Ambiguity on Article 370 tests NC-Congress alliance, but leaders deny cracks
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, senior Congress leader and MLA Dooru, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, has denied reports of friction within the National Conference-Congress (NC-Congress) alliance, even as Congress continues to maintain an ambiguous stance on critical issues like the restoration of Article 370.
According to Kashmir Media Service, speaking to the media in Srinagar, he emphasized that the coalition remains intact, with mutual understanding on shared priorities.
However, Mir reiterated Congress’ commitment to the restoration of occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. “The resolution passed in the Assembly reflects the people’s mandate and must be honored by the Indian government. We fought elections together as a coalition government, and there is no question of withdrawing support,” he stated.
Mir also highlighted Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s parliamentary assurance that statehood would be restored after delimitation and elections. “All these stages have been completed, and now New Delhi must engage with elected representatives to ensure the swift restoration of statehood,” he said, adding that the process should be as quick as the 2019 revocation of IIOJK’s statehood.
However, on the of Article 370, Mir acknowledged a divergence between the NC and Congress. “Neither we will become NC, nor will they become Congress,” Mir remarked, emphasizing that each party retains its distinct ideological stance.
Observers note that the ambiguity surrounding the restoration of Article 370 remains a delicate issue for the NC-Congress alliance, with both parties cautiously navigating the political complexities in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. However, they emphasize that the people of Kashmir remain largely indifferent to this matter, as their unwavering focus is on their right to self-determination, as promised by the United Nations.
