Congress Releases Election Manifesto: Vows Immediate Restoration of J&K Statehood, Promises to Heal Kashmir’s Wounds

Jammu, 16-09-2024: The Indian National Congress (INC) officially unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, with a clear promise to immediately restore Statehood to the region. In a press conference, Congress leader Pawan Khera, joined by JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra, emphasized the party’s commitment to healing the wounds Kashmir has endured in recent years. Khera underscored that restoring Statehood and returning the rights of the people of J&K will be the Congress party’s top priority.

Khera highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir’s resources, including its natural assets, must be preserved for its people, stressing that Congress will fiercely advocate for their rights. “Even the sand from J&K is being taken by outsiders. These resources belong to the people here and must be returned. We are fighting for their rights, and Congress is gaining strong support for this mission,” Khera asserted.

Addressing the emotional toll on the people of Kashmir, Khera stated, “The hearts of the people are filled with wounds, but now is the time to heal them. The long night is ending, and a new dawn is about to begin.” He emphasized that Congress, under its slogan Haath Badlega J&K Ke Haalat (Congress will change J&K’s conditions), is committed to transforming the region.

When asked about the alliance with the National Conference, Khera reaffirmed Congress’ ability to build and lead successful coalitions, having done so in both state and national governments. He assured that once the elections conclude, a Common Minimum Program will be developed to guide the alliance’s governance, ensuring all stakeholders operate under a shared vision.

Describing the Congress manifesto as a “people’s manifesto,” Khera explained that the delay in its release was due to the party’s consultations with citizens across J&K. “We spoke with people from every district, gathered their inputs, and only then did we finalize this document,” he said. This approach, he argued, makes the manifesto truly reflective of the concerns of J&K’s population.

Karra echoed these sentiments, adding that committees were formed in every district to engage with local communities and integrate their feedback into the manifesto.

Khera further asserted that only the INDIA bloc, which Congress is a part of, can guarantee the restoration of rights in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that a vote for any other party is a vote for the BJP, a party that the people of J&K would not support.

Addressing critical socio-economic challenges, Khera noted that J&K ranks second in overall unemployment and leads in female unemployment, stressing the urgent need for change. He also mentioned that the people of J&K should have first rights over the electricity generated in the region, stating, “Hamari Bijli, Hamara Haq” (Our electricity, our right).

Additionally, Khera pledged that landless farmers would be provided with land on a 99-year lease, a move aimed at securing their livelihoods. Finally, he emphasized the Congress party’s commitment to providing jobs for J&K’s youth and pensions and support for women, pledging to restore everything that was taken from them, including Statehood and their rights.