Congress J&K poll manifesto promises restoration of statehood, rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits

The Congress party has released its manifesto ahead of upcoming polls in Jammu and Kashmir promising restoration of statehood, rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, jobs to youth, and establishing a minority commission in the Union Territory to protect the rights of minorities.

Jammu and Kashmir residents will get first rights to the hydropower produced in the UT, and there will be an extensive roadmap to promote tourism in J&K if people vote for the party to power, as per the manifesto.

All India Congress Committee spokesman Pawan Khera and J&K Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra released the manifesto during a press conference in Srinagar on Sep 16.

Interestingly, Congress did not talk about Article 370 in its manifesto, unlike its alliance partner National Conference which has promised to fight for its restoration. The Article, which granted a special status to Jammu and Kashmir was scrapped on August 5, 2019 by the Narendra Modi-led BJP government.

The manifesto further states the party’s pledge to work towards granting statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and restore the historical practice of the Durbar Move, with Srinagar and Jammu serving as the Summer and Winter Capitals, respectively.

The manifesto promises to address minority concerns, promote tourism, and enhance employment opportunities, along with the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits as advocated by the former Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh.

The party has pledged to establish a Minority Commission, reflecting a commitment to support and protect minority rights.
“We promise to advance tourism in the region and focus on the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, echoing promises made by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,” it reads.

“Our manifesto outlines a plan to provide unemployment allowances of ₹3,500 per month to qualified youth for one year. Additionally, the party commits to fill 1 lakh vacant government positions and issue a job calendar within the first 30 days of the Assembly session.” it reads.

The party also emphasizes its commitment to inclusive and accountable governance, aiming to counteract divisive forces and uphold the region’s rich heritage and national unity.

It further expresses readiness to collaborate with like-minded entities to achieve these goals.