J&K is economically and security prosperous, politically rejuvenated, and tourism is improving six years after the Article 370, fragile peace is being threatened by new menaces such as Pahalgam attack.
The Indian government repealed the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir together with Article 370 back in August 2019, and it has now six years since the action was carried out. The Centre trumpeted the move as a daring step to increased integration, development and national security, but this decision also attracted a lot of debate on its long-term effects. The region has been going through administrative, political, and economic reformations since then. Political activism back at the grassroots level has also started, and regional parties are slowly being admitted back into the realm of democracy. However, economic resurgence has been evidenced by investment inflows, infrastructure projects and development in tourism. Even security indicators mirror relative stability, which has been enhanced by enhanced counterinsurgency mechanisms. Nonetheless, the recent terror attack in Pahalgam has put a dent in these developments, ruining the story of the re-emergence of peace and normalcy. With the refocus on the Valley, this article reflects on the various dimensions of the abrogation, how Jammu and Kashmir is faring politically in respect of representation, security framework, economic growth, vulnerability to tourism, and socio-cultural change.
Political Landscape
Six years down the line, since Article 370 was abrogated, political landscape in Jammu & Kashmir is gradually rebalancing itself, grounded on a very tentative reinstitution of the democratic process in both administrative and electoral undertakings.
Resurgence of Electoral Participation
This restoration of the electoral exercise started with Panchayat elections in 2020 and then District Development Council (DDC) polls being conducted shortly after it, the first direct grassroots representation in the new administrative structure in the UT. Such elections opened platforms to the voices of the locals, particularly in the regions of rural Kashmir, to reconnect with democratic processes with some scepticism in the beginning.
Re-positioning Regional Parties
The National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other recently formed parties, such as the Jammu Kashmir Apni Party have redefined their strategies as the aim is to be part of the new political landscape. Although most of the leaders initially opposed the constitutional amendment, there is currently a visible move towards accommodation (adopting a tactical approach), with the current challenge being witnessed in local governance arenas. Nevertheless, there are still strong ideological differences.
Central Governance and Institutional Realignment
The form of governance under the Lieutenant Governor-led government lays stress on a centralized form of decision-making, more on the delivery of infrastructure, and improvement of government bureaucracy. The critics of this model claim that it suppresses local autonomy, whereas the proponents of the model cite its efficiency along with the alignment of national policies. Failure to have a legislative assembly and delays in the restoration of the same keep the democracy deficit and political legitimacy at the forefront.
Political Trust and Public Opinion
There is mixed-public participation. Whereas one section of the citizens is delighted with developmental achievements and low levels of insurgency, the other section feels disappointed with the politics of disenfranchisement and unrepresentative politics. The dull electoral arguments and tame campaigning are a signal of transition where democracy is being seen, but not to the eyes.
Security Situation
With six years having passed since the abrogation of Article 370, the security situation in Jammu & Kashmir can be described as a mixed bag of stability initiatives by the state and insurgency-related threats that continue to pose a challenge to longer-term stability.
Reduction in Means of Terror Incidents
With caustic counter insurgency policies and stepped up surveillance, there has been a distinct reduction in massive terror attacks in the territory. According to security organs, penetrating efforts have been minimal and militants’ activity in big cities has been minimized. Better coordination of intelligence and a lot of upgrading of fencing along LoC are some of its contributions to operational success and deterrence.
Increase of Hybrid Militancy and Lone-Wolf Threats
The challenge in hybrid militancy is that although there are lesser organized attacks, the task of security organs is increasingly becoming difficult because of radicalized civilians that work independently or with little instructions. Lone wolf attacks on soft targets have become threatened as is seen in the case of isolated attacks such as those at Pahalgam. Such low profile attacks make response systems difficult and disrupt the thought of peace.
Possible Civilian Surveillance and Rights Debate
Enhanced preventative measures such as biometric checks and more careful scrutiny at checkpoints, are meant not only to head off risks but also generate controversy in terms of civil liberties. These steps, critics say, undermine trust and create alienation, particularly among youngsters. The counterweighing of human rights and counterterror aims is a rather shaky area of policy.
Pahalgam Attack
The fresh terrorism attack in Pahalgam is just another reminder of the tension that remains loaded under the surface. Striking one of the most crucial tourist attractions, the attack did not only hurt the economic optimism but also symbolically undermined the state discourse of normalized security. It shows how events on a local level can change discourse in a quick manner.
Economic Transition
Jammu & Kashmir can be seen undergoing an economic recalibration since the repealing of Article 370; one that aims to move the region away from the kind of regional autonomy it had previously enjoyed and instead become better integrated into national markets and policy systems.
Investment Inflows
Since 2019, J&K has also seen a significant development in terms of the volume of privately proposed investment in the state through policy-specific incentives and land reforms. The sectors that were attracted to the industrial estates and tech parks in Jammu and Kashmir districts were food processing to IT services. Roadshows conducted by the government in the metros were used to brand Valley as a potential destination where sustainable ventures could be instituted.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Breakthroughs
The most conspicuous change has been the change in infrastructure delivery. Initiatives, such as the Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla rail connection, as well as initiatives to improve the National Highway-44 route, are transforming logistical ease of movement and supply chains. Improved air links via Srinagar, Jammu and now enhanced airports propel improved commerce and tourism prospects in the region.
Local Industries
The revival programs of the renowned Kashmir handicrafts i.e. pashmina, papier-Mache, and carpets, have aided artisans in re-entering the mainstream markets on the online platforms and export programs. Cold-chain supply chain processes, agri-diversification, and horticulture development (particularly apples) have connected the national agribusiness systems to J&K.
Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Youth Programs
Skill building missions and start-up incubators are helping young people think beyond traditional industries when it comes to careers. Current schemes such as Government e-marketplace inclusion and Mission Youth have facilitated increased involvement in the procurement sector and service sectors. Nevertheless, the issue of unemployment is urgent, and continued organizational changes and confidence in the private sector are needed.
Tourism
Tourism has revived in Jammu & Kashmir in incredible proportions after the Article 370, and yet, the repeated tremors of security troubles have revealed weaknesses that have been competing with sustained confidence and long-term sector expansion.
Tourist fallout and National enthusiasm
The number of domestic tourists visiting J&K over the past three years reached new records (2021-2024), and these results have been achieved by advertising, better facilities and an eased travel process. The resorts such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg became a year round-the-year attraction. Interest in winter sports and religious tourism by the government contributed to diversifying the visitors, as most people were not seasonal leisure travellers.
Greater Hospitality and Cultural Rebirth
The growth of hotels, resorts, and homestay networks was also expanding at a rapid rate, especially in South Kashmir and areas in Jammu. Food tourism and local festivals- Tulip Festival and Jammu Literary fest were among the major factors that contributed to spreading local legacy. Lifted film shooting rights lent a fresh appeal to the beauty and a financial boost to communities.
Weaknesses Revealed by Security Incidents
In spite of such successes, there can always be mishaps as was witnessed with the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which illustrates the ease with which previous gains can evaporate. Even the threat perception, especially those that are confined, causes mass cancellations and assorted media attention around the world. Being one of the most unstable indicators of stability, tourism as a direct industry is easily affected by the signs of safety.
Balancing Growth, Sustainability, and Trust
There now needs to be a modicum of ecological protection, cultural sensitivity, and an increase in risk communication procedures to the rush to scale tourism. Transparent crisis management and planning involving the whole community will be the key components in building long-lasting trust among travellers either domestically or abroad. Tourism brings J&K much more than it does as an economic driver; it has become a barometer to peace and societal perception.
Socio-Cultural Changes
The repeal of Article 370 brought some significant changes in the social landscape of Jammu & Kashmir, that is subtle yet substantial due to the reasons attributed to the youth agency, digitalization, and a changing understanding of the state and identity.
Youth Involvement and School Mobility
An emerging group of young Kashmiris is taking to digital education, entrepreneurship and national opportunities. Scholarships such as online scholarships and Mission Youth have increased awareness to outside organizations. The rural students are also getting chance to be deployed in the mainland universities and the civil services and the aspect that has been seen is that these people want to integrate without losing their culture.
Online Access and Identity Development
Mobile penetration and digital platforms have transformed access to information despite the occasional internet shutdowns. The use of social media as a means of political communication, artistic expression and localized journalism has been recognised. Some stories that contradict the mainstream media representation and others are vying to be accepted in the country discourses form a canvas of hybrid identities.
Community Resilience and Psychological Impact
The first post-effect of abrogation was large-scale insecurity especially since there were restrictions on communication and presence of troops. But in the long run, communities have been resilient due to support networks in the community, preservation of their culture, and the storytelling structure in the community. The mental health subject has started to permeate in the urban youth.
Conclusion
Six years after the move toward abrogating article 370, Jammu & Kashmir is at its crossroads, a crossroads that is characterized by the economic development, security rebalancing and re-emerging political discussion. As infrastructure, investment, and tourism have boomed and regional parties have tentatively returned to democratic arenas, recent negative security tales such as the Pahalgam raid are significant reminders of how unstable the region continues to be. The mood of people is ambivalent, as they are still excited at the perspectives of growth but fearful of rights, representation, and sustainability in the long run. The dilemma, which is the main issue hence is how to reconcile integration with inclusion, growth with grassroots trust, and security with civil liberties. The future of Jammu & Kashmir will rely on both policy delivery as well as on confidence rebuilding, whether it is amongst the investors, the citizens, or even the voters. To achieve this genuine normalcy, peace should be resilient, and democratic participation should grow.