Manifestos of Political Parties in J&K: What’s Common, What's Different?

SRINAGAR: The National Conference, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), the Jammu and Kashmir Awami National Conference, and the Jammu and Kashmir Awami Party have released their election manifestos.

KTNS takes a look at the manifestos and finds common and differing points.

Common Points:

1. Restoration of Statehood: All parties advocate for restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the need for political autonomy and local governance. (JKAP Manifesto, JKNC Manifesto, JKANC Manifesto, PDP Manifesto).

2. Article 370 and 35A: A shared commitment to restoring Article 370 and 35A is evident among several parties, reflecting the desire to return to the region’s pre-August 5, 2019 status, which provided special autonomy and residency rights. (JKANC, PDP, JKNC).

3. Return of Kashmiri Pandits: The parties express a strong commitment to ensuring the safe and dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits, emphasizing the need to rehabilitate them and restore communal harmony. (JKAP, PDP).

4. Economic Development and Employment: Addressing unemployment is a priority, with promises to create job opportunities, especially for the youth, through various initiatives, including infrastructure development, support for local industries, and entrepreneurship. (JKANC, JKNC, PDP).

5. Social Welfare: Parties propose enhancing social welfare schemes, including pensions for the elderly, support for widows, and financial assistance for marginalized communities, highlighting a focus on inclusive development. (JKNC, PDP).

Differing Points:

1. AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act): While some parties, like JKANC and PDP, call for the withdrawal of AFSPA to promote peace and human rights, others do not explicitly mention this in their manifestos. (JKANC, PDP).

2. Infrastructure Projects: The emphasis on specific infrastructure projects varies. For example, the JKNC highlights plans for hydro-power project transfers and 24-hour power supply, while the PDP emphasizes the development of urban areas into smart cities and the creation of sports complexes. (JKNC, PDP).

3. Cultural Preservation: JKAP specifically mentions the preservation of cultural and special identity similar to Article 371 provisions for northeastern states, which is a unique stance not highlighted by other parties. (JKAP).

4. Environmental Policies: JKANC strongly emphasizes environmental protection, including afforestation and eco-friendly policies, while this is less emphasized in the manifestos of other parties. (JKANC).

5. Political Prisoners and Detainees: Parties like JKAP and PDP focus on the release of political prisoners and amnesty for detainees, indicating a priority on human rights and political freedom, which is not a primary focus in other manifestos. (JKAP, PDP).