PM Modi terms abrogation of Art 370 ‘watershed’ moment

NEW DELHI: On completion of five years of the abrogation of Article 370, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday described the step as a watershed moment in the nation’s history that started a new era of progress in Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

The principal opposition Congress criticised the BJP’s policy for the region, saying it neither respects ‘Kashmiriyat’ nor upholds ‘Jamhuriyat’.

The removal of Article 370 that gave special rights to Jammu and Kashmir had been part of the BJP’s core agenda.

Modi assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Monday that his government would keep working for them and fulfil their aspirations.

He said the move to abrogate Article 370 meant that the Constitution was implemented in these places in letter and spirit, in line with the vision of the great men and women who made the Constitution.

“With abrogation came security, dignity and opportunity for the women, youth, backward, tribal and marginalised communities who were deprived of the fruits of development. At the same time, it has ensured that corruption, which plagued Jammu and Kashmir for decades, has been kept at bay,” the prime minister said.