Issue of bringing back Article 370 doesn’t arise: G Kishan Reddy reacts to NC’s manifesto

Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 19 (ANI): Reacting to the manifesto of National Conference, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said that the issue of bringing back Article 370 does not arise as neither Omar Abdullah nor Congress will come back to power in Jammu and Kashmir.

G Kishan Reddy said, “There is no question of either Omar Abdullah or National Conference or Congress party coming to power (in J&K), then how will they bring back Article 370. Omar Abdullah will neither become Chief Minister nor will he come to power, so the issue of bringing back Article 370 does not arise.”

Ahead of the Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, to be held from September 18, the National Conference on Monday launched its Manifesto that promised 12 guarantees to the people of the Union Territory.

The party’s Vice President Omar Abdullah launched the manifesto that includes some huge promises like- restoration of Article 370, 35-A and statehood, redrawing the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 and return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.

The first guarantee of the NC’s manifesto envisage the restoration of political and legal status of the Union Territory and said that the party would strive to restore Article 370-35A and statehood prior to August 5, 2019.

“It also mentioned that in the interim period, the party will endeavour to redraw the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 and the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019. The party has also said that in the first assembly session, they will bring a resolution against the Centre’s decision to strip the region of its statehood and special status,” the manifesto said.

The second guarantee includes several promises including- the release of political prisoners, return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, simplified job verification process, ease of passport verification, and end to unjust terminations and unnecessary harassment to people on highways will be stopped.

The third guarantee will be a comprehensive job package for youth.

Speaking on it, Omar Abdullah said, “We all know the unemployment condition in J&K. After August 5, 2019, there was talk of reducing unemployment but it only increased. There was fraud in the recruitment process and the youths did not get the job…We are making comprehensive promises to the youths and going to address the unemployment issue.”

The party has promised to give free electricity upto 200 units. Omar said, “We will also address the issue of water and electricity and will give electricity free upto 200 units. Some will promise more but that’s not beneficial because they are not going to be in power in the future.”

He further added, “Regarding social welfare, we are making a special guarantee to the people. Under this, women belonging to the EWS (Economically Weaker Section) will be given Rs 5000 per month to support them. For the benefit of the common people, we will provide 12 gas cylinders after the elections to the EWS. The widow pensions will also be increased.”

The party has also promised to bring a comprehensive plan to solve the drug issue in the Union Territory.