Will strive to restore J&K autonomy: NC resolution
SRINAGAR : The National Conference (NC) passed a resolution on Sunday for restoration of autonomy granted by the Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), a move that adds to a hotly debated and emotive subject in a state fighting 30 years of insurgency.
The pledge was taken at a convention of party delegates from all three regions of the state at the packed Sher-e-kashmir stadium in Srinagar. It was held after a gap of over 15 years.
“We will continue to strive for the restoration of autonomy and restoration of Article 370 to its original, pristine form, while condemning those divisive voices who are opposed to the sovereign constitutional guarantees extended to the people of the state,” the resolution says.
Farooq Abdullah, who was reappointed party president, said people of “Kashmir joined India out of love but everything was snatched from them”.
“Kashmir cannot be won by force or cowed down by gun. Kashmir is a political issue unless it’s dealt with politically there will be no peace,” he said.
His son and NC working president, Omar Abdullah, asked the Centre to respect and restore the conditions on which J&K acceded to India in October 1947.
“Promises made to the people of J&K must be fulfilled. We want the present uncertainty, bloodshed and violence to end. We want to live with honour and dignity,” said Omar, also a former chief minister.
“We don’t want internal autonomy from Pakistan or Russia or America but from India, where we have already been guaranteed greater autonomy by its Constitution,” he added.
According to the instrument of accession, J&K relegated powers related to defence, foreign affairs, currency and telecommunication to India. But presidential orders since 1953 eroded several privileges, giving a leeway to central laws such as the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act over those of the state. The armed forces law gives the military extrajudicial powers during counterinsurgency operations.
The PDP, which rules the state with the BJP, as well as the NC want restoration of the pre-1953 position. The debate was reignited after Congress leader P Chidambaram said in Gujarat that Kashmiris mean greater autonomy when they ask for “azadi” (freedom).
Referring to the controversy over the Congress leader’s remarks, Omar said, “When PM Modi said resolution of Kashmir will not come from bullets and abuses, and when Mr Chidambaram said people who are talking azadi actually want autonomy, all the ministers in the PM’S cabinet pounced on him.”
“If talking about the Constitution and demanding something within the constitutional framework is anti-national, we will not shy from wearing the tag of antinational with pride,” Omar said.