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Seven Years After Article 370, Peace and Development Reshape Kashmir
A long time ago, life in a beautiful place called Kashmir was hard.
There was a lot of unrest, schools closed often, and people could not always plan for the future.
Seven years ago, the Indian government made an important change called the abrogation of Article 370.
A report now says that many things have gotten better since then.
Roads and bridges have been built, so travel is easier.
A big train line now connects Kashmir to other places.
More tourists are visiting, and movies are being filmed there again.
Schools stay open, and students can study without long breaks.
People are starting businesses and making long-term plans with more confidence.
The report also says that problems still remain, like unemployment and political debates.
Overall, many people feel they can now live, work, learn and dream in peace.
A report based on an opinion article by political analyst Israar Shahid highlights changes in Kashmir seven years after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.
The report cites improvements in infrastructure, governance, education, connectivity, tourism and law and order as key indicators of transformation.
Connectivity got a major boost with the completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, including the Chenab Bridge and Anji Khad Bridge.
Tourism has revived, with visitor numbers rising and film production returning to the Valley, benefiting small businesses and local workers.
The report notes persistent challenges including unemployment, political aspirations and Constitutional debates, while acknowledging everyday improvements such as uninterrupted schooling and stable business activity.
- Who
- Ordinary residents of Jammu and Kashmir, including farmers, students, shopkeepers and teachers, alongside Union government leaders who introduced policy changes after August 2019.
- What
- A transformation of everyday life in Kashmir marked by peace, stability, infrastructure development, improved governance and a tourism revival.
- Where
- Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar and areas such as Gurez, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg.
- When
- Seven years after the abrogation of Article 370, which took effect on August 5, 2019.
- Why
- Government actions after August 2019 were aimed at promoting peace, development, transparency and equal opportunities, and residents report visible changes in daily life.
Pro-development view
Skeptical view
Assessment of change
Pro-development view
Residents point to visible improvements in everyday life: uninterrupted schooling, stable business activity, better roads, returning tourists and a greater sense of security.
Skeptical view
Developments since August 5, 2019, remain a subject of political debate, and political aspirations and Constitutional debates persist.
Reach of benefits
Pro-development view
Welfare has been strengthened through Direct Benefit Transfers reaching beneficiaries more directly with fewer delays; development is visible in roads, schools and public services.
Skeptical view
The burden of past disruption was largely borne by daily wage earners, traders, students and ordinary families, and development must still reach every village and every section of society.
Meaning of progress
Pro-development view
The story is one of transition from fear to hope and from instability to relative normalcy, with young people focusing on education, jobs and entrepreneurship.
Skeptical view
Lasting peace requires dignity, opportunity, representation and sustained economic growth, and unemployment continues to be a concern.
Key facts
- Event
- Abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir
- Date of change
- August 5, 2019 (seven years ago)
- Source
- Opinion article by political analyst Israar Shahid published in Global Kashmir
- Key infrastructure
- Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, Chenab Bridge, Anji Khad Bridge, Jehangir Chowk-Rambagh flyover
- Electricity milestone
- Grid-connected electricity reached Gurez in November 2023
- Water initiative
- Jal Jeevan Mission expanded access to clean drinking water
- Governance reforms
- Digital services, online certification systems, grievance portals and Direct Benefit Transfer schemes
- Remaining challenges
- Unemployment, political aspirations and Constitutional debates
Quotes
Israar Shahid
Political analyst whose opinion article forms the basis of the report
“"Seven years after the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, significant changes have been witnessed in the daily lives of people across the Valley."”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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