PM Marks Seven Years Since Abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A), Highlights ‘New Chapter’ for J&K and Ladakh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A) by describing the 2019 constitutional decision as a historic turning point that has ushered Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh into “a decisive new chapter.” In a message shared on social media, the Prime Minister said the move had transformed the region by extending the full application of the Indian Constitution and accelerating development, governance, and public welfare.
Reflecting on the changes since August 5, 2019, Modi said the constitutional reforms had brought greater opportunities for citizens, particularly women, youth, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and other historically disadvantaged communities. He asserted that the end of the region’s special constitutional status had strengthened transparency, reduced corruption, and enabled the benefits of central welfare schemes to reach people more effectively.
The Prime Minister highlighted progress across multiple sectors, including infrastructure, road connectivity, healthcare, education, tourism, investment, and employment. According to the government, these initiatives have contributed to economic growth and improved public services while encouraging greater private investment and increasing tourist arrivals in both Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to the region, Modi assured the people of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh that development and inclusive governance would remain priorities. He said the Centre would continue working to fulfil the aspirations of residents and further strengthen peace, stability, and prosperity in the Union Territories.
The anniversary, however, also underscored the continuing political divide over the 2019 decision. While the Union government and the BJP celebrated the constitutional changes as a milestone in national integration and development, several regional political parties, including the National Conference, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and Congress leaders in Jammu & Kashmir, observed the day as a “Black Day.” Protest marches and demonstrations were reported in parts of the Union Territory, though authorities restricted larger gatherings.
Adding to the debate, the Forum for Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir, co-chaired by former Union Home Secretary G.K. Pillai and former government interlocutor Radha Kumar, released a report calling for the restoration of Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood and the repeal of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The Forum argued that restoring democratic institutions and representative governance is essential for the region’s long-term political stability.
Seven years after the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A), the issue remains one of India’s most significant constitutional and political developments. While the Centre continues to present the decision as the foundation for lasting peace, integration, and development, opposition parties and several civil society groups continue to seek the restoration of statehood and greater democratic autonomy, ensuring that the debate over Jammu & Kashmir’s constitutional future remains active.
