Against the norms of democracy

With the abrogation of Article 370 from the state of Jammu & Kashmir, the BJP has fulfilled one of its long-pending promises. Many political commentators see this as part of the party’s effort towards realizing the Sangh Parivar’s dream of making India a ‘Hindu rashtra’. Jammu & Kashmir is the only Muslim majority state in India. But with the scrapping of Articles 370 and 35 (A), things will change in the state for ever. Further, the division of the state into two union territories, namely, Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, will lead to a massive demographic change. The BJP may well turn its attention to the Northeast region next.
The government of India has justified its move, saying it will integrate Kashmir with the rest of India and accelerate the pace of development. But the decision to scrap the state’s special status was taken by locking down the whole state, cutting off all kinds of communication networks, and without consulting the people of Kashmir. This dictatorial attitude of the present BJP regime is against the basic tenets of Indian democracy. The decision to scrap Article 370 will not be accepted by the people of the Kashmir valley. They will take it as a grave insult to Kashmiri pride. Since the whole state is under curfew, things look normal as of now. However, the real challenges will start when the curfew is withdrawn and the people hit the streets to protest. There is simmering anger among the Kashmiris; therefore their protests will be vigorous and violent in nature. The real test for the Centre is yet to arrive, but there is no denying that the manner in which the government of India scrapped Article 370 is wrong and against the norms of democracy.