Srinagar, Aug 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A) had empowered the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh through the full application of the Constitution of India, asserting that women and marginalised communities had gained constitutional rights while reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to the development of the two Union Territories.
Marking seven years since the abrogation of the constitutional provisions, Modi said August 5, 2019 marked a decisive new chapter in the journey of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and described it as a defining milestone in India’s path towards inclusive development.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said the two Union Territories had witnessed wide-ranging transformation over the past seven years, with significant expansion in infrastructure and new opportunities in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and sports.
He said women and members of marginalised communities, who had been deprived of several constitutional rights for decades, had been empowered through the full application of the Constitution of India.
Modi also said this year’s anniversary assumed greater significance as the country is commemorating the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee. He said Mookerjee’s lifelong commitment to national unity continues to inspire generations and that the vision he championed found historic fulfilment on August 5, 2019.
Reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to the progress of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the Prime Minister said every citizen should have the opportunity to dream big, realise their aspirations and contribute to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
“Seven years ago, on this day, Articles 370 and 35(A) became history, marking a decisive new chapter in the journey of Jammu and Kashmir as well as Ladakh,” Modi said.
The Centre revoked the special status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and abrogated Article 35(A) on August 5, 2019, while reorganising the state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Article 370 became part of the Constitution of India when it came into force in 1950. Since its inception, it remained one of the most debated constitutional provisions because it granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
On August 5, 2019, the provision was rendered inoperative, and Jammu and Kashmir was simultaneously reorganised into two separate Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh — bringing an end to its earlier constitutional status.
