Omar Abdullah Promises Big Changes in Jammu and Kashmir Ahead of Elections
In Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, the National Conference (NC) has launched its manifesto for the upcoming Assembly polls starting on September 18. The party’s Vice President, Omar Abdullah, unveiled the manifesto, which includes 12 major promises to the people of the Union Territory.
Key Promises in the Manifesto
The first promise is to restore Article 370, 35-A, and statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, reversing changes made on August 5, 2019. The NC also plans to redraw the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, and bring a resolution against the Centre’s decision to strip the region of its special status.
The second promise includes the release of political prisoners, the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, and simplifying job and passport verification processes. The party also aims to stop unjust terminations and harassment on highways.
The third promise is a comprehensive job package for the youth. Omar Abdullah highlighted the high unemployment rate and promised to address this issue.
Additional Promises
The NC has also promised free electricity up to 200 units, financial support for women in the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), and 12 free gas cylinders for EWS families. Widow pensions will be increased, and a comprehensive plan to tackle drug issues will be implemented.
In agriculture and horticulture, the NC aims to protect local farmers, especially apple growers, from low-duty imports. A medical trust will be established to help people with serious illnesses like cancer. The party also promises to reinstate free education up to the university level.
Election Details
The Assembly polls will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with vote counting on October 4. These are the first elections in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to conclude the election process by September 30, 2024.
Doubts Revealed
Omar Abdullah -: Omar Abdullah is a politician in India. He is the Vice President of the National Conference, a political party in Jammu and Kashmir.
National Conference -: The National Conference is a political party in Jammu and Kashmir. It works to represent the people of this region in the government.
Article 370 -: Article 370 was a special law that gave Jammu and Kashmir more autonomy than other Indian states. It was removed in 2019, and some people want it back.
35-A -: Article 35-A was a part of the Indian Constitution that allowed Jammu and Kashmir to define its own ‘permanent residents’ and give them special rights. It was also removed in 2019.
statehood -: Statehood means being recognized as a state within India. Jammu and Kashmir was changed from a state to a Union Territory in 2019, and some people want it to be a state again.
political prisoners -: Political prisoners are people who are jailed because of their political beliefs or actions. Omar Abdullah promises to release such prisoners if his party wins.
job package -: A job package is a plan to create more jobs and employment opportunities. Omar Abdullah promises to provide more jobs for the youth in Jammu and Kashmir.
EWS -: EWS stands for Economically Weaker Sections. These are people who have low income and need financial help.
drug issues -: Drug issues refer to problems caused by the use of illegal drugs. Omar Abdullah’s plan includes measures to reduce drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir.
phases -: Phases mean parts or stages. The elections will be held in three parts, starting on September 18.
vote counting -: Vote counting is the process of counting all the votes to see who won the election. This will happen on October 4.
