By Nikita Jain
It is now six years since the arbitrary abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution and the reorganisation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories (UTs); however, the people in the Valley are yet to see the fulfilment of the promises made by the Union government.
On 5 August 2019, the Indian government revoked the special status, or autonomy, granted under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir.
Soon after the revocation was announced, the internet was suspended in the Kashmir Valley. High-speed mobile internet (i.e., 4G, broadband) remained suspended for approximately 18 months, until February 2021, when full access was finally restored.
At the time, Home Minister Amit Shah argued that Article 370 hindered democracy, corruption was widespread, and that the region had lagged in development due to its “special status”.
However, all the claims by the Union government of development, employment, and eradication of militancy have fallen short, especially after the criticism the government is facing post the Pahalgam attack.
Maktoob spoke to people from the Valley and how six years of abrogation have impacted them.
This story was originally published in maktoobmedia.com. Read the full story here.
