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Introduction
The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) is one of the major political parties in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, headed by Sheikh Abdullah in 1947 at the time of Indian Independence. After his death, the party was led by his son Farooq Abdullah and presently, it is headed by Omar Abdullah, son of Farooq Abdullah.
The earlier name of the party was All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference, founded by Sheikh Abdullah in October, 1932. Later on June 11, 1939, it was renamed as All Jammu and Kashmir National Conference.
History And Establishment Of JKNC
Just a day before Bastille Day on the 13th of July 1931 the people of the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir were involved in a mass protest against autocratic rule outside the main prison of the city of Srinagar the summer capital of the Jammu and Kashmir State. The troops of the Maharaja opened fire on the demonstrators resulting in the death of dozens of protestors. This resulted in a huge public upheaval in Kashmir.
The demand for democratic rights was led by the Muslim Conference of which Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah soon assumed leadership. Sheikh Abdullah developed strong links with leaders from Jammu like Chaudhary Ghulam Abbas and those from Muzaffarabad and Poonch making the Muslim Conference a powerful party of the whole of Jammu and Kashmir State and not restricted to Kashmir valley alone He also became an important player in Indian politics and developed close links with leaders of the Indian freedom movement including Nehru and Gandhi. These protests led to the establishment of an elected assembly in 1938. In August 1938 Sheikh Abdullah as the leader of the Muslim Conference presented National Demands demanding greater democratic rights for the people of the State. Subsequently Sheikh Abdullah successfully persuaded the members of the Muslim Conference to change its name to National Conference to reflect its role as a secular democratic party representing the aspirations of all the citizens of the State irrespective of their caste, creed or religion.
Symbol
Plough
The Election Symbol of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, as approved by the Election Commission of India, is "Plough". It is usually drawn on a red-coloured flag, which together represents the JKNC. This symbol of the party was unanimously adopted in its first annual conference held in Baramulla in 1940.
Main Leaders
The party which began as the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference in October 1932, was officially founded by Sheikh Abdullah on June 11, 1939 under a new name called All Jammu and Kashmir National Conference. The newly-formed JKNC held its first annual conference in Baramulla in 1940, under its first President Sardar Budh Singh. Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who was famously known as the ‘Lion of Kashmir’, was elected the President of the JKNC in 1947. Under his able leadership, the atrocities of the Kashmir Maharaja at Poonch, who ruled the state during that time, were fiercely revolted against. Gaining complete support of the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru, Sheikh Abdullah demanded a ‘Naya Kashmir’.
Sheikh Abdullah merged with the Indira Gandhi-led Congress (I) in 1965, hence becoming the J&K branch of the Congress. Abdullah became the Chief Minister of the state after the JKNC won the majority seats in the state legislative assembly. Farooq Abdullah replaced his father Sheikh Abdullah as the party president, after the latter’s death. Farooq remained the JKNC President from 1981 to 2002 before his son Omar Abdullah became the party chief. In 2009, Farooq was again made the president of the JKNC. The JKNC has won the state legislative assembly elections for a majority of the terms. Presently, the JKNC by defeating the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party and in alliance with the Congress, has formed the government in the state. Omar Abdullah is the current Chief Minister of J&K.*
The current leaders of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, who are also the national executives of the party, are listed below:
Farooq Abdullah, President of the JKNC
Farooq Abdullah is a doctor by profession and remained the Chief Minister of the state of J&K on many occasions. He holds the post of a Cabinet Minister of New and Renewable Energy in the 2009 UPA government. He represents the Srinagar-Budgam constituency in the 15th Lok Sabha. He also served as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir for multiple times. Presently he is the President of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association.
Omar Abdullah, Working President of the JKNC
Omar Abdullah is the present Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. He remained the President of JKNC from 2002 to 2009. Presently he is the working president of the party. Omar remained a Union Minister of State for External Affairs during the JKNC alliance with the NDA. He remained a Member of Parliament, in the 14th Lok Sabha.
Mustafa Kamal, Additional General Secretary of JKNC
He is the brother of Farooq Abdullah. He has been Member of the Legislative Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir.
Mehboob Beg, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
Beg represents the Anantmag-Shopian constituency in the 15th Lok Sabha.
S.D. Sharik, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
Sharik represents the Baramulla-Kopwara constituency in the 15th Lok Sabha.
Mohammad Shafi Uri, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha
He is also the chief spokesperson of the party.
Nature Of The Party
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) is a regional political party of India. Its mass base is primarily in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The JKNC operates on the ideology of Moderate Separatism, and the re-unification of Kashmir. This is a political party which is pro-India and favours the policies and schemes of the Indian government.
Features
1. Equality & Liberty find expression in the sub-continent
For the first time the term Equality & Liberty find expression in the sub-continent and the Vision Document promises to promote political awakening and strengthening of democratic values and satisfying the aspirations of the people. All the freedoms are guaranteed under Art-3. The document articulates comprehensive policies for peasants industry, handicrafts, cottage industry, workers, transport, trade, tourism, financial institutions, distribution system, cooperative agencies, social services, public health housing, social insurance, cultural policy and a separate charter for women. It has been hailed as one of the most progressive and forward looking document by social thinkers of the sub continent. The charter lays emphasis on social engineering unthinkable in any Muslim dominated region in the world in the 40s.
2. Naya Kashmir
During the cataclysmic events of 1947 the Maharaja fled from Kashmir. and the State of Jammu and Kashmir was divided into Indian and Pakistan administered regions.While the National Conference was wiped out in Pakistan administered areas of Jammu and Kashmir State it has remained an important player in the politics of Indian administered area of the State. Sheikh Abdullah as the leader of the National Conference remained in power for a brief period as Prime Minister till his arrest in 1953 under orders of the "Sadr e Riyasat (Head of State in lieu of Governor as specified under Artcle370 conferring special status on Kashmir) Karan Singh following instructions from Nehru the Prime Minister of India. During the brief period that Sheikh Abdullah was in power he tried to implement the policies that were laid out in the Naya Kashmir manifesto. The feudal system was abolished, The University of Jammu and Kashmir was established and most important elections to the Constituent Assembly were held and the Assembly started the job of making a constitution for the State of Jammu and Kashmir. This process was disrupted when Sheikh Abdullah was arrested in 1953. and he was refused permission to attend the constituent assembly out of fear that his presence would turn the tables against Bakhshi Ghulam Mohammed who had been appointed as Prime Minister in his place by the Karan Singh under instructions from the Indian Government. The National Conference subsequently made a comeback and re-emerged as the ruling party under a vastly different geopolitical situation. The Naya Kashmir memorandum along with the attached economic plan however remains a beacon light for not only the National Conference but all progressive people of the State even today.
3. Separate Constitution
According to Article 370 of the Constitution of India, the state of Jammu and Kashmir enjoys special autonomy and can have its own constitution. This constitution and the official flag of J&K has been designed by the then ruling National Conference Party. The party has a separate constitution that guarantees inner democracy to strengthen a democratic system.
Influence Of The Party In The Post Independence Period
In the post independence era, JKNC has ruled the state of Jammu and Kashmir independently for most of the period. It was out of power for the periods between 1984-1987 and 2003-2008.It formed an alliance with Indian National Congress (INC) and won the elections in 1997. In last state assembly elections held during December, 2008, JKNC emerged as the single largest party, winning 28 seats. With post poll alliance with INC, JKNC formed the coalition government headed by Omar Abdullah (January 05, 2009)
In 2009 General Elections, JKNC contested the elections in alliance with Congress and won the three seats it contested.
The transformation of the role of the National Conference (NC) from a hegemonic actor to the single largest party of the state has to be located in the larger political context of the state in the last 15 years. This political context, defined by the contestation of legitimacy of mainstream politics on the one hand and the situation of armed militancy and separatism on the other had constricted the very nature of democratic politics. The relevance of the NC today extends beyond competitive regional politics. Its claim as the initiator of the tradition of the political movement in Kashmir and its contribution to the evolution of Kashmiri identity politics, assume importance in the contemporary situation of the state.
Merits/Achievements Of The Party
The JKNC has continually worked for the restoration of internal peace between the different factions within the state. It strongly objects the formation of any barrier between the two halves of the state of J&K. The JKNC is in complete support of attaining a lasting negotiation to solve the problems between India, Pakistan and the State of J&K, making all the three regions equally competent in progress and development.
Sheikh Abdullah had initiated the policy of single-line administration in the state. This concept was people-centric, involving people in the day to day administration of the state, and takes the government to the people, and not the people to the government.
To maintain its secular identity, the JKNC has implemented policies and schemes for the Kashmiri pundits as well the maulvis. It has built colleges and universities for women and reserved categories of the population, thereby paying attention to the issues of minority rights.
The Panchayati Raj Institutions in the state have been greatly enhanced by the JKNC, providing empowerment to many lakhs of Kashmiri residents. Allocation of funds is made to the local administrations, such as the revenue department, food department etc., in order to ensure their smooth functioning.
The JKNC had an important role to play in its say against the AFPSA being implemented in the state of J&K, which would kill innocent civilians.
Oldest and dominant party in J&K.
Has worked for the development of minorities and weaker sections of the population.
Has developed and promoted tourism in J&K.
Took efforts for women empowerment.
Provided electricity in 1109 villages.
Demerits
It’s a regional party. It has its base only in a single region and works for the autonomy and welfare of that particular region.
Focuses more on Naya Kashmir.
Omar’s government was criticized for being unable to manage frequent clashes in the Kishtwar district.
Opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) recently termed the Jammu and Kashmir government a "total failure" and alleged that the coalition government has taken only "anti-people steps".
The PDP further criticised that the Omar-led government lacks vision to improve the socio-economic conditions of the people.
Conclusion
Though the National Conference is a regional political party operating in Jammu & Kashmir, it not only strives for the Muslims but also for the rights of all oppressed sections of the society.The JKNC is in complete support of attaining a lasting negotiation to solve the problems between India, Pakistan and the State of J&K, making all the 3 regions equally competent in progress and development.
The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) is one of the major political parties in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, headed by Sheikh Abdullah in 1947 at the time of Indian Independence. After his death, the party was led by his son Farooq Abdullah and presently, it is headed by Omar Abdullah, son of Farooq Abdullah.
The earlier name of the party was All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference, founded by Sheikh Abdullah in October, 1932. Later on June 11, 1939, it was renamed as All Jammu and Kashmir National Conference.
History And Establishment Of JKNC
Just a day before Bastille Day on the 13th of July 1931 the people of the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir were involved in a mass protest against autocratic rule outside the main prison of the city of Srinagar the summer capital of the Jammu and Kashmir State. The troops of the Maharaja opened fire on the demonstrators resulting in the death of dozens of protestors. This resulted in a huge public upheaval in Kashmir.
The demand for democratic rights was led by the Muslim Conference of which Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah soon assumed leadership. Sheikh Abdullah developed strong links with leaders from Jammu like Chaudhary Ghulam Abbas and those from Muzaffarabad and Poonch making the Muslim Conference a powerful party of the whole of Jammu and Kashmir State and not restricted to Kashmir valley alone He also became an important player in Indian politics and developed close links with leaders of the Indian freedom movement including Nehru and Gandhi. These protests led to the establishment of an elected assembly in 1938. In August 1938 Sheikh Abdullah as the leader of the Muslim Conference presented National Demands demanding greater democratic rights for the people of the State. Subsequently Sheikh Abdullah successfully persuaded the members of the Muslim Conference to change its name to National Conference to reflect its role as a secular democratic party representing the aspirations of all the citizens of the State irrespective of their caste, creed or religion.
Symbol
Plough
The Election Symbol of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, as approved by the Election Commission of India, is "Plough". It is usually drawn on a red-coloured flag, which together represents the JKNC. This symbol of the party was unanimously adopted in its first annual conference held in Baramulla in 1940.
Main Leaders
The party which began as the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference in October 1932, was officially founded by Sheikh Abdullah on June 11, 1939 under a new name called All Jammu and Kashmir National Conference. The newly-formed JKNC held its first annual conference in Baramulla in 1940, under its first President Sardar Budh Singh. Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who was famously known as the ‘Lion of Kashmir’, was elected the President of the JKNC in 1947. Under his able leadership, the atrocities of the Kashmir Maharaja at Poonch, who ruled the state during that time, were fiercely revolted against. Gaining complete support of the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru, Sheikh Abdullah demanded a ‘Naya Kashmir’.
Sheikh Abdullah merged with the Indira Gandhi-led Congress (I) in 1965, hence becoming the J&K branch of the Congress. Abdullah became the Chief Minister of the state after the JKNC won the majority seats in the state legislative assembly. Farooq Abdullah replaced his father Sheikh Abdullah as the party president, after the latter’s death. Farooq remained the JKNC President from 1981 to 2002 before his son Omar Abdullah became the party chief. In 2009, Farooq was again made the president of the JKNC. The JKNC has won the state legislative assembly elections for a majority of the terms. Presently, the JKNC by defeating the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party and in alliance with the Congress, has formed the government in the state. Omar Abdullah is the current Chief Minister of J&K.*
The current leaders of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, who are also the national executives of the party, are listed below:
Farooq Abdullah, President of the JKNC
Farooq Abdullah is a doctor by profession and remained the Chief Minister of the state of J&K on many occasions. He holds the post of a Cabinet Minister of New and Renewable Energy in the 2009 UPA government. He represents the Srinagar-Budgam constituency in the 15th Lok Sabha. He also served as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir for multiple times. Presently he is the President of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association.
Omar Abdullah, Working President of the JKNC
Omar Abdullah is the present Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. He remained the President of JKNC from 2002 to 2009. Presently he is the working president of the party. Omar remained a Union Minister of State for External Affairs during the JKNC alliance with the NDA. He remained a Member of Parliament, in the 14th Lok Sabha.
Mustafa Kamal, Additional General Secretary of JKNC
He is the brother of Farooq Abdullah. He has been Member of the Legislative Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir.
Mehboob Beg, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
Beg represents the Anantmag-Shopian constituency in the 15th Lok Sabha.
S.D. Sharik, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
Sharik represents the Baramulla-Kopwara constituency in the 15th Lok Sabha.
Mohammad Shafi Uri, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha
He is also the chief spokesperson of the party.
Nature Of The Party
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) is a regional political party of India. Its mass base is primarily in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The JKNC operates on the ideology of Moderate Separatism, and the re-unification of Kashmir. This is a political party which is pro-India and favours the policies and schemes of the Indian government.
Features
1. Equality & Liberty find expression in the sub-continent
For the first time the term Equality & Liberty find expression in the sub-continent and the Vision Document promises to promote political awakening and strengthening of democratic values and satisfying the aspirations of the people. All the freedoms are guaranteed under Art-3. The document articulates comprehensive policies for peasants industry, handicrafts, cottage industry, workers, transport, trade, tourism, financial institutions, distribution system, cooperative agencies, social services, public health housing, social insurance, cultural policy and a separate charter for women. It has been hailed as one of the most progressive and forward looking document by social thinkers of the sub continent. The charter lays emphasis on social engineering unthinkable in any Muslim dominated region in the world in the 40s.
2. Naya Kashmir
During the cataclysmic events of 1947 the Maharaja fled from Kashmir. and the State of Jammu and Kashmir was divided into Indian and Pakistan administered regions.While the National Conference was wiped out in Pakistan administered areas of Jammu and Kashmir State it has remained an important player in the politics of Indian administered area of the State. Sheikh Abdullah as the leader of the National Conference remained in power for a brief period as Prime Minister till his arrest in 1953 under orders of the "Sadr e Riyasat (Head of State in lieu of Governor as specified under Artcle370 conferring special status on Kashmir) Karan Singh following instructions from Nehru the Prime Minister of India. During the brief period that Sheikh Abdullah was in power he tried to implement the policies that were laid out in the Naya Kashmir manifesto. The feudal system was abolished, The University of Jammu and Kashmir was established and most important elections to the Constituent Assembly were held and the Assembly started the job of making a constitution for the State of Jammu and Kashmir. This process was disrupted when Sheikh Abdullah was arrested in 1953. and he was refused permission to attend the constituent assembly out of fear that his presence would turn the tables against Bakhshi Ghulam Mohammed who had been appointed as Prime Minister in his place by the Karan Singh under instructions from the Indian Government. The National Conference subsequently made a comeback and re-emerged as the ruling party under a vastly different geopolitical situation. The Naya Kashmir memorandum along with the attached economic plan however remains a beacon light for not only the National Conference but all progressive people of the State even today.
3. Separate Constitution
According to Article 370 of the Constitution of India, the state of Jammu and Kashmir enjoys special autonomy and can have its own constitution. This constitution and the official flag of J&K has been designed by the then ruling National Conference Party. The party has a separate constitution that guarantees inner democracy to strengthen a democratic system.
Influence Of The Party In The Post Independence Period
In the post independence era, JKNC has ruled the state of Jammu and Kashmir independently for most of the period. It was out of power for the periods between 1984-1987 and 2003-2008.It formed an alliance with Indian National Congress (INC) and won the elections in 1997. In last state assembly elections held during December, 2008, JKNC emerged as the single largest party, winning 28 seats. With post poll alliance with INC, JKNC formed the coalition government headed by Omar Abdullah (January 05, 2009)
In 2009 General Elections, JKNC contested the elections in alliance with Congress and won the three seats it contested.
The transformation of the role of the National Conference (NC) from a hegemonic actor to the single largest party of the state has to be located in the larger political context of the state in the last 15 years. This political context, defined by the contestation of legitimacy of mainstream politics on the one hand and the situation of armed militancy and separatism on the other had constricted the very nature of democratic politics. The relevance of the NC today extends beyond competitive regional politics. Its claim as the initiator of the tradition of the political movement in Kashmir and its contribution to the evolution of Kashmiri identity politics, assume importance in the contemporary situation of the state.
Merits/Achievements Of The Party
The JKNC has continually worked for the restoration of internal peace between the different factions within the state. It strongly objects the formation of any barrier between the two halves of the state of J&K. The JKNC is in complete support of attaining a lasting negotiation to solve the problems between India, Pakistan and the State of J&K, making all the three regions equally competent in progress and development.
Sheikh Abdullah had initiated the policy of single-line administration in the state. This concept was people-centric, involving people in the day to day administration of the state, and takes the government to the people, and not the people to the government.
To maintain its secular identity, the JKNC has implemented policies and schemes for the Kashmiri pundits as well the maulvis. It has built colleges and universities for women and reserved categories of the population, thereby paying attention to the issues of minority rights.
The Panchayati Raj Institutions in the state have been greatly enhanced by the JKNC, providing empowerment to many lakhs of Kashmiri residents. Allocation of funds is made to the local administrations, such as the revenue department, food department etc., in order to ensure their smooth functioning.
The JKNC had an important role to play in its say against the AFPSA being implemented in the state of J&K, which would kill innocent civilians.
Oldest and dominant party in J&K.
Has worked for the development of minorities and weaker sections of the population.
Has developed and promoted tourism in J&K.
Took efforts for women empowerment.
Provided electricity in 1109 villages.
Demerits
It’s a regional party. It has its base only in a single region and works for the autonomy and welfare of that particular region.
Focuses more on Naya Kashmir.
Omar’s government was criticized for being unable to manage frequent clashes in the Kishtwar district.
Opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) recently termed the Jammu and Kashmir government a "total failure" and alleged that the coalition government has taken only "anti-people steps".
The PDP further criticised that the Omar-led government lacks vision to improve the socio-economic conditions of the people.
Conclusion
Though the National Conference is a regional political party operating in Jammu & Kashmir, it not only strives for the Muslims but also for the rights of all oppressed sections of the society.The JKNC is in complete support of attaining a lasting negotiation to solve the problems between India, Pakistan and the State of J&K, making all the 3 regions equally competent in progress and development.