India has conveyed a good example of equality. United States lawmaker Pete Olson said abrogation of Article 370 from the constitution means equality for all Indians.
Article 370 provided a special status to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It was a temporary provision but lasted for about 70 straight years and forced citizens of J&K to live under different laws.
The influential US lawmaker said the move by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government on August 5 seems to be a stepping stone to peace in the Kashmir valley. Today, the state is divided into two union territories – Ladakh and J&K.
The Congressman added that the Article 370 resulted with different rules for citizenship and property ownership in the country. The J&K people lived under different laws than rest of the population.
The Republican leader told the US House of Representatives that it is hoped the action of Article 370 stripping can be a stepping stone to peace in the Valley.
He was sharing the update on the situation of Kashmir to the house.
Talking to the media lately Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said restrictions in the Valley will be reduced gradually and mobile phone lines will be restored as situation normalizes.
He was replying to a question about reforms in the Valley and further said, “Shops are open and apple harvest is under way. The situation is back to normal.”
