Opinion | J&K Under New Delhi: A 5-Year Transformation

AMM KAAK’s (common Kashmiri) son going to his degree college daily and returning home safely is equal to going to Oxford—and that is what Kashmir has achieved under the direct control of the Central government.

Since its integration with the Union of India, Jammu and Kashmir’s political history has always been a subject of intense discussion. Key events such as the Indira-Sheikh Accord, the 1987 elections, the insurgency, the migration of Kashmiri Pandits, the rise of Mufti Sayeed’s PDP against the NC, and periods of street violence—particularly in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2016—have shaped its political landscape. Even the 2014 floods are often referenced within this discourse. However, one of the most significant and recent developments in J&K’s political history occurred in 2019 with the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. Quoting former J&K DGP S.P. Vaid from a podcast with renowned journalist Ahmed Ali Fayyaz, he remarked, “Kashmiris are highly aware and politically astute; they observe politics from a very close window.” I mention this here because I consider myself one among them—keenly observing Kashmir’s political trajectory. Since the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of J&K into two Union Territories, the region has remained under Lieutenant Governor’s rule, effectively placing it under New Delhi’s direct oversight. In this article, I aim to analyse how J&K’s political, social, and economic landscape has undergone a metamorphosis over the past five years.
One of the most significant developments in Jammu and Kashmir under New Delhi’s direct oversight has been a remarkable improvement in security and law and order—a fact with little room for ambiguity. The hartal (shutdown) culture, which had already devastated the lives and careers of at least two generations in the Valley, has largely faded. For decades, Pakistan-backed terrorism wreaked havoc in Kashmir, particularly targeting the youth, poisoning their minds against India, and pushing them toward stone-pelting and armed militancy. The irony is that those delivering these radical sermons had their own children either holding top bureaucratic positions in Kashmir or comfortably settled in countries like the US and UK. The hartal culture was not just about street violence; it had severe economic and educational consequences. Schools remained closed for months, businesses could not function, and tourism suffered heavily. A student deprived of education remains unskilled, a businessman without customers struggles to survive, and a vendor without buyers earns nothing. In short, Pakistan-backed terrorism deliberately aimed to keep Kashmir backward—both educationally and economically—a reality I have repeatedly emphasized in my writings. Another crucial shift in the past five years has been a sharp decline in terrorist recruitment. My personal analysis suggests that earlier, the practice of returning terrorist bodies to their families led to glorified funerals, attracting more youth to join terrorist outfits. These funerals, attended by large crowds and featuring gun salutes from other terrorists, acted as a recruitment magnet. However, in recent years, the policy has changed—bodies are no longer returned, a tough but necessary decision to break this cycle. For me, the prevailing peace in Kashmir stands as one of the greatest achievements of New Delhi’s direct governance, in the absence of any regional government.
The rise in tourist footfall over the last four years, uninterrupted schooling, and the return of Bollywood to Kashmir—a once-distant dream—are all direct outcomes of the improved law and order situation. These developments are evident to everyone, but let me take my readers through some of the most significant transformations. Through my daily conversations with locals, I sense a noticeable decline in ingrained radicalization, which is a major breakthrough. This year, we witnessed an overwhelming number of Kashmiri youth applying for Army and Agniveer recruitment, something unimaginable a decade ago. Previously, any individual attempting to join security forces risked being brutally targeted by terrorists, often returning home in a coffin. Another long-standing issue in Kashmir has been women’s disempowerment—a reality I largely agree with. However, today, we see a growing number of women entrepreneurs in Kashmir, actively supported by government schemes. This progress was once nearly impossible, as women stepping into business risked being attacked or even killed. Infrastructure development has also seen remarkable progress. Road connectivity has vastly improved under various government schemes, with major projects like NH44, the Srinagar-Baramulla highway, the Z-Morh Tunnel, and improved access to remote areas like Teetwal and Gurez. These developments have significantly enhanced accessibility and economic opportunities in these regions. The rise of e-governance is another game-changing development. As Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha aptly stated, “Yaha sabse zyada powerful patwari tha” (The most powerful person here used to be the patwari). Earlier, if you lacked influence or connections, your work could remain stalled for years. With the implementation of e-governance, common people—especially the poor—have found immense relief. In fact, after some research, I was amazed to learn that J&K now leads the country in e-governance, offering 1,050 e-services. Another milestone achievement is the recent GI tagging of Kashmir’s traditional products like Kashmiri Saffron, Pashmina, Kani Shawl, and Paper Mâché. This has not only helped preserve their cultural significance but has also ensured their authenticity in global markets, benefiting artisans and traders. Finally, the direct implementation of central schemes in J&K has been a major turning point under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. Schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission, PMGSY, PMGKAY, PMSSS, and PMJAY have empowered the common people of Kashmir, improving their quality of life in ways that were previously unheard of.
In the last five years, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a transformation that was once thought impossible. From restoring law and order, reviving economic and educational activities, and empowering youth and women, to improving infrastructure and governance, the region has undeniably moved forward under direct central oversight. Gone are the days when shutdowns, stone-pelting, and terrorism dictated daily life. Today, schools function without disruption, businesses thrive, and tourism flourishes, bringing hope to a land that had been held hostage by conflict for decades. However, challenges remain. While the security situation has improved and radicalization has declined, true progress lies in sustaining these achievements and ensuring that every Kashmiri feels the benefits of change.
J&K’s political future is still an open chapter, but one thing is certain—the region is no longer a prisoner of uncertainty. It is moving towards stability, opportunity, and integration with the rest of India like never before. The last five years have set the foundation, but the real success will be measured by how this momentum is carried forward in the years to come and I think it is us- the youth of Kashmir who have to do it.
The Writer is a student activist and can be reached at soulofkashmir1@gmail.com