Article 370 of the Indian constitution provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The state was permitted it to have a separate constitution, a state flag and autonomy above the internal administration. The Government of India withdrew this special status on August 2019 through a Presidential Order and the passage of a resolution in Parliament.
This article, along with Article 35A, defined that the Jammu and Kashmir state’s residents live under a separate set of laws. It includes those related to citizenship, ownership of property, and fundamental rights, as compared to residents of other Indian states. As a result of this provision, Indian citizens from different parts of the countries could not buy land or property in Jammu & Kashmir.
On 5 August 2019, President Ram Nath Kovind issued a constitutional order revoking the order of 1954, and making all the provisions of the Indian constitution applicable to Jammu and Kashmir.
Reactions on Abrogation of Articles:
This order evoked various responses from different countries and organisations.
While Pakistan tried to muster support from different nations, including Islamic countries, the response widely remained sombre.
Spokespersons for the UN and the US have both urged restraint. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric only reiterated that the UN Chief is following the developments in the region with concern.
The US government did not directly comment on the revocation of Article 370.
“We urge respect for individual rights, compliance with legal procedures, and inclusive dialogue with those affected.” The US spokesperson called on all parties to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Control, including “taking firm and resolute steps” to combat cross-border terrorism.
Britain and Saudi Arabia expressed concern over the latest development and support calls for the situation to remain calm.
Turkey and Malaysia hope for Pakistan and India to resolve the matter in dialogue. To find an amicable solution to it, which caters to the interest and welfare of all people.
Other countries such as Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka have termed this decision by the Indian Government as an “internal matter”.
However, the news about Article 370 was met with furious protests in Pakistan, where the Government’s representative called India’s actions “unlawful”.
In Muzaffarabad (which is 45 km from Indian border), dozens of protesters held black flags and burnt car tires, chanting “Down with India”.
As seen, the revocation of Article 370 has given rise to several responses from different countries.
Do you think it is an internal matter of India? If yes, then why is Pakistan agitated about this? Many more question and answers to be unveiled. We can hope that the valley of beauty remains in peace.
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