Article 370 of the Indian Constitution was a landmark provision that granted special autonomy to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Enacted in 1949, this article was designed to recognise and accommodate the unique circumstances of Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India. For decades, Article 370 served as a significant element of the region’s relationship with the Indian Union reflecting both the complexities of historical agreements and the evolving political landscape. The article’s abrogation on August 5, 2019, marked a dramatic shift in Indian constitutional history and reshaped the governance and political dynamics of Jammu and Kashmir. The following timeline outlines the key events from the enactment of Article 370 to its eventual abrogation highlighting the significant moments that defined this crucial aspect of Indian political and legal history:
1947-1954: Enactment and initial application
August 15, 1947: India gains independence and the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir is given the option to join India or Pakistan.October 26, 1947: The Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh, signs the Instrument of Accession to India, leading to the deployment of Indian troops to the state.January 1, 1949: The United Nations intervenes, leading to a ceasefire and the establishment of the Line of Control (LoC).October 17, 1949: Article 370 is adopted as a temporary provision in the Indian Constitution, granting special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir.
1950s-1960s: Evolution and adjustment1952: The Delhi Agreement is signed, leading to adjustments in the relationship between the Indian government and the Jammu and Kashmir government.1954: The Presidential Order of 1954, known as the ‘Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order’, extends the provisions of the Indian Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir, with special provisions.
1970s-1990s: Period of increased tension
1975: The Indira-Sheikh Accord is signed leading to the restoration of the state government in Jammu and Kashmir.1980s: Political unrest and the rise of insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir
2000s: Increased autonomy and policy changes
2002: The Centre starts to increase its focus on counter-terrorism and development in the region.2008: The Amarnath land transfer controversy sparks widespread protests and unrest in Jammu and Kashmir.
2010s: Escalation of tensions
2016: The killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani leads to large-scale protests and violent clashes in Jammu and Kashmir.2018: The Indian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi starts discussions on the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
2019: Abrogation of Article 370
August 5, 2019: The Parliament abrogates Article 370 through the passage of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The state is reorganised into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Post-abrogation period
August 6, 2019: The President of India formally abrogates Article 370 and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, comes into effect.
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