Seven Years Since Jammu and Kashmir Changes

Summary of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) Developments Post Article 370 Revocation

1. Constitutional References:

   • Article 370 Revocation: On August 5, 2019, the special status of J&K was revoked, followed by the loss of Statehood.
   • Emergency Provisions: The revocation and subsequent governance have raised concerns regarding the violation of constitutional principles. Emergency conditions typically last for six months, but have not been lifted for seven years in J&K.
   • Role of the Lieutenant-Governor: The administration is now controlled by the Lieutenant-Governor under the 2024 Transaction of Business Rules, who exercises powers typically held by an elected representative, lacking direct accountability to the people.

2. Judicial Oversight:

   • The Supreme Court has not actively enforced timelines for restoring Statehood, despite advising restoration "as soon as possible" four years ago.
   • The J&K High Court has criticized the misuse of laws like the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act (PSA).

3. Economic Indicators:

   • J&K Economic Survey 2025-2026: Per capita income in J&K is at 76.6% of the national average, declining from 79.9% in 2013-14.
   • Unemployment Rates: Unemployment in J&K is nearly double the national average, with graduate unemployment as high as 23.9%.

4. Political Climate and Security Measures:

   • Heavy military presence observed during events like the Amarnath Yatra, termed historically militarized.
   • Citizens face curfews and are often prosecuted under stringent laws like the PSA and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

5. Social Response and Civil Society:

   • Mixed responses from the local populace, with significant peace marches following terrorist incidents indicating public rejection of violence.
   • Calls for accountability and restoration of Statehood are being led by local political entities like the National Conference and the Congress party.

6. International Context:

   • India's governance approach in J&K has drawn comparisons to colonial practices of subjugation, underscoring significant moral and ethical considerations in governance.
   • Criticism highlights that heavy-handed measures may escalate tensions rather than build peace.

7. Civic and Democratic Elements:

   • Calls for a return to an elected administration to ensure democratic accountability and civil rights, establishing essential frameworks for oversight and independent media.

8. Trends and Historical Context:

   • J&K has undergone unprecedented changes, including the first use of pellet guns (2016) and communal delimitation (2022) which altered demographic balances in favor of Hindu-majority constituencies.
   • The region is urged to experience positive developments leading towards Statehood restoration.

9. Future Prospects:

   • Renewed political campaigns are pushing for restoring Statehood to J&K, advocating for democratic representation and accountability in governance.

The ongoing situation in J&K remains complex and fraught with challenges following the revocation of special status and Statehood, necessitating careful monitoring and potential reform in governance to ensure peace and economic stability.