Top court verdict historic, upholds sovereignty and integrity of India

On December 11, the Supreme Court (SC) delivered a historic judgment on the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A). Through its verdict, the court has upheld the sovereignty and integrity of India, something that is cherished by every Indian.

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The SC rightly observed that the decision taken on August5,2019was done with the purpose of enhancing constitutional integration and no disintegration. The court also recognized the fact that Article 370 was not permanent in nature. 

Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh's breathtaking landscapes, serene valleys, and majestic mountains have captivated the hearts of poets, artists, and adventurers for generations. It is a place where the sublime meets the extraordinary, where the Himalayas reach for the sky, and where the pristine waters of its lakes and rivers mirror the heavens. But, for the last seven decades, these places have witnessed the worst form of violence and instability, something that the wonderful people never deserved.

Unfortunately, due to centuries of colonisation, most notably economic and mental subjugation, we became a confused society of sorts. Rather than taking a clear position on very basic things, we allowed duality, leading to confusion. Sadly, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) became a big victim of such a mindset. At the time of independence, we had a choice of making a fresh start for national integration. Instead, we decided to continue with the confused society approach even if it meant ignoring long-term national interests.

I have had the opportunity of being connected with the J&K movement from a very early part of my life. I belong to an ideological framework where J&K was not merely a political issue BUT about addressing the aspirations of society. Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee held an important portfolio in the Nehru cabinet and could have remained in government for a long time. Yet, he quit the cabinet over the Kashmir issue and preferred the tough road ahead, even if it meant paying for it with his life. His efforts and sacrifice led to crores of Indians becoming emotionally attached with the Kashmir issue.