The seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 passed off peacefully on August 5. As expected, there were demonstrations both against and in support of the historic decision.

That itself reflects the continuing political divide over a constitutional change that altered the relationship between Jammu and Kashmir and the Union of India. Seven years on, however, one fact is beyond dispute. The abrogation of Article 370 is here to stay.

The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the decision, and no major national political party has endorsed the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party’s demand for its restoration.

Whatever political rhetoric may continue, the constitutional debate has largely been settled. That,........

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