The significant decision taken by the Central Government by abrogating contentious Articles 370 & 35A was heartily welcomed by the nationalist people Jammu region. It was treated as a victory of nationalist forces of Jammu and complete integration of J&K with the Union of India, after 72 long years of discrimination.
Rahul Aggarwal, Legal Intern, Supreme Court of India: ”Ghiste Ghiste Ghis Jaayegi’ were the words of the former Prime Minister, Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, in whose tenure Article 370 of the Indian Constitution was introduced. Article 370 finds mention in Part 21 of the Indian Constitution, which is titled ‘Temporary, Transitional & Special Provision,’ and it took 70 years for a temporary provision to end, but as it is said, ‘Dair Aaye, Durust Aaye.’
On 5th August 2019, when the Home Minister Amit Shah announced the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu city felt relieved as a feeling of joy ran through the people across the city as well as other states of the country. It was accepted and welcomed as the victory of the nationalist forces; independence was felt in the true spirit after 72 years of Independence for the people of J&K.
The abrogation of Article 370 led to the simultaneous abrogation of 35-A and the fact that 35-A never found a space in the Constitution of erstwhile J&K State came as a surprise to many people. It was a tool in the hands of those who were ruling the state for the past 72 years and was being used to suppress the rights of women, Valmikis, West-Pak Refugees, and the Gorkha community.
Ironically, a daughter of J&K who got married outside the erstwhile State lost all her rights in J&K, and the West-Pak refugees; the community which gave India two Prime Ministers, were devoid of their fundamental voting right in Assembly elections.
Abrogation of temporary Article 370 restored the rights of the suppressed community & opened the way of development in J&K. Development will surely take some time as the errors of 70 plus years can’t be rectified in a span of 2-3 years. And it would be right to say that the nationalist people of both, the Jammu & Kashmir regions, gave their assent to this fact as they have high hopes from the Central Government. Though there is stress over the demotion of J&K from a State to Union Territory, it becomes pertinent to mention that the Home Minister, on the floor of the house, himself clarified that UT status is temporary & statehood would be restored soon.
Change is now quite evident with the introduction of new Laws including new land laws, the establishment of Tribunals, Universities, Industries, etc. in the UT and as a nationalist who have held the flag of India high with dignity, people hope to see J&K UT as one where we rise above religion; standing united with our Indian flag unfurling high.
Abrogation of Article 370 has ended the interests of vested powers who kept on disturbing the communal harmony of the erstwhile State & tried to defame it in the name of religion. Consequent to the abrogation, J&K now stands as a perfect example of ‘Unity in Diversity.’
Aman Sharma, student: The Abrogation of Article 370 has been a historical decision. After its abrogation we see a fair future. The Article 370 was unnecessary incorporated in the Indian Constitution which was an obstacle in the overall development of people of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir State with corrupt and unfair leaders grooming nefarious ground for their dirty politics.
It was a historical mistake which was corrected and the citizens got their identity. Now Central government would be able to implement the uniform policies and rules.
The Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory is the crowning glory of India and it deserves every inch of attention so that it prospers after getting relieved from the shackles of mis-governance, terrorism, poverty, illiteracy and so on. There is no doubt in saying that this decision has taken a toll on students because of high speed (4G) internet service being put down for a long period across the UT. It has definitely affected the education.
People are still looking after for a bright tomorrow where they would be able to relish the benefits of this decision.
Sugam Angotra, student activist, Jammu: The Article 370 and 35A was an instrument through which Kashmir-based politicians always discriminated with both Jammu and Ladakh regions and form Kashmir hegemony in erstwhile J&K State. As a result, the culture and traditions of Jammu was always discriminated and pervious governments always project Kashmir all around.
The cultural identity of Dogras was nowhere in any national or international event. Kashmiri culture was projected and glorified everywhere. Now many voices are being raised by Valley based parties and leaders that after the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, cultural identity of Dogras will be under threat.
But the reality is that over the past 70 years, Kashmiris left no stone unturned to destroy Dogra culture, identity and heritage whether it is our temples, forts and tourist spots. Now these Gupkaris hypocrites are roaming freely on Jammu streets and by talking of Dogra identity and communal harmony they are befooling again the innocent people of Jammu region. People of Jammu can not trust these separatist leaders who always talk about Pakistan and China in Indian territory. They have no right to talk about Jammu because the people of Jammu are nationalistic. Gupkar do not represent Jammu.
