Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the Supreme Court of India’s verdict upholding the repeal of Article 370 is “a resounding declaration of hope, progress and unity for our sisters and brothers in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.”

On Monday, SC upheld the Government of India’s abrogation of Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

“The Court, in its profound wisdom, has fortified the very essence of unity that we, as Indians, hold dear and cherish above all else,” PM Modi said in a post on X, while assuring the people of J&K and Ladakh that his government will ensure that “the fruits of progress not only reach you but also extend their benefits to the most vulnerable and marginalised sections of our society who suffered due to Article 370.”

PM Modi also said that the verdict was not just a legal judgment but a beacon of hope, promise of a brighter future and a testament to the government’s collective resolve to build a stronger, more united India.

Read more: Supreme Court upholds abrogation of Article 370, asks GoI to restore statehood for J&

Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah, Vice President of National Conference expressed his disappointment on X but also said that the people of J&K are prepared for the long haul.

“Disappointed but not disheartened. The struggle will continue. It took the BJP decades to reach here. We are also prepared for the long haul,” Abdullah said in a post.

Mehbooba Mufti, President of People’s Democratic Party, who was put on house arrest ahead of SC’s verdict, said that the “people of J&K are not going to lose hope or give up. Our fight for honour and dignity will continue regardless. This isn’t the end of the road for us.”