Today marks the fifth Independence Day since the abrogation of Article 370—a day that used to be fraught with tension, uncertainty, and a palpable sense of fear in Jammu and Kashmir. For those of us who lived through those times, August 15 was synonymous with internet shutdowns, suspended cellular services, and streets that resembled fortresses, lined with military personnel and police forces in every corner. It was a day marked not just by the official ceremonies and flag hoistings, but by the separatist leaders’ calls for a strike—a “hartal”—that led to the eerie silence of a city under siege.
The memories of past Independence Days are vivid. The fear and anxiety of stepping out on this day, knowing that anything could trigger unrest, was a reality that many in the region lived with. The sight of armed forces patrolling the streets, the sound of pellet guns being fired, and the knowledge that any form of protest could lead to bloodshed, are not easily forgotten. We remember Mehbooba Mufti, as Chief Minister, unfurling the national flag at Bakshi Stadium, surrounded by tight security. The sight of Omar Abdullah performing the same service, also under heavy guard, further highlighted the volatile environment in which we lived.
These were times when the very act of celebrating the nation’s independence felt paradoxical—how could one celebrate freedom in an atmosphere so devoid of it? The streets of Srinagar, once vibrant and full of life, were ghostly on Independence Day, with shops shuttered and people confined to their homes. The sense of being under siege was overwhelming, and the presence of the military, while meant to protect, often felt like an assertion of control rather than a source of security.
But what has changed in the five years since the abrogation of Article 370? The difference is stark and undeniable. Where once Independence Day was marked by fear and tension, today, it is a day of celebration. The atmosphere is calmer, the streets are busier, and the sense of dread that used to accompany this day has largely dissipated. Shops now remain open, and people go about their daily lives without the looming threat of violence or disruption. The internet remains functional, cellular services are not interrupted, and the military presence, while still significant, is far less obtrusive.
The absence of hartal calls from separatist leaders is perhaps one of the most noticeable changes. The city is no longer paralyzed by these strikes, and life continues on as usual. The contrast between the Independence Days of the past and those of the present is a reflection of the broader changes that have taken place in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.
It is easy to see these changes as signs of progress, and in many ways, they are. The peace and stability that have returned to the region are welcomed by many, especially the common man who desires nothing more than to live in calm and comfort. The celebrations that now mark Independence Day are a testament to the fact that, for many, life in Jammu and Kashmir has improved. The streets that were once deserted are now filled with people, the shops that were once closed are now open for business, and the air that was once filled with tension is now filled with a sense of normalcy.
However, it is important to recognize that this peace is not universal. For those who have lost power and influence, this new reality may feel like a “forced peace.” Their narrative is one of suppression, of voices silenced and dissent crushed. They argue that the changes we see today are the result of a heavy-handed approach by the government, one that has imposed peace rather than fostered it. To them, this is not progress, but a regression—a step back from the autonomy and special status that they believe was essential to the identity and dignity of the region.
Yet, for the average citizen, these concerns may seem distant and abstract. What matters to them is the fact that they can now go about their daily lives without fear. They can open their shops, send their children to school, and celebrate Independence Day without the looming threat of violence. This is not to say that all is perfect—there are still challenges and issues that need to be addressed—but the sense of relief that comes with living in a more peaceful environment is real and significant.
The changes that have taken place in Jammu and Kashmir over the past five years have not been without controversy. The abrogation of Article 370 was a bold and divisive move, one that was met with both support and opposition. For some, it was a long-overdue step towards integrating the region more fully into the rest of India. For others, it was a betrayal of the promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, a move that stripped them of their special status and autonomy.
But regardless of where one stands on the issue, it is hard to deny that life in the region has changed. The streets that were once filled with unrest are now more peaceful, the services that were once disrupted are now more stable, and the sense of fear that once pervaded the air has diminished. The peace that has returned to Jammu and Kashmir may not be perfect, and it may not be universally accepted, but it is peace nonetheless.
As we celebrate this Independence Day, it is worth reflecting on the changes that have taken place in the region. The path to peace and stability has not been easy, and there are still many challenges ahead. But for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the return of calm and normalcy is something to be cherished. The celebrations that mark this day are not just about the country’s independence, but about the freedom to live in peace—a freedom that was once elusive, but is now within reach.
In the end, the desire for peace is universal. The common man, whether in Jammu and Kashmir or elsewhere, seeks a life of calm and comfort, free from fear and violence. The changes that have taken place in the region over the past five years have brought us closer to that ideal, and for that, there is much to be thankful for. As we move forward, let us hope that this peace continues to grow and that the people of Jammu and Kashmir can look forward to a future of stability and prosperity.
