By Dr. Gyan Pathak
Even seven years after the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35 (A), there seems to be no reconciliation between the Centre and the people and political parties of Jammu and Kashmir who observed August 5 as black day and organized protests across the Union Territory, and lamented the loss of their special status under the Constitution of India, and even loss of their statehood, which they are still waiting to be restored as promised by the Union Government led by PM Narendra Modi. On the other hand, the J&K administration and the BJP celebrated the day.
BJP leader Ashok Kaul said August 5 “is a golden day and not a black day” and distributed sweets among workers. He added, “The Centre ended three decades of terrorism and stone pelting. Schools remain open. We celebrate the day.”
Nevertheless, amidst heightened security, the street protests were organised across Jammu and Kashmir by regional political parties including the ruling National Conference (NC) and the opposition People Democratic Party (PDP) to mark the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and 35(A) criticizing it.
Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that August 5 is “a painful reminder of the day when a decision was imposed upon J&K by the Government of India, reneging on its own constitutional commitments made to the people, and unilaterally altering its structure and status, further disempowering a people awaiting conflict resolution.”
Nevertheless, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha marked August 5 as a historic day signalling peace, development, and the “birth of a new Jammu and Kashmir.” The administration commemorates the date by highlighting security improvements, distributing job compassionate appointments to terror victims’ families, and promoting anti-corruption pledges. Governor Sinha also distributed appointment letters among family members of terror victims.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi described 5th August 2019 as a defining milestone in India’s journey towards inclusive development.“Seven years ago, on this day, Articles 370 and 35(A) became history, marking a decisive new chapter in the journey of Jammu and Kashmir as well as Ladakh,” PM Modi posted on X.
The Prime Minister observed that this year’s anniversary assumes even greater significance as the nation commemorates the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. He said that Dr. Mookerjee’s lifelong commitment to national unity continues to inspire generations, and that the vision he championed found historic fulfilment on 5th August 2019.
Since then, the lives of the people of J&K and Ladakh have witnessed wide-ranging transformation. Infrastructure has expanded, opportunities in areas such as education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and sports have grown. Be it the women or the marginalised communities, those who were denied their basic constitutional rights for decades have been empowered thanks to the full application of the Constitution of India.
Reaffirming the Government’s unwavering commitment to the development of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the Prime Minister said that every citizen must have the opportunity to dream big, realise their aspirations and contribute to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
“Seven years, we haven’t forgotten, and we haven’t reconciled, far less accepted our current circumstances. My party and I remain committed to reversing all that was done to J&K that took away our rights and threatens our identity,” J&K Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah said.
NC leaders and legislators also held protests in their respective constituencies across the Union Territory. They carried placards on restoration of special status. NC leaders said that they will always observe August 5 every year as Black Day.
“Time may have moved forward, but our resolve has only grown stronger. We have neither forgotten nor accepted the circumstances that deprived J&K of its special status and reduced a historic State into a Union Territory. Our commitment has never been about confrontation; it has always been about restoring dignity, democratic rights, constitutional guarantees and the trust of our people through lawful and peaceful means,” NC leader and minister Javed Rana has said.
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had given a call for statewide protests at every district headquarters across the Union Territory. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti held a late evening protest on Tuesday and termed August 5 as “the first step towards erosion of the Constitution by the BJP”.
PDP has alleged that their several leaders were placed under house arrest. Their leaders even posted on social media that even several of them were also detained in police stations.
Mehbooba Mufti said, “The message is loud and clear: no amount of manufactured normalcy or carefully crafted narratives can erase the aspirations of the people of J&K. Our demand for dignity, justice, and the restoration of Article 370 remains as strong as ever.”
Other parties like Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, Awami Ittehad and Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference also organised protests in several places of the Union Territory.
CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami said, “What happened on August 5, 2019, was a systematic assault on the relationship between the Union of India and J&K. Seven years later, the sweeping crackdown on political activity and democratic expression continues. Ironically, this is being projected as one of the BJP government’s biggest achievements. It continues to rely on strong-arm methods to shrink space for dissent and stifle press freedom.” (IPA Service)
