WIND OF CHANGE
Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), an erstwhile princely state, formally acceded to the Union of India on 26 Oct 1947 after signing an instrument of accession, a legal docu exec by Maharaja Hari Singh, ruler of J&K. Late in year 1954, under Article 370 of Indian constitution J&K was awarded a spl status with some spl powers like separate flag, separate constitution, separate law enforcement policies, etc. From 1947 to till date, this state has faced four large and one small scale war against Pak in 1947, 1965, 1971 & 1999 and with China in 1962. When Pak failed to capture J&K by mil power, they formulated a proxy-war policy and launched a planned militancy mov during 1989-1990 to build unrest in the valley.
Mughal emperor Shahjahan once vis the Kashmir Valley and was mesmerized by its scenic beauty and quoted, “If there exists a paradise on earth, then it is here, here, here”. From then this valley has welcomed a large number of Indian/foreign tourists and this has led to the development of local trade, and a hike in the business of shopkeepers, hoteliers, travel agencies etc. Filming of many famous Bollywood movies were successfully performed here, but all of these businesses went into losses due to rise of militancy in the valley. Tourists are not willing to take risk to visit the valley due to fear for their lives. This has hampered the tourism based economy of the state and unemployment in J&K eventually touched apex. Jobless youths were lured by separatist & ANEs and are being hired for stone pelting and anti-national activities. Intentionally the Article 370 was being used as a tool to restrict investment into the valley so that jobless youth of the valley will continuously indulge into anti national activities and so called separatist and local politician will bake their bread for own benefits.
On Aug 05, 2019, Union Home Minister intro a proposal in parliament to put an end to the spl status of J&K and its bifurcation into two UTs. Under the previous arngs, people outside J&K were not allowed to buy land in this state. Article 35A restd such purchase of land only to the “permt resi of J&K”. Following abrogation of the spl status, the central govt issued a notfn amending the J&K Devp Act dropping the spl status of „permt resi‟ phrase now „outsiders‟ can also buy the land in J&K if it is not an agricultural land, slowly & gradually this will lead to hike in investment by Indian business men which will also generate jobs and boost the economy of the state. After the abrogation, now women of the state enjoy domicile equality and this reflects a welcome step towards women empowerment.
In the past two years, it has been obs that Lal Chowk at Srinagar dipped in tri- colour. On regular basis National anthem is being sung by students during school assembly sessions. National flags are hoisted high during the Independence & Republic day celebrations. Govt offices & buildings are now hoisting the tri-colour regularly. A sharp decline in terrorist attacks and negative stone pelting incidents were noticed. Bike and car rallies organized by enthusiastic locals of the valley on the occasion of 72nd Independence Day celebrations with waving tri-colour flags in their hands attracted global media. At last but not the least, wind of change in the valley is blowing steadily.
The abrogation of Article 370 brings a new era of development in J&K. Inhabitants of J&K firmly believe that their good life and future lies with India. The youth believes in the Indian Constitution and stands firmly with the tri- colour. Once again a hike in tourism industry can be noticed, sharp decline in separatist mov and anti-national activities can be noticed. In short “Mera Kashmir Badal Raha Hai” and “a wind of change” is being observed in valley by all of us.
