National Conference Unveils Transformative Manifesto Ahead of J&K Assembly Polls

The National Conference has launched a manifesto promising 12 key guarantees for Jammu and Kashmir, including the restoration of Article 370, 35-A, statehood, and comprehensive plans for youth employment, social welfare, and healthcare. Omar Abdullah highlighted the commitment to address unemployment and other pressing issues in the Union Territory.

Just ahead of the Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled to begin on September 18, the National Conference (NC) launched its much-anticipated manifesto on Monday, promising 12 key guarantees for the Union Territory's residents. Announced by the party's Vice President, Omar Abdullah, the manifesto vows to restore Article 370, 35-A, and statehood, as well as redraw the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, along with pledges for the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.

The NC's first guarantee focuses on restoring the political and legal status of Jammu and Kashmir to what it was prior to August 5, 2019. “In the interim period, we will work towards redrawing the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019,” the manifesto stated. The party has also vowed to pass a resolution in the first assembly session against the Centre's decision to revoke the region's statehood and special status.

The second guarantee includes various measures such as the release of political prisoners, rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, and simplified procedures for job and passport verification. The third guarantee involves a comprehensive job package aimed at tackling the youth unemployment crisis. Omar Abdullah emphasized the NC's focus on addressing unemployment and fraud in the recruitment process.

The manifesto also promises to provide free electricity up to 200 units and addresses other social welfare issues, pledging Rs 5000 per month to women from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and 12 free gas cylinders post-elections. Additionally, Omar Abdullah discussed a comprehensive plan to address drug abuse, strengthen agriculture, horticulture, and tourism sectors, and protect farmers from the influx of cheap apple imports.

The NC pledges to establish a medical trust to provide insurance coverage for serious illnesses like cancer, easing treatment access for affected individuals. In education, the party promises to reinstate free education up to the university level. The elections in the Union Territory will be conducted in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with the vote count on October 4. These elections mark the first assembly polls in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.