Protections for homosexual Indians, thanks to the repeal of Section 377, were not extended to the region. Many Hindus and Sikhs who had come from what is now Pakistan or PoK could not vote in state elections (though they could vote in national elections), despite residing in the erstwhile state for decades. The abrogation of Article 370 has rightfully and irrevocably integrated Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh with India, and brought Indian constitutional values and legal guarantees to millions of people residing in the region.
