Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserted on Sunday that the revocation of Article 370 was imperative as it had hindered the extension of progressive laws to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, fostering an environment of separatism and terrorism.
Addressing members of the Indian community in Singapore, Jaishankar emphasized that Article 370, initially conceived as a temporary provision, had posed significant challenges to the nation’s security and hindered socio-economic progress in the region.
“The abrogation of Article 370 was necessary as it created an ethos of separatism, violence, and terrorism, posing a threat to the security of the entire nation,” Jaishankar stated. “Moreover, it impeded the extension of progressive laws to Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.” Following the government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 in August 2019, the special status of Jammu and Kashmir was revoked, leading to the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories. Jaishankar, while responding to inquiries during his visit to Singapore, highlighted the tangible benefits arising from this constitutional amendment.
“Today, the positive impacts of this change are evident,” he affirmed.
The minister’s remarks underscore the government’s stance on the necessity of the constitutional amendment and its subsequent implications for the socio-political landscape of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Jaishankar’s visit to Singapore, part of a three-day engagement, serves to reinforce bilateral ties and engage with the Indian diaspora, underlining the significance of regional cooperation and diplomatic outreach in advancing India’s interests on the global stage.