Jammu and Kashmir’s identity was “buried on January 19, 1990″, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in parliament today, lashing out at critics of his government’s controversial move to withdraw special status to the former state under Article 370.
January 19 is remembered as ”Exodus Day” by the lakhs of Kashmiri Pandits who fled the Kashmir Valley three decades ago, abandoning homes and lives in the face of rising violence and tensions.
“Kashmir is India’s crown. Kashmir’s identity was reduced to bombs and terrorism. In January 1990, that black night, some people buried Kashmir’s identity that night. Kashmir’s identity is Sufi heritage,” the Prime Minister said, adding, “Some said (withdrawing) 370 would lead to fire, some point to a few in jail. This House protects the Constitution, it is dedicated to Constitution”.
