Six years after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, Jammu and Kashmir remains a region of sharply divided perspectives. For some, particularly the current Lieutenant Governor (LG) and members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), it marks the dawn of a 'New J&K,' an era of peace, progress, and integration. For others, especially many Kashmiri political leaders, it is observed as a 'Black Day,' a stark reminder of the undermining of democracy and the loss of special status.
On August 5, 2019, the Indian government revoked Article 370 of the constitution, which granted special status and autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. Alongside this, Article 35A, which provided special privileges to permanent residents, was also abrogated. The erstwhile state was then bifurcated into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without a legislature). The government's actions were accompanied by a strict security clampdown, including the deployment of additional security forces and communication blackouts.
Those who view the abrogation as a positive step cite several reasons. BJP leaders argue that it has ended decades of uncertainty, paving the way for peace, prosperity, and equal rights. They claim that incidents of stone-pelting have decreased, and the recruitment of local youth into terrorist ranks has declined, indicating a shift towards peace and development. Furthermore, they highlight improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and increased investor interest as signs of progress in the region. Revenue has also increased in the region, with GST collection increasing by 12%, excise by 39%, and overall non-tax revenues rose 25% between 2022 and 2024. The state's GDP doubled from Rs 1.17 lakh crore in 2015-16 to Rs 2.45 lakh crore in 2023-24, and hit Rs 2.63 lakh crore in 2024-25. In 2023, a record 2.11 crore tourists visited J&K, and tourism contributed 7% to the GDP.
However, many in Kashmir view the abrogation with deep resentment and anger. Mainstream political leaders have described August 5 as a "black day" and a "brutal reminder of undermining democracy". They argue that the decision was unilateral and unconstitutional, violating the trust that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had placed in India when the state acceded to it in 1947. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called it the "blackest day of Indian democracy," stating that the Indian Parliament snatched away everything from the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Opposition parties also held street protests and demanded the restoration of special status. They express concerns about the disempowerment of the local population, demographic changes, and the erosion of their unique cultural and political identity.
The Supreme Court of India upheld the abrogation of Article 370 in December 2023, stating that it was a temporary provision and that the President had the power to revoke it. The court also recommended that elections be held in Jammu and Kashmir before September 30, 2024. While this decision was welcomed by some, it further deepened the sense of betrayal and injustice among others.
Six years after the abrogation, Jammu and Kashmir stands at a crossroads. While the government claims significant improvements in security and development, many residents feel disempowered and alienated. The demand for the restoration of statehood remains strong, and the political landscape remains contested. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea for the restoration of statehood, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the region's future. The abrogation of Article 370 has undeniably altered the course of Jammu and Kashmir, but its long-term impact on the region's peace, stability, and integration remains to be seen.
