Opinion | Modi’s Mantra of Abrogation: A New Dawn for Kashmir A Common Respective

For decades, Kashmir has been trapped in a cycle of unrest, uncertainty, and political manipulation. The region was often painted as a land of endless conflict, where peace seemed like a distant dream. However, on August 5, 2019, a historic decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed the course of Kashmir’s history. The abrogation of Article 370 was not just a legal step; it was a declaration that Kashmir would no longer be treated as a special case, but as an integral and equal part of India. Today, four years after this bold move, it is clear that Modi’s leadership has brought stability, development, and a renewed sense of hope to the people of Kashmir. When Article 370 was scrapped, the move was met with widespread debates. While many in the rest of India celebrated it as a step towards national integration, certain political groups and critics predicted doom for Kashmir. They claimed that removing special status would lead to alienation and unrest. However, these fears have not materialized. Instead, Kashmir is witnessing a transformation unlike anything seen before. Streets that were once filled with protests and stone-pelting are now bustling with tourists and economic activity. The youth, who were often caught in a cycle of frustration, are now looking forward to opportunities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

One of the most significant achievements under Modi’s leadership has been the drastic reduction in violence. For years, hartals, shutdowns, and street protests crippled daily life. Stone-pelting, which had become a regular occurrence, has almost disappeared. The security situation has improved so much that markets remain open late into the night, something unimaginable a few years ago. Families no longer live in constant fear of instability. There is a visible change in the air—an atmosphere of normalcy and progress.Tourism, which had suffered immensely due to instability, has seen an unprecedented boom. The mesmerizing landscapes of Kashmir, from the Dal Lake in Srinagar to the meadows of Gulmarg, are once again drawing travelers from across India and beyond. Hotels are fully booked, houseboats are thriving, and local businesses are flourishing. The people of Kashmir, who heavily rely on tourism for their livelihood, have directly benefited from this newfound stability. More tourists mean more jobs, more business, and an overall boost to the economy. But Modi’s vision for Kashmir goes beyond just tourism. Development has been a key focus, and the results are visible everywhere. Roads that were once in poor condition are now being rapidly constructed and maintained. Electricity supply has improved drastically, ensuring that even the remotest villages are no longer left in darkness. Schools and colleges are receiving government attention, with new institutions and skill development centers being set up to empower the youth. Digital connectivity has improved, allowing students and entrepreneurs to access opportunities that were previously out of reach.
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding Article 370 was that it protected Kashmir’s identity. In reality, it had become a tool for political dynasties who benefited from keeping Kashmir in a state of isolation. Modi’s leadership has dismantled this old structure and replaced it with a system that prioritizes progress over politics. For the first time in decades, Kashmiris are seeing governance that focuses on their welfare rather than on separatist narratives. Investments are flowing in, industries are showing interest, and a new economic era is taking shape. The opposition had argued that abrogating Article 370 would alienate the people of Kashmir. However, the truth is that the common Kashmiri is more empowered today than ever before. Women, who were previously denied certain legal rights due to outdated laws, now enjoy the same protections as women in the rest of the country. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, who were often ignored, now receive the benefits of reservations and affirmative action. The barriers that prevented economic and social growth have been removed, allowing Kashmiris to compete and thrive on a national level.
For decades, separatist propaganda controlled the narrative in Kashmir, misleading generations of youth and pushing them towards conflict. Modi’s firm leadership has dismantled these false narratives. There is no space left for elements that thrived on instability. The focus has shifted from conflict to development, from fear to ambition. Young Kashmiris are now looking at careers in business, technology, and governance rather than being drawn into destructive ideologies. Of course, change takes time, and challenges remain. But what is undeniable is that the Kashmir of today is not the Kashmir of five years ago. The absence of frequent shutdowns, the rise in economic activity, and the visible improvement in daily life all point to one thing—Modi’s decision was not just right, it was necessary. Kashmir was kept in a state of limbo for far too long, and it is only now that real progress is being made. As Kashmir moves forward, there is hope that the political process will also take shape in a way that benefits the people. The democratic framework is strong, and under Modi’s guidance, the path ahead is clear—development, peace, and equal opportunities for all. Kashmir is no longer seen as a conflict zone but as a land of potential, a place where dreams can be realized without fear. Modi’s leadership has proven that tough decisions, when taken with the right intentions, can change the course of history.

The people of Kashmir are witnessing this change firsthand. Roads are being built, schools are improving, businesses are growing, and life is moving forward. The abrogation of Article 370 was not just about governance; it was about giving Kashmiris the same rights and opportunities as every other Indian citizen. Under Modi’s leadership, Kashmir is on a path to lasting peace and prosperity. The dream of a stable, thriving, and integrated Kashmir is no longer a distant hope—it is becoming a reality.
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