The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, which splits the state into two Union Territories, sailed through the Lok Sabha today, with some of the opposition parties walking out. 370 Lok Sabha members voted in favour of the bill and 70 voted against it. The government had on Monday announced that special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the constitution has been removed by an order from President Ram Nath Kovind.
Home Minister Amit Shah said in the Lok Sabha today that the decision to do so "was not a political move".
Congress's Manish Tewari today opposed the centre's Kashmir move saying: "For the first time we are witnessing a state being turned into a Union Territory."
The state of Jammu and Kashmir is under a lockdown and former chief ministers - Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti - were arrested on Monday soon after the two resolutions cleared Rajya Sabha.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba are in Jammu and Kashmir today to oversee the security measures.
Here are the Highlights over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir:
Read Here: Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah In 7-Star Comfort In Custody: BJP Leader Nirmal SinghFormer Jammu and Kashmir Chief Ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, who were arrested on Monday, are staying in "seven-star" comfort at a government facility in Srinagar, senior BJP leader Nirmal Singh, the former Deputy Chief Minister of the state, told IANS today.
READ HERE: "Aimed At Improving Efficiency": UAE Backs India On Article 370 MoveThe United Arab Emirates today supported the government's move to end special status for Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcation of the state into two union territories. The gulf nation's ambassador said it was an "internal matter" of India and was "not a unique incident".
Our Home Minister @AmitShah Ji has been continuously working towards ensuring a better life for the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. His commitment and diligence is clearly visible in the passage of these Bills. I would like to specially congratulate Amit Bhai! @HMOIndia
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2019
In Parliament, political parties rose to the occasion, overcame ideological differences and took part in a rich debate that increased the pride of our Parliamentary democracy. For that, I congratulate all MPs, various political parties and their leaders.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2019
People of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh would be proud that MPs overcame differences and discussed the future of these regions as well as ensuring peace, progress and prosperity there. The widespread support can be clearly seen in the final numbers, 125:61 in RS and 370:70 in LS.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2019
The passage of key Bills pertaining to Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are a fitting tribute to the great Sardar Patel, who worked for India's unity, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, whose views are well known and Dr. SP Mookerjee who devoted his life for India's unity and integrity.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2019
Special congratulations to the people of Ladakh! It is a matter of great joy that their long-standing demand of being declared a Union Territory has been fulfilled. This decision will give impetus to the overall prosperity of the region and ensure better developmental facilities.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2019
The Bills pertaining to Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh will ensure integration and empowerment. These steps will bring the youth into the mainstream and give them innumerable opportunities to showcase their skills and talents. Local infrastructure will significantly improve.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2019
Together we are, together we shall rise and together we will fulfil the dreams of 130 crore Indians!
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2019
A momentous occasion in our Parliamentary democracy, where landmark bills pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir have been passed with overwhelming support!
I salute my sisters and brothers of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh for their courage and resilience. For years, vested interest groups who believed in emotional blackmail never cared for people's empowerment. J&K is now free from their shackles. A new dawn, better tomorrow awaits!
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2019
Read Here: Article 370 Created Wall Between India And Kashmir, It Will Go: Amit ShahArticle 370 was the divide between India and Kashmir and it will now be gone forever, Home Minister Amit Shah said today, replying to the debate in the Lok Sabha on the government's move to end special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcate the state into two union territories.
Read Here: Article 370 Created Wall Between India And Kashmir, It Will Go: Amit ShahA Congress leader's own-goal in parliament today on the government's big Jammu and Kashmir move has upset Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, sources say. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, deeply embarrassed his party by appearing to suggest that Jammu and Kashmir is not an internal matter.
Read Here: India Rebuffs China's Comment On Ladakh Move As Internal MatterIndia on Tuesday firmly rejected China's opposition to its move to create a separate Union Territory of Ladakh, calling it an internal matter of the country.
Senior Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia became the surprise addition today to the list of party leaders openly backing the government on its decision to end special status for Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and split it into two union territories.
READ HERE: Jammu And Kashmir To Become 2 Union Territories, Parliament On BoardThe bill to split Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories sailed through Lok Sabha on Tuesday, with some opposition parties walking out, bringing down the majority mark, and others siding with the government. Amid a political storm that started on Monday morning since Union Home Minister Amit Shah's announcement in parliament, the resolution was passed through a division of votes - 366 members voted in its favour and 66 voted against it.
#Article370 is anti-growth, anti-development, anti-women, anti-dalit, anti-adivasi, pro-poverty and pro-terror: Union Minister @amitshah in #LokSabha#JammuandKashmir #AmitShah pic.twitter.com/zwqKQzluY8
- PIB India (@PIB_India) August 6, 2019
I support the move on #JammuAndKashmir & #Ladakh and its full integration into union of India.
- Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) August 6, 2019
Would have been better if constitutional process had been followed. No questions could have been raised then. Nevertheless, this is in our country's interest and I support this.
"By comparing #Article370 to 371, you are trying to misguide the people of the country. Both cannot be compared": Amit Shah in Lok Sabha pic.twitter.com/iQcHXutBXe
- NDTV (@ndtv) August 6, 2019
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi requested the speaker to extend time of Lok Sabha. "I request you to extend the time of the house till this Bill is completed. Also, as per schedule, you are supposed to finalise tomorrow, but since 99% of the business is over, I request you to finalise today," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
"Who took Kashmir to the United Nations.... it was Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. History will decide if this decision (to revoke 370) is right or not, but whenever it will be discussed, PM Narendra Modi will be remembered by the people": Amit Shah in Lok Sabha
Delhi: BJP MPs gave standing ovation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrived in Lok Sabha, today & greeted him by thumping desks & chanting 'Vande Matram and Bharat Mata ki Jai,' slogans. pic.twitter.com/mt36QwF3gH
- ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2019
Attacking the opposition over centre's move to remove Article 370, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said: "Army officer Umar Faiyaz was shot dead when he had to gone to attend his brother's wedding. No politician stood up for him. We gave him Shaurya Chakra. Those standing up for Article 370, did they stand for him?"
Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor, met Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik at the Raj Bhavan in Srinagar today. Governor & NSA discussed the prevailing external & internal security situation in J&K in the aftermath of developments in the Parliament pic.twitter.com/aftOMfvYxO
- ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2019
"In the name of unity, centre is promoting division," Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said today, reacting to centre's move to revoke Article 370.
" I was detained in my house": Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah speaks to NDTV https://t.co/I1kMLePbw4
- NDTV (@ndtv) August 6, 2019
Kashmir's mainstream political leaders have been jailed at secret locations.
- Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 6, 2019
This is unconstitutional & undemocratic.
It's also short sighted and foolish because it will allow terrorists to fill the leadership vaccum created by GOI.
The imprisoned leaders must be released.
Amid questions, Amit Shah told the parliament today that Farooq Abdullah "has not been detained".
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said the centre took the decision on Article 370 without talking to other parties. "We cannot support this bill. We cannot vote for this bill. They should have spoken to all political parties and the Kashmiris. If you need to arrive at a permanent solution, then you have to talk to all stakeholders," she told reporters.
Union Minister Jitender Singh launched a scathing attack at rival Congress and said: "Yes, we have scrapped Article 370. At least, we did not wake up the president to make him sign the Emergency papers." He was referring to the state of emergency declared in the nation in 1975 by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
#WATCH Aditi Singh, Congress MLA Raebareli Sadar speaks on #Article370revoked: I'm in absolute support of the decision. It will help in integrating J&K into the mainstream. It's a historic decision. It should not be politicised. As an MLA, in my capacity, I welcome this decision. pic.twitter.com/fSmzpesjnB
- ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 6, 2019
#WATCH: GN Azad, when asked that some leaders of the party are supporting abrogation of #Article370, says "Jin logon ko J&K ki history ya Congress ki history pata nahi unse mujhe koi lena dena nahi hai. Wo pehle J&K aur Congress ki history padh lein, phir Congress mein rahein." pic.twitter.com/ppRkLBNQia
- ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2019
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi this afternoon tweeted on centre's move to remove Article 370, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir. "National integration isn't furthered by unilaterally tearing apart J&K, imprisoning elected representatives and violating our Constitution. This nation is made by its people, not plots of land. This abuse of executive power has grave implications for our national security," he tweeted.
National integration isn't furthered by unilaterally tearing apart J&K, imprisoning elected representatives and violating our Constitution. This nation is made by its people, not plots of land.
- Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 6, 2019
This abuse of executive power has grave implications for our national security.
Watch | "For the first time we are witnessing a state being turned into a Union Territory": Congress's Manish Tewari in Lok Sabha.
- NDTV (@ndtv) August 6, 2019
Live here: https://t.co/SJBhM1XMeL pic.twitter.com/PwXr4h3IEh
#JammuAndKashmir is a part of #India, there is no legal or constitutional dispute on that
- PIB India (@PIB_India) August 6, 2019
Watch Union Home Minister @amitshah explain the constitutional position on status of the state in #LokSabha today#Article370 pic.twitter.com/jiUt757SuF
Home Minister @AmitShah addresses #LokSabha https://t.co/fU4zIlJ6Vp
- PIB India (@PIB_India) August 6, 2019
BJP leader Varun Gandhi today congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a day after Home Minister Amit Shah announced removal of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. "With a loss of nearly 1 lakh human lives and Rs 10 lakh crores of public money since 1947, clearly Articles 370 and 35A were not working. A wise man once said, 'if you want to change your condition, you must change your direction'. (sic)," he tweeted.
With a loss of nearly 1 lakh human lives and Rs 10 lakh crores of public money since 1947, clearly Articles 370 and 35A were not working. A wise man once said, 'if you want to change your condition, you must change your direction'.
- Varun Gandhi (@varungandhi80) August 6, 2019
A top official has indicated that the lockdown in J&K may be for the long haul, amid fear of a backlash over the Article 370 announcement. Kashmir Valley has more than 3 months' food supply, Principal Secretary, Planning Commission in Srinagar, Rohit Kansal said on Tuesday, Principal Secretary, Planning Commission in Srinagar, Rohit Kansal said on Tuesday. Read here
6 ways in which scrapping #Article370 changes #JammuAndKashmir https://t.co/y63w1htOKh pic.twitter.com/pS1Hp8UEvK
- NDTV (@ndtv) August 5, 2019
#JammuAndKashmir special status under #Article370 ends "at once".
- NDTV (@ndtv) August 6, 2019
Read more here: https://t.co/V1oXdXxL9x
(Photos: PTI) pic.twitter.com/AAXpE7QQrG
Article 370 Scrapped: Congress's Janardhan Dwivedi Backs Centre's Jammu And Kashmir MoveWhile it led protests in parliament on Monday against the government's move to end special status to Jammu and Kashmir by scrapping Article 370, the Congress was embarrassed by voices of its own leaders supporting the move. Senior Congress leader Janardhan Dwivedi said a historic blunder had been remedied today."
The permanent members of the UN Security Council are United States, United Kingdom, Russia, France, and China.
Government sources said the ministry explained that the changes made today were to a "temporary" article. "70 years is a long time for something temporary. It lessened accountability, quality of governance and added to separatist sentiment," the sources quoted the ministry as saying.
The government had used a provision in the constitution's Article 370 - which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir - to bring the special status to an end. The Section 3 of Article 370 empowers the President to declare the special status inoperative anytime.
The Section 3 states: "Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing provisions of this article, the President may, by public notification, declare that this article shall cease to be operative or shall be operative only with such exceptions and modifications and from such date as he may specify."
The ministry also said that vested interests did not want application of Indian laws in Kashmir. This had impact on investment, and led to gender discrimination. Fundamental duties were also not applicable in the state, the sources said.
The point was also made by Union home minister in Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha today while responding to the debate on the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill. The minister said the Article 370 was an impediment to development in Jammu and Kashmir.
"I want to tell the youth in the valley, with Article 370, there will be no development. If you want poverty, lack of development, lack of sanitation, continue with Article 370," the minister said.
"Article 370 ensures there is no PPP model, no private investment in the state. 370 ensures the healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir suffers, no doctor wants to go there. 370 ensures there is no right to education for the children of Kashmir. Dalits, OBCs in the state don't get any reservation because of 370," he added.
The Centre had sent $40 billion but there was no commensurate development, the ministry had said. The quality of governance, state of administration led to a non-optimal use of resources, the sources quoted the ministry as saying. As examples the ministry had cited the JK bank fraud, and delay in power and road projects, the sources said.
Article 370 Didn't Allow Democracy In J&K: Amit Shah's Speech In Rajya SabhaArticle 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, had to go as it was the root of terrorism in the state and was the biggest hurdle to normalcy, Home Minister Amit Shah said on Monday, replying to a debate on the government's move to reorganize the state and bifurcate it into two union territories.
