Jammu and Kashmir may just have six Lok Sabha elections, but the state and its issues find place in the election manifestos of major political players in New Delhi and even regional players from other states.
A review of their manifestos for 2019 LokSabha polls revealsthat while BJP is sticking to its old position on the state’s special position, the Congress, theLeft and non-UPA and non-NDA forces have promised innovative federal solutionto Kashmir problem.
INNOVATIVE FEDERAL SOLUTION, AFSPA REVIEW: CONGRESS
In its election document, the Congress party has touchedseveral major issues confronting the state.
The party promises that it will not allow any change inJ&K’s constitutional position, saying that it “acknowledges the unique historyof the state and the unique circumstances under which the state acceded toIndia that led to the inclusion of Article 370 in the Constitution of India”.
From promising reducing the footprints of army and centralparamilitary forces in Kashmir to reviewing the Armed Forces Special PowersAct, the party has promised a slew of measures to win the hearts and minds ofthe people in the state.
Proposing an unconditional dialogue with differentstakeholders in the state for finding an honourable solution to their issues,the party says it has long held the view that dialogue is the only way tounderstand the aspirations of the people of the three regions of Jammu &Kashmir.
Calling for innovative federal solution to resolve Kashmirissue, the party promises appointment of non-political interlocutors tofacilitate talks.
The party’s document also states that free and fairelections to the state Legislative Assembly should be held immediately.
ABROGATING ARTICLE 370, 35A: BJP
In its manifesto, the BJP has reiterated that it iscommitted to abrogate Article 370, the position which party has held since JanSangh days.
For the first time, annulment of Article 35A also findsplace in the manifesto of saffron party.
“We are committed to annulling Article 35A of the Constitutionof India as the provision is discriminatory against non-permanent residents andwomen of Jammu and Kashmir. We believe that Article 35A is an obstacle in thedevelopment of the state,” the manifesto reads.
Claiming that its government has made all necessary effortsin the past five years to ensure peace in Jammu and Kashmir through decisiveactions and a firm policy, the party, in its manifesto, states that it willtake all steps to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for all residents ofthe state.
The party also promises development in all the regions ofstate by allocating adequate financial resources.
On Kashmiri Pandits and refugees, the party pledges that itwill make all efforts to ensure the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits and willprovide financial assistance for the resettlement of refugees from WestPakistan, Pakistan administered Kashmir and Chhamb.
MAXIMUM AUTONOMY, BAN ON PELLET GUNS: CPI (M)
Calling for urgently initiating a political process in theState through a dialogue/talks with all concerned parties, the Communist Partyof India (Marxist) promises maximum autonomy to the state and regional autonomyfor Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions
It promises that it will oppose all attempts to remove orreview Article 35(A) of the Constitution. The party also promises a number ofmeasures including ban on use of pellet guns and other lethal weapons onprotesters and complete withdrawal of AFSPA.
RESTORATION OF PEACE WITH CONSENT OF NATION: TMC
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) of Mamata Banerjee talks aboutrestoring peace in Kashmir.
“To restore peace in Kashmir, we will take the nation’sconsent, trust and faith by our side. And we shall proceed towards a brighterfuture in this respect,” the manifesto reads.
POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT WITH ALL STAKEHOLDERS: CPI
Claiming that the situation in Kashmir continues to be tensebecause of the muscular-militarist approach of the present government, the CPI,in its manifesto, states that Kashmir situation is not just security or law andorder problem.
It promises political engagement with all stakeholders tofind a political solution.
“The situation in Kashmir continues to be tense because ofthe muscular-militarist approach of the present government. Kashmir situationis not just security-law and order problem. It has to be addressed politicallythrough engagement with all stakeholders to find a political solution,” itsmanifesto reads.
HUMANE APPROACH WITHIN CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK: SP
In its election document, the Samajwadi Party says it willfocus on humane approaches within the constitutional framework to strengthenKashmir’s relationship with the Union.
The party also pledges to re-evaluate the BJP ledgovernment’s Kashmir policy that has “led to record levels of alienationamongst the Kashmir youth”.