 Early Times Report
Jammu, May 30: Former Union Minister Congress leader Salman Khurshid, speaking during a diplomatic visit to Indonesia, credited the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 with ending separatism in Jammu and Kashmir, ushering in a period of “prosperity” for the region. Addressing Indonesian think tanks and academics as part of an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation, Khurshid highlighted the transformative impact of the decision to revoke the constitutional provision that had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
“Kashmir had a major problem for a long time, reflected in Article 370, which gave the impression that it was separate from the rest of the country,” Khurshid stated.
“But Article 370 was abrogated, and it was finally put to an end.” He pointed to the post-abrogation progress, noting a 65 percent voter turnout in subsequent elections and the establishment of an elected government in the Union Territory. “For people to want to undo the prosperity that has come to Kashmir would not be advisable,” he added.
Khurshid’s remarks mark a shift from his earlier position in 2019, when he described Article 370 as a “bond” linking Jammu and Kashmir to India, emphasizing that it represented “an idea, within the idea of India.” The abrogation, enacted by the BJP-led government in August 2019, revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, a move that sparked significant political debate.
The Congress party’s stance on Article 370 has evolved significantly since its abrogation. In August 2019, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) strongly opposed the government’s decision, accusing it of undermining democratic norms and federalism. On August 4, 2 Former Union Minister Congress leader Salman Khurshid credited the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 with ending separatism in J&K.
Khurshid highlighted the transformative impact of the decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir's special status.
Post-abrogation Art 370,65 percent voter turnout was recorded in subsequent elections.
Khurshid’s remarks mark a shift from his earlier position in 2019, when he described Article 370 as a "bond" linking J&K to India.
The Congress later engaged in discussions to form the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), a coalition aimed at restoring Articles 370 and 35A. However, by November 2020, the party distanced itself from the alliance following criticism from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who labeled it the “Gupkar Gang” and accused it of aligning with forces seeking international intervention in Kashmir.
In December 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the abrogation of Article 370. While Congress accepted the ruling from a legal perspective, it continued to criticize the manner in which the decision was implemented.
Khurshid is part of a multiparty parliamentary delegation led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, currently touring Southeast Asia to brief stakeholders in Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore on India’s foreign policy, particularly under Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory strikes targeting terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The delegation includes BJP MPs Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, Pradan Baruah, and Hemang Joshi, TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee, CPI(M)’s John Brittas, and former Indian Ambassador Mohan Kumar.
The visit underscores India’s efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties and clarify its stance on key policy decisions, including the abrogation of Article 370, which continues to shape the political and social landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. |
