Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Gani Lone, Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) led by Hakeem Mohammad Yasin and Justice and Development Front (JDF), a faction of former Jamaat-e-Islami members, on Monday joined hands to form a new political alliance named ‘Peoples Alliance for Change’ (PAC).
The announcement of PAC formation was made by Sajad Lone in a press conference which was attended by top leadership of the three parties.
Lone described the PAC 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.”
He said 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”.
On the occasion, the alliance released its declaration named ‘Declaration for Change’, which outlines the commitment of the three parties to restoration of Articles 370, 35-A, and full statehood.
The alliance vowed to pursue restoration of Article 370 and 35A through democratic and constitutional means
The alliance also called for general amnesty for political prisoners and conflict-affected youth, reintegration of marginalized and an end to exclusionary politics.
Taking a dig at reservation policy, Lone alleged that up to ninety percent of new government job appointments have gone to the Jammu region.
He branded the reservation system as “systematically biased against Kashmiris” and criticized the silence of traditional political parties, accusing them of enabling injustice through inaction.
Describing the new alliance as the beginning of a “larger political alternative,” the alliance extended an open invitation to all like-minded political forces. “This is not a moment. It is a movement — from changelessness to change”.
JDF President Shameem Ahmad Thoker said those who have inflicted pain cannot claim to represent it.
“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 said.
PDF Chairman Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen said the 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 said.