Prez hails Art 370 abrogation; described CAA as Gandhiji’s dream

Prez hails Art 370 abrogation; describes CAA as Gandhiji’s dream

New Delhi, Jan 31 (IANS) President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday described the central government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution from Jammu and Kashmir as a historic one and said that it has paved the way for equal development of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Kovind also said that with the passing of the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019, the government has fulfilled the will of Mahatma Gandhi and condemned the atrocities being perpetrated on minorities in Pakistan.

Addressing the joint session of Parliament here ahead of the Budget Session, Kovind said, “The abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A of the Constitution by Parliament is not only historic but it has also paved way for equal development of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.”

The President stressed that rapid development of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, protection of culture and traditions, transparent and honest administration and empowerment of democracy are among the priorities of his government.

The government had abrogated the Article 370 of the Constitution from Jammu and Kashmir, that gave special status to the erstwhile state on August 5. The government also bifurcated the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories — Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The President said, “I am happy that the will of the Father of the Nation has been fulfilled by enacting Citizenship Amendment Act by both Houses of the Parliament.”

Kovind also condemned the atrocities on the minority communities in Pakistan and “urged the world community to take cognizance of this and take necessary steps in this regard”.

The President also stressed that the government makes it clear that the procedures which were there earlier for people of all religions, who believed in India and want to take citizenship of India, are the same today.

Stating that some people were indulging in violent activities in the name of protests, he said “My Government is of the firm view that mutual discussions and debates strengthen democracy. At the same time, any kind of violence in the name of protests weakens the society and the nation.” IANS