Less army presence, review of AFSPA: Here’s what Congress manifesto promises for Jammu and Kashmir

The Congress has promised in its manifesto for the April-May parliamentary election that nothing will be done or allowed to change the constitutional position on Kashmir and that enforcement of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Jammu and Kashmir will be reviewed if the party is voted to power.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi, senior party leaders Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh release partys manifesto for Lok Sabha polls 2019, in New Delhi. PTI Photo

The Congress in its manifesto said that nothing will be done or allowed to change the constitutional position on Kashmir.

It said enforcement of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Jammu and Kashmir will be reviewed if the party is voted to power.

The party said it has stood witness to the developments in the state since the instrument of accession was signed on October 26, 1947.

NEW DELHI: The Congress in its 2019 Lok Sabha election manifesto said that nothing will be done or allowed to change the constitutional position on Kashmir and that enforcement of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Jammu and Kashmir will be reviewed if the party is voted to power. In the 55-page document, titled 'Hum Nibhayenge' (Congress will deliver), released on Tuesday, the party dedicated separate sections to Jammu and Kashmir and Northeastern states. Elaborating its vision for Jammu and Kashmir, the party said: "Congress has stood witness to the developments in Jammu & Kashmir since the Instrument of Accession was signed on 26 October 1947. Congress affirms that the whole of Jammu & Kashmir is part of India. We also acknowledge the unique history of the State and the unique circumstances under which the State acceded to India that led to the inclusion of Article 370 in the Constitution of India." "Nothing will be done or allowed to change the constitutional position," it said. Abrogating Article 370 has long been one of the core promises of the BJP. It grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir and limits Parliament's power to make laws concerning the state. The Congress said it has long held the view that dialogue is the only way to understand the aspirations of the people of the three regions of Jammu & Kashmir and find an honourable solution to their issues. The party advocated a "two-pronged" approach in the state if voted to power -- uncompromising firmness on the border and ending infiltration, as well as "absolute fairness" in dealing with the demands of the people and winning their hearts and minds. In significant proposals, the Congress promised to review the deployment of armed forces, move more troops to the border to stop infiltration completely, reduce the presence of the Army and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in the Kashmir Valley, and entrust more responsibility to the J&K police for maintaining law and order. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and the Disturbed Areas Act in J&K will be reviewed, the party said, adding that suitable changes will be made in the text of the laws to balance the requirements of security and the protection of human rights. "Building a Union of states that is India is a project of inclusiveness. Jammu & Kashmir and its problems deserve a large-hearted approach that will eschew muscular militarism and legalistic formulations and look for an innovative federal solution," the party said. Pitching for talks without preconditions, the Congress promised a solution through patient dialogue with all stakeholders in the state. Here's what Congress promised for Jammu and Kashmir in its 2019 manifesto 1: Congress has long held the view that dialogue is the only way to understand the aspirations of the people of the 3 regions of Jammu & Kashmir and find an honourable solution to their issues. We will take that path. 2: We will adopt a two-pronged approach: firstly, uncompromising firmness on the border and ending infiltration; and secondly, absolute fairness in dealing with the demands of the people and winning their hearts and minds. 3: Congress promises to review the deployment of armed forces, move more troops to the border to stop infiltration completely, reduce the presence of the Army and CAPFs in the Kashmir Valley, and entrust more responsibility to the J&K police for maintaining law and order. 4: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and the Disturbed Areas Act in J&K will be reviewed. Suitable changes will be made in the text of the laws to balance the requirements of security and the protection of human rights. 5: Building a Union of States that is India is a project of inclusiveness. Jammu & Kashmir and its problems deserve a large-hearted approach that will eschew muscular militarism and legalistic formulations and look for an innovative federal solution. Congress promises to find such a solution through patient dialogue and talks with all stakeholders in the State. 6: Congress promises the people of J&K talks without pre-conditions. We will appoint 3 interlocutors drawn from civil society to facilitate such talks. 7: We will renew the initiatives taken by the UPA government such as UDAAN, HIMAYAT and UMMEED to impart training in skills and create economic opportunities for the youth of J&K. 8: Free and fair elections to the State Legislative Assembly will be held immediately. 9. We are deeply concerned about the cases of discrimination and harassment of students, traders and others belonging to Jammu & Kashmir in the rest of India and we will ensure their safety and their right to study or do business.

Published at : 02 Apr 2019 05:59 PM (IST)

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