Omar Abdullah responds to Amit Shah"s remarks on NC manifesto

Omar Abdullah, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, responded to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks regarding the National Conference's election manifesto. Abdullah expressed gratitude for Shah's comments, which he believed would encourage more people to read the manifesto. However, he criticized Shah for only addressing a single paragraph, implying that a broader discussion was warranted. Shah had previously accused the Congress party of jeopardizing national unity by forming an alliance with the National Conference ahead of the assembly polls. In his statements, Shah raised concerns about the promises made in the NC manifesto, questioning whether Congress and its leader, Rahul Gandhi, supported controversial proposals such as restoring Article 370 and 35A, which would reinstate special status for Jammu and Kashmir. He also highlighted the potential for increased separatism and terrorism if the NC's proposals were enacted, particularly regarding dialogue with Pakistan and the promotion of 'LoC Trade'. As the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir approach, scheduled for September 18, 25, and October 1, Abdullah noted that the Jamat-e-Islami, a banned politico-religious organization, might participate in the elections independently. The group had sought to lift its ban, imposed in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, but with the ban still in place, they are expected to contest without official support. The results of the elections will be announced on October 4, marking a significant moment in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, as various parties and groups prepare to engage in the electoral process amidst ongoing tensions and debates over regional autonomy and governance.