Early Times Report
Jammu, May 23: Although its coalition partner National Conference is repeatedly promising to restore Article 370 if the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc defeats the BJP in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, the Congress on Thursday avoided the question on demand restoring this article.
National general secretary of the AICC and former J&K Congress chief Ghulam Ahmed Mir on Thursday said that Article 370 was granted to the erstwhile State of J&K by Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru.
He, however, avoided endorsing the demand of the National Conference to restore this Article.
“We will provide an alternative to this Article to the people of J&K after the INDIA bloc returns to power”, he said.
Mir expressed confidence that if Congress could grant Article 370 to Jammu and Kashmir in the past, it would continue to prioritize the welfare of the region when it returns to power.
“In recent years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has consistently emphasized its stance on Article 370. On August 5, 2019, the government revoked this special status after National general secretary of the AICC, G A Mir avoided endorsing NC’s demand to restore Article 370.
We will provide an alternative to this Article to the J&K people after the INDIA bloc returns to power.
When Congress and other secular parties regain power, they have the capacity to deliver what is best for the J&K people.
Mir affirmed that when Congress and other secular parties regain power, they have the capacity to deliver what is best for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He recalled that Congress convened a meeting of its highest body on August 6, 2019, immediately after the decision to revoke Article 370. The party resolved to stand at the forefront of the struggle alongside the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Mir also highlighted the challenges faced by the region. Jammu and Kashmir has become a testing ground for various experiments, affecting its citizens, especially the youth. Over the past decade, the political landscape in India has witnessed significant shifts, leading to the formation of the INDIA bloc—a coalition of parties united against the BJP’s policies.
Looking ahead, the INDIA alliance aims to end suppression and restore peace and prosperity to Jammu and Kashmir. The upcoming Assembly elections, which have not been held since 2014, present a crucial opportunity. A comprehensive and robust government must be established to serve the people effectively. | 