SRINAGAR: As Jammu and Kashmir prepares for its first elections in a decade, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has released its highly anticipated manifesto, a document that could have far-reaching implications for the region’s future. At the heart of the party’s vision is a commitment to reversing the events of August 5, 2019, when the Indian government revoked Article 370, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its semi-autonomous status, and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The 2019 decision, taken by the central government, marked a profound shift in Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional landscape, erasing the region’s special status under Article 370 and dismantling its separate constitution and flag. Moreover, the move carved out Ladakh as a separate Union Territory, a decision that continues to be a source of contention among both politicians and civilians, sparking heated debates and raising fundamental questions about the region’s identity and autonomy.
The Undoing of August 5
In a direct rebuke of the central government’s actions, the JKNC’s manifesto asserts that their primary objective, if elected, will be to “restore the constitutional provisions that were unjustly taken away on August 5, 2019.” Party leader Dr Farooq Abdullah stressed that this remains a “sacred mission” for the National Conference, which had opposed the decision from the outset, labelling it unconstitutional and a blow to the identity, dignity, and autonomy of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The party has also pledged to reinstate the pre-August 5 status quo through legal and democratic means, including challenging the bifurcation of the state into Union Territories. According to the manifesto, JKNC sees the re-establishment of statehood and the restoration of Article 370 as vital to safeguarding the region’s unique culture and political autonomy.
Restoring Statehood and Political Autonomy
The JKNC has pledged to reverse the constitutional changes and restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, a move that has garnered support from various opposition parties across India.
“We strive to restore (Articles) 370-35A, and statehood as prior to August 5, 2019,” the NC poll document said.
In the interim period, “we will endeavour to redraw the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, and the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019”, it said.
“The bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories has eroded the governance structure and deprived the people of their democratic rights,” they argue.
The party’s promise is to “bring back a state that is governed by its own people” – ensuring that all decisions affecting the region are made by elected representatives, rather than the central administration. “We want to ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have control over their own destiny,” the party vows.
In doing so, the JKNC aims to address the concerns of the region’s populace, who feel their voices have been silenced since the constitutional changes. By restoring statehood, the party hopes to re-establish a governance structure that truly represents the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Economic Revival and Job Creation:
The JKNC’s manifesto places economic concerns at the forefront, acknowledging the region’s economic downturn since the 2019 decision, further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The region has faced immense economic setbacks, and it is our priority to revive the economy,” the party states.
The manifesto outlines a comprehensive plan for economic revival, including job creation, rebuilding the tourism sector, and supporting vital industries such as agriculture and handicrafts.
“A robust plan for economic revival is crucial for the region’s growth,” the party emphasizes.
Youth development is also a key focus, with policies prioritizing education, skill development, and employment opportunities for the region’s youth, who have long faced a lack of prospects.
“We need to empower our youth with opportunities, education, and skills to ensure their future is secure,” the party asserts.
Security and Human Rights
The JKNC manifesto emphasises the party’s commitment to enhancing security in Jammu and Kashmir while safeguarding human rights.
“The ongoing militarization of civilian spaces is unacceptable,” the party states. “We will work towards reducing the presence of security forces in daily life and advocate for a return to a more peaceful and democratic governance structure.”
The manifesto also addresses concerns regarding political prisoners, promising the release of those detained following the August 5 decision. Furthermore, it commits to ending “arbitrary detentions” under laws such as the Public Safety Act (PSA), which has faced widespread criticism for its misuse.
A Decisive Moment for Jammu and Kashmir
The JKNC’s manifesto, centered on reversing the August 5 decision, reflects the party’s enduring stance on regional autonomy and opposition to the 2019 changes.
“The upcoming polls will serve as a referendum on the decisions of August 5, 2019, and the future of Jammu and Kashmir’s political, economic, and social landscape,” the party notes.
In addition to reversing the August 5 decision, the JKNC manifesto outlines a comprehensive plan addressing various issues that have shaped the region’s socio-political landscape.
“We have a holistic approach to governance, covering economic revival, healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability,” the party asserts.
Economic Revival
The JKNC manifesto places a strong emphasis on revitalising Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, severely impacted by political instability and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We aim to restore traditional industries like handicrafts, agriculture, and horticulture to their former glory, while also promoting modern sectors such as IT and manufacturing,” the party states.
Infrastructure development is a crucial aspect of this strategy, with JKNC pledging investment in transportation networks, power supply, and technology hubs to enhance the region’s business appeal.
“The revival of the tourism sector, a long-standing pillar of our economy, is also a key priority,” the party notes. “We envision an improved tourism infrastructure and the promotion of our natural beauty to attract both domestic and international visitors.”
Addressing the unemployment crisis among the region’s youth is another key commitment. JKNC promises to create robust employment opportunities, particularly in education, healthcare, and IT, and promote skill development programs to enable young people to compete nationally and globally.
Healthcare
The manifesto highlights the need to improve healthcare services across Jammu and Kashmir, especially in rural areas.
“Modern healthcare facilities, an increased number of trained medical professionals, and new healthcare policies are essential to ensure access for all citizens,” JKNC asserts.
The party also pledges to make healthcare affordable, focusing on maternal and child health, tackling preventable diseases, and improving mental health services.
Education
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) views education as the bedrock of regional development. In their manifesto, they pledge to reform the existing education system, emphasizing infrastructure upgrades in schools and higher educational institutions, particularly in rural areas. “We want to ensure that students have access to modern learning environments,” they say.
To enhance the quality of education, JKNC promises to improve teacher training programs and forge partnerships with national and international universities. They also highlight the importance of vocational education, aiming to equip students with practical skills relevant to today’s job market. “We need to prepare our students for the real world,” they stress.
The manifesto proposes expanding scholarship programs and establishing specialized institutes focused on technical and professional education.
Environmental Sustainability
The JKNC manifesto recognises the significance of Jammu and Kashmir’s natural beauty and resources, dedicating a section to environmental sustainability. The party vows to take decisive action against deforestation, pollution, and climate change by implementing policies that safeguard the region’s forests, rivers, and wildlife. “We cannot afford to lose our natural heritage,” they warn.
The manifesto also pledges to promote sustainable agriculture and clean energy projects, which will protect the environment while creating jobs and ensuring long-term economic growth.
Women and Minority Rights
The JKNC manifesto commits to empowering women and protecting minority rights. The party plans to introduce policies encouraging women’s participation in politics, business, and other sectors. “Women are the backbone of our society, and their voices must be heard,” they say.
The manifesto also pledges to protect the rights of minorities, ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for all citizens, regardless of caste, creed, or gender. “We believe in an inclusive society where everyone has equal opportunities,” they emphasise.
Infrastructure Development
The manifesto highlights infrastructure development as a key pillar for transforming Jammu and Kashmir’s future. JKNC promises to invest in roads, bridges, and public transportation to connect remote areas and improve accessibility. “We want to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas,” they say.
In addition, the party aims to modernize urban infrastructure, focusing on smart cities, sanitation, and water management systems to improve the quality of life for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Striking a Balance
The JKNC manifesto stresses the need to restore peace and stability in the region while upholding human rights. “We must find a balance between security and individual freedoms,” the party says. To achieve this, JKNC has committed to reducing the militarization of civilian spaces and working towards a security framework that ensures safety without compromising on the rights of the people.
The party promises to address concerns regarding the misuse of laws like the Public Safety Act (PSA) and arbitrary detentions, emphasizing the need for “a transparent, accountable governance model that respects the rights of all citizens.” They acknowledge that “the trust between the people and the government has been eroded” and seek to rebuild it through their policies.
