Welcome to Modi's New India! Forget Article 370 on Jammu and Kashmir? Here is what it means | EXPLAINED

Pandemonium broke out in Rajya Sabha after a historic decision of PM Narendra Modi-led government was announced by Union Minister Amit Shah on the floor of the House. The Home Minister took everyone by surprise by proposing in the Rajya Sabha to revoke Article 370 of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir. Amit Shah said, "I am presenting the resolution to revoke Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir except the first clause 370 (1)." So, what is Article 370 and what it means?

- Article 370 gives a special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir

- Article 370 gives special powers to Kashmir 

- Article 370 gives autonomous status for Kashmir, which allows only residents to buy property and hold state government jobs

- Article 370 is a "temporary provision" with respect to Jammu and Kashmir 

- Article 370 restricts the applicability of various provisions of the Constitution by "curtailing" the power of Parliament to make laws on subjects which fall under the Union and Concurrent lists.

- Article 370 allows the state to accord special rights and privileges to the natives 

What Amit Shah announced in Rajya Sabha?

- Resolution revokes Article 370 from J&K 

- Jammu and Kashmir will be bifurcated

- Jammu and Kashmir to be a union territory with legislature 

- Ladakh to be union territory without legislature

Amit Shah has said, "I am ready for all discussions by the leader of the Opposition, the entire opposition and the members of the ruling party over Kashmir issue. I am ready to answer all questions."