Srinagar, Nov 04: Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Langate and Awami Ittehaad Party (AIP) leader Sheikh Khurshid on Monday accused the National Conference (NC) of deviating from their manifesto by failing to support a resolution on Article 370.
Speaking to the media persons after the J&K Assembly’s first session, Khurshid alleged that NC did not back a resolution brought forward by People’s Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed Parra.
He said both NC and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) disrupted the proceedings, preventing him from speaking in favour of the resolution.
NC had promised the people it would prioritise the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A by bringing this as their first resolution, he said.
The MLA Langate added, “Despite the significance of the issue, NC and BJP members created a ruckus, stifling the discussion and denying support for the resolution of restoration of Article 370, which was a key aspect of NC’s agenda during election campaigns.”
Meanwhile, Khurshid accused the NC of aligning with the BJP, claiming that this alliance became evident in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly today when both parties appeared united in stifling any discussion on Article 370.
“NC members seemed more concerned about shielding Omar Abdullah from interruptions than supporting the restoration of Article 370. Instead of standing firm on Article 370, they were preoccupied with shielding their leader,” he said.
The AIP leader further criticised what he called NC’s “Shawl Diplomacy”, accusing the party of blocking any voice calling for the restoration of Article 370 and 35A. “NC’s actions make it clear they have no intention of fulfilling their promises, including the release of political prisoners besides 370 and 35A. Their strategy seems to be merely stalling for time,” he said.