Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Calls for Article 370 Comeback: BJP Calls Move 'Anti-National'
Jammu: In a landmark political development, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution demanding the abrogation of Article 370 that had granted special status to the region in the past. The resolution was brought by National Conference leader and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Chaudhary. It was taken up as a discussion at the assembly with BJP members aggressively opposing the resolution terming it as an "anti-national agenda".
The ruling party provided enough support for the proposal to pass, despite BJP legislators' strong opposition, calling the resolution damaging to the unity of India. The resolution emphasizes that the special status of the former state protected Jammu and Kashmir's distinct identity, culture, and rights. This would also call upon the central government to enter into dialogue with the elected representatives of the region to reinstate constitutional guarantees for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Points of the Resolution
The resolution stressed that special status under Article 370 has played an important role historically in preserving the cultural and constitutional identity of Jammu and Kashmir. Concerned over the "unilateral revocation" of Article 370 by the central government in August 2019, the Assembly asked the Indian government to "develop a constitutional mechanism for restoring these provisions.".
This resolution said: "This Assembly reaffirms the importance of special status and constitutional guarantees, which had safeguarded the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It calls upon the Government of India to enter into dialogue with the elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir to work towards the restoration of the special status and establishing a framework for constitutional guarantees."
BJP's Opposition and "Anti-National" Label
The BJP, however, was categorical in rejecting the resolution as "anti-national" and reiterated that Article 370 has been "finally abrogated," and that cannot be "undone." During the assembly session, BJP members resorted to slogan-shouting, including "Long Live August 5," when Article 370 was scrapped in 2019. BJP leader Sham Lal Sharma argued that the National Conference has a history of "emotional blackmail" and accused it of exploiting sentiments surrounding Article 370.
The abrogation of Article 370 is final," Sharma said. "From Sheikh Abdullah to Omar Abdullah, this has been part of the National Conference's routine strategy to emotionally manipulate the people." He also urged the Speaker to remain impartial and not support any party's view on the matter.
Background: Article 370 and Its Revocation
Article 370 was abrogated by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi led central government in August 2019 to end the special autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370, while giving Jammu and Kashmir a constitution and a flag and a fair deal of authority over internal matters, placed all authority on the center's part in regard to defense, communications, and foreign policy.
After the abrogation, Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two different Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. It was another political transformation in the map of the region. Ever since the abrogation, regional parties such as National Conference and People's Democratic Party (PDP) have been opposing the decision and claiming that it has eroded the autonomy and identity of Jammu and Kashmir.
Continuing Legal and Political Controversies
Revocation of Article 370 remains a most contentious decision in the region. On December 12, 2022, the Supreme Court upheld the revocation but directed the central government to hold elections in the region and consider restoring its statehood by September 2024. This ruling further fuels demands from regional leaders regarding restoring the state's special status, which they believed is crucial for preserving the identity of Jammu and Kashmir.
An Inclusive Issue with National Imperatives
The recent decision by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly once again brought the matter of Article 370 under sharp national focus. The party believes the issue of restoring Article 370 is very important for protection from regional autonomy, whereas the National Conference, along with most of the regional parties, deems the abrogation permanent and any move for reversal as divisive.
With the debate on Article 370 heating up, the resolution brings out the underlying concerns from Jammu and Kashmir leaders at large with broader implications toward national unity and regional harmony for India.
