Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 5 : BJP leader Ravinder Raina on Wednesday hailed the abrogation of Article 370 as a "golden, monumental decision" in independent India's history, saying it ensured justice for all sections of society while accusing former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti of indulging in "political gimmicks."
Celebrating the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, Raina said August 5 holds special significance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the country.
"August 5 is a very significant day for the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and the entire nation. Article 370 was a wall of hatred that fostered separatism and terrorism, denied the flourishing of grassroots democracy, and caused immense injustice to Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Dalit Samaj, Valmiki Samaj, and West Pakistani refugees," Raina said.
He said the Centre's decision to revoke the provision had ensured justice to every section of society.
"Abrogating Article 370 stands as a golden, monumental decision in independent India's history, ensuring that every section of society is finally delivered justice," he added.
Targeting People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti, Raina alleged that she continued to engage in "political gimmicks."
"It is unfortunate that leaders like Mehbooba Mufti continue to engage in political gimmicks and drama. Holding the national flag upside down, whether done knowingly or inadvertently, does not suit a former Chief Minister, and everyone must maintain the utmost respect and seriousness toward our national flag and national festivals," he said.
On August 5, 2019, the Centre revoked Articles 370 and 35A, ending the special status granted to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The state was also reorganised into two Union Territories--Jammu and Kashmir, with a legislature, and Ladakh, without one.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A marked the beginning of a "decisive new chapter" for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, asserting that the regions have witnessed significant progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and social empowerment since the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019.