With the announcement of election dates, political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have started preparations. In this sequence, the National Conference announced its manifesto on Tuesday, in which 12 guarantees have been given. These include the restoration of Article 370 and statehood of Jammu and Kashmir and the implementation of the autonomy resolution passed by the then Assembly in the year 2000. BJP has called NC’s manifesto anti-national.
In fact, in June 2000, the Farooq Abdullah-led National Conference government had passed a resolution in the Assembly demanding restoration of the pre-1953 constitutional situation in the state. However, it was rejected by the Union Cabinet headed by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In the year 2019, the Narendra Modi government had abrogated Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and divided the erstwhile state into two union territories – Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The NC manifesto for the upcoming assembly elections also promises amnesty for all political prisoners and the honorable return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley. In its election document, the party has made promises like 200 units of free electricity, relief from electricity and water crisis, transfer of hydroelectric projects to Jammu and Kashmir and providing 12 free LPG cylinders every year to economically weaker sections.
Releasing the manifesto at a press conference, NC Vice President Omar Abdullah said the party is making only those promises which it can fulfill, according to PTI. He described the manifesto as the vision document of NC and the roadmap of governance. The manifesto makes 12 broad promises, including efforts for full implementation of the autonomy resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in 2000.
“We strive to restore (Article) 370-35A and restore statehood to the position it had before August 5, 2019,” the NC election document said. In the interim period, “we will endeavor to redraft the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019 and the Rules of Business of Business of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, 2019.”
Promise of release of prisoners lodged in jails also
The manifesto promises that the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, in its first list of business after the elections, will pass a resolution against the Centre’s decision to take away the statehood and special status of the region. It will seek to amend, repeal and repeal those laws passed after August 5, 2019, that affect the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The party also promised to protect the land and employment rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, encourage dialogue between India and Pakistan and ensure the release of prisoners lodged in jails.
Announcement for youth and women also
The manifesto also includes simplified job verification process, addressing “unjust” dismissal of employees and ending harassment of people on highways. The National Conference promised a comprehensive job package to the youth, one lakh jobs and filling all vacancies in government departments within 180 days of coming to power. Another guarantee announced by the party aims to provide social welfare and Rs 5,000 per month to female heads of families belonging to economically weaker sections of the society.
Along with this, it was also promised to strengthen the public distribution system, provide 10 kg rice/flour per person every month and work towards setting up a Minority Commission. The manifesto said the party will implement its WADA (War Against Drug Abuse) report to eliminate the drug menace.
Guarantee of free medical insurance to sick people
The party said if the National Conference forms the government, it will strengthen agriculture and horticulture sectors, create strong health infrastructure and provide free Rs 5 lakh per year to people needing heart and kidney transplants and those suffering from fatal diseases like cancer. Will set up a medical trust with insurance.
The election document promises to give industry status to the tourism sector and explore new tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir including Pir Panjal, Chenab and other areas. The National Conference promised free education up to the university level and a strong plan for the education sector. It also promised massive expansion of Srinagar and Jammu cities.
BJP targeted
BJP described the manifesto of National Conference as anti-national. Jammu BJP MP Jugal Kishore Sharma and Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi said in a press conference that the NC manifesto is anti-national and supportive of separatists. The National Conference wants a return to the dark days of stone pelting and protests.
NC is fooling the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Elections will be held in three phases
Let us tell you that the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in three phases on 18 September, 25 September and 1 October. The results will be declared on 4th October. In December last year, the Supreme Court had directed the Election Commission to conduct assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30.
(With inputs from Sunil Bhatt)