Article 370: The Modus Operandi!

Article 370 has become a ‘buzzword’ across the world with different narratives questioning the validity and the modus operandi of the Indian government’s decision to revoke provisions of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir and the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories (UTs) -- Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Besides differential governance, political antagonism, media trials, proactive rhetoric and debates; the decision has set the tune for social media hysteria and individuals to opinionate on national interest.

In a democratic country like India, there is a scope and liberty to question the modus operandi of the government’s actions. The merit of the decision to a particular action does have both sides, but ultimately it must be in the nation’s interest and for the people’s welfare. Whether Article 370 exists or not, what impact it had on the people’s lives -- peace, life security, prosperity. For decades now, has it served the people and found solutions to larger problems – poverty, terrorism, cross-border deaths, incidents of violence, armed insurgency and militancy within the state, insecurity and growing hostility in lives of the people and stagnation of region.

Will revoking Article 370 bring marginalized people to the mainstream, guarantee them security, ensure stability and development.

Can abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution bring marginalized people in the region to the mainstream, guarantee them security, ensure stability and development, gain investment in key sectors like tourism, IT, healthcare, boost employment and help the youth get better education and jobs.  For any region or part of a nation, the only truth that humanity and the state’s duty, call for actions, to uphold peoples’ rights, privileges, livelihood, liberty, freedom and equality well within the sovereignty of the nation. Any law binding on the people must promise free, secure and better life for them.

Kashmir “the paradise on earth” has to relive its lost charm and glory. Like any developing city, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh region must find its place in the list of fast-growing urban economies. The people should be well-connected to the globalized world with full access to modern technologies, infrastructure, connectivity,  opportunities for business and standard livelihood.  "Today, economic growth cannot happen in a closed environment. Open minds and open markets will ensure that the youth of the region will put it on the path of greater progress,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an interview to a leading daily.

Political or apolitical – the region has been left out for decades? People of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh deserve to live in peace and prosperity. As the PM said, “Opening of top educational institutes like IIT, IIM and AIIMs would give people better educational opportunities and a better workforce environment. Better connectivity, better linkages and better investment will help products of the region reach across the country and the world, leading to a virtuous cycle of growth and prosperity to the common man.”

Will this find a solution to lasting peace and stability?

(Representational images: source)