Why valley is still distant, With end of Articles 370 and 35(A), there’s peace, hope and democracy in J&K

Source: The Indian Express (Article 1 and Article 2)

Relevance: This article explains the situation of J&K ever since the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A

Synopsis:

With the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, it is time to take a stock of the arguments regarding the abrogation.

Context

India bid farewell to Articles 370 and 35 (A) and abrogated them two years ago

The government argued that:

• Articles 370 and 35 (A) created an unnatural and unhealthy divide in our nation.
• It would promote gender equality and end discrimination against marginalised communities like the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in J&K.
• The strikes like in 2008 can be better controlled and managed if Article 370 was not there.
• Abrogation would also put an end to terrorism in J&K

Many of these have failed to materialize because:

• The abrogation has deepened the alienation of large sections of the population
• The abrogation took place while J&K was under lockdown with limited scope for protest
• The Constitution required consultations with the State legislature, which was effectively bypassed during the abrogation.
• The Constitutional guarantees given to the people of J&K during the abrogation have been broken.
• The fissures that existed between various regions have deepened, e.g. Buddhist majority Leh and Muslim majority Kargil.

Way Forward

• The move of the Union Government interacting with political parties is a welcome step
• More political dialogue and people to people connect is necessary
• The move for the restoration of J&K statehood should be given due consideration.

Terms to Know

• Article 370 and Article 35A