Scrapping of Article 370 has evoked a huge debate with cross section of people in the Jammu region expressing their view for and against the move. In the proud land of Dogras, the landmark decision, historic in the past over seven decades, was vehemently welcomed but apprehensions are now being expressed over the efficacy of the move. The people nurture fears about their rights getting usurped by opening up the vistas of opportunities for ‘non-state subjects’…be it land or jobs.
Ravinder Sharma, former MLC: Abrogation of Art 370 with disbanding and downgrading of the Dogra State coupled with the new land laws has come as a great disappointment to all those who understand that the years to come would witness lot many changes to the disadvantage of the residents of once culturally, socially and politically distinct State, now reduced to a political non-entity of Union Territory.
While an overwhelming majority of the erstwhile State was against any change in the original constitutional arrangement, with a section seeking further widening the scope of powers but there is no doubt that a large section in Jammu had supported the move initially with the false hope that the change would bring a new era of political, social and economic atmosphere in which the regional aspirations and their participation in the system of governance will enhance for a better ‘future.
However, the arbitrary and totally unjustified disbanding and downgrading of the historical Dogra state had come as a shocker and the people wanted to raise their voice in Jammu too against this but were prevented in an authoritarian manner.
Then followed a series of anti-people orders and actions besides large scale mismanagement and mishandling on various fronts, especially the COVID -19 situation more particularly in Jammu region. The people felt totally neglected in the worst situation with no one to listen to them or redress their most genuine grievances. Their expectations from the administration, monitored directly from the Centre in a UT, was a bitter experience while ruling party having all the access to the corridors of power, watched the situation as a mute spectator. This led to the disillusionment, resentment and anger amongst the Jammuities, who had enthusiastically voted for BJP in the recent elections. A majority now repents too , for not having created a strong opposition, simultaneously, to keep the ruling class accountable, who have turned arrogant and slack in their public duty.
All this follows lot of orders, circulars, legislations and actions against the interests of educated unemployed youth, employees, temporary and casual work force, labourers and the common people .This has caused a sort of unrest and a feeling of having been cheated in the hope of good governance and better system and brighter future. The people are totally fed up and want early restoration of statehood with safeguards for their rights to land and jobs with security of their resources, culture, identity and atmosphere of peaceful coexistence and early installation of elected government to get rid of the existing insensitive, irresponsive and non-responsive bureaucratic system.
Advocate Ramesh Salhotra, J&K High Court : Article 370 was enacted on 26th November 1949 as part of the Constitution of India by the Constituent Assembly of India which was a sovereign body.
Article 370 of the Indian Constitution granted special status to the Jammu and Kashmir. All the provisions of the Constitution which were applicable to other States were not applicable to Jammu and Kashmir.
On 5th of August, 2019, Parliament scrapped Article 370 and Article 35A. People of Jammu welcomed abrogation of these provisos.
Before reacting to the proposition, abrogation of Article 370, a curse or blessing for Jammu, let’s recall that it was claimed by the Government of India that after repeal of the special status, all problems like terrorism, unemployment, corruption, favoritism etc will be done away but after over a year, Jammu people feel that they have been befooled.
The unemployment is at peak. The youth of Jammu is frustrated as the region is still a slave and hostage to the hegemony of Kashmir. The State Subjects are craving for getting domicile certificates. The new land law notifying recently that anybody can purchase land in Jammu and Kashmir without any domicile or state subject document is a great setback to the people of Jammu. People feel that all this has happened due to lack of leadership in Jammu.
Advocate Jasmeet Kour Pandey, Member Cantonment Board Jammu: The Article 370 was a big hurdle in the development as well as future of youth of Jammu and Kashmir since 1947. After 73 years, it was possible only on 5th August, 2019 when a bold step was taken by our Parliament, which abrogated Art 370 by two-third majority.
Now new opportunities for our youth are on anvil, women now will get equal rights as compared to other women of the country, West Pakistan refugees , Gorkhas and Valmiki Samaj will now get full representation.
The State turned Union Territory now realises the real sense of globalisation and privatisation.