In a significant development, the Centre, in its affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, defended the abrogation of Article 370, citing an "unprecedented" era of peace, progress, and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir. The affidavit, which will be presented before a five-judge Constitution bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, emphasized the decline in street violence and terrorist activities, indicating positive outcomes since the constitutional changes were implemented.
According to the Centre's affidavit, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a remarkable reduction in organized stone pelting incidents linked to terrorist-secessionist agendas. The number of such incidents, which stood at 1,767 in 2018, has now dropped to zero in 2023. Additionally, the affidavit highlighted a substantial 65.9 percent decline in casualties among security personnel in 2022, compared to the figures from 2018.
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The affidavit underscored that the abrogation of Article 370 has brought about unprecedented development, progress, security, and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre attributed these positive changes to its policies aimed at ensuring peace, prosperity, and progress in the region. Notably, the affidavit pointed out the successful hosting of the G-20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar in May 2023 as evidence that Jammu and Kashmir is capable of attracting international dignitaries and hosting global events.
Furthermore, the affidavit highlighted the significant improvements in governance, public administration, and security matters in the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. It mentioned a decrease in organized bandhs, stone pelting, and terrorist recruitment, which have contributed to the return of normalcy in the region.
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The Centre's affidavit also acknowledged its ongoing efforts to provide transit accommodation for Kashmiri Pandits, facilitating their safe return to the valley. The affidavit revealed that the construction of this accommodation is in an advanced stage and is expected to be largely completed within the next year.
The affidavit emphasized that the constitutional changes and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, have ensured that all residents of the region enjoy the same rights as citizens in other parts of the country. It further highlighted the reservation of seats for Scheduled Tribes, granting them legislative representation similar to that in other states and union territories.
Moreover, the Centre's affidavit emphasized the positive impact on the region's economy and the common man's income through increased tourism. Jammu and Kashmir experienced its highest-ever footfall, with 1.88 crore tourists visiting between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022.
