New Delhi, August 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Seven years after the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed significant changes in governance, security and socio-economic development following the Centre’s decision on August 5, 2019, to revoke the erstwhile state’s special constitutional status and reorganise it into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The move brought Jammu and Kashmir under the same constitutional and legal framework as the rest of the country, replacing the earlier system under which the region was governed by separate constitutional provisions and the Ranbir Penal Code.
One of the most significant changes has been the transfer of law and order responsibilities to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs following the Union Territory’s creation. Security experts believe this has enabled more coordinated counter-terrorism operations and strengthened intelligence-sharing among central and local agencies.
According to officials, investigative agencies such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) were able to pursue financial investigations without political interference, tracing alleged funding networks linked to separatist organisations and cross-border terror financing.
Officials maintain that the weakening of separatist networks has reduced their influence in the Valley, contributing to a decline in organised stone-pelting incidents and diminishing public support for separatist politics. They also contend that terror groups such as Hizbul Mujahideen have lost much of their operational relevance, although sporadic attacks continue.
Security agencies, however, acknowledge that terrorism has not been eliminated. Pakistan-based terror outfits, particularly Lashkar-e-Taiba and its proxy, The Resistance Front (TRF), continue to pose security challenges through infiltration attempts and targeted attacks.
Officials said the long-term success of post-2019 reforms will depend on sustained counter-terrorism efforts and preventing cross-border infiltration.
Beyond the security landscape, the constitutional changes also brought several central laws into force in Jammu and Kashmir. The abrogation of Article 35A ended the permanent resident framework, extending equal legal protections available elsewhere in India.
Women’s rights have expanded under the new legal regime, with residents no longer losing property or residency-related rights upon marrying non-residents. Central laws relating to domestic violence, child protection and women’s welfare now apply uniformly across the Union Territory.
Authorities also point to increased political participation by women through reservations in local bodies and greater representation in District Development Council (DDC) elections.
The education sector has undergone changes with the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), while improved security has allowed educational institutions to function with fewer disruptions.
Tourism has emerged as one of the strongest drivers of economic recovery since 2019. Officials say improved security has led to record tourist arrivals, generating employment and boosting sectors such as hospitality, transport, handicrafts and horticulture. Investment has also increased across multiple sectors, contributing to broader economic activity.
Politically, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed another milestone in 2024 with the restoration of an elected government following Assembly elections after several years of Central administration.
While officials describe the past seven years as a period of improved governance, stronger security and economic revival, they emphasise that continued vigilance against cross-border terrorism remains essential to sustaining long-term peace and development in the region.
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