Farooq Abdullah, the president of the National Conference party, has sparked debate by claiming that Article 370, the special provision granting Jammu and Kashmir autonomy, was implemented in 1947 by Maharaja Hari Singh due to concerns about potential migration from Punjab.
Abdullah, addressing a press conference in Jammu, stated that the Maharaja’s motive was to protect the land and livelihoods of J&K residents. He argued that Article 370 reserved jobs for locals, preventing them from being pressured into selling their land at low prices to incoming Punjabis.
This statement comes against the backdrop of the Supreme Court’s December 2023 decision upholding the government’s 2019 abrogation of Article 370. The court acknowledged the provision’s temporary nature and cited the Maharaja’s proclamation accepting the Indian Constitution as superseding the Instrument of Accession, which had originally established the special status.
Abdullah’s remarks offer a different perspective on the historical context and rationale behind Article 370. While the Supreme Court focused on the provision’s legal aspects and temporary status, Abdullah emphasizes its perceived role in safeguarding local interests and addressing concerns about economic vulnerability.
