The Centre on Monday defended its decision to abrogate Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. The government has filed a counter affidavit in the apex court stating that the ‘historic step’ has brought stability, peace, development and security to the valley.
“Since 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated, the entire region has witnessed an unprecedented era of peace, progress and prosperity. Life has returned to normalcy after decades of turmoil. All the necessary institutions including schools, colleges, industries, hospitals are functioning efficiently without any sort of disturbances and strikes,” the Centre said in its affidavit.
“For the first time in its history, a duly elected 3-tier Panchayati Raj System has been established in Jammu and Kashmir. Elections for the members of the district development Councils were held in J&K in November 2020. As of today, there are more than 34,000 elected members to the rural and urban local bodies representing grassroots democracy,” it further said.
“The government has adopted various countermeasures to neutralise the efforts and capabilities of terrorists to disturb peace in region. The government has also encouraged policies to mainstream the youth, including providing employment opportunities to wean away militancy,” it added.
Notably, the Supreme Court constitution bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, and Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, and Surya Kant is set to hear pleas challenging the abrogation of Article 370 on Tuesday.
