9 November, 2024; Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently took a strong stance against the Congress party and its allies over the ongoing debate surrounding Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at a public gathering, Modi asserted that the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, was a historic step toward unity and peace in the region. He firmly stated that there would be no reversal of this decision, declaring that no political force could reinstate Article 370.
During the address, Modi accused Congress and its allies of attempting to disrupt the progress achieved since the revocation of the article. He claimed that their calls to reinstate Article 370 reflect a desire to return Jammu and Kashmir to a period of violence and instability. According to Modi, these political efforts overlook the security and development gains the region has witnessed since its reorganization into Union Territories.
The issue sparked intense discussions within the Legislative Assembly, with members clashing over the proposal to reinstate Article 370. Modi’s remarks followed heated debates and protests within the assembly as opposition leaders voiced their disapproval of the government’s stance on Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
In response to Modi’s assertions, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of the National Conference underscored the demand for Jammu and Kashmir’s full statehood. Abdullah argued that while the decision to revoke Article 370 has been made, the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve the dignity and autonomy that full statehood would grant. This call for statehood was echoed by his father, National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah, who has long advocated for restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s political identity.
Omar Abdullah’s stance highlights a broader sentiment within Jammu and Kashmir. Many political figures and citizens of the region believe that while the special status may have been revoked, granting full statehood would empower the people and address their political aspirations.
The clash between the Modi-led BJP government and opposition parties on this issue marks a pivotal point in the discourse surrounding Jammu and Kashmir’s future. While Modi and the BJP maintain that the abrogation has paved the way for progress, opposition leaders argue that reinstating full statehood is essential for restoring trust and stability in the region.
As this debate continues, the question of Jammu and Kashmir’s status remains at the forefront of Indian politics. Both sides recognize the region’s significance, yet the path to addressing its complex history and aspirations remains a subject of contention.
