Let’s ask common Kashmiris about the change post-abrogation. What they observe, like me, may not be very different from the local perspective because common Kashmiris have witnessed peace over violence, socio-economic development, booming tourism, women's empowerment, a reduction in militancy, and the restoration of peace and normalcy.
I don’t want to turn this into a debate about whether repealing or retaining Article 370 was right or wrong. As a common citizen, I don’t fully understand the legalities of pre- and post-abrogation. I only know that I live in India, and as long as our nation provides a safe, secure, and peaceful environment for its citizens, free from war, violence, secessionism, and corruption, and delivers justice to every section of society, we must accept it with an open heart. For me, all Indians are the same. Let’s not dwell on ‘special status’; let’s unite as nationalists beyond our daily jobs or work. Only then can we build a truly developed nation.
So, what I feel is that the abrogation of 370 marks the end of violence, nepotism, discrimination, secessionism, and corruption that had kept Jammu and Kashmir underdeveloped. The abrogation of Article 370 brought about peace, development, and welfare, while also eliminating disruptive elements hindering progress. Kashmir has become a prosperous, content, and tranquil region. With the abrogation, the façade of deceit and disappointment was shattered, granting Kashmiris genuine freedom from agents of violence and separatism. The region is now on a path of progress, local engagement, reminiscent of its paradisiacal past. In practical terms, a common Kashmiri has heaved a sigh of relief and tasted a new life brimming with happiness and opportunities following the abrogation.
Six years have passed, and the celebration of peace, prosperity, and development in Kashmir has propelled the region to new heights, transcending the era of violence and uncertainty. However, amidst these achievements, ensuring the safety and security of the common people remains an imperative goal yet to be fully realized. The impact of the abrogation is impeccable and can be very well seen effectively in various aspects of the life of a Kashmiri. The people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been integrated with the rest of the country. According to the statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs, all the rights enshrined in the Constitution of India and the benefits of all the Central Laws that were being enjoyed by other citizens of the country are now available to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Certain laws that were cherished by dynastic rulers have been abolished, empowering the people through the removal of unjust laws. This has brought equity and fairness to those who have been discriminated against for ages, allowing them to receive their due rights along with comprehensive development towards the path of peace and progress.
The political distinctiveness that it had come with, such as the 3-tier system of grassroots level democracy, has been established, along with the creation of Panchayati Raj Institutions such as Panches and Sarpanches, Block Development Councils, and District Development Councils. Local self-governance was strengthened by establishing the decentralization of powers to the local government, which was previously erratic and subject to the whims of the State Government. For long periods, no elections to Local Self-Governing Institutions (Panchayats) were held. Now, the 73rd & 74th Constitutional Amendments have become applicable. Constitutional status has been granted to local self-governments in rural and urban areas.
All provisions relating to Panchayats and local self-governments are now fully applicable. Panchayats will now receive direct funding, allowing people to decide their developmental priorities. This will lead to the strengthening of grassroots democracy. With the integration of the rest of the country, people in Jammu and Kashmir have gained equal rights and opportunities. This has enabled the effective implementation of various centrally-funded welfare and development programs, ensuring that the benefits of these initiatives reach the people directly. It has also led to separate representation for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Politically, alienated people got a chance, and dynasties became somewhat irrelevant as people came to know some of the naked realities of politicians, including their worth, wealth, and sincerity.
Undoubtedly, it had strained the relationship with the Kashmiri population. Within the country, it upheld the principle of unity in diversity, emphasizing 'one nation, one flag, one constitution, one set of equal laws and rules.' The abrogation of Article 370 facilitated the integration of the Kashmiri people with the rest of the country, offering them access to perks and facilities. This move also opened up various economic opportunities.
A recent example is the G-20 summit, which showcased how the Union Territory can attract investors and businesses to Kashmir. The Minister of State for Home Affairs stated that the abrogation has fostered socio-economic development in both the newly-formed Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Budget allocations doubled, education scholarships were effectively utilized, and flagship schemes of the central government, along with various centrally sponsored schemes, were proactively implemented.
With central government control, there was a surge in infrastructure development projects, encompassing roads, highways, railways, and power generation. Enhanced infrastructure can attract more business opportunities, improve connectivity, and contribute to overall economic growth. Private investors can now purchase land and establish companies in Kashmir, leading to increased job opportunities that would certainly benefit the people of Kashmir. Looking at the bigger picture, more industries in the region will increase resource production, thus boosting the economic sector. This repeal has also allowed various schemes to be extended to students in Jammu and Kashmir. Not only that, but it has enabled peaceful schooling, as the previous state, governed by lawless individuals, had choked the educational system.
Today, we witness a booming growth in business, education, and tourism. Places that were once associated with terrorism have been transformed into tourist destinations, resulting in a tourism growth rate twice what was expected. Ultimately, it is peace that underpins everything, and peace now prevails from every corner of the valley, bringing happiness. The abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, marked a historic and contentious moment in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370, which granted special status to the J&K was seen by many as a unique constitutional provision that protected the autonomy and identity of Jammu and Kashmir. However, its abrogation was argued to be a necessary step towards integrating the Jammu & Kashmir fully into the Indian Union, fostering economic development, and ensuring equal rights for all citizens. In the years following the abrogation, Kashmir has witnessed significant transformations. One of the most significant outcomes of the abrogation of Article 370 has been the enhanced integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country.
The special status had, in some ways, created a sense of separateness, reinforcing a psychological and political distance between Jammu & Kashmir and the rest of the country. With the removal of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir has been brought under the same legal and constitutional framework as other states and union territories in India. This has facilitated greater national unity, making the people of Jammu & Kashmir feel more connected to the broader national identity. This integration has also led to a reconfiguration of political representation. The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, which accompanied the abrogation, bifurcated the state into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. This has allowed for more direct governance by the central government, with the aim of ensuring more equitable distribution of resources and attention across these regions.
The abrogation of Article 370 has opened the doors to unprecedented economic opportunities for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Under the special status, certain restrictions existed on property ownership, which deterred non-residents and investors from setting up industries or purchasing land in Jammu & Kashmir. With these restrictions now removed, Jammu & Kashmir is attracting investments from across the country, leading to job creation and infrastructural development. The central government has announced a series of economic packages aimed at improving infrastructure, boosting tourism, and enhancing connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir. Key projects include the development of highways, railways, and airports, which are expected to transform the accessibility and economic potential of Jammu & Kashmir.
Additionally, the government’s focus on promoting local handicrafts, horticulture, and the establishment of industrial parks has the potential to uplift local industries and create new economic avenues. Tourism, a vital component of our economy, is seeing a resurgence as well. With improved security and better infrastructure, Jammu & Kashmir is poised to regain its status as a premier tourist destination, offering natural beauty, cultural richness, and unique experiences. The abrogation of Article 370 has also paved the way for social reforms that have long been overdue in the region. One of the most significant changes has been in the realm of gender equality. Under the previous special status, women who married non-residents of Jammu and Kashmir would lose their property rights. This discriminatory law has now been abolished, ensuring that women in Jammu and Kashmir enjoy the same rights as their counterparts across India.
Moreover, the removal of Article 370 has allowed for the extension of various central laws to Jammu and Kashmir, including those related to the protection of human rights, labor rights, and education. The Right to Education Act, the Juvenile Justice Act, and laws related to the prevention of domestic violence have now been implemented in the region, providing legal protection and support to vulnerable populations. Education has seen positive changes. The central government has launched several initiatives to improve the quality of education in J&K, including the establishment of new schools, colleges, and universities. These efforts are aimed at empowering the youth of Jammu and Kashmir with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in a globalized economy. While the abrogation of Article 370 has not been without challenges, particularly in terms of initial unrest and security concerns, the overall security situation in Jammu & Kashmir has shown signs of improvement.
The central government's direct control over Jammu & Kashmir has enabled more coordinated and effective measures to combat terrorism and maintain law and order. The reduction in violence and incidents of terrorism has created a more conducive environment for development activities and has instilled a sense of security among the local population and potential investors. The government's emphasis on restoring peace and normalcy in Jammu & Kashmir is gradually yielding results, with an increasing number of tourists returning to the Valley and businesses resuming operations.
The abrogation of Article 370 has undeniably brought significant changes to Jammu and Kashmir, many of which have the potential to positively transform J&K by fostering greater integration, economic development, social empowerment, and security. The abrogation has laid the groundwork for a more prosperous and stable future for the people of Jammu and Kashmir—a decline in Militancy-Related Incidents in J&K with Improved Security Measures. Government development initiatives in Jammu & Kashmir have improved infrastructure, created jobs, and fostered normalcy.
The credit for this transformation goes largely to the strengthened security measures and a more coordinated approach between the security forces, local administration, and the community itself. For decades, the narrative surrounding Jammu and Kashmir was overshadowed by violence, unrest, and constant fear. Stories of loss and hardship were all too common, with families living under the shadow of uncertainty. However, the tide began to turn when a more robust security framework was put in place. The focus shifted from reactive responses to proactive measures. Rather than waiting for incidents to occur, the security apparatus began working on cutting off militancy at its roots. One of the most significant factors behind this decline is the better coordination among the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and paramilitary forces. Their seamless cooperation has allowed for precise intelligence sharing and faster responses to threats. Over the past few years, joint operations have become more frequent and effective, leading to the neutralization of several high-profile militants and the dismantling of their networks. What’s equally important to highlight is the improved intelligence network. There’s been a clear focus on strengthening ground-level information gathering, with more involvement from local communities.
This cooperation between civilians and security agencies has been a game-changer. The fear that once kept locals from speaking out is gradually being replaced by trust—trust that the security forces will protect them and that peace is a shared goal. Technology has also played its part. Surveillance systems, drones, and advanced monitoring tools have helped security agencies tighten their grip on militant movements. Areas that were once considered safe havens for militants are now under constant watch. These technological advancements have made it increasingly difficult for militant groups to operate undetected. But beyond the hardware and tactical measures, the human approach of security forces has also evolved. There is now a greater emphasis on winning hearts and minds, with security personnel engaging more positively with the local population.

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