5 years Since Abrogation of Article 370

5 Years Since Article 370 Abrogation | Chauthi Duniya

Context

The abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, marked a significant shift in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, ending its special status and creating the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Five years on, it is crucial to explore how Kashmir can help build a national counter-narrative focused on its integration and development.

Historical Context of Article 370

Special Status and Its Effects

  • Temporary Provision: Article 370 was incorporated in the Constitution with the purpose of empowering the J&K to have its own constitution and possess quite many legislative powers. This provision was incorporated to address the factors constituting the nature of accession of J&K to India in 1947.
  • Challenges of Autonomy: Thus, the special status over the years created among the people of J&K was a notion of being different from the rest of the country, which some sections of politics used as a propaganda tool for separatism and anti-India feelings. The Indian government lobbied that such autonomy hampered the process of integration that was very crucial for the formation of a unified Indian nation and aided terrorism.

Abrogation and Its Rationale

  • National Integration: The first public reason given to justify the repeal of the special status was to do with national integration, which the perceived special status facilitated a separate identity for the region.
  • Economic Development: The government was of the view that the revocation of Article 370 would result in the increase in investment and improvement of overall growth of J&K as it lacked proper infrastructure and literacy and had restrictions over purchase of land by Non-Kashmiris.
  • Security Concerns: Abrogation too was seen as a measure to fight terrorism and enhance law and order situation in the region that has been for long troubled by violence.

Current Situation in Kashmir

Socio-Economic Developments

  • Investment and Growth: Post-abrogation, there have been efforts to increase public investment in J&K. However, the rate of public investment as a percentage of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has declined significantly, indicating challenges in economic revitalization.
  • Unemployment Rates: The unemployment rate in J&K has surged to 18.3%, significantly higher than the national average of 8%. This reflects ongoing economic distress and a lack of job opportunities for the youth.
  • Tourism and Development: While there has been a push to promote tourism as a key driver of economic growth, the anticipated influx of tourists has not translated into substantial economic benefits for local communities.

Political Dynamics

  • The abrogation of Article 370 has led to a notable absence of alternative narratives on Kashmir, with political consensus favoring the decision and stifling dissent. 
  • This has marginalized regional parties advocating for autonomy, undermining their ideological basis and leaving local leaders disempowered amidst a political vacuum.

Building a National Counter-Narrative

Emphasizing Integration and Development

  • Promoting Success Stories: Highlight successful initiatives and projects in J&K to demonstrate the benefits of integration, including improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education resulting from central government policies.
  • Community Engagement: Engage local communities in development through skill development programs and entrepreneurship training to foster ownership and participation in the region’s growth.

Addressing Concerns and Grievances

  • Acknowledging Local Sentiments: Build trust by acknowledging historical grievances and aspirations of the Kashmiri people, facilitating dialogues to include local voices in policy-making.
  • Security and Stability: Ensure the safety and security of J&K residents by addressing violence and unrest while promoting peace-building initiatives involving local stakeholders.

Leveraging Cultural Heritage

  • Cultural Integration: Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage can serve as a bridge for national integration. Promoting cultural exchanges and tourism that celebrate the region’s unique identity can foster a sense of belonging within the larger Indian narrative.
  • Art and Literature: Encouraging artistic expressions and literature from Kashmir can provide a platform for local narratives and perspectives, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the region’s complexities.

Conclusion

Five years after the abrogation of Article 370, Kashmir’s path forward requires a concerted effort to build a national counter-narrative emphasizing integration, development, and local empowerment. The abrogation aimed to foster unity and economic growth, but the region’s challenges call for an inclusive approach that addresses the aspirations and concerns of its people. By promoting successful initiatives, engaging local communities, and addressing historical grievances, the government can reshape the narrative around Kashmir, vital for the region’s stability and prosperity and reinforcing India’s diverse and inclusive identity. The journey toward a harmonious and integrated Kashmir necessitates ongoing dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among all stakeholders.

Source: The Indian Express

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Discuss the implications of the abrogation of Article 370 on the political, social, and economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. In your answer, analyze the impact on regional autonomy, local governance, and integration with the rest of India. How can the central government address the challenges faced by the region post-abrogation to ensure sustainable development and stability?

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