Srinagar, Aug 19: National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Monday unveiled the party’s poll manifesto and pledged to restore the political and legal status of Jammu and Kashmir if voted to power.
Addressing a press conference here, Omar said that NC would leave no stone unturned in its fight for the restoration of statehood and autonomy to the J&K. “The fight to get our powers back is not just a political agenda; it’s a matter of our identity,” he said. “We are confident of our success in the fight to reclaim the political dignity of Jammu and Kashmir. At the very least, we will restore statehood to J&K.”
Abdullah said that the NC government, if elected, would be relentless in fulfilling its commitment to the people of J&K, ensuring that the powers and autonomy of the region are fully reinstated. “We will remind the Supreme Court of India of the promise made by the Government of India regarding the restoration of statehood. If the central government fails to act, we will not hesitate to seek justice from the courts,” he said.
The former chief minister said that 200 units of free electricity will be provided for every household in J&K if NC formed the government. “Power is a lifeline in J&K, especially during harsh winters, and we are committed to ease the burden on our people by providing 200 units of free electricity,” he said.
Addressing issues of public welfare, he said that under NC’s governance, ration depots would be fully equipped to provide sugar and kerosene, essential commodities that have seen shortages in recent years. “We are committed to ensuring the basic necessities for the people. Sugar and kerosene will be available at all ration depots, and we will make sure that no one has to struggle for access to these essentials,” he promised.
Further elaborating on the party’s manifesto, Omar touched upon the issue of political prisoners detained in the aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370. “We promise to work towards the release of all political prisoners who are not involved in heinous crimes,” he said.
Abdullah said they hope the people of J&K will give them the mandate to serve them for the next five years. “Our track record speaks for itself—we have always fought for the rights of the people, and we will continue to do so,” he said.
On NC’s position on statehood, he said the battle for statehood would not end until full autonomy is restored. He said that in the unlikely event that the Government of India refuses to act on its promise, the party will go to the Supreme Court and seek justice.
The NC leader took aim at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its persistence in pursuing its “own agenda” despite multiple Supreme Court rulings on Article 370. He said NC would similarly not back down, no matter how long the fight takes.
“If after three Supreme Court decisions, the BJP has not given up its position on Article 370, do you think we will give up after just one ruling? This is a long battle, and while we don’t promise overnight success, we assure the people that we will never abandon this fight,” he said.
Dismissing speculation that the NC would align itself with the BJP or any other party, Omar said the National Conference would chart its own course. “We have no plans to partner with BJP, and Congress cannot dictate whom we should talk to. Our conversations will be with those whom we choose to align with, not based on pressure from other parties,” he said.
