People’s Alliance for Change in Jammu & Kashmir Challenges National Conference’s Hold
By: Javid Amin | Srinagar | 04 July 2025
A Political Realignment in Kashmir
A political tremor is rippling through Jammu & Kashmir’s already delicate landscape. The emergence of a new political front—the People’s Alliance for Change (PAC)—is rewriting equations and energizing conversations that had grown stagnant under the dominance of traditional parties like the National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
As J&K grapples with lingering uncertainty post-Article 370 abrogation, the PAC is positioning itself not just as an alternative, but as a moral-political necessity. The alliance brings together once-fragmented forces, united by a shared sense of political marginalization and public disillusionment with the current ruling parties.
This article explores the structure, vision, and political significance of the PAC—and why its rise could be a turning point for democratic engagement and political accountability in Kashmir.
Who’s in the People’s Alliance for Change (PAC)?
The PAC is not just another pre-election coalition; it is a strategic realignment of ideologically diverse but politically frustrated groups.
01. Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC)
Led by: Sajad Gani Lone
Political base: Kupwara, Baramulla, Handwara
Noteworthy for:
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Former separatist turned mainstream politician
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Vocal on regional development and constitutional rights
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Often viewed as an intellectual and media-savvy challenger to the status quo
02. People’s Democratic Front (PDF)
Led by: Hakim Mohammad Yasin
Political base: Budgam
Noteworthy for:
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Stronghold in central Kashmir
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Seen as pragmatic and development-oriented
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Focuses on agrarian issues, youth employment, and state rights
03. Justice and Development Front (JDF)
Composed of: Former members and sympathizers of the now-banned Jamaat-e-Islami
Political base: South Kashmir districts like Shopian, Pulwama, and Kulgam
Noteworthy for:
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Rehabilitated Islamist cadre shifting to electoral politics
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Advocates for Islamic values within a democratic framework
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Bringing politically disconnected voters back into the system
What Does the PAC Stand For?
The PAC is attempting to reshape political discourse by championing causes that have been either diluted or deflected by larger parties. Its charter of demands touches on constitutional rights, social justice, and youth-centric governance.
01. Restoration of Articles 370 and 35-A
The restoration of special status is the cornerstone of the PAC’s platform. Unlike the National Conference, which has softened its rhetoric, the PAC remains vocal and unapologetic about reversing the August 5, 2019 decision.
“There can be no justice without the restoration of our constitutional identity,” — Sajad Lone
02. Full Statehood for Jammu & Kashmir
The alliance seeks the reversal of the Union Territory status, which it claims has diluted democracy and centralized power with unelected bureaucrats.
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Reintroduce an elected legislative council
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Demand full control over police, land, and administrative services
03. General Amnesty for Detainees and Conflict-Affected Youth
Calling it a step toward reconciliation, the PAC has proposed:
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Amnesty for youth booked under the UAPA and PSA
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Rehabilitation packages and psychological support
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Skill development programs for stone pelters and ex-militant sympathizers
04. Reservation System Reform
Perhaps the most controversial aspect, the PAC alleges that current reservation policies disproportionately favor Jammu.
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Demand for revised delimitation based on population density and conflict impact
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Special representation for border residents of North Kashmir, tribal Gujjar-Bakarwals, and religious minorities within the valley
Why Is PAC a Challenge to the National Conference?
Despite the NC’s electoral victory in the 2024 Assembly elections, its governance capacity remains severely limited under the Union Territory framework. This limitation has opened the door for credible alternative voices like the PAC.
01. Power Without Authority
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Key administrative and developmental decisions still lie with the Lieutenant Governor and Ministry of Home Affairs
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NC MLAs often complain of being sidelined or bypassed
02. Public Disenchantment with Traditional Politics
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High youth unemployment, rising drug addiction, and lack of infrastructural investment have disillusioned voters
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The PAC is exploiting this vacuum by engaging directly with students, farmers, ex-panchayat members, and disillusioned PDP-NC supporters
03. NC’s Failure to Build Grassroots Governance
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Despite winning seats, NC has failed to empower panchayats or revive municipal governance
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PAC promises to decentralize governance, linking it with local Islamic trusts, welfare groups, and mohalla committees
Political Symbolism: Reclaiming “Marginalized Voices”
What makes PAC interesting is not just its demands—but who it represents.
Who Does PAC Speak For?
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Former Jamaat-e-Islami members seeking legitimate political rehabilitation
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Young activists previously accused of separatism
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Political orphans abandoned by legacy parties
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Marginalized communities like Gujjars, Paharis, and Kashmiri Pandits
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Disillusioned youth who see no future in current governance models
The PAC Narrative:
“We’re not here to rule. We’re here to restore.”
It’s a potent message in a region exhausted by broken promises, bureaucratic rule, and political tokenism.
What’s Next for the PAC?
The PAC is not just waiting for 2026 Assembly elections. It is actively preparing for upcoming Panchayat and Urban Local Body (ULB) polls, aiming to:
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Mobilize village-level support using cooperative structures and religious networks
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Challenge NC and BJP in urban centers like Srinagar, Anantnag, and Baramulla
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Field youth leaders with clean slates and grassroots credibility
The goal is to present a legitimate third front—neither separatist nor establishment—but justice-driven and youth-focused.
Strategy or Survival? Can PAC Sustain Itself?
Critics argue that alliances like PAC may lack long-term coherence given their ideological diversity. Will a group composed of moderate Islamists, centrist reformers, and former separatists really stay united?
PAC’s Strengths:
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Ground-level mobilization
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Clear communication strategy
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Strong alignment on key issues like statehood and amnesty
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Strategic thinkers like Sajad Lone who can navigate Delhi and Srinagar politics
Potential Pitfalls:
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Ideological contradictions (liberals vs former Jamaat members)
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Leadership ego clashes
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Resource constraints in election season
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Lack of influence in Jammu, where BJP retains dominance
Still, if it survives internal contradictions, the PAC could alter the political arithmetic of J&K.
Voter Sentiment: Winds of Change?
There is growing anecdotal evidence that the electorate is open to alternative leadership, especially among the youth.
Voter Quotes:
“The NC and PDP just rotate power. We need a party that listens.” – Shabir, 26, Baramulla
“PAC may not win big, but they’re voicing our pain.” – Zeenat, 19, Budgam college student
“We have nothing to lose by trying someone new.” – Latif, 40, ex-PDP supporter, Pulwama
Impact on Broader Political Landscape
The emergence of PAC isn’t happening in isolation. It’s reshaping multiple political relationships:
01. Pressure on NC and PDP
They will be forced to redefine their platforms, become more responsive, or risk being overtaken.
02. Challenge to BJP’s Jammu Dominance
Though PAC lacks presence in Jammu, its campaign to reform the reservation system could resonate with border and tribal communities—chipping into BJP’s rural vote base.
03. A New Delhi Dilemma
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PAC’s rise is being watched cautiously by the Centre, which prefers a controlled democratic process in J&K.
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If PAC gains mass traction, it could complicate the Centre’s post-370 governance model and narrative of normalcy.
Bottom-Line: The Third Front Kashmir Didn’t Know It Needed?
Whether PAC becomes a political force or fizzles out under its contradictions, one thing is clear—it has reshaped political discourse in Jammu & Kashmir.
In a post-370 world, where elections have become formalities and power remains centralized, PAC is reintroducing accountability, grassroots voices, and a justice-based narrative.
And while the road ahead is uncertain, its very formation signals the revival of democratic contestation in a region where electoral politics had long become synonymous with fatigue and frustration.
“History teaches us that politics abhors a vacuum. The PAC is Kashmir’s most credible attempt yet to fill it—with voice, vision, and perhaps, victory.”
