Sat Nov 16 16:56:19 UTC 2024: ## J&K Opposition Criticizes NC-Congress Stand on Article 370 Resolution
**Srinagar, November 16, 2024** – Opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir are questioning the National Conference (NC) government’s ambiguous stance on the recently passed Assembly resolution concerning the restoration of the region’s special status. The resolution, passed on November 6th, calls for dialogue with the Centre regarding the restoration of constitutional guarantees for J&K but avoids mentioning Article 370 or the August 5, 2019, government actions.
This ambiguity has been amplified by statements from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who denied Congress’s desire to reinstate Article 370, and J&K PCC president Tariq Hamid Karra, who stated that the party’s focus now lies solely on achieving statehood for J&K.
Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti criticized the NC’s vague resolution, questioning its commitment to the people’s sentiments regarding Article 370 and the lack of condemnation of the 2019 actions. She urged the NC-Congress government to clarify its position, particularly in light of the Congress’s differing interpretation of the resolution.
Similar concerns were echoed by Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) spokesman Inam Un Nabi and J&K Peoples Conference president Sajad Lone, both demanding clarity from the NC on its alliance with the Congress. They highlighted the perceived contradiction between the NC’s stated goals and the Congress’s apparent rejection of Article 370’s restoration.
In response, NC president Dr. Farooq Abdullah dismissed the BJP’s criticism as an attempt to weaken the Congress ahead of upcoming state elections. He maintained the NC’s commitment to its manifesto and its pursuit of the resolution’s goals. The differing interpretations of the resolution’s intent by the NC and Congress partners continue to fuel political tensions within J&K.
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