Opinion | Abrogation of Special Status : A Pathway to Positive Change in Kashmir.

The abrogation has laid the groundwork for a more prosperous and stable future for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

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 the 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 the 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 the Jammu & Kashmir. With these restrictions now removed, the 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 the Jammu & Kashmir. Key projects include the development of highways, railways, and airports, which are expected to transform the accessibility and economic potential of the 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, the Jammu & Kashmiris 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, in particular, 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 the Jammu & Kashmir has shown signs of improvement. The central government’s direct control over the 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 the Jammu & Kashmiris 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.