On 7th Article 370 abrogation anniversary, PM Modi says J&K, Ladakh saw wide-ranging transformation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that since the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A) in 2019, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have witnessed a wide-ranging transformation, with expansion of infrastructure and growth in opportunities in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and sports sectors.
Marking the seventh anniversary of the abrogation, Modi said the Centre remains committed to the development of the two Union Territories and to ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to “dream big, achieve and contribute” to the making of a Viksit Bharat. In a post on X, he said, “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.”
On August 5, 2019, the BJP-led government revoked Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcated the erstwhile state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Since then, the government has maintained that the region has been on a path of development and integration with the rest of India. Officials have cited improvements in infrastructure, tourism, and the extension of central laws, including those related to affirmative action and social welfare.
Modi also noted that this year’s anniversary coincides with the 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (precursor to the BJP), who had campaigned for the removal of Article 370. “His lifelong commitment to national unity continues to inspire generations. What he envisioned decades ago found historic fulfilment on 5th August 2019,” Modi said. Mookerjee died under detention in Srinagar in 1953.
The abrogation remains a subject of debate. Opposition parties and civil society organisations have criticised the move, citing the heavy security presence in the region, restrictions on communication during the initial lockdown, and the slow pace of political restoration. Several petitions challenging the abrogation are still pending before the Supreme Court, which has not yet issued a final verdict.
The government has repeatedly said that the region is now on a normal course, with local elections being held and efforts to revive the political process. In recent years, the administration has also taken steps to encourage local entrepreneurship and sports. However, rights groups have documented instances of alleged human rights violations, though the government has denied these claims.
On the anniversary, Modi reaffirmed the government’s stance, saying, “We reaffirm our commitment to the progress of Jammu and Kashmir as well as Ladakh and to ensure that every citizen has the opportunity to dream big, achieve and contribute to the making of a Viksit Bharat.” Prime Minister’s remarks came as part of a series of messages from political leaders, with the ruling party highlighting the move as a historic correction, and regional parties demanding the restoration of statehood and protection of special rights.
The full impact of the abrogation continues to be assessed by policymakers, legal experts, and citizens. As the anniversary passes, the debate over the future of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is likely to remain centre stage in the country’s political discourse.
