Suhail Khan /Firdous Parray
Srinagar, August 04 ; Since the historic abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir have undergone significant transformations across various sectors, unlocking new opportunities for growth and development.
Educational institutions in the region have remained fully operational without disruption, while uninterrupted internet services have fueled the expansion of digital businesses. Tourism has also flourished, with border tourism gaining immense popularity and attracting visitors from across India.
To understand the impact of these changes, the Kashmir Despatch team spoke with local residents and business owners about their experiences over the past six years in the post-Article 370 era.
One of the most notable achievements since the abrogation has been the seamless functioning of educational institutions. Despite initial challenges, schools and colleges have provided students with a stable learning environment.
Shafeeq Ahmad, a government school teacher in central Kashmir, expressed optimism about the changes. “Our commitment to education remained strong during the transition,” he said. “The resilience of our students and staff has been remarkable, and we now see a renewed enthusiasm for learning among the youth.”
Irshad Ahmad, another educator, added that the continuity of education has given students hope and a platform to pursue their aspirations.
Reliable internet connectivity has been a game-changer for digital businesses in the region. Startups and entrepreneurs have seized new opportunities, contributing to economic growth.
Saba Khan, a Srinagar-based entrepreneur who launched her fashion boutique The Mirror during this period, shared her experience. “Uninterrupted internet access has transformed our business,” she said. “We can now reach customers nationwide, expanding our market beyond previous limitations.”
This digital boom highlights the region’s readiness to embrace technological advancements.
Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir has expanded beyond traditional boundaries, with border tourism gaining traction.
Rahul Verma, a tourist from Delhi, described his experience: “The warmth and hospitality of the locals are unmatched. It’s inspiring to see such unity and cultural exchange.”
This surge in tourism has fostered cross-cultural connections while boosting the local economy.
To gain deeper insights, Kashmir Despatch spoke with residents directly impacted by these changes.
Rameez Ahmad, a homestay owner in Srinagar, noted the positive effects of tourism. “The industry has improved our livelihoods and promoted cultural exchange,” he said. “We are committed to enhancing our region’s appeal while ensuring visitors’ safety and showcasing our heritage.”
Sajad Ahmad, a local shopkeeper, highlighted the economic benefits: “The rise in tourism has revitalized our businesses. Demand for handmade crafts and souvenirs has soared, allowing us to share our culture with the world.”
The region has seen a dramatic decline in security-related incidents. Stone-pelting events, which numbered 1,767 in 2018, have dropped to zero. Similarly, organized strikes (52 in 2018) have ceased entirely. According to the Home Ministry, stringent counter-terrorism measures have dismantled extremist networks, reducing local terrorist recruitment from 199 in 2018 to single digits in recent years.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized the progress under his administration. Tourism has reached unprecedented levels, with 2.38 crore visitors in the past year alone, revitalizing the economy and creating jobs. Private investments have surged from ₹14,000 crore to ₹30,000 crore, with ₹12,000 crore already realized, generating employment and economic stability.
Under Home Minister Amit Shah’s leadership, security policies have shifted decisively. “We will not buy peace; we will establish it,” has been the guiding principle. Joint efforts by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army, and the CRPF have eliminated frequent shutdowns and strikes. Stone-pelting has ended, terrorist recruitment has plummeted, and key militant leaders have been neutralized.
“Pakistan may oppose our peace and progress, but Jammu and Kashmir are moving forward—building world-class infrastructure and securing a brighter future,” LG Sinha asserted.
With sustained development and strong security measures, Jammu and Kashmir are poised for a new era of stability and prosperity.
