Jammu and Kashmir has come of age. The strike calls in Kashmir from Pakistan are a thing of the past, and peace has returned to the region. It is no longer Kashmir that witnesses frequent strike calls and hartals, resulting in the closure of schools and colleges. This has brought a positive change to the benefits of peace, with the economy flourishing and businesses in all sectors thriving. There has been a substantial increase in the number of tourists visiting the region, with 1.88 crore tourists in the previous year and an expectation of over 2 crore tourists in the current year.
The transformation of Jammu and Kashmir from being known as a terror hotspot to a “tourism hotspot” is not by chance but under a sustained, well-planned strategy. The year 2019 marked a significant turning point with the revocation of Article 370, which dealt a decisive blow to separatists and terrorists. This achievement is the result of sustained efforts by security agencies, supported by the Government’s strong determination to bring about change. Strategic operations are meticulously planned to dismantle the network of hawala operators financing terrorist activities, and successful collaborations between security agencies and local police play a crucial role. The days of frequent hartals and stone pelting are history now. The Government’s emphasis on promoting tourism has yielded impressive results, with substantial investments in infrastructure and the development of tourist destinations. As a result, Jammu and Kashmir has experienced an unprecedented influx of tourists. Notable efforts, including hosting major events to showcase the region’s tourist potential, peace, and infrastructure, have transformed Jammu and Kashmir remarkably. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have wholeheartedly embraced and actively participated in a thriving democratic system, experiencing the benefits of their engagement through positive economic endeavours in their daily lives.