Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP on Tuesday said the abrogation of Article 370 by the Centre on August 5, 2019 was a “historic step” which laid a firm foundation for peace, transparent governance, investment and inclusive development in the Union Territory. On the eve of the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, the BJP said the development has also ensured constitutional equality, social justice and complete integration of J-K with the rest of India. BJP spokespersons Purnima Sharma and Rajni Sethi credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for demonstrating decisive leadership and political courage in taking the landmark decision on August 5, 2019. She said the Constitution of India became fully applicable to J-K, giving its citizens the same fundamental rights and constitutional safeguards available across the country. Referring to the Supreme Court’s December 2023 judgment, Sharma said the Constitution bench upheld the presidential measures that rendered Article 370 inoperative, confirming their constitutional validity.