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The images of masked young boys wielding stones have been replaced by pictures of students excelling in academics, entrepreneurs launching startups, and artists reviving the region’s cultural heritage.
For decades, Jammu and Kashmir remained trapped in a cycle of unrest, bloodshed, and political deception. The so-called “special status” granted under Article 370 was never truly special; instead, it served as a tool for regional politicians to exploit the emotions of the people while the valley remained a hotbed of terrorism and radicalization. On August 5, 2019, the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A marked the beginning of a new era. The barriers that kept Kashmir isolated, deprived, and misled were removed, and the region finally embarked on a journey toward peace and stability.
Terrorism, which once dictated the daily lives of Kashmiris, has witnessed a significant decline in the past five years. The gun culture, once glorified in the name of Azadi, has lost its appeal among the youth. Incidents of stone-pelting, once a common sight, have become rare. Today, those very young boys who were once misled into violence are seen in schools, universities, and workplaces, shaping their futures rather than ruining them for an illusion sold by separatist propaganda. The streets that once echoed with slogans of destruction now witness the chatter of students discussing their careers and aspirations. The transformation of Kashmir is visible in its booming tourism sector. Before 2019, shutdowns, curfews, and frequent terror attacks had crippled the valley’s economy. Today, Kashmir is setting records for tourist arrivals. The picturesque landscapes that once remained deserted due to fear are now bustling with visitors from across the country. The Shri Amarnath Yatra, which was previously marred by security concerns, has seen an overwhelming number of pilgrims, reinforcing the newfound confidence in Kashmir’s peaceful environment. The return of Bollywood and film tourism has further contributed to the revival of the local economy, providing employment opportunities to thousands.
Development, once a distant dream for Kashmiris, is now a reality. Infrastructure projects that were stalled for decades have been completed at an unprecedented pace. The historic Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) has strengthened connectivity, bridging the gap between Kashmir and the rest of India. The construction of the all-weather tunnel to Ladakh has broken the region’s geographical barriers, ensuring year-round access. Roads, bridges, and digital connectivity have improved dramatically, making life easier for the common man. The days when basic facilities were denied under the pretext of special status are long gone. Today, Kashmiris enjoy the benefits of progressive policies, financial inclusion, and enhanced governance. The abrogation of Article 370 also marked the end of systematic discrimination. Women who married outside the state were once stripped of their rights, but today, they enjoy equal status. West Pakistani refugees, who lived in J&K for decades without basic citizenship rights, can now participate in elections and avail government benefits. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, who were historically sidelined, have finally been given due representation. What was falsely portrayed as a protective provision was, in reality, a barrier that restricted growth and development. Its removal has allowed Kashmir to integrate fully into the Indian mainstream, opening doors to countless opportunities.
Kashmir is no longer the place it was five years ago. The images of masked young boys wielding stones have been replaced by pictures of students excelling in academics, entrepreneurs launching startups, and artists reviving the region’s cultural heritage. The fear that once gripped the valley has been replaced by hope, and the silence of despair has given way to the sounds of progress. Those who still cry over the loss of special status must ask themselves—was it truly special if all it brought us were dead bodies, shattered families, and a tarnished reputation? If that was special, then Kashmir is better off without it. The dream of a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous Kashmir is no longer just a vision—it is a reality that has been built brick by brick over the past five years. What many thought was impossible has been achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Terrorism has been crushed, development has accelerated, and Kashmir has finally found its place in a rising India.
Today, as I walk through the streets of Srinagar or travel to the towns of North Kashmir, I see schools bustling with students, markets operating without fear, and a general atmosphere of normalcy—something that seemed impossible a decade ago. And most importantly, fear is fading. The fear that once dictated every aspect of life—the fear of being caught in a protest, the fear of sending a child to school, the fear of voicing an opinion—has loosened its grip. For those still questioning what has changed, I have only one answer: walk through Lal Chowk today, and you’ll see the difference for yourself. The tricolor flutters proudly where once slogans of division echoed. Young boys and girls walk with books in their hands, not stones. Kashmir has rejected terrorism—not out of compulsion, but out of choice.
The Writer is a student activist and can be reached at soulofkashmir1@gmail.com
