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August 5: Two years after losing special status, what has changed for J&K?

This August 5 marks two years since the Indian government withdrew special status for the state of Jammu and Kashmir
The area was divided into two Union Territories
Kashmiri political parties have sought a restoration of the special status

August 5 marks two years since the Indian government nullified Article 370 and Article 35(A) to remove the special status enjoyed by the state of Jammu and Kashmir since Independence. A lot has happened in the valley since then.

Political leaders, put on detention during the overhaul, have been released and have initiated conversations with the Indian government. The government, on its part, has promised full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at an opportune moment.

Kashmiri parties however maintain that they seek a restoration of Article 370 and have petitioned the Supreme Court on the matter.

Two years after the historic decision that transformed Jammu and Kashmir’s legislative relationship with the political union of India, let’s take a look at how the area changed and what the changes meant for the Kashmiri citizens.

What is Article 370?

Included in the Indian Constitution on October 17, 1949, Article 370 conferred special status on the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The special status allowed the state to primarily perform the following functions:

It permitted the state of Jammu and Kashmir to draft its own constitution

It restricted Parliament’s legislative powers on Jammu and Kashmir.

What changed on August 5, 2019?

On August 5, 2019, the Indian Parliament withdrew the special status conferred to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 but allowed Article 370 to remain on the statute books.

The Presidential Order extended all provisions of the Indian Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir.

How has the region changed since August 5, 2019

Since the withdrawal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, the region has seen a number of changes in its political, social and economic dynamics. Some of these include:

Separate flag of Jammu and Kashmir became defunct

People from the rest of India are allowed to buy land in Jammu and Kashmir

Non-local spouses of women from Jammu and Kashmir can get domicile status

Gupkar alliance, an alliance of all mainstream Kashmiri political parties, was formed to negotiate terms with the Centre

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August 5: Two years after losing special status, what has changed for J&K?

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