PM Modi comments that the Supreme Court’s historic decision to revoke Article 370 respects India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity
The Supreme Court (SC) rendered a landmark decision on the repeal of Articles 370 and 35(A) on December 11. Every Indian is proud that the court has preserved India’s sovereignty and integrity with its decision. The Supreme Court correctly noted that the judgment made on August 5, 2019, was intended to strengthen constitutional unity rather than cause its dissolution. The fact that Article 370 was not permanent was also acknowledged by the court.
The beautiful scenery, peaceful valleys, and towering mountains of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh have long enthralled poets, painters, and explorers. Here, the Himalayas stretch into the sky, the crystal-clear waters of its lakes and rivers reflect the skies, and the sublime meets the spectacular. However, these areas have seen the worst kind of violence and instability for the last 70 years—something the amazing people here never deserved.
Regretfully, we become a kind of disoriented civilization as a result of centuries of colonization, mostly economic and mental slavery. We permitted dualism instead of adopting a firm stance on fundamental issues, which caused confusion. Unfortunately, J&K became a major victim of this kind of thinking. We had the option of starting again in terms of national integration at the moment of independence. Rather, we chose to stick with the confused society strategy, even at the expense of long-term national interests.
From a very young age, I have had the chance to be involved with the J&K movement. I come from an ideological background where J&K was about meeting societal objectives rather than just being a political problem. In the Nehru cabinet, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee had a significant portfolio and had the potential to hold public office for an extended period of time. Nevertheless, he left the government over the Kashmir dispute and chose the difficult path that lay ahead, even if it meant losing his life in the process. Due to his efforts and selflessness, the Kashmir dispute has become very personal to millions of Indians. Many years later, at a public assembly in Srinagar, Atal (Bihari Vajpayee) ji delivered a stunning speech on the themes of Insaniyat (humanity), Jamhooriyat (democracy), and Kashmiriyat (Kashmiris). This speech has served as a constant source of inspiration.
I have always firmly believed that what occurred in J&K was a huge betrayal, both to the people who lived there and to our country. Additionally, I had a great urge to do all in my power to erase this injustice and stain on the people. I’ve always wanted to do something to help the people of J&K who are suffering.
To put it simply, Articles 370 and 35 (A) acted as significant barriers. The impoverished and oppressed were the ones who suffered from what seemed to be an impregnable barricade. J&K’s citizens were never granted the same rights and opportunities for growth as the rest of India, according to Articles 370 and 35(A). People who belonged to the same country were separated as a result of these publications. Even though they could plainly feel the suffering of the people there, many citizens of our country were unable to strive to address the issues in J&K because of this distance.
I have a sophisticated awareness of the intricacies and nuances of the problem since I am a karyakarta (worker) who has observed the problem extensively over the course of many decades. One thing, however, I was quite clear about J&K’s citizens desire growth, and they want to use their abilities and capabilities to contribute to India’s progress. In addition, they want a life devoid of violence and instability for their kids.
As a result, in the process of serving the people of J&K, we prioritized development—building trust via acts that are supportive of the community, understanding the problems of the people, and development—above all else.
Deadly floods devastated J&K in 2014, just after we took government, causing significant devastation in the Kashmir valley. When I visited Srinagar in September 2014 to evaluate the situation, I also said that our government will provide exceptional rehabilitation assistance worth Rs. 1,000 crore, demonstrating our resolve to help people in times of need. I got the chance to meet individuals from many walks of life, and we had one thing in common: they all want liberation from the decades-long widespread corruption in addition to growth. I made the decision that year to skip Diwali in honor of the people we lost in J&K. I too made the decision to spend Diwali in J&K.
We determined that our government ministers would regularly visit there and engage with the people in order to better support J&K’s development path. Additionally, these regular visits were very important in fostering goodwill in J&K. There were more than 150 ministerial visits between May 2014 and March 2019. This document alone is a record. 2015’s special package was a big step in meeting J&K’s developmental requirements. Initiatives for improving infrastructure, generating employment, promoting tourism, and assisting the handicraft sector were all included.
We saw that athletics had the ability to inspire young people’s goals, so we harnessed their power in J&K. We saw firsthand how sports endeavors transformed individuals’ dreams and futures via sporting activities. Coaches were made available, training programs were planned, and sporting facilities were renovated. The promotion of local football clubs was one of the most original ideas. The outcomes were excellent. I can’t help but think of the gifted football player Afshan Ashiq. She was a member of a Srinagar stone-pelting gang in December 2014, but with the correct support, she switched to football, was sent to training, and became an excellent player. It’s time to go from Bend it like Beckham to Ace it like Afshan, as I said to her during one of our Fit India Dialogues. Other children started to excel in karate, kickboxing, and other sports.
In the region’s pursuit of comprehensive development, the panchayat elections also marked a turning point. Once again, we had to decide between upholding our values and staying in power. It was never a difficult decision, and we chose to give up our government in favor of putting the goals and values of the people of J&K first. The democratic essence of the people in J&K was shown by the panchayat elections’ triumph. My thoughts returned to a conversation I’d had with the village leaders. I requested of them, among other things, that schools never be burned down. I was happy to see that this was followed. Little children are the ones who suffer the most when schools burn down.
Every Indian has a deep connection to the historic August 5, 2019, day. The momentous decision to abolish Article 370 was approved by our Parliament. A lot has changed in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh since then. The judicial court’s ruling was rendered in December 2023, however in light of the rapid advancements occurring in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, the people’s court has overwhelmingly supported Parliament’s decision to repeal Articles 370 and 35(A) for the last four years.
The last four years have seen a resurgence of trust in grassroots democracy from a political standpoint. Not given their fair share were women, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, marginalized groups within society, and scheduled tribes. Meanwhile, Ladakh’s hopes and dreams were completely disregarded. All of that changed on August 5, 2019. Now, all essential laws are applied equally and without fear. Additionally, there has been a greater emphasis on representation; elections for block development councils have been conducted, a three-tier Panchayati Raj system has been implemented, and formerly marginalized refugee populations are now starting to reap the benefits of development.
Important central government programs have reached saturation points, including all societal segments. These include the Ujjwala (gas connection and cylinder) and Saubhagya (electricity connection) programs. Financial inclusion, tap water access, and housing have all seen advancements. Infrastructure in the field of health care, which was previously a significant obstacle for the populace, has improved. Every hamlet attained the designation of open defecation free (ODF-plus). The employment procedure for government positions, which was formerly rife with favoritism and corruption, has become open and process-driven. Other metrics, including the infant mortality rate, have improved. It is evident to everybody that infrastructure and tourism have increased. Naturally, J&K’s resilient people deserve the credit for this, as they have consistently shown their desire for progress and willingness to spearhead this constructive transformation. Prior to now, Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh’s status remained uncertain. All that’s left to say about record development, record growth, and record tourist influx are exclamation points.
The Supreme Court’s decision on December 11 has reinforced the principles of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”—One India, Greatest India—reminding us that our common commitment to good governance and our ties of togetherness are what really define us. Every kid born in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh today has a blank canvas on which to design a future full of colorful dreams. People’s aspirations are now possibilities for the future rather than captives of the past. After all, frustration, despair, and depression have given way to growth, democracy, and dignity.
