Separatist movements have been one of the major factors contributing to militancy and instability in Jammu & Kashmir (J & K). Bring out actions taken by the Government to bring J & K into national mainstream. Discuss pre and post abrogation status of Articles 370 and 35A. Also bring out positive impacts of abrogation of both articles in mainstreaming the state.
Separatism in J&K — rooted in cross-border support from Pakistan, alienation, and unresolved political grievances — fuelled militancy from 1989 onwards, costing over 45,000 lives.
Government Actions for Mainstreaming:
- Security: sustained anti-terror operations, joint CAPF-Army grid, cordon-and-search operations, Line of Control fencing, NIA action against terror-financing networks (JKLF, Hurriyat).
- Political: dissolution of state assembly (2018), Governor's/President's Rule, DDC elections (2020) restoring grassroots democracy.
- Constitutional: abrogation of Articles 370 & 35A on 5 August 2019 through Presidential Orders and J&K Reorganisation Act, bifurcating the state into UTs of J&K and Ladakh.
- Development: PM Development Package (₹80,000 crore), Industrial Development Scheme (2021), road/rail connectivity (Chenab bridge, Udhampur–Baramulla rail link, Zojila tunnel).
- Delimitation Commission (2022) and Assembly elections (2024) — first since 2014.
- Banning of Jamaat-e-Islami and JKLF under UAPA.
Pre-Abrogation Status (Article 370):
- Special autonomous status; only Defence, Foreign Affairs, Communications automatically applied.
- Separate constitution, flag, penal code (RPC).
- Article 35A empowered state legislature to define "permanent residents," restricting property, jobs, scholarships to them.
- Central laws required state concurrence; fundamental rights partially applied.
Post-Abrogation Status:
- All 890 Central laws applicable; Indian Constitution fully extended.
- J&K became a Union Territory with legislature; Ladakh a UT without legislature.
- Domicile rules redefined; property rights opened.
- Supreme Court (Dec 2023) upheld the abrogation as constitutionally valid.
Positive Impacts on Mainstreaming:
- Terror incidents down sharply; stone-pelting virtually ended.
- Panchayati Raj functional: three-tier PRIs, DDCs empowered.
- Investment: over ₹85,000 crore proposals; G20 Tourism meet (2023); record tourist arrivals (2+ crore in 2023).
- Reservation for SCs/STs, women (Paharis, Gujjars, Bakarwals) implemented.
- All Central schemes (Ayushman Bharat, PM-KISAN) fully implemented.
- Assembly elections (2024) with peaceful, high turnout signalled democratic revival.
- Enhanced integration with the national mainstream.
Challenges of alienation and cross-border terror persist; sustained development and dialogue remain vital.
Answered By:
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