National Conference releases poll manifesto

Srinagar, Aug 19: National Conference (NC) on Wednesday released its manifesto for assembly polls with several promises including striving for restoration of autonomy, Article 370, 35-A, and statehood, repealing of Public Safety Act (PSA), restoration of normalcy, release of political prisoners, and encouraging of Indo-Pak dialogue.

The other promises are endeavouring to redraw the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, and the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019. NC also promised to make efforts to modify, annul, and repeal post-August 5, 2019, laws that impact the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and protect the land and employment rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The premier political party in its manifesto also promised a comprehensive job package for youth, relief from electricity and water crisis, social welfare, strengthening of the public distribution system, implementation of the WADA report for eradicating drug addiction, strengthening of horticulture and agriculture sectors, creating robust health infrastructure and promotion of tourism, strong education sector and comprehensive expansion of Srinagar and Jammu cities.

The manifesto was released by NC Vice President Omar Abdullah at a press conference here. Those present included senior leaders Abdul Rahim  Rather,  Ali Mohammad  Sagar,  Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, Rattan Lal Gupta and Tanvir Sadiq.

Omar said that the manifesto is not for assembly elections only. “It is a vision document and in fact an agenda of governance for NC for next five years if it is voted to power,” he added.

Asked how autonomy, Article 370 or 35 A can be restored when the Supreme Court upheld the  union government’s decision regarding the abrogation of  Article 370 and 35 A, Omar said, “We will fight for it both politically and legally. Before the latest decision of the Supreme Court on Article 370, the top court had earlier upheld the continuation of Article 370. If the latest verdict of the SC changed its earlier three decisions, can we not expect this decision too will be changed by the Supreme Court in future? If BJP did not accept defeat after three decisions against it on Article 370, should we accept defeat after one decision against us?”

He added that NC never said to the people that it can get Article 370 restored overnight. “We are not going to leave this fight. We never told people to vote for us today and tomorrow we will get these things done. But we are assuring the people that we will not remain silent and we will not leave this struggle. It took BJP 20 years to get Article 370 abrogated. We will not talk about 20 year but we are hopeful that conditions in this country will change and we will be able to keep our promise to get  restored the  Article 370 and 35-A.”

The former Chief Minister said that the manifesto also says that if NC is voted to power, the Jammu and Kashmir assembly, in its first list of business after elections, will pass a resolution against the centre's decision to strip the region of its statehood and special status.

Omar Abdullah appealed people to see NC’s manifesto on merit. “We have not promised something which is impossible. Other parties who will not be able to form the government will make tall claims and fake promises. We have tried to be realistic. We hope the people will vote for us and help NC to serve them for the next five years,” he said.

NC leader stated that his party will move to the Supreme Court if the statehood is not restored by the centre after elections.” Centre has promised restoration of statehood and in case it does not happen, we will go to Supreme Court,” he said. The manifesto also added, “NC will strive for the full implementation of the Autonomy Resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in 2000.”

It also adds that if voted to power, NC will formulate a policy to provide land to the landless and those who have been in uninterrupted possession of State lands for an extended period, granting ownership rights under a considered policy.

“We will amend laws to restrict land ownership to actual residents by imposing reasonable restrictions on non-residents and ensure government and semi-government employment opportunities are available to unemployed residents. Promote regional autonomy and create a legal framework to make it vibrant, ensuring participation from all regions,” the manifesto says.