NEW DELHI — Marking the seventh anniversary of the revocation of Article 370 and Article 35(A), Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Wednesday that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have undergone a "wide-ranging transformation" across governance, social equality, and economic infrastructure.
In a statement posted on social platform X, the Prime Minister reflected on the milestone decision made on August 5, 2019, noting that the removal of special status opened a decisive new chapter in the region’s development path.
"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 stated, as reported by Alter News.
Expanding Opportunities and Social Empowerment
Highlighting key structural advances over the past seven years, the Prime Minister emphasized that substantial state and central investments have significantly expanded regional transport, power, and connectivity infrastructure. Simultaneously, fresh avenues have opened up in critical public sectors including higher education, healthcare services, youth sports, and local entrepreneurship.
PM Modi particularly underscored the constitutional empowerment of historically underserved populations. He observed that women, along with marginalized communities who were previously denied basic rights due to state-level legal restrictions, now enjoy full constitutional protections and equal opportunities guaranteed under the Constitution of India.
Reaffirming the Centre's vision, the Prime Minister stated that the administration remains steadfastly committed to helping every resident in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh "dream big, achieve, and contribute to the making of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India)."
Tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee
Connecting the anniversary to historical milestones, PM Modi noted that August 5 holds added resonance this year as the nation commemorates the 125th birth anniversary of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
Mookerjee, who strongly advocated for the complete constitutional integration of Jammu and Kashmir, spent his life campaigning against the special provisions of Article 370 before passing away under detention in Srinagar in 1953.
"His lifelong commitment to national unity continues to inspire generations. What he envisioned decades ago found historic fulfillment on 5th August 2019," PM Modi noted.
Background of the 2019 Legislative Shift
On August 5, 2019, the Parliament of India abrogated Article 370 and Article 35(A), stripping the former state of Jammu and Kashmir of its special status. Under the subsequent Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, the state was formally bifurcated into two separate Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh—bringing central laws and full constitutional governance directly into effect across the entire region.
Tags:
