As the election season gains momentum, filmmakers have begun their campaign efforts. Leading the charge is “Article 370,” a persuasive government-backed film elucidating the Kashmir policy that culminated in the abrogation of the contentious constitutional provision on August 5, 2019.
Though these events remain fresh in public memory, the film’s objective appears to be to reassure the audience about the rationale behind ending Jammu & Kashmir’s special status before the ruling party heads to the polls. Despite the long-term consequences of this decision yet to unfold, the film rushes to portray it as a strategic move, akin to a slick PowerPoint presentation accompanied by a compelling soundtrack.
Director Aditya Suhas Jambhale adeptly connects the dots often obscured in the cacophony of electronic news debates. Notably, the timing of the film’s release seems intentional. Drawing parallels with Aditya Dhar’s “Uri” (2019), which skillfully dramatized the events leading to the surgical strike post the Uri attack, “Article 370” also coincides with an election year. Dhar’s involvement as co-producer and co-writer, alongside his spouse and talented actor Yami Gautam, who portrays intelligence officer Zooni Haksar, adds weight to the project. Zooni, a Kashmiri Pandit nursing a personal vendetta against the corrupt political leadership, strategically propagates an ‘us vs them’ narrative.
The screenplay selectively mines historical events to align with the political narrative of the ruling regime. While Jawaharlal Nehru’s association with Sheikh Abdullah is critiqued, the film conveniently sidesteps the implications of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s alliance with the Jammu & Kashmir People’s Democratic Party.
“Article 370” Director: Aditya Suhas Jambhale
Cast: Y Gautam, Priyamani, R Zutshi, A Govi, D Seth
Duration: 160 minutes
Synopsis: Zooni, a spy, spearheads an operation laying the groundwork for the abrogation of Article 370 in the former state of Jammu & Kashmir.
Article 370 of the Indian Constitution was a controversial provision that granted special autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This blog post aims to provide a neutral and informative overview of the topic, covering various aspects related to Article 370.
1. Article 370 Movie:
A recent film titled “Article 370” was released in February 2024. It’s important to remember that movies, while sometimes based on real events, can offer artistic interpretations and may not be a substitute for factual information about Article 370.
2. Article 370 of the Indian Constitution:
Article 370 was a temporary provision of the Indian Constitution that granted special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It included:
- Legislative autonomy: The state legislature had the power to make laws on its own, excluding matters related to defense, foreign affairs, communication, and currency.
- Executive autonomy: The state government had the power to frame its own constitution and decide who could permanently reside or settle within the state.
3. What is Article 370?
In simpler terms, Article 370 provided Jammu and Kashmir with a certain degree of autonomy within the Indian Union. This meant the state had its own set of laws and regulations on specific matters, distinct from the rest of the country.
4. Article 370 in Hindi:
धारा 370 भारतीय संविधान का एक विवादास्पद प्रावधान था, जिसने जम्मू और कश्मीर राज्य को विशेष स्वायत्त दर्जा दिया था। यह धारा राज्य विधानमंडल को रक्षा, विदेश मामले, संचार और मुद्रा से संबंधित मामलों को छोड़कर अपने स्वयं के कानून बनाने का अधिकार देती थी।
(Please note: This is a Hindi translation of the information provided in section 2)
5. Article 370 and UPSC:
Article 370 is a relevant topic for various UPSC exams, including the Civil Services Examination (CSE). Understanding its historical context, provisions, and abrogation is crucial for aspirants preparing for these exams. However, it’s important to consult reliable sources and official documents for comprehensive information.