NEW DELHI, Aug 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have witnessed wide-ranging transformation over the past seven years since the abrogation of Article 370, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to the development and progress of both Union Territories.
Marking the seventh anniversary of the constitutional changes introduced on August 5, 2019, the Prime Minister said the move opened a new chapter in the region’s history by extending the full benefits of the Constitution of India to all citizens.
“Seven years ago, on this day, Articles 370 and 35(A) became history, marking a decisive new chapter in the journey of Jammu and Kashmir as well as Ladakh,” Modi said in a post on X.
He said the lives of people in both Union Territories have changed significantly since then, with notable progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and sports.
“Since then, the lives of the people of J&K and Ladakh have witnessed wide-ranging transformation. Infrastructure has expanded, opportunities in areas such as education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and sports have grown. Be it women or marginalised communities, those who were denied their basic constitutional rights for decades have been empowered through the full application of the Constitution of India,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi also noted that this year’s August 5 carries added significance as the nation is commemorating the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
“His lifelong commitment to national unity continues to inspire generations. What he envisioned decades ago found historic fulfilment on August 5, 2019,” he said.
Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to the region, the Prime Minister said the government would continue working to ensure greater opportunities and inclusive development.
“We reaffirm our commitment to the progress of Jammu and Kashmir as well as Ladakh and to ensure that every citizen has the opportunity to dream big, achieve and contribute to the making of a Viksit Bharat,” he said.
Article 370, which granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, became part of the Constitution when it came into force in 1950. On August 5, 2019, the Centre rendered the provision inoperative through a Presidential Order and simultaneously reorganised the erstwhile state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, ending its special constitutional status.
