Kashmir leaders protest Article 370 anniversary as people move on

Seven years ago, the Indian government took away a special law called Article 370 that gave Jammu and Kashmir its own set of rules.

On the anniversary date, August 5, some political leaders in Kashmir held protests because they want that law back.

The two big local parties, the National Conference and the People's Democratic Party, led these demonstrations.

The Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, stayed away from Srinagar and visited flood-affected areas in Poonch instead.

A leader named Mehbooba Mufti said Article 370 was their protection and dignity.

Some leaders in Delhi also held small protests outside Parliament with the Congress and Left parties.

But the article says many ordinary people in Kashmir did not join the protests.

It says people have moved on and are enjoying new benefits in healthcare, education, and roads.

The government says Jammu and Kashmir will get full statehood one day, but not yet.

The writer thinks the leaders should stop asking for old laws and focus on the future instead.