Seven years after the abrogation of Article 370, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special autonomous status, Union Ministers and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on 5 August 2025 marked the anniversary as a watershed moment for national integration, while the ruling Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) observed it as a day of loss.

Union Ministers Hail the Decision

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal described Articles 370 and 35A as discriminatory provisions that had long held back the region's progress. 'Article 370 and Article 35A were discriminatory and unjust provisions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi abolished them on August 5, 2019. After that, the pace of development in Jammu and Kashmir accelerated. Both heritage and development received a boost. People got employment, and for the first time, they witnessed such extensive infrastructure development. Most people there are happy. Only some political parties pursuing their own political agenda have a problem,' Meghwal said.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh, speaking outside Parliament, called 5 August a historic day comparable to Independence Day and Republic Day. 'This is a historic day for India. Just as we celebrate August 15th and January 26th, this is a similarly momentous day, one that realised the dreams of Sardar Patel and the aspirations of countless Indians… Now, there is one nation, one flag, one prime minister, and one Constitution,' Singh said. Singh also made a sharp personal remark about Mehbooba Mufti, calling her a 'terrorist' — a claim that is contested and attributed solely to the minister.

BJP MP Damodar Aggarwal echoed the sentiment, stating that the removal of Article 370 was a major step towards strengthening national unity. 'Despite being an integral part of India, Jammu and Kashmir remained isolated because of Article 370. Today, we can proudly and confidently say that the removal of Article 370 is a significant achievement for the country's national integration,' he said.

Protests in Srinagar and Parliament

In Srinagar, JKNC leaders and workers, led by Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo, staged a protest at the party office demanding the restoration of Article 370 and the region's special status. Police prevented protesters from moving beyond the office premises to maintain law and order.

In New Delhi, National Conference MPs also held a demonstration inside Parliament, pressing for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. JKNC Rajya Sabha MP Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan termed the day a 'black day'. 'Today is a black day for us. Seven years ago, on this day, our statehood was taken away from us,' he said.

On the eve of the anniversary, PDP leaders led by party president Mehbooba Mufti held a candlelight march in Srinagar. Party members alleged that Mufti's daughter, Iltija Mufti, was detained during the protest.

What Happened on 5 August 2019

5 August 2019 marked the revocation of Article 370 through a Presidential Order, ending the special autonomous status that Jammu and Kashmir had held since 1949. The move also reorganised the erstwhile state into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The decision was among the most consequential constitutional changes in post-independence India and remains deeply contested across political lines.

Statehood Question Remains Unresolved

Although Assembly elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir in September 2024, the Centre has not announced any timeline for restoring statehood. Shortly after taking office, the Omar Abdullah-led government passed a Cabinet resolution seeking statehood restoration, followed by a resolution in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly calling for the reinstatement of the region's special status. Both resolutions remain unaddressed by the Centre. The statehood question is expected to remain a flashpoint in the region's politics heading into the next electoral cycle.