India top court hears petitions challenging Kashmir special status removal
Al JazeeraMAY 2023
India Supreme Court Upholds Stripping of Kashmir Special Status
Image copyright: Yawar Nazir/Getty Images News via Getty Images (Apr. 23, 2019)
The Spin
Narrative A
This is yet another attack on Muslim rights and the region's autonomy by Prime Minister Modi's government. Jammu and Kashmir had already been stripped of the right to decide laws on defense, finance, foreign affairs, and communications for seven decades, and now progress has been rolled back even more. This defeat must be harnessed into political action.
Narrative B
As the court stated, the special status of Jammu and Kashmir was always temporary, and the region's temporary status continued for far too long. A country operating under two flags and two constitutions is destined to become weak and vulnerable, which is why the region has been undermined by Pakistani-led meddling and terrorism for years. Under the protection of New Delhi, both Hindus and Muslims alike will see a boon to the local economy.