New Delhi: Front pages of newspapers across the country on Tuesday focused on the Narendra Modi government’s decision to read down Article 370 of the constitution (granting special status to Jammu and Kashmir) and divide the state into two union territories. The tone, however, varied – from celebratory to neutral to critical.

While reactions have poured in from across the country – both from political parties and citizens – there has been one large void: voices from Kashmir. Most means of communication – mobile internet, broadband and even landlines – have been partially cut, and two former chief ministers have been detained. Kashmiri newspapers too were unable to print news or analyses on home minister Amit Shah’s announcements. The websites of Greater Kashmir, Rising Kashmir and Kashmir Reader have not been updated since Sunday. The Kashmir Times, though, was able to update its website with the news and an opinion piece taken from an agency.

English newspapers

The Telegraph, which has become known for front-page headlines critical of the Modi regime, likened Monday’s move to the Partition in big, bold letters.

Mumbai Mirror too was explicit in its criticism, and talked about how changes were rushed in without consultation, and while blacking out dissent from the Valley. Its main headline, ‘Cloak and dagger that pierced Kashmir’s heart’, brought out its editorial standpoint both on the decision itself and how it was carried out.

Mumbai Mirror is a part of the Times Group, but its circulation is far less than that of the Times of India. ToI portrayed a more neutral stance on its front page, sticking to reporting the news, as did The Hindu, Hindustan Times, Indian Express and Business Standard.

The Indian Express also published a strong editorial on the issue, saying that the move was very much a part of Narendra Modi’s plan to bring in a ‘new India’ and rewrite history. The editorial says:

“What will also go down in history is the manner in which the momentous change in J&K’s status has been brought about. There is no parallel in the history of independent India for the secrecy and stealth deployed by the government to bring in something that is politically and communally contentious. …it goes against every democratic convention and norm.”

Regional language papers

A number of regional language newspaper, on the other hand, were largely celebratory in their deliverance. Hindi daily Dainik Jagran, for instance, showed cartoon versions of Amit Shah and Narendra Modi holding up victory signs, along with a large ‘370’ with a cross through it. Dainik Bhaskar too made its stance clear, saying the government had granted people “freedom from [Article] 370”.

Saamna, a Marathi mouthpiece of the Shiv Sena, declared “Mission Kashmir victory”. Another Marathi paper, Maharashtra Times, called it a “historic decision”, with the headline printed in saffron. Hindi newspaper Jansatta, part of the Indian Express group, said that India was now “unbroken”. Tamil newspaper Dina Malar called the move a “historic achievement”.

Marathi newspaper Lokmat was more neutral in its front-page coverage, with its main headline reading, “Kashmir’s special status revoked; State divided into two UTs; Despite not having a majority govt wins vote in RS.” Hindi newspaper Hindustan also followed a similar neutral tone, as did Tamil daily Dina Thanthi and Marathi Loksatta.

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