Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the landmark ruling upholding the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the verdict strengthens the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’ He highlighted that Articles 370 and 35A deprived the people of the erstwhile state of rights enjoyed by fellow citizens across the country.
In a blog post sharing his thoughts, PM Modi acknowledged the historic judgment delivered by the Supreme Court of India on December 11, emphasizing that the decision in 2019 to abrogate Articles 370 and 35(A) aimed at enhancing constitutional integration, not disintegration. The court recognized that Article 370 was not permanent and celebrated the breathtaking landscapes of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.
PM Modi lamented the region’s history of violence and instability over the past seven decades, attributing the challenges to centuries of colonization and a confused societal mindset. He criticized previous governments for betraying the people of Jammu and Kashmir and expressed his strong desire to alleviate their suffering by removing the obstacles posed by Articles 370 and 35(A).
The Prime Minister highlighted the roles played by Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, emphasizing their contributions to the Kashmir issue. He commended Mukherjee’s sacrifice and Vajpayee’s message of ‘Insaniyat’, ‘Jamhooriyat’, and ‘Kashmiriyat’.
PM Modi, who was once a BJP worker, shared his nuanced understanding of the region’s complexities, emphasizing the people’s aspirations for development, a better quality of life, and freedom from violence. He mentioned the importance of frequent ministerial visits to Jammu and Kashmir, goodwill-building initiatives, and the special package of 2015 addressing developmental needs.
