Opinion | The Jammu & Kashmir: Then & Now – A Story of Transformation and Hope

For decades, Jammu & Kashmir stood as a paradox, a land of unmatched natural beauty yet weighed down by conflict, political vacuum, and underdevelopment. But in the last decade, the region has witnessed a profound shift, from uncertainty to aspiration, from isolation to integration. The story of Jammu & Kashmir under the Modi-led government is not merely a tale of administrative change; it’s a narrative of people, their progress, and a new dawn of possibilities.

Then: A Valley in Waiting: Prior to 2014, Jammu & Kashmir bore the scars of political instability, frequent shutdowns, stalled development projects, and limited economic prospects. The state’s special status under Article 370, often projected as a symbol of autonomy, ended up isolating it from the rest of the nation in many ways. Laws that protected rights of minorities, women, and economically weaker sections across India, didn’t fully apply to J&K. Young people, despite being talented and ambitious, had limited avenues. Tourism, once a proud economic lifeline was often crippled by unrest and travel advisories. The sentiment of alienation lingered across many hearts.

It was not just the infrastructure that was suffering, it was the people’s morale.

Now: A Valley of New Beginnings: The turning point came in August 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated and Jammu & Kashmir was reorganized into two Union Territories, J&K and Ladakh. For some, it was a political decision. But for most on the ground, it marked the beginning of long-awaited change.

Today, the air in Jammu & Kashmir feels different. There’s less fear and more forward-looking conversations. Here are some real markers of that change:

Stone pelting incidents — once a regular occurrence — have nearly vanished. The sense of fear that loomed over daily life is gradually giving way to normalcy. The Modi government adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism, supported by smart policing, intelligence cooperation, and people-centric approaches. More than 5,000 local youth once vulnerable to extremist influences are now part of peacebuilding and community development projects.

For the first time in years, cinema halls are reopening, late-night cafés are functioning in Srinagar, and children can be seen playing without fear. These aren’t statistics — these are scenes of a life once unimaginable.

The biggest visible change is infrastructure. Roads that once remained incomplete for years are now getting completed under the PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana) and National Highway programs. From the 8.5 km long Chenani-Nashri Tunnel that cut travel time significantly, to the fast-paced work on the Zojila Tunnel, connectivity is no longer a dream.

Rail projects connecting Kashmir to the rest of India are in advanced stages — the Banihal-Baramulla rail corridor being a symbol of integration and mobility.

Moreover, villages in remote areas are being electrified, tap water is reaching homes under the Har Ghar Jal mission, and thousands of new jobs have been created through rural employment schemes and tourism revival.

For the first time in decades, Panchayat and DDC (District Development Council) elections were conducted peacefully and enthusiastically. Over 30,000 Panchayat representatives — many of them young and first-time leaders — are now at the helm of local governance.

This isn’t just about elections — it’s about the people realizing that they matter. Women, in particular, are stepping forward as sarpanchs, councilors, entrepreneurs, and change-makers.

The youth of Kashmir, once caught between conflict and confusion, are now being seen as India’s assets. Skill development centers, startups, and sports programs have created new paths. From apple farmers learning modern techniques to students getting fellowships and national scholarships — opportunities have opened up like never before.

The J&K Startup Policy and Mission Youth initiative have helped support over 4,000 entrepreneurs with seed funding, mentorship, and marketing. Success stories like Insha Mushtaq’s digital design studio in Anantnag or the young organic farmers of Pulwama are testament to the changing narrative.

Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and even offbeat destinations like Bangus Valley are now buzzing with life. In 2023 alone, Jammu & Kashmir recorded more than 2 crore tourist arrivals — an all-time high. The G20 meeting held in Srinagar not only broke psychological barriers but also sent a strong message: J&K is open, stable, and ready for global partnerships.

Art, craft, and culture too are being revived and promoted. Handicraft exports have grown. The GI tagging of Kashmiri saffron and Pashmina products has empowered local artisans and farmers.

With the removal of discriminatory laws, women of J&K now enjoy the same rights as women elsewhere in India. Daughters of the soil, who earlier lost property rights after marrying outside the region, now enjoy equal rights. Reservation policies have been streamlined to benefit SCs, STs, and OBCs, aligning with national standards.

There’s no doubt that challenges remain — restoring trust fully, ensuring political participation, and keeping development inclusive. But there is also a sense of undeniable progress. The Modi-led government has emphasized that J&K’s development is not about statistics but about people — about creating a future where a child in Kupwara dreams as big as a child in Kerala.

Perhaps the greatest achievement isn’t a tunnel or a tourist record — it is the spark of hope returning to the eyes of the people.

As Bashir Ahmad, a retired schoolteacher from Anantnag puts it, “Earlier we used to ask when peace will return. Now we ask where our children should study, what business to start, or where to travel. That’s a change we never imagined.”

Jammu & Kashmir – Then & Now — the story is still being written. But this time, it’s a story of Nayi Soch, Nayi Udaan — new thinking, new flight.

Writer can be reached at mdbhat2023@gmail.com