Article 370 latest
Article 370 latest
Table of Contents
The upcoming fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), is set to be marked by contrasting activities from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition parties in the region. On August 5, 2019, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, revoked Article 370, effectively integrating J&K fully into India’s Union framework and splitting the former state into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. As this significant date approaches, the BJP plans to commemorate the occasion with celebrations and public outreach, while opposition parties and local groups are gearing up for protests, arguing that the move has led to erosion of local rights and disenfranchisement.Article 370 latest
BJP’s Plans to Celebrate the Abrogation
The BJP views the abrogation of Article 370 as a historic decision that fulfilled a long-standing demand of the party and its ideological affiliates. The party believes that the revocation of the article has led to greater integration of J&K with the rest of India, bringing with it promises of development, security, and equality for all residents of the region.
To mark the fifth anniversary, the BJP has organized a series of events across Jammu and Kashmir. These include public rallies, cultural programs, and seminars that aim to highlight the perceived benefits of the abrogation. Senior party leaders are expected to participate in these events, delivering speeches that emphasize how the move has paved the way for increased investment, improved infrastructure, and greater economic opportunities in the region.Article 370 latest
In Jammu, the BJP plans to host a grand rally where leaders will discuss the changes that have taken place since the abrogation. They are likely to focus on the government’s achievements in sectors such as health, education, and tourism, which the party claims have seen significant improvements. The rally is also expected to address issues of security, with leaders underscoring the reduction in terrorist activities and the strengthening of law and order in the region.Article 370 latest
In Kashmir, the BJP’s outreach efforts are more subdued but equally strategic. The party has been working to expand its base in the Valley, a region traditionally wary of the BJP’s politics. The fifth-anniversary celebrations will therefore include smaller gatherings, where the focus will be on engaging with the youth and minority communities. The party aims to showcase success stories of local entrepreneurs and beneficiaries of central government schemes as examples of the positive impact of the abrogation.Article 370 latest
The BJP’s messaging around the anniversary will also include an emphasis on national unity and the concept of “One Nation, One Constitution.” The party intends to reiterate that the abrogation of Article 370 was necessary to ensure that J&K enjoys the same rights and privileges as other parts of India, thus fostering a sense of national unity.Article 370 latest
Opposition’s Protest Plans
In stark contrast to the BJP’s celebratory mood, opposition parties in J&K, including the National Conference (NC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Congress, are planning protests to mark the anniversary. These parties have been vocal critics of the abrogation, arguing that it has led to a loss of autonomy, identity, and special privileges that were crucial for preserving the unique cultural and political fabric of J&K.
The National Conference, led by Farooq Abdullah and his son Omar Abdullah, has consistently maintained that the abrogation of Article 370 was unconstitutional and a betrayal of the trust of the people of J&K. For the fifth anniversary, the NC has planned a series of protests and public meetings across the Valley, where party leaders will address the local population, highlighting what they see as the negative consequences of the abrogation. The party’s messaging is likely to focus on the perceived disempowerment of local residents, the erosion of land and job rights, and the impact on the region’s political representation.Article 370 latest
The Peoples Democratic Party, led by Mehbooba Mufti, has also announced plans for protests. The PDP, which was in a coalition government with the BJP in J&K before the abrogation, has since become one of the most vocal critics of the decision. Mehbooba Mufti has repeatedly called for the restoration of Article 370 and has accused the BJP of trying to change the demographic composition of the region. On the fifth anniversary, the PDP is expected to organize sit-ins, marches, and public meetings, where leaders will denounce the abrogation as an attack on the region’s identity and autonomy.
The Congress party, although less prominent in J&K’s regional politics, is also planning to join the protests. The party’s local unit has expressed concerns over the manner in which Article 370 was abrogated, arguing that it was done without proper consultation with the people of J&K. The Congress is expected to participate in joint opposition events, where the focus will be on criticizing the BJP government for what they describe as its authoritarian approach to governing J&K.
In addition to the major political parties, various civil society groups and student organizations are also planning to mark the anniversary with protests. These groups argue that the abrogation has led to increased militarization, human rights violations, and a stifling of democratic freedoms in the region. They plan to hold peaceful demonstrations, vigils, and discussions to draw attention to what they see as the adverse effects of the abrogation on the social and political landscape of J&K.Article 370 latest
The Broader Context
The contrasting approaches to the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 reflect the deep and ongoing divisions within J&K and the rest of India regarding this issue. For the BJP and its supporters, the abrogation is seen as a long-overdue step towards national integration and the end of what they viewed as an outdated and discriminatory provision. They argue that it has allowed the central government to implement reforms and development programs that were previously hindered by the region’s special status.
For the opposition and many residents of J&K, however, the abrogation represents a grave injustice and a violation of their rights. They contend that the decision has led to the disenfranchisement of the local population, the dilution of their cultural identity, and the loss of protections related to land ownership and employment. The ongoing protests and political unrest in the region are seen as evidence of the deep dissatisfaction and sense of betrayal felt by many in J&K.Article 370 latest
Conclusion
As the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 approaches, the divergent plans of the BJP and the opposition highlight the ongoing contention surrounding this historic decision. While the BJP prepares to celebrate what it views as a triumph of national unity and progress, the opposition parties and local groups are gearing up to protest what they see as an unconstitutional and harmful act. This anniversary will likely serve as a reminder of the persistent challenges and unresolved tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, even as the region continues to grapple with its complex political and social realities.
