Kashmir: 7 Years After Article 370 – A Tale of Two Narratives
It’s been seven years since the Indian government abrogated Article 370 and Article 35A, two constitutional provisions that gave Jammu and Kashmir a special status. The anniversary of this event has once again highlighted the deep divisions within the region, with supporters of the decision celebrating the benefits of integration, while opponents continue to voice their objections.
Celebrations and Protests
On the anniversary, hundreds of BJP workers gathered at Srinagar’s historic Lal Chowk to celebrate the constitutional changes. They held a Tricolour rally, carrying the national flag and raising patriotic slogans. BJP leaders, including General Secretary Ashok Koul, hailed the decision as a historic milestone, saying it had accelerated governance, development, and investment in Jammu and Kashmir. Koul claimed that public celebrations at Lal Chowk were not possible before the constitutional changes, and that it was a matter of pride for party workers to assemble peacefully and hoist the Tricolour.
In contrast, opposition parties marked the day with protests. The PDP, led by Mehbooba Mufti, attempted to march towards Lal Chowk while protesting the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A. However, police prevented the march, leading to a confrontation between party workers and security personnel. Mehbooba Mufti criticized the constitutional changes, saying they had led to a decline in the region’s special status and autonomy.
Tourism on the Rise
One of the most striking developments in Kashmir over the past seven years has been the growth of tourism. Visitors from across the country have described the region as more welcoming, better connected, and easier to explore than in previous years. Improved roads, enhanced public infrastructure, expanded air connectivity, and renovated public spaces have all contributed to a thriving tourism sector. Local businesses around Lal Chowk, Boulevard Road, and other commercial hubs have reported sustained tourist activity, with hotels, restaurants, and handicraft markets benefiting from increased visitor footfall during the summer season.
Many tourists have praised the improved civic facilities, security arrangements, and hospitality in Kashmir. They have expressed a sense of normalcy while traveling through the region, a far cry from the uncertainty and fear that once characterized life in the Valley. For local businesses, the growth of tourism has been a welcome boost to the economy.
Employment and Recognition
In a separate development, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha handed over appointment letters to hundreds of families affected by terrorism during a special ceremony in Srinagar. Many of the beneficiaries belonged to families whose relatives had been kidnapped or killed by terrorists over the past three decades. For several recipients, the appointments came after waiting nearly 35 years. The occasion was seen as a long-awaited recognition of their suffering and sacrifices.
Several recipients expressed the view that such recognition would not have materialized before the constitutional changes of 2019. Some also said that many of those responsible for the killings of their family members had subsequently been eliminated during security operations, describing the appointments as a measure of justice after decades of loss.
A Region in Transition
As Kashmir moves further away from the events of August 2019, the debate surrounding Article 370 remains an important part of the region’s political discourse. Supporters of the decision point to increased tourism, infrastructure development, governance reforms, and improved public confidence as evidence of transformation. Opponents, meanwhile, continue to voice political objections and demand the restoration of the region’s earlier constitutional status.
However, alongside the continuing political contest, everyday life in the Valley is increasingly shaped by economic activity, tourism, infrastructure projects, and aspirations for stability. This is a region that continues to evolve, even as it remains at the centre of national attention.
A New Era for Kashmir?
As the anniversary of Article 370’s abrogation passes, it’s clear that Kashmir is at a crossroads. The region’s future is uncertain, and the path ahead is fraught with challenges. However, it’s also clear that the constitutional changes have brought about significant transformations, from increased tourism to improved employment opportunities.
As the debate surrounding Article 370 continues, one thing is certain: Kashmir’s future will be shaped by the choices made by its people, policymakers, and the Indian government. Will the region continue to evolve towards greater integration and economic growth, or will the opposition’s demands for restoration of the special status prevail? Only time will tell.