The Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), took a significant step by revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir granted under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. This constitutional amendment allowed Jammu and Kashmir to have its own constitution, laws, and autonomy over certain matters, making it unique in the context of Indian federalism. By ending this special status, the government moved to integrate Jammu and Kashmir more closely with India, asserting that this would promote development and peace in the region.

The bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh—was a crucial aspect of this decision. This change meant that both regions would now be governed directly by the central government of India, effectively reducing the level of autonomy they previously enjoyed. The move sparked intense reactions across the political spectrum, with supporters hailing it as a long-awaited step towards integration and critics voicing concerns over potential unrest and the erosion of local governance. In the days following the announcement, the Indian government imposed significant security measures, including curfews and communication blackouts, in anticipation of possible protests and unrest.

Tensions surrounding the status of Jammu and Kashmir have a long and complex history, traced back to the partition of India in 1947 and the subsequent wars fought between India and Pakistan over the region. The revocation of Article 370 was presented by the Indian government not only as a legal change but as part of a broader strategy to encourage investment, tourism, and development in the region, which has been economically marginalized. However, it also raised concerns about the rights of the local populace and the potential increase in sectarian tensions.