The Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019 was passed in Lok Sabha this morning, effectively formalising the events of the last two days.
New Delhi
The Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019 was passed in Lok Sabha this morning, effectively formalising the events of the last two days. Article 370 and Section 35A that give Jammu and Kashmir special status were revoked, and the state stands bifurcated into the Union Territories of Ladakh, and Jammu & Kashmir. All this with the valley effectively cut off – internet services are down, curfew still in place, some 40,000 troops roam the streets, and Kashmiri leaders have been arrested.
The move fulfills a long standing promise of the BJP, and has been largely supported by the wider political parties. At the same time, it’s been described as authoritarian and unconstitutional, with many pointing to its long term implications. Left organisations and civil society have called for a nationwide protest today, demanding that special status be restored.
New Jammu and Kashmir
with the state of Jammu & Kashmir divided into the Union Territories of Ladakh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Kashmir will no longer have a separate constitution, and Indian law now applies to the state in its entirely, extending the Centre’s authority.
people from other parts of India can now buy property in the state. Will this change the demographics of the Muslim-majority valley? We’ll see.
