Revoking Article 370 ‘Historic’; J&K, Ladakh Awaits New Hope: PM

In his address, the PM said Article 370 had given nothing but separatism, terrorism and family rule.

PM Modi addressed the nation on the issue of Jammu & Kashmir

(Photo: The Quint)

In a 40-minute long address to the nation on the issue of Jammu & Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the effective revocation of Article 370 as ‘historic’.

“We as a nation, as a family, have taken a historic decision,” he said.

He also said that it had given the state nothing but separatism, terrorism and family rule, adding that the provision has been used by Pakistan as a tool to spread terrorism.

“The dream of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Sardar Vallabhai Patel and crores of Indians has now been fulfilled,” he said.

Here are some significant excerpts from his speech:

On the Futility of Article 370

Asserting that no one has been able to justify how Article 370 and Article 35A was benefiting the people of the state, the Prime Minister said the provisions did not yield anything except separatism, corruption, terrorism and family rule.

He also stressed on the lack of discussion and review of Article 370.

“There was never any discussion as to how Article370 was adversely affecting the people of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. It is surprising, no one was able to really tell how did the article benefit the people,” he said.

“When some things are their forever we presume they will never change or go away. Article 370 was something similar,” he added.

On J&K’s Statehood

The prime minister reiterated Home Minister Amit Shah’s assertion in the Parliament that Jammu & Kashmir, which has currently been made a Union Territory, will soon again be given full statehood.

He backed the decision to make J&K a Union Territory, claiming that it has seen development under Governor’s rule. “Since Governor rule was implemented in J&K, state administration has been directly in touch with Centre, due to which the effects of good governance can be seen on ground,” he said.

He also assured the people of Jammu & Kashmir that they will get the opportunity to elect their representatives in a transparent manner. 

On Development in J&K and Ladakh

Spelling out his government's development plans for J&K, he said that state government employees including the police will soon get benefits on par with employees of other Union Territories and all vacant posts in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will be filled, creating employment opportunities

He expressed confidence that both PSU and private sector investments will give impetus to the two Union Territories’ economy and urged entrepreneurs to view the same as an opportunity.

He said the decision will mean the protection of Indian laws, industrialisation, a boost in tourism and more employment.