islami retains a cadre base in Kashmir, it remains to be seen whether JDF will be able to mobilise substantial ground support for its political venture.
Shameem Ahmad Thoker, the head of JDF and a key figure in supporting Jamaat-backed candidates in the last Assembly elections, said the new alliance would provide a strong voice to the people. “We want change. Those who suffered in the past were always represented in Delhi by others. We want to end that era,” he told The Tribune.
He added that the alliance would strive to address pressing public issues and “force the government to work.”
Yasin, meanwhile, said the People’s Alliance for Change is built 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,” he asserted.
This marks the second instance of former Jamaat-e-Islami members participating in the formation of a political front. Last year, ahead of the Assembly elections, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), led by Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid, had also entered into a strategic alliance with former Jamaat members.
After the alliance was announced, ruling National Conference chief spokesperson and MLA Tanvir Sadiq wrote on X, “Look who’s back—the BJP’s loyal “B-Team”, freshly repackaged as an alternative. Rejected by the people, resurrected by remote. When ideology fails, desperation unites. Let’s just call them party B pro max, now with extra obedience.”
J & K