5 Years After Article 370 Abrogation: Peace and Development in Jammu and Kashmir

On the 5th anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Nirmal Singh, hailed the day as historic, citing enhanced peace and development in the region. Increased security measures mark the occasion amid significant socio-economic progress in Jammu and Kashmir.

On the 5th anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Nirmal Singh on Monday declared the day as historic, noting significant improvements in peace and development in the region. On August 5, 2019, Article 370 was abrogated, revoking Jammu and Kashmir's special status and statehood, and dividing it into two Union Territories.

'Today is a very historic day. On 5 August 2019, Parliament removed Article 370 and 35A, implementing the Constitution of India across Jammu and Kashmir. The results are evident today: terrorism has been curtailed, separatists are jailed, people have employment, and there is peace,' Singh told ANI. He added that pre-2019, children from Kashmir had to travel to Jammu to study due to an adverse environment; today, they study locally and pursue careers in medicine. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Kavinder Gupta echoed Singh's sentiments, describing a new revolution in Jammu and Kashmir.

'A new revolution has come in Jammu and Kashmir. Five years ago there was stone pelting and anti-national slogans. Today, these issues have been addressed. In terms of development, we now have a medical college, central universities, AIIMS, express highways, etc. Tourism is also on the rise. 'Naya Jammu and Kashmir bann raha hai',' Singh remarked. Security has been heightened in Akhnoor, Jammu district, and Srinagar to mark the 5th anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370.

Jammu and Kashmir Police have intensified patrolling in the Akhnoor LoC area, setting up checkposts at various locations and thoroughly checking vehicles and documents. Alongside the Jammu and Kashmir Police, other security agencies are also on high alert. Extensive surveillance is being conducted from cities to villages to prevent any infiltration or adverse incidents from Pakistan.

In August 2019, the Centre repealed Article 370, which granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcated the region into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)