In response to the recent affidavit filed by the Modi government before the Supreme Court, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, criticized the government’s claims of development and progress in the region since the abrogation of Article 370. The affidavit, filed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, highlighted the alleged positive impact of the government’s actions on the lives of residents in Jammu and Kashmir.
Abdullah took to Twitter to express his views on the affidavit, stating, “These are definitely political arguments the BJP/Union Govt can make to sell their decision to the voter, but they are not legal arguments. The entire case in the SC is about the illegality & unconstitutionality of what was done on 5th Aug 2019, not whether the Govt has a strong enough political case.”
Abdullah’s response underscores the contention surrounding the government’s decision to revoke Article 370, which granted special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir. The move, carried out in August 2019, resulted in the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
The affidavit filed by the Ministry of Home Affairs claimed that the government’s actions had led to unprecedented development, progress, security, and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. It cited a drop in terrorist recruitments, stone-throwing incidents, and strikes as evidence of the positive impact of the government’s policies. The affidavit also emphasized the ongoing work on transit accommodation for Kashmiri Pandits, aiming to facilitate their safe return to the Valley.
Furthermore, the document asserted that the region had experienced a significant transformation, with schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, and other public institutions functioning efficiently since the abrogation of Article 370. It claimed that there had been no strikes or disturbances in the past three years, and the organized violence and strikes orchestrated by terrorists, which were prevalent before, were now a thing of the past.
The affidavit also highlighted the boost in tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, with a record number of tourists visiting the region. It stated that over 1.88 crore tourists had visited between January and December 2022, contributing to the growth of the economy and benefiting the common people. The affidavit further mentioned initiatives to improve the quality of life in Jammu and Kashmir, including measures to mainstream youth and provide employment opportunities to deter them from militancy.
The government’s affidavit focused on various developmental projects, including the computerization of land records, the progress of hydro-electric projects, and the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for new projects aimed at increasing the power generation capacity in the region.
However, Abdullah’s response emphasizes that the ongoing legal battle in the Supreme Court is centered around the legality and constitutionality of the government’s decision to revoke Article 370. While the government presents its claims of development and progress, Abdullah argues that the focus should be on the legal aspects and the implications of the decision on the rights and autonomy of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
As the Supreme Court constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, prepares to hear the petitions challenging the revocation of Article 370 and the notification of the J&K Reorganisation Act, the arguments presented in the government’s affidavit and Abdullah’s critique highlight the ongoing debate surrounding the issue. The court’s decision will have significant implications for the future of Jammu and Kashmir and its residents.
The Chenab Times News Desk