Suhaib Burgee
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC), often referred to as the “Grand Old Party” of Jammu and Kashmir, has played a pivotal role in the region’s political and socio-economic landscape since its founding in 1932. Here’s a comprehensive overview of its journey, contributions, challenges, and current status:
1. Foundation and Early Years (1932–1947)
- Founder: Sheikh Mohammed Mohammad Abdullah, along with Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas and others.
- Original Name: All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference.
- Objective: Advocated for the rights of the oppressed Muslim majority against the autocratic Dogra monarchy.
- Renaming: Transformed into the National Conference (NC) in 1939, signaling its secular, inclusive approach, and aiming to unite Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs under one political banner.
Key Movements:
- Quit Kashmir Movement (1946): Spearheaded by Sheikh Abdullah, the NC demanded the end of Dogra rule and greater autonomy for the people.
2. Post-Independence Era and Autonomy (1947–1953)
- Integration with India: Post-Partition, Sheikh Abdullah supported Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India under Article 370, which granted the state special autonomy.
- Sheikh Abdullah’s Leadership: Appointed the Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir in 1948.
- Drafting of the Constitution: NC played a critical role in framing the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution (1956).
Challenge:
In 1953, Sheikh Abdullah was dismissed and arrested on allegations of conspiring to secede from India, marking the beginning of strained relations between NC and the Indian government.
3. Revival and Transition (1953–1975)
- Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad: After Sheikh’s dismissal, Bakshi took over, shifting focus to economic development but with weakened NC influence.
- Sheikh-Indira Accord (1975): Sheikh Abdullah returned to power as Chief Minister under an agreement with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, reaffirming Jammu and Kashmir’s status as part of India while maintaining autonomy.
4. Farooq Abdullah’s Leadership (1981–1990)
- Leadership Transition: Sheikh Abdullah passed away in 1982, and his son, Farooq Abdullah, took over.
- 1987 Elections: Allegations of rigging in these elections, contested jointly by NC and Congress, are often cited as one of the triggers for the armed insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir.
Insurgency and Decline:
The rise of militancy in the 1990s forced the NC to retreat from the political scene, with Farooq Abdullah fleeing to London for some time.
5. Autonomy and the 21st Century (1996–2019)
- Return to Power (1996): After years of militancy, Farooq Abdullah regained power in elections under controversial circumstances.
- Demand for Autonomy: NC passed a resolution in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in 2000, seeking the restoration of autonomy under Article 370, but it was rejected by the central government.
- Omar Abdullah’s Tenure (2009–2015): Farooq’s son, Omar Abdullah, became Chief Minister. His tenure faced challenges like the 2010 unrest and growing alienation among the youth.
6. Post-2019 and Abrogation of Article 370
- Abrogation of Article 370 (August 5, 2019): The Indian government revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, downgraded it to a Union Territory, and bifurcated it into Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. This move was opposed vehemently by the NC.
- Detention of Leaders: Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and other party leaders were detained for months post-abrogation.
- Political Realignment: The NC joined the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) to demand the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and statehood.
7. Current Status (2024)
- Leadership: Farooq Abdullah remains the party patriarch, while Omar Abdullah is the de facto leader handling day-to-day affairs.
- Key Challenges:
- Rebuilding trust among the people amid growing disillusionment.
- Navigating politics post-Article 370 and in a region directly controlled by the central government.
- Competition from new regional and national parties, like the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
- Significant development
In 2024, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) achieved significant political milestones. Following the Legislative Assembly elections, held for the first time since 2014, the JKNC emerged as the single largest party with 42 seats, leading a coalition with the Indian National Congress (INC) and CPI(M) to secure a majority of 49 seats in the 90-member assembly. This victory marked a major comeback for the JKNC in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, highlighting public discontent with past central government policies, including the revocation of Article 370 in 2019
Under Omar Abdullah’s leadership, the coalition government passed two significant resolutions early in its tenure. One called for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, and another urged dialogue with the central government regarding the reinstatement of the region’s special status. These measures symbolized the party’s commitment to its electoral promises, although their legal and immediate impact on central policies remains limited
Despite its electoral success and policy initiatives, the JKNC faces challenges. It has been criticized for not taking a stronger or more unified stance on issues like Article 370’s reinstatement. Furthermore, divisions among regional parties have weakened collective opposition to central government decisions, complicating efforts to restore autonomy and statehood in Jammu and Kashmir
Contributions and Legacy
- Political Milestones: The NC has been instrumental in shaping Jammu and Kashmir’s political framework and advocating for autonomy.
- Social Reforms: Introduced progressive land reforms, including the Land to Tiller Act under Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, benefiting rural populations.
- Development Focus: Worked to modernize education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
