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Senior Congress leader and former External Affairs Minister, Shri Salman Khurshid, who was part of the delegation to Indonesia led by Shri Sanjay Jha for Mission “Pak Benakab” following Operation Sindoor, stated that the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir was the right step taken by the Modi government. He remarked that the removal of Article 370 has ushered in democratic progress and economic prosperity in the region. The decision by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to revoke Article 370 on August 5, 2019, is historic and bold step. It has strengthened national unity and is proving to be a significant milestone in the development of Kashmir.
According to ancient beliefs, Kashmir is considered the land of Maharishi Kashyap and Mata Sati. During the reign of Emperor Ashoka and the Kushan dynasty, Buddhism had a significant influence on the region. Under the rule of Emperor Lalitaditya, Kashmir witnessed territorial expansion, and the Sanskrit language gained considerable respect and prominence. The revered Shankaracharya Temple, located near Srinagar, continues to stand as a symbol of the spiritual conquests of Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya. Over time, due to the influence and conversions by Muslim invaders, the Muslim population in Kashmir gradually increased.
At the time of India’s independence, like other princely states, Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir merged the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir with India by
The decision by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to revoke Article 370 on August 5, 2019, is historic and bold step. It has strengthened national unity and is proving to be a significant milestone in the development of Kashmir.
signing the Instrument of Accession. However, the imposition of Article 370 in Kashmir under the influence of Sheikh Abdullah was a short-sighted decision by Prime Minister Shri Jawaharlal Nehru. This step created a rift in the unity and integrity of the nation. At that time, several prominent leaders, including Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, had opposed this move. The then National President of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, launched a nationwide movement against this special status with the slogan, “Ek desh mein do vidhan, do pradhan, aur do nishan nahi chalenge” (“In one country, two constitutions, two heads, and two flags will not be tolerated”). He ultimately sacrificed his life under mysterious circumstances on 23 June 1953 while in detention in Kashmir. Since then, the removal of Article 370 remained a declared objective of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, and later, the Bharatiya Janata Party. This long-standing goal was finally fulfilled by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his second term, on 5 August 2019.
After the abrogation of Article 370, the implementation of the Central Government’s schemes dedicated to social and economic justice began reaching the people of Kashmir—many of whom had been deprived of these benefits until then. Today, all Indian citizens are permitted to purchase land in Kashmir. As a result, the region has seen the registration of over 500 properties and an investment of 3,500 crore in the real estate sector. The long-standing rule that denied Kashmiri women their ancestral property rights if they married outside the state has been abolished—marking a decisive step toward women empowerment. Furthermore, around 1.5 lakh families displaced from Pakistan—including Valmiki, Scheduled Caste, and tribal refugees—have now been granted full citizenship rights. Over 35 lakh individuals have received Domicile Certificates, giving them access to government services and opportunities. The implementation of national education laws has enabled more than 10 lakh children to receive free education. Additionally, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, as well as economically weaker sections, have been extended the benefits of reservation. The inclusion of new communities in the list of socially and educationally backward classes, along with an increase in reservation quotas, is proving to be a transformative step in the upliftment of backward classes in the region.
Due to accelerated industrial development, investments worth 56,000 crore have generated employment for nearly 80,000 people in Jammu and Kashmir. More than 1,200 startups are now actively contributing to the region’s development and creating new employment opportunities. Handicraft products made by local artisans are also finding markets in new regions, enhancing income and preserving cultural heritage. Since the abrogation of Article 370, over 10,000 kilometers of roads have been constructed or upgraded, significantly improving connectivity. Major infrastructure projects like the Zojila and Chenani-Nashri tunnels have reduced travel time and made routes more accessible. The four-lane Jammu-Srinagar highway is a testament to the ongoing developmental transformation of the region. The long-awaited Chenab Bridge, inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, stands as a marvel of modern engineering. At 359 meters above the riverbed, it is the highest railway bridge in the world—surpassing even the Eiffel Tower in height. This achievement has been publicly praised by former Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah. Healthcare access has also expanded, with more than 13 lakh people receiving treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Jammu and Kashmir has also entered a new chapter of progress, as the region recently hosted Formula car racing events, signaling a growing environment of peace and tourism. Notably, Palli village in Jammu has earned the distinction of being India’s first “carbon-neutral panchayat,” highlighting the region’s commitment to sustainable development.
After the removal of Article 370, Kashmir has witnessed a significant surge in tourism, driven by improved peace and stability in the region. According to official data, there has been a 50% increase in tourist footfall since 2019, with the total number of visitors reaching approximately 2.5 crore across the entire state.
Due to the government’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, there has been a consistent and significant decline in terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah informed Parliament that terrorist incidents have reduced by 92%. Additionally, there has been a continuous drop in the recruitment of new terrorists.
Pilgrimages to holy sites such as Vaishno Devi and Amarnath are steadily increasing, reflecting improved security and public confidence. The three-tier Panchayat elections held after the abrogation of Article 370 witnessed a remarkable voter turnout of 65%, underscoring the region’s march toward peace and prosperity. In these elections, 32,000 elected representatives are now actively contributing to the development of their respective Gram Panchayats. Cultural and religious revival is also taking place. After 70 years, Diwali and Saraswati Puja were celebrated at the historic Maa Sharda Temple—originally established by Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya. The temple was reopened on 23 March 2023 by Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. Formal worship has also resumed at the revered Kheer Bhavani Temple, marking a return to spiritual and cultural vibrancy in the region.
The then National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Shri Murli Manohar Joshi, undertook the historic “Bharat Ekta Yatra” from Kanyakumari to Srinagar with the aim of hoisting the national flag at Lal Chowk—a symbolic and historic location in Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. This resolution was fulfilled on 26 January 1992, when the tricolor was hoisted at Lal Chowk under tight police protection. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, then a key associate of Dr. Joshi, played an important role in the successful completion of this mission.
Today, after the abrogation of Article 370, the national flag flies proudly and freely at Lal Chowk—not under protection, but as a symbol of unity and peace. More importantly, the spirit of nationalism has taken deep root among the people of Kashmir. Locals are now celebrating national festivals with pride and enthusiasm, hoisting the tricolor at their homes. Notably, Shri Krishna Janmashtami, the revered Hindu festival commemorating the birth of Lord Krishna, was also celebrated with great joy and devotion at Lal Chowk itself—an inspiring testament to the cultural revival and inclusive spirit emerging in the region.
The abrogation of Article 370 has ushered in a new era, where Jammu and Kashmir is scripting a remarkable story of “development through heritage” under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The transformation in the region has been so profound that even citizens of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are now expressing a desire to be part of India, inspired by Kashmir’s development journey. However, heinous incidents like the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam are desperate and nefarious attempts to derail this progress. But the people of India, united in spirit and bound by a shared sense of national pride, will respond to every conspiracy with resilience and determination—upholding the ideals of unity and integrity. Over the past 11 years, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s relentless efforts have successfully rekindled a strong sense of nationalism and belonging in the hearts of every Indian. This collective awakening is now the driving force behind the nation’s progress and its unwavering stand against any threat to its unity.
{The writer is National Jt. General Secretary (Organization), BJP}