Accession of J-K to India was conditional, says top NC leader

PULWAMA, J&K: National Conference, which shares power with Congress in Jammu and Kashmir, today said the accession of the state to India was "conditional" and restoration of internal autonomy to it was imperative.

"The accession of the state with India was conditional. Restoration of internal autonomy guaranteed under Article 370 of the Indian constitution and 1952 Delhi agreement is imperative," NC General Secretary Sheikh Nazir Ahmad said while kicking off the party's membership drive here.

Pulwama, 32 kms from Srinagar, is considered to be a stronghold of opposition PDP. The NC had drawn a blank 2008 assembly elections in the district and all the four seats were bagged by PDP.

Referring to the Indus water treaty between India and Pakistan, Ahmad said the treaty was signed in 1960 by two heads of the then governments in India and Pakistan when NC founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was behind the bars, thus "depriving" the people of the state from the biggest resources which could have been utilised for reshaping their destiny.

"We will not surrender the demand that these water resources be handed over to the real owners," he said adding these could be utilised to strengthen the economy and create avenues for unemployed youths of the state.

"Our youth are looking for jobs. The state government has taken steps to address their concern to a large extent. And increase in the annual plan of the state by the Centre can help encourage the youth," he said.