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Cong. promises to correct J&K regional imbalance

By Our Staff Reporter

Jammu Sept. 6. The Congress has said that it would correct the regional imbalance in Jammu and Kashmir, if voted to power in the Assembly elections.

Releasing the party manifesto at a press conference here today, the Pradesh Congress Committee chief, Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "The party feels that the powers that be in the State have not done much to ensure that the cry of discrimination in the regions does not exist." The demand for trifurcation of the State was no solution to the problem. Attacking the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh for proposing such a move, he said, "The demand goes against the multi-religious and multi- regional heritage of the State."

The Congress manifesto comprises an appeal to the voters of the State and the party's programme if it is elected. It also reposes confidence in the Election Commission to hold free and fair elections.The manifesto states: "It is time to look back and locate our mistakes, which directly or indirectly, have played a catalyst in creating tensions of regional or inter-regional level." It said the party would establish regional development boards for Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and prepare reports and plans to end disparities. It proposed to set up a State Finance Commission to ensure that resources were provided to all three regions. The party also said that it would extend full powers to the autonomous hill council for Leh.

On autonomy, the manifesto reiterated the party's stand that it was committed to the Sheikh Abdullah accord of 1975. It said that the accord had a lot of scope for flexibility as it provided for amendment or repeal of all Central laws and regulations that erode the autonomy of the State. The party regretted that successive National Conference governments had not made use of this provision to work out a meaningful autonomy package acceptable to all sides.

The party promised to work towards creating a conducive atmosphere for the return of the Pandits to the Valley.

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