National Conference promises ‘Naya Kashmir’

Srinagar: Former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah on Monday released National Conference manifesto, which reiterates the demand for autonomy, rejects the decisions of August 5, 2019, seeks to restore statehood and initiate India-Pakistan dialogue.

Abdullah stated that the party has started talks with Congress at the top level to explore the possibilities of a pre-poll alliance and stated that they were not in touch with any other party as of now. He remained silent on the possibility of him contesting the assembly elections.

“This is not just a document for elections but an agenda for governance… A roadmap for the next five years…We are hopeful that we will get votes and form the government. So, we have made promises which we can fulfil,” Abdullah said. The NC leader, while releasing the 12-point manifesto, stated that NC will undo all the injustices done over the past few years and their vision of ‘Naya Kashmir‘ will be made a reality.

The NC started with the promise of restoring political and legal status to J&K and normalcy in the region. “Strive for full implementation of autonomy resolution, restoration of Article 370 and 35 (A) and statehood, besides encouraging dialogue with Pakistan and making efforts to secure release of prisoners languishing in jail,” says the manifesto. NC has promised the repeal of the Public Safety Act and dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits besides simplified processes of job verification and issuance of passports.

NC has promised one lakh jobs which will be filled within six months, 200 units of electricity free, ₹5,000 to female heads of families of economically weaker sections and 12 LPG cylinders in a year. The party had also promised to engage the central government to restrict the import of apples and provide industry status to the tourism sector.

“We will continue to strive for restoration of the political status of J&K as the situation in the country won’t remain the same… We cannot stop fighting for our rights,” said Abdullah.