Mushtaq Bala
In a decisive and multidimensional response to the Pahalgam massacre and the recent four-day conflict with Pakistan, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) has stepped up both on the ground and at the policy level. Led by Vice President Omar Abdullah, the party is balancing healing, political strategy, and administrative revival in what it calls “a defining moment for Kashmir’s future.”
While Omar Abdullah continues high-level engagements across jammu & Kashmir and has placed the smooth conduct of the upcoming Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela and Amarnathji Yatra as his immediate priority, the NC’s Central Working Committee—chaired by party president Dr Farooq Abdullah—met at Nawa-e-Subha today and passed seven pivotal resolutions.
Resolutions Passed: Reclaiming Political Ground
In its first formal meeting since forming the government after its 2024 Assembly election victory, the party’s apex decision-making body laid out its renewed political roadmap. The resolutions include:
Demand for immediate restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Reaffirmation of commitment to J&K’s special status, echoing the party’s long-held constitutional position.
Condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and tribute to the 26 civilians who lost their lives—marked by a two-minute silence.
Call for sustained peace and political dialogue, both internally and with neighbouring countries.
Commitment to fulfilling manifesto promises made before the 2024 polls.
Condemnation of targeted harassment and marginalisation of communities across India.
Appeal for unity and secular values in the face of divisive politics.
Party insiders called the meeting “emotionally charged yet strategically focused,” setting the tone for NC’s governing term with a firm stand on identity, justice, and peace.
Omar Abdullah’s Immediate Focus: Religious Harmony and Tourism Revival
Parallel to the policy moves, Omar Abdullah has intensified ground-level efforts. After a security review at the Kheer Bhawani temple in Tullamulla earlier today, he reiterated, “My first priority is to ensure a peaceful Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela and the Amarnathji Yatra. These events are deeply woven into the spiritual and social fabric of Kashmir.”
He emphasized that once both pilgrimages conclude safely, his full attention would turn to reviving the tourism sector, which remains one of the most affected industries in the wake of recent violence and instability. “Tourism is not just economics—it’s about identity, interaction, and livelihood,” he stated.
Healing a Wounded Valley
The Pahalgam massacre and the brief but volatile conflict with Pakistan have left the region in deep trauma. The NC has activated relief efforts, citizen coordination groups, and outreach campaigns across affected districts, focusing on rebuilding both trust and infrastructure.
Senior NC leaders are on the ground across Jammu and Kashmir, listening to grievances and strengthening party presence. The internal reorganisation, which includes reviving grassroots committees and youth bodies, aims to foster resilience and prevent political alienation.
Farooq Abdullah: ‘We Will Lead Through Unity’
Dr. Farooq Abdullah, recovering from a brief illness, delivered a strong message: “This land has suffered too much to be silenced. Our response must be unity, not vengeance. This party has always led from the front, and we shall do so again—through inclusion, not isolation.”
The NC is also expected to send a delegation to New Delhi in the coming days to press for broader national support for its peace and restoration agenda.
As Kashmir wrestles with grief, border tensions, and an uncertain economic outlook, the National Conference leadership appears focused on rebuilding a narrative of hope—anchored in democratic restoration, cultural harmony, and constitutional justice.
With policy resolutions passed and grassroots actions initiated, the party seems determined to ensure that the Valley’s future is shaped not by the weight of tragedy, but by the strength of its collective will.
Mushtaq Bala ,a filmmaker and Editor In-Chief of Kashmir pen, can be reached at mushtaqabala@gmail.com
