Modi uses address to praise the ending of Kashmir’s autonomy
Narendra Modi used his independence day speech to promote his move to strip Kashmir of its autonomy.
On the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi, the Indian prime minister said that the decision was one of several “path-breaking” moves by his re-elected administration.
He said that a new approach was needed after seven decades of failure to ensure harmony in the region.
“We do not believe in creating problems or prolonging them. In less than 70 days of the new government, Article 370 has become history. And in both houses of parliament, two thirds of the members supported this step,” said Mr Modi.
“Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh will become a big inspiration for India’s growth journey, comfort, progress and peace.”
Ladakh is the new union territory.
“The old arrangement in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh encouraged corruption and nepotism, as well as injustice when it came to rights of women, children, Dalits, tribal communities,” he said. “Their dreams get new wings.”
India revoked the special status of its part of Kashmir, known as Jammu and Kashmir, on August 5 and moved to quell widespread unrest by shutting down communications and clamping down on freedom of movement.
Pakistan retaliated by suspending trade and all public transport links with India, as well as expelling New Delhi’s ambassador to Islamabad.
India administers the populous Kashmir Valley and the region around Jammu city, while Pakistan controls a wedge of territory in the west known as Azad Kashmir.
India’s revocation of special status for Jammu and Kashmir blocks the state’s right to frame its own laws and allows non-residents to buy property there.
Imran Khan, Pakistan’s prime minister, used his independence day address to warn India on Wednesday that Islamabad was prepared to respond to any aggression in the disputed region.
Mr Khan said that the time had come to teach Delhi a lesson and promised to “fight until the end”.