SC strengthened spirit of ‘Ek & Shreshtha Bharat,' writes PM Modi on Article 370 verdict: Top quotes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday penned an article lauding the December 11 verdict of the Supreme Court, which upheld the Union Government’s 2019 move to amend Article 370 of the Constitution which ended the special status conferred to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. 

“On 11th December, the Honourable Supreme Court of India delivered a historic judgment on the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A). Through its judgment, the Court has upheld the sovereignty and integrity of India, something that is cherished by every Indian," wrote PM Modi. 

“The Supreme Court rightly observed that the decision taken on 5th August 2019 was done to enhance constitutional integration and not disintegration. The Court has also recognised the fact that Article 370 was not permanent in nature,” he added. 

The Supreme Court on Monday termed the abrogation of Article 370 as valid and asked the Centre for the restoration of the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest. The top court also asked the Election Commission of India to conduct elections to the Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir by 30 September 2024.

PM Modi writes on Article 370 verdict: Top quotes

• Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh’s breathtaking landscapes, serene valleys, and majestic mountains have captivated the hearts of poets, artists and adventurers for generations. But, for the last seven decades, these places have witnessed the worst form of violence and instability, something which 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 became a big victims of such a mindset.
• 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 with his life. His efforts and sacrifice led to crores of Indians becoming emotionally attached to the Kashmir issue.
• It was always my firm belief that what had happened in Jammu and Kashmir was a great betrayal- to our nation and to the people living there. It was also my strong desire to do whatever I could to remove this blot, this injustice done to the people. I have always wanted to work to alleviate the suffering of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
• In very basic words- Articles 370 and 35 (A) were like major obstacles. It seemed like an unbreakable wall and the sufferers were the poor and downtrodden. Articles 370 and 35(A) ensured that the people of Jammu and Kashmir never got the rights and development that the rest of their fellow Indians got.
• While serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir, we gave primacy to three pillars- understanding of the citizens' concerns, building trust through supportive actions, and prioritising development, development and more development.
• In order to further strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s development journey, we decided that our Government ministers would frequently go there and interact with people directly. These frequent visits also played a crucial role in building goodwill in Jammu and Kashmir. From May 2014 to March 2019, over 150 ministerial visits took place.
• We harnessed the power of sports in Jammu and Kashmir, recognising its potential to ignite the dreams of the youth. Through sporting initiatives, we witnessed the transformational impact of athletic pursuits on their aspirations and futures. Sporting venues were upgraded, training programmes were organised and coaches were made available.
• One of the most unique things was to encourage the setting of local football clubs. The results were outstanding. The name of the talented footballer Afshan Ashiq comes to my mind- in December 2014 she was a part of a stone pelting group in Srinagar but with the right encouragement she turned to football.
• The Panchayat polls were also a watershed moment in the region’s quest for all-round development. The success of the Panchayat polls indicated the democratic nature of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
• The historical day of 5th August is etched in the hearts and minds of every Indian. Our Parliament passed the historic decision to abrogate Article 370. Since then, much has changed in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The judicial court verdict came in December 2023 but seeing the wave of development across Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, the people’s court has given a resounding thumbs up to the Parliament’s decision to abolish Articles 370 and 35(A) for four years now.
• In its verdict on 11th December, the Supreme Court has strengthened the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ - it has reminded us that what defines us is the bonds of unity and a shared commitment to good governance. Today, every child born in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh is born with a clean canvas, where he or she can paint a future full of vibrant aspirations.