Col Dev Anand Lohamaror
On August 5, 2019, India made a historic decision to abrogate Article 370, a temporary constitutional provision that had long impeded the nation’s unity and progress. Coupled with the revocation of Article 35A, this bold move dismantled barriers to security, social justice, democracy, and development in Jammu & Kashmir. As we commemorate the sixth anniversary, the region’s transformation is undeniable—evident in declining terror incidents, vibrant democratic participation, and a renewed sense of hope among its people.
Introduced on October 17, 1949, Article 370 granted Jammu & Kashmir special status, allowing it to maintain its own constitution, flag, and autonomy over internal laws. The Indian Parliament’s jurisdiction was confined to defence, foreign affairs, and communications. In 1954, Article 35A further empowered the state to define “permanent residents,” restricting non-residents’ rights to property and employment. Intended as temporary, these provisions became entrenched, fostering separatism, discrimination, and instability over decades.
The consequences were severe. Pakistan-sponsored terror groups like Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed exploited the region’s autonomy, with terror incidents surging from 322 in 2016 to 614 in 2018, the highest on record. Stone-pelting peaked at 2,653 cases in 2016, fueled by foreign funding and separatist rhetoric. Central laws, including those for the Right to Information (RTI), Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) protections, and agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), were unenforceable. This legal disconnect weakened India’s ability to maintain order and uphold national integrity.
Socially, Article 35A institutionalized discrimination. Kashmiri women who married non-residents lost their property rights, perpetuating gender inequity. The Valmiki community was confined to sanitation jobs, denied broader opportunities. Approximately 1.5 lakh Pakistani refugees, despite residing in the state for decades, were denied citizenship and associated rights. These policies alienated communities within a region constitutionally part of India, undermining social cohesion and justice.
On August 5, 2019, Home Minister Amit Shah introduced a resolution in Parliament to render Article 370 inoperative, a move approved by President Ram Nath Kovind. The resolution garnered overwhelming support, passing 125-61 in the Rajya Sabha and 370-70 in the Lok Sabha. The Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act followed, restructuring the state into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without). This legal overhaul marked a decisive step toward integrating the region fully into India’s constitutional framework.
The results were transformative. By 2023, terror incidents plummeted 74% to 125 from 614 in 2018. Stone-pelting, once a daily occurrence, virtually ceased, and over 5,000 pro-terror social media accounts were dismantled. Security forces gained operational autonomy, significantly curbing Pakistan-backed terrorism. Kashmir, once a haven for separatist activities, began aligning with India’s national security framework.
Democracy flourished in unprecedented ways. Between 2019 and 2023, Panchayat, Block Development Council (BDC), and District Development Council (DDC) elections saw robust participation, with youth and women emerging as key stakeholders. The 2024 Assembly Elections, conducted peacefully after the 2022 delimitation exercise, marked a democratic milestone. New political voices, including independent candidates, gained prominence, ensuring balanced representation between Jammu and the Valley. For the first time, the region’s governance reflected the aspirations of its people, unhindered by separatist influences.
Social equity saw remarkable progress. Marginalized communities, including Gorkhas, Valmikis, and Pakistani refugees, received domicile certificates, granting them equal rights. Women marrying outside the state retained property ownership, ending decades of gender-based discrimination. SC/ST reservations and central welfare schemes, previously diluted, were fully implemented, aligning Jammu & Kashmir with the rest of India.
Development initiatives surged. From four medical colleges in 2018, the region now boasts 11, with MBBS seats doubling to 1,000. Prestigious institutions like AIIMS, IIT, and IIM were established in Srinagar and Jammu. Tourism soared, with 18.8 million visitors in 2022, the highest ever recorded, bolstered by Srinagar Airport’s international connectivity to cities like Dubai and Sharjah. The G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar in 2023 underscored the region’s stability and global appeal. Over ₹56,000 crore in projects were launched between 2020 and 2025, including 5,500 km of roads under the PM Gram Sadak Yojana, 98% tap water coverage via the Jal Jeevan Mission, and 100% internet connectivity in Panchayats under Digital India.
Challenges persisted. In early 2025, Pakistan attempted to reignite terrorism through the Pahalgam attack, testing India’s resolve. The response, “Operation Sindoor,” coordinated by the Indian Army, intelligence agencies, and the Ministry of Home Affairs, neutralized the perpetrators and dismantled cross-border terror networks. This operation exemplified India’s zero-tolerance policy, restoring peace swiftly. Public support for Indian forces surged, with locals condemning terrorism, enabling tourism and development to rebound.
As we mark six years since Article 370’s abrogation, Jammu & Kashmir stands as a testament to India’s unity and strength. No longer defined by terrorism or separatism, it embodies democracy, development, and harmony. The region’s integration into one nation, one constitution, and one citizenship reflects New India’s commitment to progress and sovereignty. This is New Kashmir—united, unshakable, and thriving.
