In a surprising turn of events, Omar Abdullah, the leader of the National Conference (NC), has distanced himself from the promise to restore the special status of Jammu and Kashmir following his party's recent electoral victory.
During the election campaign, the NC's manifesto prominently featured the restoration of Article 370, a constitutional provision that granted special autonomy to the region. However, Abdullah's recent statements suggest a shift away from this commitment.
In his remarks, Abdullah stated that "expecting the restoration of Article 370 is nothing short of foolishness." He further clarified that the party will no longer pursue the restoration of this article. Instead, Abdullah emphasized a collaborative approach with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the welfare of Kashmir, asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a man of integrity who will not overlook promises made to the people of Kashmir.
This change in stance has drawn criticism, with many asserting that Abdullah and the NC are merely advancing the BJP's political agenda in the region. Observers argue that the recent elections in Jammu and Kashmir appear to be a charade, and the public has grown disillusioned with politicians like Abdullah who have repeatedly let them down over the past 77 years.
As tensions continue to simmer, it remains to be seen how Abdullah's shift will affect the political landscape in the region and the sentiments of the Kashmiri people.
