NEW DELHI, Jan 2: Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated on Thursday that Article 370 planted the seeds of separatism in the minds of Kashmiri youth, and that the Narendra Modi government has not only eradicated terrorism in the region but also dismantled its underlying ecosystem.
Shah indicated that both Article 370 and Article 35A, which were abolished on August 5, 2019, posed significant obstacles to the complete integration of Kashmir into India.
Discussing Kashmir’s relationship with the rest of India, the home minister explained that India is unique in its geo-cultural makeup, with its borders shaped by cultural elements. He emphasized that an Indian perspective is essential to understanding the country, rather than a geopolitical viewpoint, while unveiling a book titled ‘Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh: Through the Ages’.
He remarked about the rich cultural history of Kashmir, highlighting connections from the Silk Route to Central Asia and various spiritual sites such as the Shankaracharya temple and Hemis monastery.
Shah noted that Article 370 fostered a misleading notion that Kashmir’s union with India was temporary.
“Many inquire about the relationship between Article 370 and terrorism. They fail to realize that Article 370 seeded separatism among the youth in the valley.
“Muslim communities exist in various regions of the country. Why don’t those areas suffer from terrorism?” he asked.
The home minister countered arguments suggesting that Kashmir’s proximity to the Pakistan border is the source of the problem.
“Gujarat is also on the border with Pakistan. Rajasthan shares a border with Pakistan too. Why hasn’t terrorism surged there?” he questioned.
Shah reiterated that Article 370 created a false narrative of Kashmir’s integration as temporary, which ultimately resulted in rising separatism that morphed into terrorism.
He noted that unfortunately, over 40,000 lives were lost due to terrorism in the region.
“The Modi government has not only quelled terrorism in Kashmir but has also dismantled its entire ecosystem,” he asserted.
The home minister pointed out that Kashmir’s progress was hindered for decades, marked by years of violence that the nation witnessed in silence.
“Since the removal of Article 370, incidents of terrorism in Kashmir have decreased by 70 percent, proving that Article 370 fueled tensions. In 2018, there were 2,100 incidents of stone pelting; by 2024, there were none,” he stated.
