Four years after the Center made the historic decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir's special status granted under Article 370 on 5 August 2019, the region has seen significant achievements and growth. decline in terrorist activities and stoning. Peace-making and development activities stand out as some of the most notable results.
The G20 tourism task force meeting held in Srinagar in May is an example of this.
After more than three decades, public and social life in the state, especially in the Valley, has returned to normal without interruption.
In stark contrast to the past, where protests and stoning resulted in the deaths of 124 civilians at the hands of police and security forces from August 2016 to August 2019, there is no such incident. so reported for the past four years. years, according to official figures, the Deccan Herald reports. The repeal of Section 370 also resulted in a significant reduction in terrorist activity and nepotism in the Valley. The recruitment of locals to join the operation and kill terrorists has decreased significantly in 2023 compared to previous years.
The number of militants killed in various security force operations from January 1 to August 5 this year was 35, a significant decrease from the more than 120 homicides during the same period last year. According to the report, in 2022, 186 militants, including 56 foreigners, were killed by security forces.
Official data shows that a number of infiltration attempts have failed this year, and the number of locals involved in the activity until the end of July was limited to 12, making the number of active activists much less likely. poles drop to double digits. The improved security situation was evident at a major event held at Government Degree College (GDC), Shopian on August 3. Hundreds of students, scholars, journalists, and other stakeholders from Different backgrounds participated, discussing peace, nation-building, and affirmative action. development following the repeal of Section 370. This event in a neighborhood formerly known for anti-Indian activism marks a dramatic shift towards activism.
A key achievement in Kashmir following the repeal of Section 370 was the restoration of administrative control. This secure environment has encouraged investments worth nearly Rs 25,000 crore, with proposals worth more than Rs 80,000 crore being processed within the union territory. Prior to the deregulation, J&K had received a private investment of only Rs 14,000 crore. However, after the new industrial development scheme was launched, the area received investment proposals worth Rs 81,122 billion over the past two years. In addition, large land allocations have been made to establish key units in the Jammu and Kashmir regions.
Restoration of peace has led to an increasing number of domestic and foreign tourists, boosting tourism to J&K to new heights. The Union Territory received 1.88 tourist cores last year and the number is expected to exceed two cores this year. Kashmir, once popular mainly for honeymoon couples, now attracts long-married couples who celebrate.
Ordinary people in Kashmir have begun to reap the fruits of peace as there is no one left to respond to calls for strikes imposed by separatists and militants. Prior to the abolition, frequent strikes, stonings and violence severely affected businesses and the education sector in the area.
Traditional political parties, including the National Convention (NC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP), have struggled to find a viable political narrative after a member-centric approach Their former status is no longer relevant after the abolition of the special constitutional status of the state.
