India's Supreme Court Upholds Removal of Kashmir's Autonomy

Court's decision triggers fears of demographic change, as non-Kashmiris can now purchase land in the disputed territory.

India's Supreme Court upheld the government's 2019 decision to remove the partial autonomy of Kashmir, India's only Muslim-majority region, causing fear and anger among the residents.
The court's decision supports the government's contentious laws, including those that allow non-Kashmiris to purchase land in the disputed territory, leading to fears of a demographic change.
The court ordered the restoration of the region's statehood 'at the earliest and as soon as possible' and legislative assembly elections to be held by September 30.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the court's judgement as 'a beacon of hope' and a testament to building a stronger, more united India.
Kashmir's political landscape, once dominated by regional parties, is undergoing a seismic shift, with potential for political forces to be mobilized in the region.