Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Aug 5
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the 2019 revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status as a turning point for the region, while opposition parties marked the anniversary with protests demanding restoration of statehood and constitutional rights.
In a post on X, Modi said the scrapping of Articles 370 and 35A had ushered in a “decisive new chapter” for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh by improving governance, infrastructure and economic opportunities. He said the constitutional changes had extended full rights to women and historically marginalised communities and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the region’s development.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, whose National Conference opposes the 2019 decision, said his party remained committed to pursuing restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights through democratic and legal means.
The National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party, Congress and Awami Ittehad Party staged protests across the Kashmir Valley, calling for the restoration of Article 370, Article 35-A and full statehood.
BJP leaders, meanwhile, organised rallies celebrating what they described as seven years of integration, development and empowerment.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the constitutional changes had ended decades of separatism and discrimination, while regional parties argued the move had eroded Jammu and Kashmir’s political identity.
Security was tightened across the region, with restrictions on protests, additional deployments of police and paramilitary personnel, and suspension of fresh Amarnath Yatra movement as a precaution.
The Supreme Court upheld the Centre’s decision in December 2023 while directing that assembly elections be completed and statehood restored at the earliest. Regional parties continue to press for restoration of full statehood.
