Owais Gul
Srinagar, May 21: The National Conference (NC) Central Working Committee on Wednesday passed seven resolutions, including the immediate restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was chaired by party president Dr Farooq Abdullah at Nawa-e-Subha.
The meeting also observed a two-minute silence to pay tribute to 26 civilians killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
This was the first meeting of the party’s highest decision-making body after it came to power in Jammu and Kashmir by winning the 2024 Assembly elections.
Sources privy to the development said that several issues were discussed in the meeting in which nearly 45 members, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, his Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, CM’s Advisor, Nasir Aslam Wani, legislators and others participated. The meeting discussed threadbare about the shelling hit areas and the necessary compensation to the affected families.
Several legislators present in the meeting also expressed resentment against the dilly-dallying tactics at the administrative level with regard to the public works.
“The legislators raised issues of how the public works are being delayed and how the mission of the National Conference (NC) is being sabotaged,” one of the participants said.
NC spokesperson, Imran Nabi Dar, when contacted, said that the dual-power system was discussed threadbare. The participants have expressed resentment in this regard and pitched for the restoration of statehood.
He added that the dual-power system is not in favour of the people and thus the statehood must be restored at the earliest.
Meanwhile, the meeting passed seven resolutions, including condemnation of violence and tribute to martyrs, reaffirmation of commitment to special status, demand for immediate restoration of statehood, appeal for sustained peace and dialogue, commitment to manifesto promises and condemnation of targeted harassment across the country.
The resolutions include:
Condemnation of violence and tribute to martyrs
The Working Committee strongly condemned the horrific Baisaran attack that claimed the lives of 26 innocent individuals, including a young Kashmiri, Syed Adil Hussain Shah. It also denounced the continued cross-border shelling that took the lives of 23 innocent civilians
The Committee expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with the bereaved families. It also paid heartfelt tributes to the Working Committee members and party activists who have passed away since the last meeting, acknowledging their invaluable contributions and unwavering dedication.
Reaffirmation of commitment to special status
The Working Committee unanimously reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. The Committee reiterated that this is central to the aspirations and dignity of the people and must be addressed without further delay, and we will continue to fight for its restoration.
Demand for immediate restoration of statehood
The Working Committee also urged the Government of India to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir immediately, as promised on the floor of Parliament and repeatedly echoed in the public domain and also as committed by the constitution bench of the Supreme Court.
Appeal for sustained peace and dialogue
The Committee welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire and called upon both countries to uphold peace and explore long-lasting, peaceful solutions to end violence.
Commitment to manifesto promises
The Working Committee reiterated the party’s unwavering commitment to the promises made in its manifesto. It reaffirmed its resolve to continue the political and constitutional struggle for justice, peace, and the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir through democratic means.
The Working Committee appreciated the spontaneous and overwhelming support of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in unequivocally condemning the Baisaran attack in Pahalgam. It also acknowledged the compassion and hospitality extended to tourists who found themselves stranded in the Valley during challenging circumstances.
The Committee called upon the Government of India to recognise and respect this powerful expression of solidarity and not squander the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity extended by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It further cautioned that arbitrary arrests, harassment of youth, targeted use of bulldozers, and intimidation of legitimate media voices will only alienate the very people who have stood firmly for peace and against violence.
Condemnation of Targeted Harassment Across the Country: The Working Committee expressed serious concern over the reports of harassment faced by students, traders, and residents from Jammu and Kashmir in various parts of the country. It strongly condemned their selective targeting in the aftermath of recent events.
The Committee called upon all state governments to ensure the safety, dignity, and protection of the lives and property of all people from Jammu and Kashmir living or working in other parts of India.
