What is Article 370 of the Indian Constitution and why was it recently revoked

Explain the provisions and significance of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution and discuss why it was recently revoked by the Indian government.
  • Article 370 is a provision in the Indian Constitution that granted a special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The provision was introduced in 1949, as a temporary measure, to give autonomy to the state in terms of governance and legislation.
  • It allowed the state to have its own constitution, flag, and the ability to make its own laws.
  • This provision also restricted the central government's ability to make laws for Jammu and Kashmir, except in the areas of defence, foreign affairs, and communications.
  • In August 2019, the Indian government revoked Article 370, thereby ending the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The government also bifurcated the state into two union territories, Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.
  • This move was aimed at integrating the state more fully into India, particularly in terms of bringing it under the same laws and regulations as the rest of the country.
  • The revocation of Article 370 has been controversial, with some viewing it as a necessary step for national unity, while others see it as an attack on the autonomy of the state and its people.
Overall, the revocation of Article 370 is a significant move in the history of Indian governance, and its long-term impact remains to be seen.
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