As Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) prepares for its first Assembly elections in a decade, the National Conference (NC) has unveiled its manifesto, sparking significant discussion and controversy. Scheduled in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, 2024, with the counting of votes set for October 4, these elections are poised to shape the future political landscape of the Union Territory (UT).
The manifesto raises concerns about the potential erasure of Hindu heritage in the region while advocating for the full restoration of Article 370 in Kashmir. It notably refers to Shankaracharya Hill by the name Takht-i-Sulaiman and Hari Parbat as Koh-e-Maran, reflecting a shift towards Islamic historical terminology for these culturally significant sites.
Controversial Aspects of the Manifesto
Several elements of the NC’s manifesto have raised concerns and provoked debate:
Restoration of Articles 370 and 35A: The promise to restore Articles 370 and 35A, along with re-establishing J&K’s pre-2019 statehood, is seen by some as a step backward in national integration. The abrogation of Article 370 aimed to bring J&K into complete constitutional alignment with the rest of India. Reinstating these provisions could be viewed as reinstating separatist sentiments and reversing progress made towards normalisation and integration.
Erasure of Hindu Heritage: The manifesto’s reference to Shankaracharya Hill as Takht-i-Sulaiman and Hari Parbat as Koh-e-Maran has sparked concerns about the erasure of Hindu heritage. Shankaracharya Hill and Hari Parbat hold significant historical and cultural importance for Hindus. Renaming these landmarks could be perceived as an attempt to sever Kashmir from its Hindu past, potentially deepening communal divides and altering the region’s historical narrative.
National Conference Manifesto
Hindu temple of Shankaracharya called Takht-I-Sulaiman and the hill where Hari Parbat Temple Goddess presides is called Koh-e-Maran. This is how Hindu origin/history of #Kashmir is erased.
Some radical idiots call Anantnag as Islamabad. Shameless. pic.twitter.com/wvmvrX4fYt
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) August 21, 2024
Tourism Impact: Notably, the record-setting 1.88 crore tourists who visited J&K in 2022 were a direct result of the abrogation of Article 370. This influx of visitors represents one of the many positive changes observed since the constitutional shift, suggesting that the current administration’s policies may have contributed to economic and social improvements in the region.
Other Highlights
Restoration of Articles 370 and 35A: The manifesto’s central theme is the full restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, which were abrogated in August 2019. These provisions granted J&K special status and autonomy, which the NC vows to reinstate, arguing that their removal has significantly altered the region’s constitutional and political landscape.
Repeal of the Public Safety Act (PSA): The manifesto promises to repeal the PSA, criticised for its use in detaining individuals without trial. The NC contends that the PSA has been misused to suppress dissent and that its repeal is crucial for restoring civil liberties.
Indo-Pak Dialogue and Regional Peace: The NC advocates for renewed dialogue between India and Pakistan, emphasising that peace in South Asia and addressing the aspirations of J&K’s people should guide diplomatic efforts.
Autonomy and Constitutional Safeguards: The party pledges to fully implement the autonomy resolution passed by the J&K Assembly in 2000, which seeks to restore the state’s constitutional position prior to 1953.
Opposition to Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA): The manifesto strongly opposes the UCC and CAA, promising to protect land and employment rights for J&K residents.
Rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits and Community Reconciliation: The NC reaffirms its commitment to the dignified return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, proposing a “truth and reconciliation commission” to heal communal divides.
Economic Initiatives: The manifesto includes a promise to introduce the J&K Youth Employment Generation Act, aiming to create 100,000 jobs within three months and fill government vacancies within 180 days to tackle unemployment.
Addressing Power Crisis and Welfare Schemes: The NC plans to transfer hydroelectric projects to J&K to address the power crisis, offer 200 free units of electricity, and provide a one-time settlement for outstanding electricity bills. Social welfare measures include monthly assistance of Rs 5,000 to female heads of economically weaker section (EWS) households, increasing rice allocation, and providing free cylinders and public transport for women.
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