Indian constitution - article 370 allowed the state a certain amount of autonomy - its own constitution, a separate flag and freedom to make laws. Foreign affairs, defence and communications remained the preserve of the central government. As a result, Jammu and Kashmir could make its own rules relating to permanent residency, ownership of property and fundamental rights. It could also bar Indians from outside the state from purchasing property or settling there. India's BJP-led government decided to strip the state of Jammu and Kashmir of autonomy after seven decades, declaring it for “development”. Would stripping of special status to Kashmiri help development as the Government of India claim? Analyses, A.Muthukrishnan, an independent political analyst in Tamil Nadu.
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