The restoration of Article 370 remains the core agenda of the National Conference, party president Farooq Abdullah stated on Monday. He emphasized that the party will continue to fight for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir under all circumstances.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah reiterated that the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 was a unilateral decision that disregarded the special status of the region. He said that the National Conference, along with other like-minded parties, would persist in their demand for the restoration of the constitutional provision.
Party's Resolve
Abdullah asserted that the National Conference remains steadfast in its commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. 'Our party was founded on the principles of safeguarding the region's identity and autonomy. The restoration of Article 370 is not just a political issue but a matter of justice for the people,' he said.
He further noted that the party would explore all democratic and legal avenues to achieve its goal. 'We will continue to raise our voice in Parliament and on every platform to highlight the importance of Article 370 for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,' Abdullah added.
Political Reactions
The statement comes amid ongoing political debates in the region. Several political parties have supported the National Conference's stance, while others have called for a more pragmatic approach. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which has consistently opposed the restoration of Article 370, criticized Abdullah's remarks, stating that the abrogation was a historic step towards integrating Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India.
Political analysts suggest that the issue remains a key electoral factor in the region. The National Conference, which has historically championed the cause of autonomy, is expected to leverage this sentiment in upcoming elections.
Background
Article 370 of the Indian Constitution granted special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir. On August 5, 2019, the Indian government abrogated the article and bifurcated the state into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Since then, there have been repeated calls from various political groups in the region for its restoration.
The National Conference has been at the forefront of this demand, organizing protests and raising the issue in international forums. Abdullah's latest remarks reaffirm the party's long-standing position.
