Special status for Jammu and Kashmir ends: Govt celebrates, Oppn protests

J&K to be reorganised into two Union territories. 10% quota in jobs, education for poor Kashmiris. Opposition cries 'murder of democracy'

The Rajya Sabha on Monday approved a resolution scrapping provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), and passed another Bill approving the bifurcation of the state into two Union territories, amid protests by the Opposition.

The two Union territories will be Ladakh and J&K. Ladakh will not have a legislature. J&K’s status will be akin to Delhi and Puducherry.

Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Bill a little after 11 am.

Replying to the debate in the Upper House, Shah said he was aware the “NGO (non-government organisation) brigade” would move