On November 26th each year, India celebrates Constitution Day, a day dedicated to the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1949, which came into effect on January 26th, 1950. The day marks the culmination of the tireless efforts of Dr B.R. Ambedkar and other members of the Constituent Assembly, who crafted the legal framework that upholds India's democratic values and sovereignty. For the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), this day holds added significance as the region's recent history has been shaped by political, social, and constitutional transformations, marking a new chapter in its integration with the rest of India. The region of Jammu and Kashmir has long been geopolitically sensitive within India and internationally. Over the past few years, particularly since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, the area has witnessed profound changes to ensure its complete integration into the Indian Union. On Constitution Day 2024, it is essential to reflect on the significance of this milestone, not only in the context of J&K’s political evolution but also in the larger backdrop of Pakistan’s destabilising activities in the region and the world.
The Indian Constitution is the cornerstone of India's democracy, providing the nation with a legal framework that guarantees fundamental rights and promotes social, economic, and political justice. Adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26th, 1949, the Constitution replaced the Government of India Act 1935 and transformed India into a sovereign, secular, and democratic republic. The provisions of the Constitution enshrine the principles of equality, liberty and fraternity, ensuring that no matter one's religion, caste, or gender, all citizens are afforded equal protection under the law. Indian Constitution Day, therefore, is not just an occasion to remember the drafting of the Constitution but also an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the democratic ideals it upholds. This day assumes additional meaning for Jammu and Kashmir, as the region's political evolution has been closely intertwined with the Constitution’s provisions. The changes in the status of Jammu and Kashmir have reasserted India’s sovereignty over the region, highlighting the importance of the Indian Constitution in cementing the region's place within the Indian Union.
Jammu and Kashmir has always been an integral part of India, a fact reaffirmed by Maharaja Hari Singh's decision on the accession of the princely state to India in 1947. However, the special status accorded to the state under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution and its subsequent constitutional autonomy created a sense of separateness often exploited by external forces, particularly Pakistan. Despite these challenges, the region has shown remarkable resilience. Article 370 granted the region considerable autonomy, allowing for distinct laws and governance separate from the rest of India. For many years, this special status not only impeded the region’s full integration into India but also became a tool for Pakistan to claim the region as disputed. Pakistan’s consistent promotion of an unfounded claim over Jammu & Kashmir, coupled with its support for cross-border terrorism, has further complicated the region's political landscape. The situation led to several armed conflicts between India and Pakistan, destabilising the entire area.
However, the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019 marked a historic turning point. It brought Jammu & Kashmir under India's complete legal and constitutional framework, ensuring that the region was no longer treated as an exception but as an integral part of the Indian Union. The decision was met with mixed reactions, but it was a necessary step towards ending decades of ambiguity and reinforcing India's sovereignty. The abrogation of Article 370 led to the reorganisation of the state into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh—ensuring greater administrative control and political stability. Since then, the region has seen increased investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and tourism. The government has initiated several policies to promote economic development, improve governance and protect the rights of the people in Jammu and Kashmir. As part of India, the region is now benefiting from the same laws and rights that apply to the rest of the country, further reinforcing the message that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India’s democratic framework.
While Jammu & Kashmir has made significant strides toward political normalisation and economic development, Pakistan has continued its aggressive and destabilising actions in the region. From sponsoring terrorism to infiltrating militants into India, Pakistan’s actions have consistently undermined peace and security in Jammu & Kashmir and the wider South Asian region. Pakistan’s continued support for insurgents and militants in Jammu & Kashmir is well-documented. Over the years, Pakistan has used terrorism as a tool to advance its claim on the region, sending militants across the Line of Control (LoC) and into Indian territory. This has not only resulted in the loss of innocent lives but has also hindered development and created insecurity for the people of Jammu & Kashmir. The nefarious activities of Pakistan-based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, which are responsible for several high-profile attacks in India, continue to pose a severe threat to regional peace and stability. Internationally, Pakistan’s attempts to internationalise the Kashmir issue has been achieved limited or no success, as most of the world recognises the region as an integral part of India. However, Pakistan’s persistent propaganda has sometimes found a receptive audience in certain parts of the world, complicating diplomatic relations. Despite this, India has consistently made it clear that Jammu & Kashmir is an internal matter and that no foreign interference will be tolerated.
On Constitution Day 2024, the focus should not just be on the past but also the future of Jammu & Kashmir. The revocation of Article 370 has been a historic step towards integrating the region into Indian union, but much work remains to be carried out further. Ensuring peace, security and economic development in the region is essential for maintaining the region's stability and countering external threats, particularly from Pakistan. One of the critical areas of focus should be promoting communal harmony, social justice and inclusive growth. Jammu & Kashmir, like the rest of India, is home to a rich cultural and religious diversity, and policies must be designed to foster unity and integration while respecting local traditions and identities. The government’s efforts to involve local stakeholders in decision-making processes, increased political participation and promoting education and skill development are essential steps in this direction. The region’s economic development is another crucial aspect of its progress. The Jammu & Kashmir administration has rolled out several initiatives to boost infrastructure, including road construction, digital connectivity and renewable energy projects. Tourism, a critical economic sector for the region, is slowly recovering and the government’s emphasis on promoting tourism can create jobs and provide much-needed revenue to the local economy.
Constitution Day is a reminder of the democratic values and principles that bind India together. For Jammu & Kashmir, the significance of this day has grown in recent years as the region continues to recover from decades of conflict and uncertainty. The revocation of Article 370 has paved the way for a more stable, secure and prosperous future for Jammu & Kashmir, reaffirming its status as an integral part of India. At the same time, it is crucial to acknowledge the destabilising role played by Pakistan in the region. Despite its attempts to undermine India’s sovereignty and spread unrest in Jammu & Kashmir, India remains committed to ensuring peace, progress and justice for the people of the region. As we celebrate Constitution Day, we reaffirm our commitment to the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution and to building a brighter future for Jammu & Kashmir, free from external interference and internal divisions.
