On 5 August 2019, the Government of India made a historic move by abrogating Article 370 and Article 35A of the Constitution, which had granted special status to the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 allowed Jammu and Kashmir to have its own constitution, autonomy over internal matters (except defense, foreign affairs, and communications) and the power to decide which Indian laws applied to the region. Article 35A, introduced through a 1954 Presidential Order, gave the state legislature the authority to define “permanent residents” and grant them exclusive rights over land, government jobs and scholarships, excluding others from settling or owning property there.
The central government justified the move by stating that these provisions were temporary and encouraged separatism, blocked development and denied basic rights to many, including women, Dalits, refugees and marginalized communities. With the abrogation, all provisions of the Indian Constitution now apply uniformly to Jammu and Kashmir. The region was also reorganized into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir with a legislative assembly and Ladakh without one.
The decision received a mixed response. Supporters hailed it as a long-overdue step towards full integration and modernization of the region. They pointed to a decline in terrorism, an increase in tourism and a surge in infrastructure development as positive outcomes. Government data shows a significant drop in violence, with fewer infiltration attempts and terror-related incidents, as well as increased investment and job opportunities. Marginalized groups, like West Pakistani refugees, Valmiki community members and Gorkhas, gained full citizenship rights for the first time. Women's rights were also strengthened, as the earlier laws that stripped Kashmiri women of their property rights upon marrying outsiders were abolished.
However, critics raised concerns about democratic backsliding and human rights violations. Many political leaders in Kashmir were detained without trial for months and communication was cut off for weeks. The move was seen by some as unilateral, carried out without consulting the people of the region. Others feared that the removal of Article 35A would change the demographic balance by allowing outsiders to settle and buy land, potentially threatening Kashmir’s cultural identity.
The international reaction was largely muted. While Pakistan strongly condemned the move and downgraded diplomatic ties with India, most global powers, including the United States, Russia and France, considered it an internal matter of India. China expressed concern, particularly about Ladakh, due to its own territorial claims.
In December 2023, the Supreme Court of India upheld the constitutionality of the abrogation, stating that Article 370 was a temporary provision and that its removal was within the powers of the Parliament. The Court directed the government to restore statehood to Jammu & Kashmir and hold elections by September 2024, reinforcing the importance of democratic restoration.
In the years following the abrogation, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed several positive developments. Voter turnout in the 2024 general elections was the highest in 35 years, signaling renewed public engagement. Traditional events like Diwali at Sharda Temple, Muharram processions and the reopening of cinema halls after decades marked a social and cultural revival. Investments in roads, healthcare and education have accelerated and the region has opened up to private and public sector initiatives.
Despite these gains, the path ahead requires sensitivity and sustained efforts. The government's challenge is to maintain peace, build trust among local population and ensure that development benefits all communities without eroding cultural identity. The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A has undoubtedly altered the political and constitutional landscape of Jammu and Kashmir and its long-term impact will depend on inclusive governance, equitable development and respect for regional aspirations.
The abrogation of Article 370 and 35A marks not just a constitutional change but a paradigm shift in the vision for Jammu and Kashmir’s future. It represents the Indian government's intent to bring the region into the national mainstream, ensuring equal rights, equal opportunities and uniform laws for all its citizens. The bold move has undeniably opened the doors for infrastructure development, better education and healthcare, greater employment opportunities and increased domestic and international investment.
Yet, the transition from decades of political isolation and conflict to peace and prosperity cannot happen overnight. The success of this transformation will depend on consistent efforts to build trust among the people, uphold democratic values, and preserve the region’s unique cultural identity. Dialogue, rather than imposition, must guide future policymaking.
While significant progress has been made, challenges remain—especially in addressing the psychological wounds left by years of conflict and ensuring inclusive growth that benefits all communities, including those historically marginalized. A lasting solution requires collaboration between the Union government, local leadership, civil society and the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
In this new era, Jammu and Kashmir has the opportunity to become a symbol of resilience, integration, and unity in diversity. If managed with sensitivity and sincerity, the post-abrogation journey could turn what was once a symbol of dispute into a model of democratic empowerment and national unity. The true impact of this historic decision has been felt by each and every community and region of jammu and Kashmir by the way of returning of peace to the region, infrastructure developmental and push in the participation of locals in various political , societal and social activities : the development activites especially road infrastructure connectivity ,medical facilities and infrastructure, border tourism revival of destroy /damage temples ,digitalization of land records and scientific approach towards agriculture and farming etc. the naya Jammu and Kashmir post abrogation of article 370 and 35 A Has been appreciated by one and all , as the result on ground have shown itself