Union Minister G Kishan Reddy Responds to National Conference’s Promises in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 19: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy has dismissed the National Conference’s promise to restore Article 370, stating that neither Omar Abdullah nor Congress will return to power in Jammu and Kashmir.
G Kishan Reddy said, “There is no question of either Omar Abdullah or National Conference or Congress party coming to power (in J&K), then how will they bring back Article 370. Omar Abdullah will neither become Chief Minister nor will he come to power, so the issue of bringing back Article 370 does not arise.”
National Conference’s Manifesto
Ahead of the Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled for September 18, the National Conference launched its manifesto, promising 12 guarantees to the people of the Union Territory. The party’s Vice President Omar Abdullah launched the manifesto, which includes:
- Restoration of Article 370, 35-A, and statehood
- Redrawing the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019
- Return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits
The first guarantee aims to restore the political and legal status of the Union Territory to its state before August 5, 2019. The party also plans to redraw the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, and the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019. In the first assembly session, they will bring a resolution against the Centre’s decision to strip the region of its statehood and special status.
Other Promises
The second guarantee includes:
- Release of political prisoners
- Return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits
- Simplified job and passport verification processes
- Ending unjust terminations and harassment on highways
The third guarantee is a comprehensive job package for youth. Omar Abdullah highlighted the unemployment issue, stating, “We all know the unemployment condition in J&K. After August 5, 2019, there was talk of reducing unemployment but it only increased. There was fraud in the recruitment process and the youths did not get the job…We are making comprehensive promises to the youths and going to address the unemployment issue.”
The party also promises free electricity up to 200 units, social welfare benefits including Rs 5000 per month for women in the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), 12 gas cylinders for EWS families, and increased widow pensions. Additionally, they plan to address the drug issue in the Union Territory.
Doubts Revealed
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a person who is in charge of a specific department in the central government of India. They help make important decisions for the country.
G Kishan Reddy -: G Kishan Reddy is a politician in India who works as a Union Minister. He helps make decisions for the country.
National Conference -: The National Conference is a political party in India. They work to get elected and make decisions for the people in Jammu and Kashmir.
Article 370 -: Article 370 was a special law that gave Jammu and Kashmir more independence than other states in India. It was removed in 2019.
Omar Abdullah -: Omar Abdullah is a politician in India. He is a leader in the National Conference party and has been the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
Congress -: Congress is another big political party in India. They also try to get elected and make decisions for the country.
Manifesto -: A manifesto is a document where a political party writes down all the things they promise to do if they get elected.
Statehood -: Statehood means being recognized as a state with its own government. Jammu and Kashmir used to be a state but is now a Union Territory.
Unemployment -: Unemployment means not having a job. It is a problem that many people face when they can’t find work.
Social welfare benefits -: Social welfare benefits are help given by the government to people who need it, like money, food, or healthcare.
Drug issues -: Drug issues refer to problems caused by people using illegal drugs. It can lead to health problems and crime.