Article 370

Article 370

News: This is in continuation of our earlier article covered on the same topic.

What are the positive changes seen in J&K post abrogation of Article 370?
• The adoption and application of the Indian Constitution and all the 890 crucial Central laws in Jammu and Kashmir.
• The end of political discrimination and the empowerment of women, Dalits, refugees, and other marginalized communities.
• The reduction of terror incidents, stone-pelting, and militancy in the region. For example, stone pelting incidents reduced from 618 in 2019 to 76 in 2021.
• The improvement of public order, security, and peace.
• The opening up of new avenues for development, progress, and integration with the rest of India.
• There is a 32% reduction in acts of terrorism since August 2019.
• Infiltration from across the LOC have been few and far.

What are the negative changes seen in J&K?
• Targeted killings have been observed where mostly The Kashmiri Pandits have been killed and workers/labourers from outside states have also been targeted.
• Engagement of ‘part-time’ militants by handlers in Pakistan for attacks.
• Increasing use of Drone threats to deliver ammunition and aid.

How has the political landscape evolved in J&K?
• Establishment of Panchayati Raj institutions, District Development Council (DDC) elections held in all 20 districts in 2020.
• Delimitation Commission redraws Assembly constituencies increases representation, and introduces reserved seats.
• New political outfits (J&K Apni party, J&K Progressive Azad Democratic Party) have emerged including some alliances. This has charted a new path in polity of J&K.
• There is proposal to include new groups in the state’s ST list, aiming for broader representation. Some of the ST, refugees from Pakistan were not allowed to vote earlier in state assembly elections.

Conclusion
• Abrogation of Article 370 has certainly helped to resume normalcy in J&K but several challenges remain such as J&K hasn’t been restored with full statehood, assembly elections haven’t been conducted, people have raised concerns over the delimitation exercise which require due attention.