What is the History of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference?

The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC) is one of the most seasoned and most powerful ideological groups in the district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It has played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of the state and has been actively involved in the struggles and aspirations of its people.

Formation and Early Years:

The roots of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference can be traced back to the early 1930s when the people of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir were voicing their concerns against the prevailing autocratic rule under Maharaja Hari Singh. A group of visionary leaders, including Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Ghulam Abbas, and Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas, came together to address the socio-political issues faced by the populace.

On June 11, 1939, the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference was officially founded in Srinagar, with Sheikh Abdullah elected as its president. The party’s primary objective was to advocate for the rights of the people, promote social justice, and demand political reforms that would empower the masses.

Role in Independence Movement:

During the Indian independence movement, the National Conference aligned itself with the Indian National Congress and actively participated in the struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Sheikh Abdullah played a crucial role in galvanizing public support for the freedom movement in the region.

Post-Independence Challenges:

Following India’s independence in 1947, the regal states were given the choice to join either India or Pakistan. The Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir at first chose to stay independent.The Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir initially chose to remain independent. However, as tribal raiders from Pakistan invaded the region, the Maharaja acceded to India, leading to the first Indo-Pakistani war over Kashmir.

The National Conference, under Sheikh Abdullah’s leadership, supported the state’s accession to India. Consequently, he was appointed as the Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant milestone in the party’s history.

Tumultuous Relationship with the Center:

The relationship between the National Conference and the Central Government of India experienced both ups and downs. In 1953, Sheikh Abdullah was controversially dismissed from his position as Prime Minister, leading to a political upheaval in the state. He was later arrested and imprisoned for over a decade on charges of conspiracy against the state.

Despite the challenges, the National Conference remained resilient and continued its efforts to uphold the rights of the people and address their grievances.

Landmark Achievements and Governance:

The National Conference enjoyed significant electoral success in the state’s early years. It played a dominant role in the political landscape, forming governments and representing the people of Jammu and Kashmir at both the state and national levels.

Over the years, the party advocated for regional autonomy and sought the implementation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. This article provided the state with considerable autonomy, except in matters related to defense, communications, foreign affairs, and finance.

Recent Years and Challenges:

In recent years, the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference faced various challenges, including changing political dynamics, security issues, and the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The latter move reorganized the state into two separate Union Territories – Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference has been an integral part of the region’s history, tirelessly working towards the betterment of its people and safeguarding their interests. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the party remains an essential player in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir, upholding its vision of democracy, social justice, and regional autonomy.