BHOPAL: Depicting Articles 370 and 35A as a

, split in half, the headline says ‘

’ (Finished). Another uses the word ‘historic’, and yet another calls it ‘revolutionary’... The scrapping of special status to Kashmir made the lead in all Urdu newspapers in

, the tone ranging from acceptance to appreciation.

Central India’s most circulated Urdu newspaper ‘

’ ran with the headline, ‘Modi Hukumat Ka Tareki Aur Jurahat Mandani Faisla’ or ‘Bold and historic decision by Modi government’.

Going with the general sentiment, Urdu press reminded readers that the decision should not be seen in the light that Jammu and Kashmir is the only predominantly Muslim state in India.

Many Urdu dailies asked that the decision not be seen in religious colours.

Some papers pointed out that countries within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation stood neutral on the issue, thus it was a blow to Pakistan’s diplomatic manoeuvres.

Many Urdu newspapers suggested that Pakistan had been isolated on Kashmir. One of the interesting side pieces in a Bhopal-based daily ran with the headline ‘Pakistan Tilmilaya’ (Pakistan frets).

“Jammu and Kashmir is and continues to be an integral of India. The current issue should not be linked to minorities or the Muslim community. Urdu press has more than come out in support of the Union government’s decision,” said a leading Urdu commenter of Bhopal, Musahid Khan.

A Delhi-edition of Urdu daily went with a front-page column that said “Zalim Ban Kar Zinda Rehne Se, Mazloom Ban Kar Mar Jana Kahin Behter (Choose not to be a cruel oppressor, better to die a victim).” It quoted Jamat-e-Ulema Hind member Maulana Syed Arshad Madani as saying: “We are Indians first.”

‘Hamara Samaj’ ran with the headline ‘

Mansooq’ (scrapped) and described the move as “historic”. “Kashmir Ke Bare Mein Tufaan Angeez Faisala (A revolutionary decision on Kashmir),” said the lead on its edit page. Some commenters defined the now scrapped special provisions for Kashmiris as an ‘Article of Faith’.