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National Conference Reacts to Centre’s Plan to Restore Jammu Kashmir’s Statehood with Terms and Conditions
The National Conference (NC) has sharply reacted to reports suggesting that the Centre may restore Jammu Kashmir’s statehood with terms and conditions, calling it a deliberate attempt to create confusion and undermine the public mandate. The party has demanded full restoration of statehood as a rightful and non-negotiable claim of the people, citing the Supreme Court’s directive to hold elections by September 2024 and restore statehood at the earliest.
The National Conference’s reaction comes amid a growing political row over the Centre’s plan to restore Jammu Kashmir’s statehood. According to multiple media reports, the Centre is considering two options for restoring statehood: granting statehood after the current government completes its five-year term and holding fresh elections for a state legislature, or restoring statehood by August 2025 after fresh elections are conducted. The NC has argued that these options are attempts to delay and undermine the public mandate, and that the Supreme Court’s directive has already paved the way for the restoration of statehood without the need for fresh elections. The party’s chief spokesperson, Tanvir Sadiq, stated that the Centre’s plan is an attempt to confuse the public and retain centralized power, and that the NC will not hesitate to move the Supreme Court if the Centre continues to delay the restoration of statehood.
Background and Context
The issue of Jammu Kashmir’s statehood has been a contentious one since the Centre abrogated Article 370 and downgraded the state to a Union Territory in 2019. The NC and other major political parties in the region have demanded the restoration of full statehood, citing the Supreme Court’s directive and the public mandate. The Centre’s plan to restore statehood with terms and conditions has been met with skepticism and criticism from the NC and other parties, who argue that it is an attempt to delay and undermine the public mandate.
Key Highlights and Demands
The NC has made the following key demands and highlights:
* Full restoration of statehood as a rightful and non-negotiable claim of the people
* No need for fresh elections, as the current Assembly was elected with the promise of statehood restoration
* The Centre’s plan to restore statehood with terms and conditions is an attempt to delay and undermine the public mandate
* The Supreme Court’s directive has already paved the way for the restoration of statehood without the need for fresh elections
* The NC will not hesitate to move the Supreme Court if the Centre continues to delay the restoration of statehood
Some of the key quotes from the NC leaders include:
* “This is an attempt to confuse the public. Those enjoying dual government control are uncomfortable with the restoration of full statehood. They want to retain their authority through delay tactics.” – Tanvir Sadiq, NC chief spokesperson
* “We will see whether we will need to go the legal route. But until then, we are waiting for the promises to be kept.” – Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister
* “When thousands turn out to vote, it reflects hope. But if their mandate is casually dismissed, it isn’t just the vote that’s defeated — it’s faith in democracy itself.” – Ifra Jan, Additional NC spokesperson
Reactions from Other Parties
Other parties in the region have also reacted to the Centre’s plan to restore Jammu Kashmir’s statehood. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that it is unclear what precedent would be followed, while the Congress has argued that there is no legal necessity for fresh elections. The BJP has reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured the restoration of statehood when the time is appropriate.
Supporting Views and Data
Some of the supporting views and data include:
* The Supreme Court’s directive to hold elections by September 2024 and restore statehood at the earliest
* The public mandate in favor of restoring statehood, as reflected in the 2024 Assembly elections
* The lack of precedent or tradition in independent India where a state was downgraded to a Union Territory and then brought back
* The potential benefits of restoring statehood, including increased autonomy and self-governance for the people of Jammu Kashmir
In conclusion, the National Conference’s reaction to the Centre’s plan to restore Jammu Kashmir’s statehood with terms and conditions highlights the ongoing contentious issue of statehood in the region. The party’s demands for full restoration of statehood as a rightful and non-negotiable claim of the people, and its skepticism towards the Centre’s plan, reflect the deep-seated concerns and aspirations of the people of Jammu Kashmir.
Conclusion:
The National Conference’s sharp reaction to the Centre’s plan to restore Jammu Kashmir’s statehood with terms and conditions is a significant development in the ongoing political saga in the region. As the party continues to demand full restoration of statehood and challenges the Centre’s plan, the people of Jammu Kashmir remain hopeful that their rightful and non-negotiable claim will be fulfilled soon. The Centre must take into account the public mandate and the Supreme Court’s directive, and work towards restoring statehood in a manner that is fair, just, and in line with the aspirations of the people.
Keywords: National Conference, Jammu Kashmir, statehood, Centre, terms and conditions, public mandate, Supreme Court, elections, Union Territory, autonomy, self-governance.
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