The Narendra Modi government on Monday announced it was bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into two parts: Jammu and Kashmir as one Union Territory and Ladakh as another.
The announcement came after Home Minister Amit Shah moved a bill to scrap Article 370 of the Constitution, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Shah introduced the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill to push for bifurcation of the state.
Presenting the bifurcation need, Shah argued that Ladakh was a large region with a sparse population. He noted there had been a long-pending demand for Union Territory status to fulfil aspirations of the people. Ladakh would be a Union territory without a legislature.
Shah noted, “Keeping in mind the prevailing security situation” and threat of cross-border terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir would be a separate Union Territory with a legislature.
The move is expected to exacerbate opposition to the Modi government's security plans as Union Territory status gives the Centre greater powers over the region.