In a recent development, Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram criticized the government’s assertion that the abrogation of Article 370 led to peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir. On the fourth anniversary of the contentious move, Chidambaram questioned the government’s narrative, citing instances of curtailment of freedom in the region.
Chidambaram’s comments came in response to the government’s celebration of the “historic” decision to revoke Article 370 on August 5, 2019. The decision, which stripped the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and reorganized it into two union territories, was touted by the government as a step towards ushering in peace and development in the region.
However, Chidambaram challenged this assertion in a tweet, stating, “The Government and the LG of Jammu & Kashmir celebrate the ‘peace’ that has descended on the State (now UT) after the abrogation of Article 370. I wish to quote President Kennedy who warned against the ‘peace of the grave and the silence of the slave’.”
Chidambaram’s concerns centered around the reported curbs on political freedom in the region. He questioned the government’s claim of peace, pointing to the house arrest of former Chief Minister Ms. Mehbooba Mufti and the sealing of offices belonging to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference (NC). These actions, according to Chidambaram, indicated that while the government touted peace, freedom appeared to be suppressed, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.
The senior Congress leader’s remarks come at a time when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the ruling party at the central government level, celebrated the anniversary of the Article 370 abrogation with a public meeting in Srinagar. BJP leaders highlighted the absence of shutdowns in the Kashmir Valley and emphasized the region’s improved situation, citing international events hosted and increased tourist footfall since 2019.
The Chenab Times News Desk