Five years after Article 370 abrogation, rising disaffection & fear in Kashmir
Five years on, Kashmiris say that rather than improving their lives, the situation has become worse for them (Photo by: Abid Bhat)
“Since the abrogation of Article 370, the atmosphere in Kashmir has transformed dramatically. What once was a space for open discussion has become a realm of caution and fear. We used to talk freely and express our concerns without hesitation, but now, every word is measured, as many people have been arrested simply for voicing their opinions. People are detained without clear reasons, and the freedom to speak has become a distant memory. Our right to free expression is now overshadowed by the constant threat of reprisal,” Azhar, a student of Kashmir University in Srinagar (name changed) tells Media India Group.
Azhar’s words capture the essence of a troubling shift in the region of Jammu and Kashmir, where daily life is marred by fear and uncertainty following the abrogation of the Article 370 of the Constitution on August 5, 2019.
In a unilateral and sudden move the Bharatiya Janata party government had abrogated the Article of the Constitution and reduced the state to a union territory, having separated the region of Ladakh, which also became a centrally-administered region.
The abrogation was promoted as a move to bring greater safety and security to the region as well as promote the local economy and foster ‘greater integration’ with the rest of the country. However, five years on, the situation on the ground in Kashmir as well as the feedback of the locals, Hindus and Muslims alike, is scarcely positive towards the way Kashmir has evolved since that fateful day.
“Children are charged under the Public Safety Act (PSA), depriving them of future opportunities, and many who disappeared before the abrogation remain unaccounted for. Families are torn apart by government actions, with half-widows or women whose husbands remain missing, enduring relentless suffering due to state-sponsored violence. The so-called advancements and improvements touted by the government seem hollow when juxtaposed against this harsh reality. Is this what the government calls normalcy? The transition from an environment of open dialogue to one ruled by fear raises profound questions about the true cost of progress and the erosion of fundamental freedoms and basic rights,” Azhar adds.
After the abrogation there has indeed been a significant change in the atmosphere in J&K. People now carry a palpable sense of fear when discussing politics, particularly when it comes to topics related to the BJP or terrorism. This fear has stifled open dialogue and created an environment where residents feel uneasy about expressing their opinions.
Hundreds of people have been arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), an anti-terror law, for trivial reasons and the Public Safety Act, a preventive detention law that empowers the police to detain a person without trial for up to two years.
According to Minister of State for Home Affairs, between 2020 and 2022, 947 cases were registered under the UAPA in J&K. This made up 36 pc of all UAPA cases registered across India, according to official data.
In 2023, when the Supreme Court upheld the abrogation of the Article 370, Prime Minister Modi said that he had ‘always wanted to work to alleviate the suffering of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, but Articles 370 and 35(A) were like major obstacles.
However, five years on, Kashmiris say that rather than improving their lives, the situation has become worse for them.
“These obstacles have been removed. However, the people’s suffering has not waned. Rather, the government’s actions have deepened our problems,” Azhar added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has claimed a 70 pc decline in terrorism-related cases, an 81 pc reduction in civilian deaths and a 48 pc decrease in security personnel fatalities and attributing these ‘improvements’ to Modi’s initiatives.
“This shows that a new era of happiness and peace has begun in J&K,” Shah had said after launching an e-bus service in Jammu some weeks ago.
S Varinder Singh Sonu
But, the situation on the ground seems to suggest something else. J&K has witnessed 68 killings in the first seven months of 2024, a rise from 62 in the same period the previous year. The fatalities included 17 civilians, 17 security personnel and 34 militants, indicating that security challenges persist. The locals feel that security in the region is far from better.
“On the one hand, the government claims that terrorism was wiped out with the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, but on the other, new areas, even the hitherto peaceful Jammu region, are witnessing growing terror activities. This is a failure of the government’s approach. The government needs to stop playing politics and focus on truly eradicating terrorism to ensure the safety and well-being of our people,” S Varinder Singh Sonu, Spokesperson of People’s Democratic Party tells Media India Group.
Beyond enhanced security, one of the key ‘benefits’ of the abrogation that was being touted by the BJP was the removal of ban on non-residents of Jammu and Kashmir purchasing land in the region. Modi and Shah, along with many other party leaders had proclaimed that people from all over the country would be able to purchase land and which in turn would lead to enhanced economic activity, including boosting industry and tourism. But the much-touted flood of investments and land purchases by non-residents has failed to materialise.
According to Nityanand Rai, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, 185 people from outside J&K bought land in the Union Territory between 2020 and 2022 and this includes purchases made by governments of other states. For instance, Maharashtra became the first state to acquire land in Kashmir, aiming to build two Maharashtra Bhawans in Srinagar and Ayodhya with an allocation of INR 770 million. The locals say they are disappointed by the actual number of land deals that have occurred so far.
“We welcome people from across India to purchase land in Kashmir and invest in our region. New businesses and ventures would significantly boost our economy and create much-needed employment opportunities for our youth. However, the current low number of land purchases indicates that many potential investors still harbour concerns about the region’s stability and normalcy. Despite government claims of peace, the reality on the ground deters widespread investment,” Ghulam Mohammad, Professor of Political Science at Kashmir University, tells Media India Group.
But not everybody is keen on ‘outsiders’ buying land in J&K. Many locals are unhappy with the prospect, fearing it will lead to a loss of the region’s unique identity and cultural heritage. This apprehension stems from concerns that large-scale land acquisitions by non-residents could lead to demographic changes.
“Kashmir has a unique identity that we cherish deeply, and we don’t want to lose it. While economic development and investment are essential, they should not come at the cost of our cultural heritage and traditions. The influx of outsiders buying land raises fears of demographic changes and marginalisation of our local population. It is crucial to balance growth with the preservation of our distinct identity, ensuring that Kashmir’s soul remains intact,” Meenakshi Singh, a resident of Baramulla, tells Media India Group
Besides poor land sales, no other significant change has happened in J&K that could lead to the broader ‘economic prosperity’ which was one of the stated objectives of the abrogation. The region’s economy has faced significant challenges, exacerbated by the security lockdowns and internet shutdowns following the abrogation.
According to the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) a trade body, disruptions following the abrogation of Article 370 led to an estimated loss of INR 400 billion, with the pandemic further exacerbating the economic situation, though specific figures remain unavailable.
The only bright spot in the economy has been the tourism sector which has seen unprecedented growth since the abrogation, with the Ministry of Home Affairs reporting that a total of 10.8 million tourists visited the region in the first six months of this year.
“We are delighted to see tourism flourishing in Kashmir. The growing number of visitors highlights the region’s incredible beauty and the warmth of our hospitality. This surge in tourism is not only reviving our local economy but also inspiring hope and optimism within our community. It is wonderful to witness more people experiencing the unique charm of Kashmir,” Afzal Wani, a Shikara owner in Srinagar, tells Media India Group.
Despite the uptick in tourism, unemployment continues to ravage J&K. Even though the government claims to have filled 29,295 vacancies and points at some more recruitment drives, the region’s unemployment rate remains alarmingly high.
In March 2022, J&K’s unemployment rate was reported at a staggering 25 pc, significantly higher than the national average of 7.6 pc. This disparity underscores the persistent challenge of job creation in the region. More strikingly, unemployment among educated youth reached an alarming 46.3 pc, indicating that even those with qualifications struggle to find employment.
Though the situation has since improved marginally, with unemployment declining from 21.8 pc in January 2023 to 17.1 in February, unemployment remains rife in the territory and the locals question the credibility of claims by the government.
“In J&K, a large majority of people are educated, yet an alarming number remain unemployed. We find it difficult to understand what employment drive the Indian government is talking about. Here in Kashmir, we don’t even have a robust private sector to absorb our educated youth. It is heartbreaking to see highly qualified individuals, including graduates and postgraduates, working as labourers because we have no other choice. Despite our education, we are forced into menial jobs simply to earn enough for survival,” Hashmi Zargar, a resident of Srinagar who is looking for a job, tells Media India Group.
Despite the government’s assurances of development and progress following the abrogation of Article 370, residents of Jammu and Kashmir are far from satisfied. Many feel that there has been no significant improvement in their daily lives. Instead of experiencing the promised transformation, they continue to struggle with the same issues that plagued them before. The much-touted advancements and infrastructural developments appear largely superficial, leaving the populace disillusioned. This sentiment is especially strong among those who expected real, tangible changes but have only seen increased costs and persistent neglect of basic amenities.
“The condition of J&K has worsened after the abrogation of Article 370. The power situation in the Union Territory remains as bad as it was five years ago. The only difference is that, courtesy of smart meters, our electricity bills have gone up tremendously without any visible improvement in power supply. Roads continue to be in poor condition, dug up at several places, making daily commutes a nightmare. Despite government claims of progress, we see little evidence of real change. Jammu and Srinagar are now touted as ‘smart cities’, but this transformation exists only on paper. The ground reality is starkly different. Infrastructure remains neglected, and basic amenities are still lacking. We are paying more for electricity and enduring the same power outages and poor road conditions,” Zainab Tariq, a resident of Baramulla, tells Media India Group.
In the past five years, the only notable positive change in J&K has been the significant shift in voter participation and political engagement. Following the abrogation of Article 370, there has been a marked increase in the involvement of the local population, particularly the youth, in the democratic process. This was most evident during the recent parliamentary elections in the valley, where voter turnout reached unprecedented levels.
In North Kashmir, the election of Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, from the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat exemplified this shift. As he himself is in prison in Delhi, awaiting trial in an alleged terror finance case, Rashid’s campaign was led by his sons and met with overwhelming support from enthusiastic young voters.
The Baramulla constituency saw a record-breaking voter turnout of 59.10 pc setting a new benchmark for electoral participation in the region. This surge in voter engagement indicates a strong desire among Kashmiris to actively participate in the democratic process and assert their representation.
Similarly, the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat recorded a voter turnout of 38.49 pc, which was over four times higher than in the 2019 elections. This dramatic increase in voter participation reflects a growing commitment among the electorate to engage in the political process despite the ongoing challenges. Anantnag-Rajouri constituency also saw a notable turnout of 55.40 pc, a significant rise compared to previous elections, even though this seat now encompasses areas from both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
These changes in voter behaviour are the most visible and measurable transformation since the abrogation of Article 370. The heightened political engagement and record voter turnouts underscore a shift in the region’s political landscape, with the youth playing a crucial role in driving electoral participation. This newfound enthusiasm for democratic involvement marks a significant departure from the past and represents a key area of change in J&K evolving political environment.
The government, obviously, has had no role in the higher voter turnout in J&K, but all the other promised benefits, which depend on government’s actions and interventions, from security to economy, the abrogation of Article 370 has failed to deliver the miracles that had been promised five years ago.
