Omar Abdullah releases National Conference’s Poll Manifesto

| Updated: 19 August, 2024 9:11 pm IST

SRINAGAR: Unveiling its election blueprint, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Monday asserted that his organization would campaign for the reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmir’s political and legal status, and pledged 200 units of complimentary electricity if his party secures victory.

He stated that the party would advocate for the rights of the people and remind the Supreme Court of India of the Government of India’s pledge to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

“If the Government of India delays it, we will approach the Supreme Court and remind it of the Centre’s promise,” he said.

The National Conference outlined 12 commitments, including the revival of Articles 370 and 35 A, the abolition of the Public Safety Act (PSA), the liberation of political detainees, the creation of 100,000 jobs, and the resumption of the India-Pakistan dialogue.

The party also vowed 12 no-cost cooking gas cylinders for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category, complimentary public transport for women, a pledge to the honourable return of Kashmiri Pandits, streamlined passport issuance, and an end to the unnecessary harassment of people on highways.

Commitments :

Commitment 1: Reinstate Article 370 and 35 A, redraw the JK Reorganization Act, and ensure the release of political detainees.

Commitment 2: Repeal the Public Safety Act.

Commitment 3: Restore employment opportunities.

Commitment 4: Address electricity and drinking water challenges, and provide 200 units of free electricity.

Commitment 5: Social Welfare: ₹5,000 monthly for underprivileged women, 12 no-cost gas cylinders annually for EWS families.

Commitment 6: Combat drug addiction.

Commitment 7: Support agriculture and horticulture through a comprehensive plan.

Commitment 8: Develop a robust healthcare infrastructure and establish a medical trust offering free insurance coverage of ₹5,00,000 per year for terminal illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and kidney transplants.

Commitment 9: A special pledge to reduce congestion in Srinagar and Jammu cities.

The party also committed to offering free education for all females up to university level and all males up to college level.

Additionally, the party promised to enact the J&K Youth Employment Generation Act within three months if elected, enhance marriage assistance, increase pensioners’ medical allowance to ₹1000 from ₹300, establish a Minority Commission, and strengthen the Public Distribution System (PDS) in the region.

The party pledged to grant industry status to the tourism sector and explore new tourist destinations in the region, including areas in Pir Panjal, Chenab, and other locations.

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The party, in its blueprint, committed to creating industrial parks and special economic zones specifically designed to attract genuine investment in Jammu and Kashmir.

The party also pledged to ensure that the newly discovered lithium deposits are mined responsibly, with a focus on benefiting the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Furthermore, it will enforce the payment of royalties for previously extracted resources in line with the recent Supreme Court order.

Further elaborating on the blueprint, the NC Vice President stated that the party pledges to further strengthen the public distribution system and ensure that people receive sugar and kerosene from ration depots.

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“We also pledge to seek the release of all political detainees not involved in serious crimes,” he added.

In response to a query, Omar expressed regret that Jama’at-e-Islami would not contest the elections openly.

He also appealed for public support, stating, “I hope the people of Jammu and Kashmir will give NC a chance to serve them for the next five years.”

The National Conference had formed a panel led by former Jammu and Kashmir Finance Minister and senior leader Abdul Rahim Rather to draft the blueprint. The panel included other senior figures, including the party’s Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi.

The party had sought input from the public for the blueprint, assuring that their suggestions would be reviewed and incorporated into the final document.

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