The 2019 declaration was "a culmination of the process of integration and assuch is a valid exercise of power", the Supreme Court said in its verdict. Removing Article 370 has been a key plank of his Bharatiya Janata Party'splatform since its inception, and the Supreme Court decision comes ahead ofelections next year. Since the suspension of Article 370, Indian authorities have curbed mediafreedoms and public protests in a drastic curtailment of civil liberties. Both India and Pakistan claim the Himalayan former kingdom in full and thenuclear-armed rivals have fought two wars over the region. India blames Pakistan for backing the militants, a charge Islamabad denies,saying it only supports a Kashmiri struggle for the right to self-determination.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha December 11, 2023 16:21 UTC