Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses the gathering during the release of BJP's election manifesto ahead of the state Assembly elections, in Jammu
Credit: PTI Photo
Srinagar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah Saturday declared that Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, is part of history and will never come back.
He announced that the BJP will release a white paper on the 40,000 killings in the Union Territory since 1990 and will hold those responsible accountable. “Article 370 is part of history and will never return,” Shah asserted during the release of the BJP’s manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections.
Article 370 provided Jammu and Kashmir with autonomy in internal matters while excluding foreign affairs, finance, defense, and communications. In 2019, the Modi government revoked Article 370 and Article 35A, and reorganized Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories.
Shah criticized the National Conference (NC) for its promise to restore Article 370 in its election manifesto, stating that it is permanently “buried” and that the BJP will prevent any efforts to reinstate it.
He also challenged Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to clarify whether he supports the NC’s manifesto, which includes promises to restore Article 370 and release prisoners involved in “promoting secessionism.”
“Does Rahul Gandhi and his party support the revival of terrorism and separatism in J&K? Does he back the restoration of two flags and Article 370?” Shah asked. He expressed his belief that Gandhi supports the NC manifesto but is reluctant to admit it.
The Home Minister emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir has always been, and will remain, a part of India. He credited the BJP’s efforts and the “historic” decision of August 5, 2019, for removing Article 370 and Article 35A from the Constitution.
Shah described the period up to 2014 as one marked by separatism and terrorism, “with Hurriyat-backed governments.” He asserted that since 2014, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, a new era of peace and prosperity has begun in the region.
The Home Minister also announced that the BJP will release a white paper on the 40,000 killings in J&K and assign responsibility following the assembly elections.
Regarding post-election alliances, Shah stated that while the BJP will keep options open, there will be no government involving the National Conference (NC), People's Democratic Party (PDP), or Congress.
On the topic of statehood restoration, Shah reiterated that he has promised statehood for J&K at an appropriate time after the assembly elections. He dismissed the need for further discussion on the matter.
Shah ruled out the possibility of talks with Pakistan, emphasizing that negotiations and terrorism cannot coexist. “We will engage with the youth of Kashmir, not Pakistan, unless the neighboring country ceases its terrorism,” he stated.
Shah’s visit comes amid internal challenges for the BJP’s state unit, with internal dissent and protests over ticket distribution for the assembly elections.