A video featuring Ifra Jan, the social media in-charge of the National Conference, has gone viral on social media. In the video, she purportedly supports the reading down of article 370. Her remarks have sparked controversy, as they appear to diverge from the official stance of her party.
In the video, Ifra Jan acknowledges that Article 370 is now “almost non-existent” and claims that certain aspects of the provision were “problematic.” She specifically pointed out issues related to minority rights, stating, “One of my problems with Article 370 was that it did not allow many Valmikis and women marrying outside the state to transfer their rights to their children, which is very discriminatory.”
She further noted that Article 370 prevented West Pakistan refugees, Valmikis, and Scheduled Castes and Tribes from obtaining state subject status, thereby denying them access to government jobs and other rights. “Instead of scrapping Article 370 altogether, they could have addressed these problematic aspects,” she added.
One of the most striking aspects of her alleged statement was her stance on Ladakh’s separation from Jammu and Kashmir. She expressed happiness over Ladakh becoming a Union Territory, stating, “People of Ladakh didn’t want this article. I am happy for the people of Ladakh that they are out and have their own Union Territory. It is good for them.”
Her comments have led to widespread debate on social media, particularly as they contrast with the NC’s long-standing position on Article 370. The National Conference has consistently opposed the abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and has vowed to fight for its restoration.
Notably, the NC recently sacked a social media in-charge over a misleading tweet regarding the salary of Special Police Officers (SPOs), indicating the party’s sensitivity towards statements made by its members in the public domain. However, as of now, there has been no official response from the NC regarding Ifra Jan’s remarks.
The viral video has triggered reactions from netizens, with some interpreting her statements as a shift in narrative among younger voices within the party, while others see it as a personal opinion that does not reflect the NC’s broader ideology. [KNT]
