The Indian government has announced scrapping Article 370 of the Constitution, which grants a special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir is the only Indian state where Muslims constitute a majority. The state used to enjoy special autonomy in India. Before taking effect in its territory all laws passed by the central government (except for those concerning defense, external relations and some others) were to be approved by the local assembly. People from other states of India were prohibited from purchasing land plots there. Jammu and Kashmir had its own flag and a number of other privileges. Under the government’s proposal, Jammu and Kashmir will lose its status of a state and will become a union territory.