J&K’s Statehood: A Call for Restoration on the Anniversary of Article 370
KB Special Correspondent
Srinagar, Aug 05 (KB): Today marks the fifth anniversary since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, resulting in a change in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir forever.
As the region, in retrospect, seeks to decipher the changes that came through such a landmark decision, the call for restoring statehood becomes louder and more urgent.
Article 370 was a special autonomy that made the identity of Jammu and Kashmir identity-insular within the Indian Union. “The state underwent abrogation on August 5, 2019, following huge changes, including the bifurcation of the state into two Union territories, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh,” revealed the details available with the Kashmir Bulletin (KB).
This step was justified by the central government as a measure for greater integration of the region with India and for fostering development and peace. In the years since abrogation, the region has witnessed a bit of everything.
Meanwhile, infrastructure projects, investments, tourist development, and erosion of local autonomy were some of the bright spots. This was high on the list of tensions caused by strict security measures in force, compounded by frequent internet shutdowns.
One of the most vocal and consistent demands by people in Jammu and Kashmir is the restoration of statehood. It is considered that reducing a state to the status of a Union Territory is very disrespectful; it loses most of its vitality and self-functioning.
Political leaders, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens have been equally vocal in showing their dismay and demanding revocation of this decision.
Restoring statehood would help in reinstating the political rights of the region and alleviating the alienation that has been growing in the hearts of the people for the last five years.
This would, in any case, secure the local leaders a more meaningful role in the administration and governance of their region, making it more inclusive and representative.
According to the former Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, Farooq Abdullah, who recently said a major regional political leader, the statehood issue is not only a question of administrative change “but also about the restoration of dignity and honor for the people of the region,” he added. “How can we be third-class citizens? We must have the power to make decisions concerning our destiny,” he asked.
A local entrepreneur from Srinagar, pleading anonymity, said, the abrogation of Article 370 has brought some development, but it has also made us feel culturally disconnected from the rest of India. Restoring statehood would bridge that gap and make us feel equal in the democracy of India.
Lastly, the center is under increased pressure to act on the statehood demand as this emotive anniversary is observed in this region. Restoration of statehood should not be merely a political gesture but should be a step toward healing the more painful wounds of the past upon which a stable and prosperous future can be based for Jammu and Kashmir.
Needless to say, the path to reconciliation and development in Jammu and Kashmir is fraught with difficulties. Immeasurably important is listening to what people say in that area and regaining their trust in the democratic process.
Ending the step-by-step constitutional restoration of statehood is a part of that journey, which, after reflecting on the last five years, is a demand that simply cannot be ignored.—(KB)
