BY: Kashan Fayyaz Wani
On 5 August 2019, the Government of India unilaterally revoked Article 370 and Article 35A of its Constitution, effectively ending the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir. For the people of Kashmir, this move was not just a political betrayal but a direct attack on their identity, rights, and future. Without the consent of the Kashmiri people or their representatives, the Indian government forcibly changed the very nature of the region’s relationship with the Union, violating democratic norms and international principles of self-determination.
Article 370 had served as a bridge between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and India since 1947. It guaranteed limited autonomy, a separate constitution, and exclusive rights over land and employment through Article 35A. These provisions were not privileges—they were legal safeguards protecting the identity and demographic makeup of the region. Their abrupt removal was seen by many Kashmiris as an aggressive act of colonization aimed at erasing their distinct political and cultural existence.
To implement this controversial decision, the Indian state launched one of the most extensive crackdowns in its history. The entire region was placed under a security lockdown, tens of thousands of additional troops were deployed, internet and mobile services were cut off for months, and thousands of political leaders, activists, journalists, and even children were arrested under draconian laws. Streets once filled with voices of resistance and life were silenced under the weight of military boots.
Kashmiris were rendered voiceless in their own land. The world watched as basic human rights were suspended and an entire population was caged behind communication blackouts and curfews. Independent observers and human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch documented the suppression, but global political interests often outweighed justice.
Despite these circumstances, the spirit of the Kashmiri people has not broken. Each year on 5 August, they mark “Youm-e-Istehsal”—the Day of Exploitation—as a reminder of the injustice inflicted upon them and to renew their call for dignity, identity, and freedom. The move, intended to silence Kashmiris, has only strengthened their resolve and unity.
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The events of August 2019 were not a step toward peace or development, as claimed by Indian authorities. Instead, they deepened mistrust, alienation, and resentment. The decision was taken without dialogue, without consent, and against the will of the very people whose lives were most affected. It stands as a stark example of authoritarianism dressed as nationalism.
In conclusion, 5 August 2019 marks a turning point in the history of Kashmir—a day when constitutional betrayal, military repression, and political oppression came together to deny a people their fundamental rights. But it also marks a new chapter in Kashmir’s ongoing struggle for justice and self-determination. Kashmiris have not given up, and the world must not forget.
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