Srinagar: In a significant statement made during the unveiling of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) manifesto for the upcoming Assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has firmly ruled out the restoration of Article 370. This provision, which granted special status to the former state of Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated in August 2019. Shah declared that Article 370 has “become history” and is no longer part of the Indian Constitution.
Shah’s remarks come amidst a politically charged atmosphere as Jammu and Kashmir prepares for its first Assembly elections since 2014. The National Conference, in alliance with the Congress for this election, has pledged to restore Article 370 if elected. This election is being closely observed to gauge public sentiment regarding the removal of the provision and the subsequent bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh—in 2019.
During his two-day visit to the valley, Shah emphasized the BJP’s long-standing commitment to integrating Jammu and Kashmir with India. He highlighted the period from 2014 to 2024 as a transformative era, contrasting it with the previous years marked by separatism and terrorism. Shah praised the Modi government’s decision to abrogate Article 370, attributing it to a new phase of development in the region.
“The years between 2014 and 2024 will be written in golden letters for Jammu and Kashmir,” Shah asserted. He condemned the previous policy of appeasement and the influence of separatist elements under the shadow of Article 370, which he claimed contributed to unrest and violence in the region.
Shah also addressed the National Conference’s manifesto and the Congress’ supportive stance, underscoring that Article 370 is a closed chapter. “Article 370 can never come back and we will never allow it to return,” he declared, criticizing it for allegedly fueling violence by supplying arms and stones to the youth in Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir will cast their votes in three phases, starting from September 18 and concluding on October 1. The results will be counted on October 8.
