Security measures have been taken across Jammu and Kashmir as the region marks the fifth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, which took place on August 5, 2019. To celebrate this day, the Jammu and Kashmir BJP unit is organizing the ‘Ekatma Mahatsav’ rally today. In response, authorities have heightened security and issued instructions to restrict convoy movements
All security forces have been advised to observe a “dry day,” prohibiting the movement of security convoys on August 5. Additionally, no convoys transporting Amarnath pilgrims will be allowed to travel between base camps. However, teams responsible for road clearing duties along Amarnath yatra routes and national highways are expected to maintain their active presence.
On August 5, 2019, the Centre abrogated Article 370, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. This move also led to the implementation of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, which divided the former state into two Union Territories: Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir.
What is Article 370?
Article 370 was adopted on October 17, 1949, and was part of the Indian Constitution when it came into effect on January 26, 1950. The article was meant to recognize the unique status of Jammu and Kashmir as a princely state that had acceded to India under specific conditions.
Key Provisions
- Autonomy: Article 370 granted Jammu and Kashmir a high degree of autonomy. The state had its own Constitution and could make laws on all matters except foreign affairs, defense, finance, and communications, which remained under the jurisdiction of the Indian government.
- Article 35A: This was a provision under Article 370 that allowed the Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define permanent residents of the state and grant them special rights and privileges.
Alterations and Abrogation
- 1963: The first significant change was in 1963 when the Supreme Court of India declared that certain provisions of the Indian Constitution, like fundamental rights, would apply to Jammu and Kashmir.
- 1990s: During the insurgency in Kashmir in the 1990s, the special provisions were subject to intense scrutiny and debate.
- August 5, 2019: The Indian government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), abrogated Article 370 through the Presidential Order and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act. This action effectively ended the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and split the state into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
