Lok Sabha passes Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019 with 367 Ayes, and 71 Noes. The Rajya Sabha has already passed the Bill yesterday.

#LokSabha passes The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019 pic.twitter.com/L7or1q52Ux

— Lok Sabha TV (@loksabhatv) August 6, 2019

The Bill reorganises the state of Jammu and Kashmir into–  (i) the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir with a legislature, and (ii) the Union Territory of Ladakh without a legislature.

The Union Territory of Ladakh will comprise Kargil and Leh districts, and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will comprise the remaining territories of the existing state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Lok Sabha also revoked the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution.  The Lower House adopted the resolution with 351 members supporting it while 72 voted against it. The Rajya Sabha had adopted a similar resolution yesterday.

Replying to the debate, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that scrapping of Article 370 is essential as it is a hurdle in connecting Kashmir to India’s mainstream. He reiterated that Pakistan occupied Kashmir will always belong to India.

He said this very Article is the root cause of terrorism in the Valley. The Minister also hailed the Article responsible for the lack of development and corruption in the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, the Bills pertaining to Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh will ensure integration and empowerment. He also asserted that the passage of the Bills is a  fitting tribute to the great Sardar Patel, Dr. Babasaheb and Dr. SP Mookerjee.

The passage of key Bills pertaining to Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are a fitting tribute to the great Sardar Patel, who worked for India’s unity, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, whose views are well known and Dr. SP Mookerjee who devoted his life for India’s unity and integrity.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2019

The Bills pertaining to Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh will ensure integration and empowerment. These steps will bring the youth into the mainstream and give them innumerable opportunities to showcase their skills and talents. Local infrastructure will significantly improve.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2019

Also Read: Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah Arrested After Article 370 Scrapped