On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the abrogation of the Constitution’s Article 370, which granted Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) semi-autonomous status, a resounding declaration of hope, progress and unity.
“The Court, in its profound wisdom, has fortified the very essence of unity that we, as Indians, hold dear and cherish above all else,” he penned in a post on X. “I want to assure the resilient people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh that our commitment to fulfilling your dreams remains unwavering. We are determined to ensure that the fruits of progress not only reach you but also extend their benefits to the most vulnerable and marginalized sections of our society who suffered due to Article 370.”
PM added, “The verdict today is not just a legal judgment; it is a beacon of hope, a promise of a brighter future and a testament to our collective resolve to build a stronger, more united India.”
The Supreme Court directed that elections be held in J&K by September 2024, after rejecting the argument that Article 370 was a permanent provision. The region has not had an elected government since June 2018. It also called for the restoration of J&K’s statehood at the earliest.