At its heart, the changes of August 2019 were as much about the expansion of economic opportunity as about the commitment to One Nation. With the legal debate behind us, the promise of enormous growth and employment is more real than ever
The Court pointed out that the provisions of the Constitution of India had been, step by step, between 1950 and 2019, extended to J&K and the ‘abrogation’ of Article 370 (a temporary provision) was the culmination of the process.
While there was never any doubt about J&K being an integral part of India, the Supreme Court's endorsement of the decisions of August 2019 has given ballast to New Delhi’s global diplomatic strategy on the dispute with Pakistan. Relations have been tense for four years, but a window for engagement could open after elections in both countries next year
The Union Territory status came with no alternate protection clause and no legislative provisions for enacting local laws. This was contrary to the expectation that Ladakh would shape its destiny