Kavinder Gupta Criticizes National Conference, Omar Abdullah Advocates India-Pakistan Dialogue

Kavinder Gupta, ex-Deputy CM of Jammu and Kashmir, criticized the National Conference after Omar Abdullah expressed support for India-Pakistan dialogue. Omar launched the NC manifesto, promising the restoration of Article 370, 35-A, and statehood. Upcoming elections are pivotal, marking the first since the 2019 abrogation of Article 370.

Kavinder Gupta, former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and BJP leader, censured the National Conference following Omar Abdullah's endorsement of dialogue between India and Pakistan, charging the party with misleading the public. Abdullah stated, "We have always advocated for dialogue and will continue to do so. As a responsible party, we will do everything in our power to facilitate it."

Abdullah quoted Atal Bihari Vajpayee saying, "We can change friends but not neighbors," and expressed hope for future talks, emphasizing that both India and Pakistan share the responsibility of creating a conducive atmosphere. The National Conference recently unveiled its manifesto, pledging to restore Article 370, 35-A, and statehood.

The manifesto, presented by Vice President Omar Abdullah, highlighted key commitments including the redrawing of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, and the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. The first pledge is the restoration of the political and legal status of the Union Territory, aiming to reinstate Article 370 and 35-A.

Gupta dismissed the NC's promises as beyond their control, questioning their capability to release prisoners and restore Article 370. He accused the party of exploiting the populace and fostering nepotism and terrorism. Gupta pointed out the enhanced security and unity in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370, asserting the electorate would reject the politics of freebies.

Tanvir Sadiq, the NC's Chief Spokesperson, guaranteed the restoration of normalcy and efforts to improve conditions for India-Pakistan dialogue. He also promised the release of political detainees and expedited passport verifications. The upcoming elections are the first since the Article 370 abrogation.

The elections, scheduled in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, will have their votes counted on October 4. These will be the first elections in Kashmir since the PDP-BJP coalition government collapsed in June 2018. The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to conclude the election process by September 30, 2024.

(With inputs from agencies.)