Jammu & Kashmir Polls: Article 370, Statehood Restoration Among 12 Guarantees in NC Manifesto
Date: August 20, 2024
The National Conference (NC) has released its manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) assembly elections. This manifesto includes 12 key promises, with a strong focus on the restoration of Article 370 and the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. The elections will be held in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with the results to be announced on October 4.
Main Promises in the Manifesto
One of the primary promises in the NC’s manifesto is the restoration of Article 370. Article 370 previously granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, but it was abrogated by the Narendra Modi-led government in 2019. This move also led to the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The NC’s manifesto makes it clear that the party is committed to reversing these changes.
The restoration of statehood is another significant promise. The NC aims to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood as it was before August 5, 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated. The manifesto also highlights the party’s commitment to implementing the autonomy resolution that was passed by the J&K Assembly in June 2000. This resolution, which sought to restore the pre-1953 constitutional position in the state, was rejected by the Union Cabinet under then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
NC’s Vision and Promises
NC Vice President Omar Abdullah, while releasing the manifesto, described it as the party’s vision document and a roadmap for governance. He emphasized that the promises made in the manifesto are realistic and achievable. Omar Abdullah stated that the NC is focused on delivering what it has promised, rather than making empty promises.
The manifesto includes 12 broad guarantees. Among these, a key promise is the full implementation of the Autonomy Resolution that was passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in 2000. The manifesto also states that the first task of the new Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, once elected, will be to pass a resolution against the central government’s decision to strip the region of its statehood and special status.
Interim Measures
The NC manifesto also mentions plans for the interim period before full statehood is restored. It pledges to work on redrawing the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, and the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019. These are crucial steps toward restoring the region’s previous constitutional status.
Background and Upcoming Elections
The abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir have been significant and controversial political decisions in India. The NC has consistently opposed these moves and is using the upcoming elections as a platform to push for the reversal of these changes. The manifesto is a reflection of the party’s commitment to this cause.
The elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in three phases, starting on September 18 and ending on October 1. The results are scheduled to be announced on October 4. Last December, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to ensure that assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are held by September 30, 2024.
CLICK ON THE BELOW LINK TO DOWNLOAD MANIFESTO
CLICK HERE: JKNC MANIFESTO
