New Delhi: India is marking seven years since the Indian government revoked Article 370, ending the special autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir and reorganizing the state into two union territories.
Security has been beefed up across the union territory in view of recent terror attacks.
The Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has said that it would mark the day with celebratory events at its party headquarters and its districts. The party would take out a tiranga rally from Lal Chok, adding the article 370 had changed the mood in Jammu and Kashmir.
Despite the attempts to disturb the peace, the seven years since the abrogation has seen a dramatic operational overhaul from new hospitals, expanded universities, and empowered local councils.
This transformation stands in stark contrast to the unfolding crisis across the line of control. In Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, residents and independent observers report severe shortages of basic services compounded by a crackdown from Pakistani military forces.
Local reports estimate that over 90 people have been killed in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir over the last two months alone. Healthcare illustrates the gap most clearly.
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While Jammu and Kashmir now boasts two all-India institutes of medical sciences and multiple new government medical colleges, healthcare infrastructure in the region is crumbling. With a doctor-to-population a higher education ratio of roughly 1 to 3,900. 1 to 3,900 that is far below World Health Organization standards.
Education reflects the same divide. Jammu and Kashmir is now home to an IIT and IIM and expanded technical training programs aimed at driving youth employment. Across the line of control, few higher education institutions remain severely underfunded and neglected. Governance marks another stark dividing line.
In Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the local assembly remains tightly controlled by the Kashmir Council and authorities in Islamabad. As local protests flare over soaring electricity bills, flash shortages and resource exploitation, Islamabad's response has been heavy-handed force and internet blackouts.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the panchayatiraj system has been strengthened, delivering welfare directly to citizens. Assembly elections were indeed held peacefully.
Even the demand for statehood restoration has been peaceful protests, with the ruling national conference to stage protests on the anniversary of the abrogation.
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The People's Democratic Party, led by its chief, Mehbooba Mufti, held a candlelight protest in Srinagar on Tuesday, demanding the restoration of the abrogation.
The People's Democratic Party, led by its chief, Mehbooba Mufti, held a candlelight protest in Srinagar on Tuesday, demanding the restoration of the abrogation.
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