Amit Shah Declares Article 370 as a ‘Thing of the Past’ at BJP Manifesto Launch
Srinagar, 7th September 2024: Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated on Saturday that Article 370, which once granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, is a thing of the past and will not be reinstated. Speaking at the launch of the BJP’s manifesto for the forthcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, Shah announced that the party would release a white paper documenting the 40,000 killings in the region since 1990 and would hold those responsible accountable.
Article 370 allowed Jammu and Kashmir autonomy over internal matters, excluding foreign affairs, finance, defence, and communications. In 2019, the Modi government abrogated Article 370 and Article 35A, reorganizing the region into two Union territories.
Shah criticized the National Conference (NC) for its promise to restore Article 370 in its election manifesto, asserting that the article is permanently “buried” and vowing to block any attempts at its reinstatement. He also challenged Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition, to clarify his stance on the NC’s manifesto, which includes promises to revive Article 370 and release prisoners associated with “promoting secessionism.”
Shah questioned whether Gandhi and his party supported the return of terrorism and separatism in Jammu and Kashmir and the reinstatement of Article 370. He implied that Gandhi’s reluctance to openly support these measures is indicative of his true position.
The Home Minister reaffirmed that Jammu and Kashmir will always be an integral part of India and praised the BJP’s role and the “historic” decision of August 5, 2019, to remove Article 370 and Article 35A from the Constitution. He described the period before 2014 as one plagued by separatism and terrorism, with governments influenced by the Hurriyat. Shah claimed that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a new era of peace and development has begun in the region.
Shah also announced that the BJP will publish a white paper on the 40,000 killings in Jammu and Kashmir and assign responsibility following the assembly elections. Regarding post-election alliances, he stated that while the BJP will keep its options open, it will not form a government with the National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), or Congress.
On the matter of statehood restoration, Shah reiterated his commitment to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at an appropriate time after the assembly elections, dismissing the need for further discussion on the subject.
He ruled out any talks with Pakistan, emphasizing that negotiations and terrorism cannot coexist. “We will engage with the youth of Kashmir, not Pakistan unless the neighbouring country halts its terrorism,” Shah declared.
Shah’s visit comes amid internal challenges for the BJP’s state unit, including dissent and protests over ticket distribution for the assembly elections.
