India
Mehbooba says Kashmir accession came with guarantees
The Hindu·
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti marked Accession Day on Monday and said Jammu and Kashmir joined India with guarantees, not a blank cheque for violation. She held the 1947 Instrument of Accession limiting India to defence, external affairs, communications and currency. She said Article 370's abrogation weakened safeguards. BJP supporters celebrated the 79th accession anniversary in Srinagar with sweets.
Prism
What It Means For You
- October 26 remains an official holiday in Jammu and Kashmir after it was introduced during Central rule in 2020.
- Residents in Kashmir continue to face passport restrictions, police summons and security checks Ms. Mufti cited.
- BJP supporters distributed sweets in Srinagar while marking the 79th anniversary of accession to India.
What's Happening
- Ms. Mufti said Jammu and Kashmir joined India trusting secular leadership and assurances to protect land, jobs and culture.
- She argued the BJP mistakes silence for acceptance and that the region remains heavily militarised after 80 years.
- BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur said the Maharaja was a visionary who secured the region's future in the Union.
Accession Day in Jammu and Kashmir
- Articles 370 and 35A previously framed constitutional safeguards Ms. Mufti said remain important for regional interests.
- Central rule introduced Accession Day as a holiday soon after Article 370 provisions were abrogated in 2019.
- The Instrument of Accession from 1947 defined the limited subjects India would administer in the region.
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