What is Article 370?

The Article 370 came into effect in 1949 according to which the state of Jammu and Kashmir enjoyed a special status until 5th August 2019. In simple terms, the people of J&K lived under separate laws and enjoyed autonomy in all areas except defence, foreign affairs, finance and communication.

Further in 1957, Article 35A was inserted though the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order by the then President of India, Rajendra Prasad. According to which no outsider was allowed to own property or get a state job in J&K.

Revocation of Article 370

On 5 August 2019, the Government of India revoked the special status, or limited autonomy, granted under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir—a region administered by India as a state which consists of the larger part of Kashmir which has been the subject of dispute among India, Pakistan, and China since 1947.

The current Government believes to have corrected the historical blunder. It urges it was necessary to scrap Article 370 to integrate Kashmir with the rest of the country. The government aims to restore peace, curb corruption and enable growth in the Valley with this step. But only time will tell the implications of this decision.

Advantages of Revocation Article 370

1. Finally, it is One Nation One Constitution. This will instil the feeling of unity among all citizens of India.
2. It will open doors for private sectors to invest in J&K. This will boost the economy of the state.
3. There will be the scope of other job opportunities now apart from tourism.
4. The centre will be able to provide better medical facilities to citizens of J&K now.
5. Appropriate measures to control corruption can be taken now by the central government.
6. Authorities are in a better position to curb terrorism now.

Disadvantages of Revocation Article 370

1. Kashmiri citizens will no longer have dual citizenship, which is not going down very well with many locals.
2. How the article 370 was revoked has strained the already delicate relations of India with Pakistan.
3. There were several presidential orders issues under Article 370. Repealing it just like that will create practical difficulties and political vulnerability.
4. Overall it has instilled fear among a section of citizens about security. Many dread that the way Article 370 was revoked, the government might take similar actions in other states and people will have no say. It is a threat to our democracy.
5. Certain sections of the society have started threatening that they can now marry Kashmiri girls since they can now marry outside of J&K state without losing their citizenship. This is sexist and is a threat to the safety of women in Kashmir.

Conclusion
Indian government has recently revoked the special status that was given to Jammu and Kashmir and made them into two Union territories. This may turn into both good and bad. This is one of the good and brave move to resolve the land dispute between India and Pakistan. At the same time this is one of the bad move when everyone across the country are fearing about Hindu extremism.

Some consider that this move of revoking Article 375 may backfire at any movement.

Award Winning Article Is Written By: Mr.Mohit Garg

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