NPF Leader Calls for Youth Representation and Greater Autonomy in J&K Elections

Mohd Iqbal Mir, General Secretary of Nationalist People Front, emphasized the need for youth representation and criticized established parties for ignoring Article 370 in their agendas, ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir State Assembly elections. Polling will be held in three phases in September and October.

Mohd Iqbal Mir, General Secretary of the Nationalist People Front (NPF), has voiced concerns about the lack of youth representation in political offices. He emphasized that the youth have been marginalized over the past 30 years despite numerous campaigns and slogans in their favor.

Mir also criticized the absence of discussions about greater autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, specifically calling out the National Conference and Congress alliance. He noted that Congress has made no mention of reinstating Article 370 in their manifesto.

Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah's comment that Article 370 could not return even in a hundred years was acknowledged by Mir. He indicated that only the Communist Party has supported the idea of reinstating the article, but with just five parliamentary seats, achieving this goal seems improbable. Polling will occur in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with vote counting on October 4.

(With inputs from agencies.)