Jammu and Kashmir: Four years on

Why in the News?

The Fourth anniversary of the decision of abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganization of J&K into a Union Territory on Aug 5, 2019, has been observed recently.

Article 370 and Article 35A:

1. Article 370 was introduced as a temporary provision that conferred special status to J&K

a. Only those aspects of the Indian Constitution agreed upon in the Instrument of Accession shall be applicable to J&K.

b. Laws can be made applicable to J&K only by the President with the consultation of the State government in the matters of Defence, Foreign affairs and communication. Thereby, it restricted the power of the Parliament.

c. For application of other articles of the constitution presidential order with concurrence of the state government is mandatory.

d. Using the special provisions a constituent assembly drafted and adopted the Constitution exclusively for J&K.

2. Article 35A
   1.  Was introduced under article 370 through a presidential order in 1954
   2. It defined the states' Permanent residents, their special rights and privileges.
   3. Permanent residents were defined as people who were a state subject as of May 14, 1954 or a resident of the state for 10 years any time since.
   4. Permanent residents alone could buy and own property in the state.

What have been the visible changes observed since 2019?

1. Security front:
   1. Visible signs of stabilization in the region
      1. Strong presence of Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and the integration of the J&K police with the CAPFs is an important reason
   2. Recruitment and infiltration, an attempt of sponsorship of proxy war by Pakistan has significantly reduced.
   3. Street violence has reduced indicating maintenance of Law and order in J&K.
2. Political front:
   1. Convergence of political interests achieved by conferring UT status to J&K enabling direct oversight by the Centre has led to stabilization in the region.
3. Economic front:
   1. J&K is one among the state/UT registering fastest economic growth in the country.
   2. Tourism sector is contributing well to the economy by attracting large number of tourists-
      1. Shri Amarnathji Yatra attracting pilgrims
      2. Numerous flights to Srinagar Airport
   3. Kashmir is turning out to be an urban Centre.
   4. Local investors in J&K account for nearly 90% of the total investments made in J&K.
4. Social front:
   1. Poor people especially auto drivers, restaurant workers are having sustained livelihood due to the absence of Bandhs, which were earlier called on by secessionist and terrorists for more than 150 days per year.

Areas requiring attention:

1. Development of robust winter logistics as road closures become inevitable.
   1. Sufficient stocking of essential supplies given the improved power situation in the UT.
   2. As road closures become a possible security issue, Indian Air force can contribute to the aerial supply of essentials like medicines.
2. Afghanistan-Pakistan area is turning to be a hotbed of terrorism, with the Taliban ruled Afghanistan in the absence of the US.
3. Pakistan’s attempts of hybrid war against India:
   1. Illegal transborder movement of drones
   2. Narcotics trade through Punjab
   3. Fake currency
   4. Trade of weapons and ammunitions.
   5. Terror elements’ infiltration.
      • The Kulgam Encounter in Kashmir on August 4,2023 which led to the death of army 3 soldiers were due to elements infiltrating into the valley region.
4. India’s legitimate hold over the J&K as the new government of Pakistan will try to garner international support.
5. Militancy against targeted groups and migrants has to be tackled with.
6. The elections to the Legislative assembly and the Panchayat, the very core of democracy have to quickened given the Delimitation exercise has been concluded and the boundaries are defined.

7. The problem of unemployment, a potent factor causing youth radicalization has to be addressed.

• 19% of young people in the region are unemployed in J&K which is more than twice the national average of 7.5%.

Link: Article 370 abrogation : Four years on, a cautious elation- The New Indian Express