The Diplomat Desk
Srinagar,(TDD) : Awami Itehad Party (AIP) has strongly criticized Congress and its ally, the National Conference (NC), accusing them of abandoning the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Responding to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s recent declaration that Article 370 is a “closed chapter.”
AIP Chief Spokesman Inam Un Nabi questioned NC’s silence and demanded to know if they would end their alliance with Congress over this outright betrayal.
“Kharge ji’s statement lays bare Congress’s duplicity and raises serious questions about NC’s sincerity. If NC truly cares about the restoration of J&K’s special status, will they have the courage to break their alliance with Congress, whose leader has effectively closed the door on Article 370?” Inam asked.
Inam also dismissed NC’s claim that “no Congress president or JKPCC president has the right to misinterpret the resolution passed by the J&K Legislative Assembly in its last session.” He countered, “This argument holds no ground, given that NC had a pre-election pact with Congress. The Congress’s position on such a crucial issue does matter. However, it seems NC never cared to seek clarity from Congress regarding its stand on Article 370 or 35A during their seat-sharing—or more accurately, power-sharing—arrangements.”
The AIP Chief spokesperson also questioned the silence of NC leaders, including Aga Ruhullah Mehdi Sahab, who had earlier defended the NC resolution as addressing Article 370 and 35A. “Where are those voices now? Their silence is deafening and a direct betrayal of the trust reposed in them by the people,” he remarked.
Incarcerated AIP President and Member of Parliament from Baramulla, Er Rashid, had earlier cautioned the people of J&K about NC’s tendency to betray for the sake of power. Before being sent back to Tihar Jail, Er Rashid had sought a clear stand from Congress on Article 370, exposing their unwillingness to commit to the restoration of J&K’s special status. “Er Rashid’s warnings are proving true as NC and Congress continue their deceitful politics at the cost of J&K’s future,” Inam added.
Inam further highlighted Congress’s historical role in diluting J&K’s autonomy and undermining its democratic institutions, from weakening Article 370 to orchestrating the rigging of the 1987 elections in collaboration with NC. “Congress has repeatedly betrayed the people of J&K. They have systematically eroded autonomy, manipulated elections and now openly abandoned the issue of Article 370. NC’s alliance with such a party makes them equally complicit in this treachery,” he said.
He concluded by urging the people of J&K to reject both Congress and NC. “Kharge’s remarks and NC’s silence must serve as a wake-up call for the people. These parties prioritize their political interests over the rights and aspirations of Kashmiris. It is time for a fresh political approach that genuinely stands for justice and accountability,” Inam stated.(TDD)
