AR Bhat
“Arise, Awake and stop not until the goal is reached”, these lines by Swami Vivekanada can be felt relevant even in these contemporary times especially in this state, for this land’s people. Kashmir struggled since 1947 in maintaining its internal peace and finally since last few years there has been a change, a change for the betterment of the whole nation. Kashmir, a place which is located in Northern region of India between the Valley of great Himalaya and Pir Panjal Mountain is well known as the ‘Paradise on Earth’ due to its magnificent beauty. People from all parts of the world are drawn towards Kashmir for its scenic beauty, delicious cuisine, warm hospitality, and a beautiful culture. But, something that cannot be overlooked is the long drawn conflict in Kashmir that has claimed thousands of lives and that has dented its economy to the worst and has posed grave threats to the country’s security. The insurgency had ruined the normal functioning of the state and forced the Government of India to notify the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir as a “disturbed area”. This area has not only been disturbed externally but also internally with the increase in militancy, illiteracy and unemployment especially among the youth. And all of this was backed by one of the articles of the Indian constitution i.e. Article 370. This article did not allow industries or educational institutions to be set up in this area and thus leading to unemployment which generated militancy and this became a vicious circle.
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In 2019, one decision was taken to set the path for right direction towards growth which was the abolition of Article 370. Government of India has worked out on various projects and schemes for job creation which has helped in fighting the unemployment and corruption previously prevailing in the region. In the data provided by the Home Ministry we can see that the number of terrorist incidents have reduced by 59% alone in 2020 and 32% by 2021. Terrorism was one of the greatest banes afflicting the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is said the climate of armed militancy in Kashmir and lack of good governance and sound fiscal management has also been responsible for the poor economic growth of the former state. Kashmiris’ are sick of ongoing terror violence of more than three decades old and are longing for peace and peaceful right to life and liberty. However things began to improve following the annulment of Article 370 and formation of two new union territories after which there has been a marked decline in the number of terror related incidents.
Kashmir’s economy has also shown a positive graph which first majorly relied upon tourism because of its enchanting beauty which never fails to attract tourism from all over the world, but now employment will also be generated by setting up better industries. A total of 456 MoUs have been signed with the potential investors. The decision of the govt. to abrogate article 370 opened the door to rejuvenating a declining economy and promoting horticulture. This change is now delivering equal rights for women, juvenile protection, right to education and economic justice to the region which was deprived from the rest of the nation and so on. It now looks that the government has been able to address the long pending projects lying dormant for several decades by removing the obstacles, through ensuring effective and transparent administration. Kashmir is on the path of making a “New Kashmir” where its habitants are proud of being Indian citizens who wants peace and prosperity along with the development in economic growth that will augment the livelihood of the residents of Kashmir. They see India as a promising land of opportunities and Government of India is doing its best to win the hearts and minds of people whileas Kashmiris on their part have to make extra efforts to defeat terrorism and separatism and create an atmosphere for peace and a new beginning for regaining their land’s lost glory.
