J-K elections: BJP's Nirmal Singh debunks NC's manifesto promise to restore Article 370

Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 19 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Nirmal Singh has sharply criticised the National Conference (NC) party's recently released manifesto, calling it "misleading" and out of touch with reality.
Singh pointed out that the NC's promises, such as the restoration of Article 370 and holding talks with Pakistan, are beyond the party's jurisdiction.
"The National Conference's legs are not on the ground. They are staking claim on changing such things which don't even fall under their jurisdiction," Singh said, referring to the NC's promise to restore Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
"Article 370 has been rejected even by the constitutional bench, so this is just to fool the people of Jammu and Kashmir," Singh said.
Singh also dismissed the NC's pledge to initiate talks with Pakistan, stating that such matters fall under the purview of the Ministry of External Affairs.
"Another thing that they claim is that they will hold talks with Pakistan. It is yet another thing to fool the people of J&K because it solely depends upon the foreign ministry who it wants to hold talks with," he added.
Ahead of the Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, to be held from September 18, the National Conference on Monday launched its manifesto, which promised 12 guarantees to the people of the Union Territory.

The party's Vice President, Omar Abdullah, launched the manifesto, which includes some huge promises like the restoration of Article 370, 35-A and statehood; redrawing the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019; and the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.

The first guarantee of the NC's manifesto envisages the restoration of the political and legal status of the Union Territory and said that the party will strive to restore Article 370-35A and statehood before August 5, 2019.

"It also mentioned that in the interim period, the party will endeavour to redraw the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 and the Transaction of Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019. The party has also said that in the first assembly session, they will bring a resolution against the Centre's decision to strip the region of its statehood and special status," the manifesto said.

The second guarantee includes several promises, including, the release of political prisoners, the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, simplified job verification process, ease of passport verification, and end to unjust terminations and unnecessary harassment of people on highways will be stopped.

The third guarantee will be a comprehensive job package for youth.
The polling in the UT will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, as per the Election Commission of India. The counting of the votes will take place on October 4. (ANI)