Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have witnessed “wide-ranging transformation” since the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A seven years ago, describing the constitutional change as the beginning of a “new chapter” for the two Union Territories.
Marking the seventh anniversary of the Centre’s August 5, 2019 decision, Modi said the region has seen significant progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and sports.
“Seven years ago, on this day, Articles 370 and 35(A) became history, marking a decisive new chapter in the journey of Jammu and Kashmir as well as Ladakh,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
‘Constitutional Rights Reached Every Citizen’
Modi said the full application of the Constitution has empowered women and marginalised communities who, according to him, had been denied their constitutional rights for decades.
“Since then, the lives of the people of J&K and Ladakh have witnessed wide-ranging transformation. Infrastructure has expanded, opportunities in areas such as education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and sports have grown,” he said.
“Be it women or the marginalised communities, those who were denied their basic constitutional rights for decades have been empowered thanks to the full application of the Constitution of India,” he added.
Tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee
The Prime Minister said this year’s anniversary holds special significance as India is celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
“His lifelong commitment to national unity continues to inspire generations. What he envisioned decades ago found historic fulfilment on 5th August 2019,” Modi said.
Centre Reaffirms Development Agenda
Reiterating the government’s commitment to the region, Modi said efforts would continue to ensure the progress of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh while creating more opportunities for citizens.
“We reaffirm our commitment to the progress of Jammu and Kashmir as well as Ladakh and to ensure that every citizen has the opportunity to dream big, achieve and contribute to the making of a Viksit Bharat,” he said.
Government Highlights Tourism and Cultural Growth
The Centre also highlighted several developments in the Union Territory since the constitutional changes. It said Srinagar has gained international recognition as both a UNESCO Creative City and a World Craft City, bringing global attention to Kashmir’s traditional crafts.
The government further said spiritual tourism has grown, with more than 50 lakh devotees visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine and over four lakh pilgrims undertaking the Amarnath Yatra this year. It also pointed to new tourism initiatives, including musical fountain shows at Dal Lake, aimed at promoting Kashmir’s cultural heritage and boosting visitor numbers.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also marked the anniversary, calling August 5, 2019, a “golden day” in India’s history. He said the abrogation of Article 370 fulfilled the vision of “One Constitution, One Flag” and helped transform Jammu and Kashmir from a region affected by terrorism and separatism into one focused on peace, integration and development.
