(ANI photo)

NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday made a very strong defence of the government's decision to scrap Article 370 and said the move will end bloodshed in Jammu & Kashmir.

"Article 370 is root cause of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. It allowed the terror networks to spread in the state," Amit Shah said replying to the debate on the government's proposal in Rajya Sabha to bifurcate the state and scrap Article 370.

Amit Shah said Article 370 was a temporary provision and asked how long can a temporary provision be allowed to continue? He called Article 370 "anti-women, anti-Dalit and anti-development

"Over 41,000 people wouldn't have lost their lives in Kashmir valley if Article 370 wasn't there," he said.

"After abrogation of Article 370, J&K will truly become integral part of India," Amit Shah said adding, "Article 370 ruined Jammu and Kashmir and was responsible for poverty in the state."

"Healthcare was crippling in the state as no private hospital could be set up due to Article 370, 35A," he said.

Amit Shah blamed the regional parties for misusing Article 370 for their benefits.

The Union home minister said when situation gets normal and the right time comes, we're ready to make Jammu and Kashmir a state again.

"It may take a little longer, but it will become a state once again, one day," he said.

