Opinion | Kashmir: Now and then.

Common people possess the power of judgment and a sense of realization. The situation we observe on the ground over the last three years, compared to what we have endured for the past 30 years, necessitates the identification and upliftment of individuals who contribute positively and the distancing from those who do harm, all for the sake of our future generations

There are important developments going on in the Valley. Under the Modi regime, the main development was to restore peace and clarify a lot of confusion for the innocent public who were constantly misguided, misinterpreted, and misled. Terminology like Article 370 and special status was seen as mismanaged, resulting in a huge loss of life and property. These were the actual hindrances in the way of development, welfare, and peace.
The development initiatives taken by the Modi Government in Kashmir include a comprehensive range of measures aimed at fostering growth, stability, and prosperity in the region. It was necessary to abrogate Article 370 and 35A, the main hindrance in the way of development in the Kashmir region. This was also a historic decision at the international level. This decision makes many things clear, at least in the minds of Kashmiri people. This issue had become a problem when it was misinterpreted at the cost of life, peace, and the development of the common people. It reinforces the decision of 1947 when the people of Kashmir rejected and fought against the Pakistani raiders, and till now, Kashmiris are witnessing their proxy war and sympathizing with the people of Kashmir. With this decision, people are happy with the new dawn of peace and the elimination of separatism in the valley.
The decision to remove Article 370 bifurcated Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories, along with a fair distribution of shares. Kashmir not only received the lion’s share but also underwent various administrative steps to streamline governance. This has ensured transparency, fast-track development, and accountability. People are happy not only because of development but also due to the peace they have experienced after a prolonged period of violence.
The new era of peace has brought about many newly introduced and widely adopted initiatives. This includes the G-20 summit, the Srinagar smart city project, the clean-up of Dal Lake, and the significant growth in tourism and youth engagement.
In the last few years, Kashmir has witnessed a surge in positive developments in the development sector. Peace has not only brought happiness and welfare to the Kashmiri people but also fostered growth, development, and a rejection of violence.
This is the time when people need to understand their foes and friends and evaluate their report cards. Kashmiris should not be misused now and should understand the significant loss of life and property at the hands of terrorists and separatists. Kashmir is transforming and rewriting the history of violence into one of development, progress, and prosperity.
There are vast initiatives, schemes and development going on.
Rapid development is evident in the domains of roads, connectivity, water, and electricity. The education sector, once a tool for violence, is undergoing reform through various PM Scholarship programs. The government is steadfast in its commitment to enhance healthcare infrastructure, providing improved medical facilities and fostering health and wellness in the region. Initiatives to boost tourism include the introduction of new destinations and efforts to showcase Kashmir’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Special schemes and programs target the youth, encouraging constructive activities, skill development, and entrepreneurship opportunities. The government has also prioritized security measures to create a conducive environment for development while curbing potential threats to peace and stability. India’s active participation in the G-20 has opened doors for international cooperation, economic partnerships, and foreign investments, indirectly benefiting regions like Jammu and Kashmir.
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