Union Minister Dismisses Article 370 Restoration as NC Launches Ambitious Manifesto for J&K Assembly Polls

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy dismissed the National Conference's pledge to restore Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, citing unlikelihood of NC or Congress returning to power. National Conference's manifesto promises several guarantees including statehood restoration, employment packages, and social welfare schemes ahead of the upcoming J&K Assembly elections.

Reacting to the manifesto of the National Conference (NC), Union Minister G Kishan Reddy categorically ruled out the restoration of Article 370, emphasizing that neither Omar Abdullah nor Congress will come to power in Jammu and Kashmir. Reddy stated, 'There is no question of either Omar Abdullah or the National Conference or Congress party coming to power in J&K. How will they bring back Article 370? Omar Abdullah will neither become Chief Minister nor will he come to power, so the issue of bringing back Article 370 does not arise.'

Ahead of the Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, set to take place from September 18, the National Conference unveiled its manifesto on Monday, assuring 12 guarantees to the people of the Union Territory. The party's Vice President, Omar Abdullah, introduced the manifesto with significant promises, including the restoration of Article 370, 35-A, and statehood; redrawing the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019; and ensuring the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.

The first guarantee of the NC's manifesto aims to restore the political and legal status of the region. The party pledges to strive for the re-establishment of Article 370, 35-A, and statehood before August 5, 2019. Meanwhile, in the interim, the party will work to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, and the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019. Additionally, the NC plans to introduce a resolution against the Centre's decision to revoke the region's statehood and special status during the first assembly session.

The second guarantee outlines multiple promises, including the release of political prisoners, the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, a simplified job verification process, ease of passport verification, and stopping unjust terminations and unnecessary harassment on highways. The third guarantee offers a comprehensive job package for youth.

Addressing unemployment, Omar Abdullah highlighted the deteriorated employment scenario post-August 5, 2019, citing recruitment frauds and unmet job promises. 'We are making comprehensive promises to the youths and going to address the unemployment issue,' he remarked. The NC also promises free electricity up to 200 units, and Abdullah added, 'We will also address the issue of water and electricity and will give electricity free up to 200 units. Some will promise more but that's not beneficial because they are not going to be in power in the future.'

On social welfare, Abdullah announced a special guarantee, promising Rs 5000 per month for women from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and 12 gas cylinders annually post-elections for EWS families. Additionally, the party pledges to increase pensions for widows and develop a comprehensive plan to tackle the drug issue in the Union Territory. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)