The National Conference (NC) has unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming elections, highlighting twelve key guarantees, including a commitment to restoring Article 370 and the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir.
Additionally, the party promises to implement the autonomy resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in 2000.
In June 2000, under the leadership of then-Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, the National Conference government passed a resolution in the Assembly seeking to reinstate the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir as it was prior to 1953. However, this resolution was rejected by the Union Cabinet, led by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Also Read:Pakistan’s hidden agenda: Using Jammu attacks to destabilise and delay Assembly elections
The party’s manifesto pledges amnesty for political prisoners and the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley. It also includes promises such as 200 free units of electricity, relief from power and water shortages, transferring hydro-electric projects to Jammu and Kashmir, and providing 12 free LPG cylinders annually to economically weaker sections.
Unveiling the manifesto, NC Vice President Omar Abdullah emphasised that the party is making realistic promises and outlined it as the NC’s vision and governance roadmap. The document highlights 12 key promises, including the full implementation of the 2000 Autonomy Resolution passed by the J&K Assembly.
“We strive to restore (Articles) 370-35A, and statehood as prior to August 5, 2019,” the NC poll document said.
Also Read:Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024: Voting to be held in three phases, results on October 4
The party’s manifesto states that it will work to revise the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, and the Transaction of Business Rules, 2019, during the interim period.
It also promises that the first order of business for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly after elections will be to pass a resolution opposing the Centre’s decision to revoke the region’s statehood and special status.
The NC vowed to modify or repeal laws enacted after August 5, 2019, that affect Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. The party also promised to safeguard land and employment rights, encourage India-Pakistan dialogue, and push for the release of prisoners.
Under the promise of “Restoring normalcy,” the NC said it would repeal the Public Safety Act (PSA) if it comes to power. The manifesto also includes plans for a simplified job verification process, addressing unjust employee terminations, and ending highway harassment.
The party pledged to create a job package, offer 100,000 jobs to youths, and fill all government vacancies within 180 days of taking office. In social welfare, it promised Rs 5,000 per month to women heads of economically weaker households.
Jammu and Kashmir’s assembly elections will take place in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with results announced on October 4. Last December, the Supreme Court ordered the poll panel to hold elections by September 30.