August 5, 2024: Five years on, did ending special status for Jammu & Kashmir achieve its ends?

The aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, which ended the special status of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and bifurcated the state into two Union Territories has put an analysis on the economic, governance, and security outcomes over the past five years, emphasizing the need for restoring statehood and involving local citizens in governance.

Security Concerns resolved and Governance restored:

• Economic Outcomes: The abrogation of Article 370 signaled that the solution to J&K’s issues lies with the central government, not the local government. The tourism sector has seen a substantial increase, with 21.1 million tourists in 2023 and a 20% increase in the first half of 2024 over the previous year.
• Security challenges reduced: It aimed to reset deterrence parameters with Pakistan by changing the status quo of the disputed territory. Significant improvements in last-mile delivery of services and digitization of over 1,000 public utility services have been achieved.
• Rule of Centre: The dissolution of the elected legislature underscored asymmetric federalism, concentrating power in Delhi. Major projects in the Prime Minister’s development package are either completed or nearing completion, with investments worth an estimated Rs 6,000 crore.

Political and Security Challenges:

• Security concerns: Despite improvements in governance and the economy, the security situation remains delicate with increasing infiltration from across the border.
• Need for Statehood: There is a need to restore statehood with a clear timeline, as democracy and security are not mutually exclusive.
• Citizen involvement: Involving local citizens in governance is crucial to address alienation and fulfill their aspirations, with the Supreme Court’s September deadline for elections being a potential starting point.

Mains Question:

Q. “Critically Analyze the impact of the abrogation of Article 370 on the political, economic, and security landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. Discuss the challenges and the way forward for restoring statehood and addressing the democratic deficit in the Union Territory."