Seven Years After Article 370 Abrogation: A Transformative Journey for Jammu and Kashmir

Reflecting on Seven Years Since Article 370's Abrogation

New Delhi, Aug 5: Today marks the seventh anniversary of the significant decision to revoke Article 370, which eliminated the special status previously held by Jammu and Kashmir. This pivotal change means that Jammu and Kashmir is now subject to the same legal framework as the rest of India.

Previously, Jammu and Kashmir operated under distinct constitutional provisions and the Ranbir Penal Code. Since the abrogation, the region has seen positive developments, especially in curbing the influence of separatists and terrorism that once plagued the area.

Transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory was essential, as it placed law enforcement under the jurisdiction of the Union Home Ministry rather than the local government.

Experts assert that effective management of separatism and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir required direct oversight from the Union Home Ministry. Given the region's sensitive history and its border with Pakistan, this approach was crucial. Before this change, separatists had significant control, often providing refuge to terrorists, both local and those infiltrating from Pakistan. It was common for these groups to incite violence among the youth after Friday prayers.

With the Union government taking charge of law and order, agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) were empowered to conduct thorough investigations. Numerous probes by these agencies uncovered financial trails leading back to Pakistan, revealing that separatists were receiving substantial funds through various channels.

While some of this money was intended to incite violence and promote Pakistan's agenda, a significant portion was used for personal luxuries. Investigations revealed that many separatists had sent their children abroad for education, exposing the disparity in their public persona versus their private lives.

As public sentiment shifted, separatism gradually diminished in the Valley, leading to a corresponding decline in terrorist activities. The separatists lost their influence, and their actions were no longer framed as human rights violations.

Groups like Hizbul Mujahideen have seen their relevance wane in the region. Although there have been some terror incidents since 2019, their frequency has decreased significantly, with the Pahalgam attack being the most notable post-abrogation incident.

An official noted that the absence of local government interference allowed Central agencies to combat terrorism and conduct investigations without fear of repercussions. Additionally, intelligence sharing between Central and state agencies improved significantly.

The local police also operated without political pressure, collaborating effectively with Central agencies, which was instrumental in dismantling terror networks and overground worker (OWG) operations.

Beyond security improvements, several other benefits have emerged since August 2019. The repeal of Article 35A has ensured that women retain their residency and property rights even after marrying non-residents.

Furthermore, Central laws protecting women from domestic violence and child abuse are now fully applicable in Jammu and Kashmir, enhancing women's empowerment. Political participation has increased due to reservations in local governance and greater representation in District Development Council elections.

Improved security has also facilitated greater mobility and public engagement for women. The implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) across educational institutions has led to a more stable academic environment, free from frequent closures due to violence.

For residents, enhanced security has revitalized tourism, a sector that was nearly non-existent before 2019. This resurgence has led to job creation and improved financial conditions for many.

Investment has surged in various sectors, including industries, horticulture, handicrafts, and services. Political dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir have also evolved, with elections scheduled for 2024 after years of Central governance, paving the way for an elected government.

Despite the overall progress since the abrogation of Article 370, challenges persist.

The primary concern for security agencies remains the threat posed by Lashkar-e-Taiba and its affiliate, The Resistance Front (TRF). Pakistan continues to attempt to revive terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, with numerous terrorists reportedly waiting at launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to infiltrate India. This ongoing threat poses a significant challenge for security forces.

An official emphasized that the long-term success of reforms following the abrogation of Article 370 hinges on effectively countering terrorism supported by Pakistan. Recent incidents, including the killing of a head constable in Anantnag and a terror attack that resulted in the deaths of two migrants, attributed to TRF, highlight the ongoing challenges that require continuous efforts to contain such groups.