Article 370 became tool for decades-long discrimination: Ladakh LG

Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor, R.K. Mathur, has sparked a renewed debate over the controversial Article 370, asserting that it turned into a mechanism of discrimination and power imbalance. According to Mathur, rather than empowering the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the provision perpetuated inequality and denied equal rights to the twin regions. His remarks come amidst ongoing discussions about the long-term impact of the article's abrogation in 2019. Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, was intended to safeguard the region's unique cultural and demographic identity. However, critics like Mathur argue that it instead entrenched political power structures that marginalized Ladakh and other areas. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the abrogation has provided an opportunity to rectify historical injustices and pave the way for equitable development across both regions. Since the revocation of Article 370, the central government has initiated several development projects aimed at integrating Ladakh more fully into the national framework. Proponents of this move claim it has fostered greater economic opportunities and infrastructural growth. However, the debate over the article's legacy continues, as stakeholders assess the socio-political changes in the region and the long-term implications for its diverse communities.

— Authored by Next24 Live