Political parties from Jammu and Kashmir, especially the National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have made protection for Article 370 of the Constitution, which grants special status to the state, as their main election plank.
“Congress promises to find a solution through patient dialogue and talks with all stakeholders," the Congress manifesto that was released today said. "Congress promises the people of Jammu and Kashmir talks without pre-conditions."
The manifesto also talks about appointing three new interlocutors, drawn from the civil society, to facilitate such talks. After the 2010 separatist agitation, sparked by the Amarnath land row in which 110 civilians were killed in Kashmir, UPA-II had appointed three interlocutors to talk to the people of Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh and prepare a report for the Centre to act on.
The manifesto said the Kashmir issue deserved a large-hearted approach that eschews muscular militarism and legalistic formulations and instead look for an innovative federal solutions.
“We also acknowledge the unique history of the state and the unique circumstances under which the state acceded to India. This led to the inclusion of Article 370 in the Constitution of India. Nothing will be done to change the constitutional position,” manifesto read.
The party will be uncompromisingly firm in dealing with border infiltration. It said that, with absolute fairness, the party will deal with the demands of the people and win their hearts and minds.
The party also promised to reduce the presence of the Army and central forces in the valley, and give more responsibility to the state police.
It said that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and the Disturbed Areas Act will also be reviewed and suitable changes will be made in the laws to strike a balance between the requirements of security and human rights. It also expressed concern over the harassment of Kashmir students and traders outside Kashmir.
“We are deeply concerned about the cases of discrimination and harassment of students, traders and others belonging to Jammu and Kashmir in the rest of India, and we will ensure their safety and their right to study or do business,” the manifesto said.
Both PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and NC vice president Omar Abdullah welcomed the call for dialogue, and no change in a special status about Kashmir in Congress manifesto.
"I welcome it. It was our agenda when we were in coalition with BJP to revoke AFSPA, to recall security forces from civilian areas, to have a dialogue with representatives of separatists and Pakistan. I am happy Congress has included it in their manifesto. I am happy that the party has included AFSPA in its manifesto," Mufti said.
Abdullah said: ''I wish they would have done this when I was the chief minster. I don't want to take names, but there were senior Kashmir leaders who did not support me then. but now today that Congress has mentioned it, I welcome this."
