Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir

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Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir

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The 2019 Indian action revoking special constitutional status (Article 370) from J&K.

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Origins & Early Life

On 5 August 2019, the government of India revoked the special status, or autonomy, granted under Article 370 of the Indian constitution to Jammu and Kashmir—a region administered by India as a state which consists of the larger part of Kashmir which has been the subject of dispute among India, Pakistan, and China since 1947. Among the Indian government actions accompanying the revocation was the cutting off of communication lines in the Kashmir Valley which was restored after 5 months. Thousands of additional security forces were deployed to curb any uprising. Several leading Kashmiri politicians were taken into custody, including the former chief minister. Government officials described these restrictions as designed for preempting violence, and justified the revocation for enabling people of the state to access government programmes such as reservation, right to education and right to information.

Career & Major Achievements

The reactions in Kashmir Valley were effectively suppressed through the suspension of communication and with imposition of Curfew (Section 144). People in the Hindu-majority Jammu and Buddhist-majority Ladakh regions welcomed the decision and held celebrations in support of it, however, some opposition was also reported from the Muslims in the latter region. Many nationalists celebrated, declaring the move to herald public order and prosperity in Kashmir. Among political parties in India, the revocation was supported by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, and, among others, by the Bahujan Samaj Party, the Aam Aadmi Party, AIADMK, Telugu Desam Party, YSR Congress Party, BJD, Janata Dal (United) and the Shiv Sena. It was opposed by the Indian National Congress, Jammu & Kashmir National Conference, Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Trinamool Congress and the DMK.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The president of India issued an order under the powers conferred by Article 367, overriding the prevailing 1954 Presidential Order and nullifying all the provisions granting autonomy to the state. The Home Minister introduced a Reorganisation Bill in the Indian parliament, seeking to divide the state into two union territories, each to be governed by a lieutenant governor and a unicameral legislature. The resolution seeking the revocation of the temporary special status under Article 370 and the bill for the state's reorganisation was debated and passed by the Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of parliament – on 5 August 2019. On 6 August, the Lok Sabha, India's lower house of parliament – debated and passed the reorganisation bill along with the resolution recommending the revocation. The revocation of special status brought changes to the region’s governance, administration and security policies.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1954: 1954 Milestone — The president of India issued an order under the powers conferred by Article 367, overriding the prevailing 1954 Presidential Order and nullifying all the provisions granting autonomy to the state.
2. 2019: 2019 Milestone — On 5 August 2019, the government of India revoked the special status, or autonomy, granted under Article 370 of the Indian constitution to Jammu and Kashmir—a region administered by India as a state which consists of the larger part of Kashmir which has been the subject of dispute among India, Pakistan, and China since 1947.

Notable Quotes by Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir

“Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed’s term in office lasted a full decade, until October 1963.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir

True or False: “The revocation of Article 370 was immediately followed by the restoration of all communication lines across the Kashmir Valley.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Communication lines were cut off on August 5, 2019, and were not restored until five months later.

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