Article 370 was an article of the Indian Constitution giving Jammu and Kashmir a degree of autonomy, including a separate constitution and a state flag. Also closely linked was Article 35A of the Indian constitution which gave only permanent residents of the state the right to own land in the state, to vote and contest elections, to seek government employment, and to obtain state welfare benefits. Special provisions apply to a number of Indian states, and generally arise out of particular local or historical circumstances.
On 5 August 2019, the BJP government revoked Articles 370 and 35A via a presidential order. Jammu and Kashmir lost its statehood and was divided into two Union Territories, namely territories governed directly by the central government. Thus three things effectively happened at once: the state lost its status as a state; it was bifurcated; and it lost the additional autonomy granted under the Indian constitution.
The revocation was accompanied by a lockdown in the state. This lockdown included:
• detention of ordinary people, including children.
• detention of Kashmir's political leaders, including former allies of the BJP government,
• the severing of all mobile and internet connections,
• an intensified military presence, and
• severe restrictions on freedom of movement both within the state, and in and out of the state.
The lockdown effectively made Kashmir into a large prison.
The revocation of Article 370 was accompanied by an intense disinformation campaign by the BJP government. The move by Narendra Modi's government has been deemed unconstitutional by many, the Article being regarded as a permanent provision in the constitution of India.
References:
• This history and politics behind Article 370 and its revocation.
• Articles on Kashmir on Narendra Modi Facts.