A comprehensive study has reported a notable enhancement in the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. Years before the abrogation, Jammu and Kashmir had experienced an unparalleled surge in violence. Both terrorists and separatists collaborated to maintain a state of constant turmoil in the valley. Their influence was so profound that they would issue advanced schedules for hartals, leading to weeks-long shutdowns across the entire region. The act of pelting stones had become a thriving enterprise, causing a complete halt to all other economic endeavours. Daily occurrences included the deployment of tear gas, lathi charges and pellet guns. The official policy leaned heavily towards appeasing separatists with incentives while lacking a firm stance. Their control over the administration was so pervasive that they effectively operated parallel offices. Their supporters got adjusted in various capacities without adhering to any established rules or regulations. Children suffered immensely as schools remained shuttered for extended periods resulting in a significant disruption to education. People lived under constant threat from terrorists, enduring a ceaseless cycle of disruptions year after year.
During the summer tourist season before the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir used to be marred by stone-pelting incidents and hartals, negatively impacting the region’s tourism economy. However, a noticeable transformation has taken place, as evident from the record influx of tourists to Jammu and Kashmir. The entire season has passed without any untoward incident highlighting the positive shift in the security landscape. Now, after decades, notable improvements in the security situation have allowed the emergence of multiplexes and open theatres, marking a fresh chapter and underscoring the changing dynamics. A city that used to retreat into quietness after dusk, like Lal Chowk, is now vibrant with tourist activities well into the night. With a sense of historical significance, the tricolour was ceremoniously raised above Srinagar’s Lal Chowk clock tower in front of a Republic Day audience, a marked departure from the last formal flag-hoisting event that had taken place three decades ago amidst a curfew. As highlighted in the report, the reduction in stone-pelting incidents by 92 per cent and hartals by 90 per cent stands out as a significant accomplishment. The indicators of transformation include the successful G20 meeting and the record-breaking Shri Amarnathji Yatra. This year, Muharram processions were permitted for the first time in 34 years, signalling a significant improvement in the security situation. These developments have become achievable solely following the abrogation of Article 370.
The remarkable achievements thus far owe their existence to the unwavering dedication of agencies labouring tirelessly, even at present, to safeguard Jammu and Kashmir. The continuous battle against terrorism leaves no room for complacency, demanding perpetual commitment. The collaborative efforts of various anti-terrorism organisations remain steadfast in dismantling terrorist networks and their sympathisers. Thorough investigations into Hawala money trails have been unrelenting, leading to the confiscation of properties acquired through such means, while those operating Hawala networks face legal consequences. Even cases related to decades-old acts of terrorism are being diligently pursued to their logical conclusions, empowered by the uniform application of laws across Jammu and Kashmir, akin to the rest of India. The abrogation of Article 370 has been instrumental in severing the lifeline of terrorism once and for all. Although report indicates a significant reduction in terrorism, its complete eradication remains an ongoing endeavour as those responsible for such acts persist in their efforts to revive it. Consequently, unwavering vigilance remains imperative.
In the last four years, Jammu and Kashmir has experienced a profound metamorphosis, and the pivotal element enabling this change has been the abrogation of Article 370. This decisive action has effectively dismantled terrorism, severed its core, and established the supremacy of the rule of law, making the transformation possible.
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