New Political Front Emerges in Kashmir: Peoples Alliance for Change Takes Shape

Srinagar, June 30, 2025 — In a striking development that could reshape Jammu and Kashmir’s political trajectory, three regional parties have come together to form a new coalition — the Peoples Alliance for Change (PAC). The alliance, led by the Peoples Conference (PC), the Justice & Development Front (JDF), and the Peoples Democratic Front (PDF), was formally announced today in Srinagar during a high-profile press conference attended by senior leaders and supporters from across the Valley.

This new political alignment signals a significant shift in the region’s power dynamics, challenging the long-standing dominance of traditional parties. The alliance is built on a shared vision of political reform, justice, and regional empowerment, aiming to provide a credible and uncompromising voice for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

A Coalition Rooted in Common Purpose

At the heart of this alliance lies a deep sense of urgency — a belief that mainstream politics in the region has grown disconnected from the people’s lived realities. Leaders from all three parties emphasized the need for a platform that prioritizes truth, transparency, and tangible change over old political rhetoric.

Sajad Gani Lone, who heads the Peoples Conference, described the formation of the alliance as “a call of conscience” — an opportunity to rebuild trust in the political process by bringing honesty and consistency to public discourse. He was joined by Hakeem Mohammad Yasin of the PDF and Shamim Ahmad Thoker of the JDF, both of whom echoed the sentiment that the time had come for Kashmir’s leadership to speak with one clear, united voice.

Declaration for Change

The alliance also released a joint declaration titled “Declaration for Change”, outlining its primary objectives:

• Restoration of Constitutional Guarantees: The PAC strongly advocates for the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, asserting that these provisions were foundational to Jammu and Kashmir’s identity and autonomy.
• Demand for Full Statehood: Reversing the downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory remains a core demand. The alliance views this move as a blow to the region’s democratic representation.
• A Unified Political Voice: A key criticism voiced by the alliance was the double standards of some mainstream parties, who allegedly adopt one tone in Delhi and another in Srinagar. The PAC promises to end this duplicity and commit to political consistency.
• Youth-Centric Reforms: The alliance underscored the need to transform how Kashmiri youth are viewed and treated — not as threats or passive voters, but as leaders, innovators, and agents of change. The PAC vowed to include young voices in decision-making at every level.
• Equitable Employment: Leaders expressed concern over what they claim is disproportionate employment distribution favoring Jammu, alleging that a vast majority of recent government jobs have bypassed Kashmiri youth. The alliance called for a fair and transparent recruitment process that reflects regional equity.
• General Amnesty and Healing: The PAC committed to pursuing general amnesty for young individuals involved in past protests and unrest, emphasizing the need for healing, rehabilitation, and societal reintegration.

Breaking the Mold

What sets this alliance apart is not just its goals, but its tone — one marked by moral clarity and emotional authenticity. The leadership made it clear they were not forming the alliance for power alone, but to offer a fresh political culture rooted in lived experience and a deep sense of regional responsibility.

The leaders openly acknowledged the years of alienation and mistrust between the people and political institutions. This coalition, they claimed, would be driven by grassroots engagement rather than elite negotiation rooms.

A Call for Broader Unity

Though the alliance has begun with three core partners, it has issued an open invitation to other like-minded regional groups and individuals to join their mission. This inclusivity, they believe, is vital to building a movement strong enough to challenge the entrenched political structures that have long defined Kashmir’s governance.

Looking Ahead

With elections on the horizon and the public hungry for change, the Peoples Alliance for Change appears poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir. While the challenges are immense — from overcoming political inertia to gaining mass support — the leaders of PAC seem ready to face them head-on.

Their message is clear: it’s time for politics in Kashmir to move beyond symbolism and start delivering real, lasting change. Whether the alliance can turn its promises into action remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — the political landscape in Kashmir is no longer the same.