The National Conference on Friday announced that it has received suggestions from the public to shape its election manifesto, stepping up its narrative in favour of Assembly polls amid concerns that the Centre could potentially exploit the recent incidents of violence here to delay the process.

Over the past month, Jammu has been the scene of multiple attacks and encounters, resulting in 20 casualties, including five army personnel, one CRPF jawan, nine civilians and five militants.

Security forces have intensified cordon-and-search operations to arrest militants linked to these incidents, but their efforts have yet to yield arrests. Several civilians have also been detained for questioning in connection with these operations.

Police sources said the security forces launched a joint operation in Guda Patan and Kana Chak in the Akhnoor border belt of Jammu district on Friday morning after getting information on suspicious movement of militants in the area. Agriculture fields and villages were searched but no militant was found. The police asked residents to share details of suspected movements but avoid false flags.

While search operations were under way, the NC said its manifesto panel headed by senior party leader and former finance minister Abdul Rahim Rather had sought suggestions from people on July 5 to help frame its manifesto for the upcoming Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir. The party claimed that the public response was overwhelming.

“Thank you to everyone who emailed us about the manifesto. We are overwhelmed by the response, having received thousands of emails and replied to each one. The renewed faith in the JKNC has greatly encouraged our efforts to make this document truly representative of the people,” the party said on X.

"All ideas, suggestions and advice are being compiled and will be presented to the manifesto committee at their next meeting.”

The party said they were open to feedback, advice and suggestions. “As we close this window for email submissions, please know that our commitment to listening to you does not end here. We are always open to your feedback, advice, and suggestions. Once again, we thank you for your support,” the NC said.

NC vice-president Omar Abdullah has upped the ante for the elections, cautioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah against delaying the Assembly polls because of the spurt in militancy. He said bowing to the forces involved in the attacks would be bad for the nation.