Amit Shah's Firm Stance on Article 370: A Barrier to Its Restoration

Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that Article 370, providing special status to Jammu and Kashmir, will not be restored. This declaration comes amid promises by regional parties, NC and PDP, to reinstate the controversial provision in their election manifestos. Shah criticized Congress's alliance with NC as jeopardizing national unity.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday firmly stated that Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, will never be reinstated. His assertion comes as Jammu and Kashmir's two main regional parties, the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), vowed in their election manifestos to work towards restoring the article, which was annulled on August 5, 2019.

Shah made his comments during a press conference in Chhattisgarh's capital, where he addressed top civil and security officials from states affected by Naxal violence. He emphasized that Article 370 has no place in Jammu and Kashmir's future.

The home minister's remarks follow the PDP's release of an election manifesto on Saturday, promising to restore Jammu and Kashmir to its 'original status' and ensure the voices of its people are heard. Shah also criticized Congress for its alliance with the NC, accusing the party of risking the country's unity for power, while posing pointed questions about their stances on Jammu and Kashmir's future.