Srinagar : Stating that people of Jammu and Kashmir have been “disempowered in the largest democracy of the World, National Conference on Monday demanded early elections as well as restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A besides returning NHPC owned Power projects to J&K to address the “electricity crisis”.
“It is now the third year since Articles 370, 35A were illegally and unconstitutionally abrogated amidst promises of improved economic and security scenario, J&K has only seen worsening on both these fronts,” party said in a resolution passed at its delegate session held at Hazratbal, Srinagar.
“Economic and security scenario continues to deteriorate, engulfing more and more people.”
While NC is fighting a legal battle in the Supreme Court against the Aug 05 2019 decisions, the party said that the people of J& K have, and are being “disempowered in the largest democracy of the World.” “From June 2018 till date, J&K is reeling under the second longest spell of Governor’s rule,” it said, adding, “Here is an erstwhile state where people are being denied to have their own government who listens to them, understands their concerns and acts accordingly. For people there is little to no access to the LG or his advisors.” The basic essence of representation and accountability has long been rescinded in this part of the world where bureaucracy rules, the party said in a statement to GNS.
“In the All-Party meeting convened in 2021, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi reiterated his government’s commitment to restoring J&K’s statehood. Then much to our disagreement and protests, GoI started the delimitation process which finally culminated with the release of updated voter lists for the newly redrawn 90 assembly segments of J&K,” it said, adding, “It was promised by the country & Home Minister that the much awaited assembly elections will be held after the delimitation process is over. Now that the process is complete and the final updated voter list is out, still there is no announcement for Assembly elections.”
Considering the political situation in J& K, the party said, this delegate session resolves “Articles 370, 35 A be restored to their original, undiluted form.”
It demanded restoring full statehood to J&K and announce Assembly Election dates at an earliest.
“We urge the people of India to rise to the occasion and ask the BJP led central government to remove injustices in J&K”.
In view of their “great historical significance”, it said, Public holidays should be restored on the occasion of Martyr’s day and Sher-e-Kashmir’s birth anniversary i.e on 13 th July and 5 December respectively.
“NHPC owned Power projects should be returned to J&K to address the electricity crisis.”
The party said prisoners lodged outside J&K should be brought back to Kashmir and prisoners who are not held for serious charges be released.
“JKNC is committed towards the upliftment and development of every weaker section of the society and welcome the steps taken for conferment of ST Status in favour of Paharis of Jammu and Kashmir. As assured, ST Status already conferred in favour of Gujjars and Bakarwals shall not be diluted is also a welcome step and it will bring harmony and brotherhood between the two communities.” (GNS)
