Congress leader and former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid has praised the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the move has ushered in prosperity and strengthened the democratic process in the region. Speaking during a diplomatic visit to Indonesia, Khurshid emphasized that the scrapping of the Article in 2019 helped eliminate the long-held perception that Jammu and Kashmir was separate from the rest of India. Salman Khurshid was addressing members of Indonesian think tanks and academic circles as part of an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation. The delegation, led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, is on a tour of Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore to engage with foreign policymakers and brief them on India’s regional and national security efforts, including the ongoing Operation Sindoor initiative.
“Kashmir had a major problem for a long time,” Khurshid remarked during the interaction. “Much of that was reflected in the thinking of the government in an article called 370 of the Constitution, which somehow gave an impression that it was separate from the rest of the country. But Article 370 was abrogated and it was finally put to an end.” He noted that the special constitutional status had fostered a sense of separateness, which in turn contributed to instability in the region. Khurshid acknowledged that while the Article was originally intended to safeguard regional identity and autonomy, over time, it became an obstacle to national integration and equitable development.
Salman Khurshid highlighted the democratic advancements in Jammu and Kashmir following the constitutional change. He cited a substantial 65% voter turnout in recent elections and the establishment of an elected government as signs of political normalcy and growing civic engagement. “There was an election with 65 per cent participation. There’s an elected government in Kashmir today,” Khurshid said. “For people to want to undo everything that has happened, the prosperity that has come to Kashmir, it would not be advisable.”
Salman Khurshid’s statement comes at a time when Article 370 remains a contentious topic in Indian politics. His remarks are notable as they reflect a departure from the traditional Congress stance, which has largely opposed the BJP-led government’s decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. By acknowledging the positive outcomes post-abrogation, Salman Khurshid has added a fresh dimension to the ongoing debate, suggesting that national integration and democratic participation are beginning to yield tangible benefits for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
