Suhail Khan
For the first time in over 30 years, the people of Kashmir can step into a cinema hall, purchase a ticket, and enjoy a film with their friends and family on the big screen—an experience that was once unthinkable.
Before the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, such simple joys remained out of reach. “Today, their reopening is more than just a revival of entertainment; it stands as a powerful symbol of transformation, signalling a new dawn for Jammu and Kashmir and its journey toward normalcy,” says a Srinagar-based entrepreneur, celebrating six years of change in a conversation with Kashmir Despatch.
Six years after the Narendra Modi government revoked Article 370, the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir is evident not just in numbers but in the way people are reclaiming their lives, aspirations, and dignity. “The peaceful conduct of Muharram processions, once heavily restricted due to security concerns, reflects a growing sense of stability,” notes a local religious leader while reflecting on the changes over the past six years in a chat with Kashmir Despatch.
Similarly, the return of Janmashtami celebrations to the historic Lal Chowk after decades is more than just a festive revival—*”it is a testament to the region’s renewed communal spirit and the resurgence of cultural traditions without restraint,” said community organizer Zahoor Ahmad to Kashmir Despatch.
For decades, the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir kept it isolated from several national reforms, limiting private investment and economic growth. “Today, investors are looking at Kashmir with renewed interest, leading to developments in tourism, real estate, and industrial projects,” remarks Amanjeet Kaur, a business owner in Srinagar.
One of the most visible changes has been the return of normalcy in everyday life. Streets once marred by shutdowns and protests now witness bustling markets and extended business hours. “The Valley, once plagued by stone-pelting incidents and strikes, has witnessed an extraordinary shift—organized stone-pelting has completely stopped, and markets thrive without fear of sudden shutdowns,” says Subhan, a local shopkeeper.
Home Minister Amit Shah has highlighted the government’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. “These improved security conditions have instilled a sense of confidence among residents, fostering a more stable environment for education and employment opportunities,” he stated in a recent address.
The sense of safety and stability has further spurred a robust economic revival. “The government’s developmental initiatives are not just about economic growth but about creating opportunities for the people of the region,” Shah emphasized.
Active government funding for infrastructure has also instilled confidence. In 2015, Prime Minister Modi sanctioned 63 projects worth ₹80,000 crore for the region’s development, of which ₹51,000 crore has already been utilized. “The industrial policy introduced by the Modi government has attracted unprecedented investment in the region,” says an official from the Jammu & Kashmir administration.
While the region had received only ₹14,000 crore in investments over 70 years, the past decade alone has seen ₹12,000 crore in industrial investments, with an additional ₹1,10,000 crore in MoUs currently being implemented. “This economic transformation is evident on the streets of Srinagar and Jammu, where new businesses are thriving, and job opportunities are expanding like never before,” notes Jibran Khan, a young entrepreneur.
Tourism is a vital indicator of a region’s vibrancy. In 2023 alone, a record-breaking 2.11 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir. “This resurgence has helped boost the economy as well as strengthen ties with other states,” says a hotelier in Gulmarg. Where militancy once deterred visitors, the serene Dal Lake and picturesque Gulmarg welcomed the G20 tourism working group earlier this year, “instilling global confidence in Kashmir’s improved security and infrastructure,” remarks a tourism official.
Moreover, the administration has undertaken major infrastructure projects. The completion of key tunnels and highways has improved connectivity, reducing travel time between Kashmir and the rest of India. “The expansion of railway networks is set to further integrate the region with national development plans,” says a government spokesperson.
Home Minister Amit Shah has reiterated that the changes in Jammu and Kashmir are irreversible. “The government remains committed to ensuring long-term peace and stability in the region,” he declared.
The abrogation of Article 370 was not just a constitutional change; it was a transformative moment that liberated Jammu and Kashmir from decades of political stagnation. “The people of the region, who lived under the shadow of uncertainty for generations, are now witnessing a new dawn of peace, prosperity, and progress,” he added.
