(Kashmir Rechords Desk)

The last week of July 1999 is etched in the annals of Jammu and Kashmir’s history as a period of intense military engagement and significant political reconfiguration. Amidst the throes of the Kargil War, where the Indian Army was fervently pushing back Pakistani infiltrators in the rugged terrain of the Kargil sector, a notable political development was taking shape. Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, a prominent political figure and former Union Home Minister, chose this critical juncture to part ways with the Indian National Congress and establish his own regional political entity, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The Kargil Conflict and India’s Triumph

Each year on July 26, India commemorates Kargil Vijay Diwas, celebrating the Nation’s victory over Pakistani forces in the Kargil War. The conflict, which saw intense fighting in the high-altitude region of Northern Kargil District in Ladakh, culminated in the successful eviction of Pakistani troops from strategically important mountain tops. This victory not only showcased the valour and resilience of the Indian Armed Forces but also marked a significant moment of national pride and unity.

The Birth of PDP

Just two days after the celebration of Kargil Vijay Diwas, on July 28, 1999, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed having already quit Congress, alongside his supporters, including his daughter Mehbooba Mufti, announced the formation of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This move was a strategic realignment in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape. Rumours at the time suggested that Mufti, leveraging his deep understanding of the Indian government’s handling of Kashmir affairs, aimed to create the PDP to challenge the dominance of the National Conference and bring about a new“ political order”.

The Political Landscape Post-1999

The PDP’s inception temporarily brought a new  but different dynamic to the politics of Jammu and Kashmir. Both Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Mehbooba Mufti ascended to the position of Chief Minister, albeit through coalition governments with mainstream national parties. The PDP’s role in bringing about phases of relative “peace and stability’’ in Kashmir, though in piecemeal, was seen as a testament to its initial purpose, but not with much success.

The Shift Post-2019

Twenty-five years after these events, as the Nation celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas, the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir has undergone seismic shifts. The abrogation of Article 370 on August 5,  2019 dismantled the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the reorganization of the State into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, with Kargil now part of the latter. This move has significantly altered the political dynamics, with the PDP struggling to find its footing in the new order.