National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah’s recent statement that “Article 370 was not meant for Kashmiris, but for Dogras” has sparked a storm of confusion and discontent among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This declaration, coming from the leader of a party that championed the restoration of Article 370 as the cornerstone of its electoral campaigns, feels like nothing short of betrayal.
For decades, NC used Article 370 as a political tool to secure the trust and votes of Kashmiris. It was projected as the ultimate safeguard for the unique identity, autonomy, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. However, Farooq Abdullah’s latest remarks indicate a shift in narrative, leaving many wondering: if Article 370 was not meant for Kashmiris, why did NC repeatedly invoke its restoration to gain political mileage?
This inconsistency raises serious questions about the party’s credibility. Were the promises made to Kashmiris during election campaigns genuine, or were they a calculated move to manipulate emotions and secure power? By downplaying the relevance of Article 370 for Kashmiris now, Farooq Abdullah has effectively turned his back on the very people who voted for NC, trusting it to fight for their rights and dignity.
The National Conference’s history is marred with similar instances of political opportunism. Farooq Abdullah’s criticism of the PDP for forming a coalition with the BJP is ironic, considering NC’s own past compromises. Instead of introspecting on their role in the erosion of trust and autonomy in Jammu and Kashmir, NC appears to be deflecting blame onto others.
Farooq Abdullah’s statement also undermines the sacrifices made by countless Kashmiris who saw Article 370 as a symbol of their identity. For them, its abrogation was not just a legal change but a deep wound inflicted on their collective psyche. To now suggest that it was primarily meant for Dogras, and not for them, is to trivialize their pain and struggles.
It is high time for NC to come clean about its stance. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve honesty, not political doublespeak. The restoration of Article 370 was a promise that resonated deeply with Kashmiris, and failing to uphold that promise is not just a political failure—it is a moral one.
Farooq Abdullah’s remarks have exposed the hollow rhetoric of a party that has repeatedly failed to stand firm for its people. This is a betrayal of trust, and Kashmiris have every reason to feel disillusioned. It’s time for the people to demand accountability from those who seek their votes, only to abandon them when it suits their convenience. The National Conference must either recommit itself to the promises it made or step aside and let others take up the mantle of fighting for the rights and aspirations of Kashmiris.
