Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat": The Analysis of the Revocation of Article 370 and Shaping a New Era

The Narendra Modi Government, on the 5th of August 2019, took a momentous decision by abrogating Article 370 and Article 35A. The controversial but strategic decision sent shockwaves across India and the Globe, putting Pakistan on the back foot. After four years, the fruits of the contentious move of charting the way for "Ek Bharat" are rather sweet than sour, with reductions in stone-pelting incidents, civilian casualties in terrorist violence, encounters, and terrorist recruitment. Simultaneously, there is a noticeable surge in tourism, and, more significantly, investments are pouring into the region. The recent Supreme Court verdict validating the abrogation of Article 370 is just a cherry on the cake, reaffirming the legality of this decision.

Turning back the history pages, Kashmir has always stood alienated for the past seven decades. Despite the disproportionate aid poured in by the various governments at the Centre, the persistent sense of estrangement remained. The region, granted special status due to the circumstances of its accession to India, became a breeding ground for corruption and patronage. Scandals marred government job recruitments, separatist movements were financially supported by individuals inside and outside the nation, and only a handful of institutions adhered to the rule of law. The separatist leaders never wanted the genuine development of Kashmiris.

The sense of alienation, coupled with economic underdevelopment, created fertile ground for Pakistan to gain influence in Kashmir. Pakistan strategically cultivated a robust network in the region, intertwining with proxy terrorist groups—both local and foreign—and their Ground Worker network, separatist Hurriyat, Islamist organizations like Jamaat-i-Islami, Hawala operators, and separatist politicians. This intricately connected and internally cohesive constituency empowered Pakistan to establish, sustain, and expand its intelligence network, deeply infiltrating the state administration and intelligence agencies. It also helped ISI with timely insights into changing social, political, and security-related developments, allowing them to exploit the situation in Kashmir to bleed India. Kashmir was a jugular vein of the Pakistan army to justify its disproportionate share of the budget and overweening control over the polity, economy, and society.

Nevertheless, the Indian government's unexpected move on the 5th of August 2019 caught Pakistan completely off guard. It was a significant intelligence failure for both Pakistan and ISI's powerful terror network in Kashmir. The government's subsequent measures not only maintained peace in the valley but also garnered cooperation in implementing the abrogation decision on the ground. The prevailing weariness among local militants played into India's favour, as ordinary people in the valley had grown tired of prolonged conflict. Additionally, Kashmiris had come to the realization that Pakistan was sacrificing local youth for its geopolitical interests. Beyond effectively managing the situation, it is the timing of the move that deserves credit, showcasing the government's strategic and futuristic thinking capabilities.

Back in 2019, as the US prepared to withdraw from Afghanistan, the looming threat of Taliban and IS-KP fighters aligning with ISI's Kashmir-centric terrorist groups raised significant concerns. This potential collaboration posed a risk of Pakistan pushing radicals toward the Indian border. Also, President Trump's vague statements on mediating the Kashmir issue heightened India's concerns. Against this backdrop, the NDA government, enjoying a full majority in the Lok Sabha after fresh elections, took decisive action by abrogating Article 370 and Article 35A. During the same time, Pakistan’s compulsions with the Paris-based watchdog, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), resulted in the drying up of Pakistani sponsorship to terror outfits in terms of funds and weaponry.

Post-abrogation, efforts were concentrated on addressing internal security, focusing on identifying and neutralizing hardcore militants through arrests or targeted encounters in their hideouts. Dealing with the involvement of young individuals in stone-pelting required a nuanced approach, involving community leaders to facilitate arrests and secure commitments to avoid trouble. On the global stage after the revocation, India faced a month long diplomatic challenge at various multilateral platforms. Despite that, India successfully navigated these diplomatic issues either by garnering support or by refraining from outright opposition from most countries, with exceptions such as Pakistan, China, Turkey, and Malaysia. Notably, Turkey emerged as the most active supporter of Pakistan's agenda on the Kashmir issue. Also, Further, with India highlighting Pakistani involvement in sponsoring terror and destabilizing the country’s internal security, international perceptions gradually shifted. The 2016 Uri attack and the 2019 Pulwama attack further strengthened India’s case before the international community.

Nevertheless currently, Pakistan is resorting to the creation of front organizations, such as The Resistance Front (TRF). Consequently, LeT and JeM have taken a backseat, and most terrorist attacks are now claimed by these front organizations. These entities deliberately adopt secular names, presenting themselves as local and homegrown militant groups opposing the abrogation of Article 370, aiming to control the global narrative in the propaganda war. Pakistan's strategy includes appealing to international human rights and advocacy groups by secularizing these efforts. These groups effectively utilize social media to assert their presence, recruit youth, perpetuate resentment as a prevailing narrative, and engage in psychological operations to demoralize security forces. Concurrently, the drug menace in the region is witnessing an alarming rise.

Despite the above issues, Kashmir has traversed long. The once prevailing atmosphere of guns, fear, and jihad has given way to relative peace, marked by the resurgence of sports and entertainment in the Valley. Hinterland tourists are flocking to the Union Territory without the constant fear of sudden attacks by pro-Pakistan terror groups. The government's efforts to integrate Jammu and Kashmir without alienating locals include strengthening democratic institutions at the grassroots level. A new generation of leaders has emerged, promoting democracy as a means to diminish the appeal of violence perpetrated by armed organizations, yielding tangible results. 

Notably, even staunch opponents, such as Shehla Rashid, a former vice-president of the JNU Students' Union and a petitioner challenging the constitutional validity of the Article 370 abrogation, have applauded the move and praised the government. Rayees Mattoo, the brother of a wanted Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist, Javed Mattoo, spoke positively about waving the Tricolor ahead of Independence Day, commending the government for bringing development to the region. Additionally, for the first time in 70 years, Jammu and Kashmir hosted an international event like the G-20, providing an opportunity to showcase its market prospects, ecotourism ventures, and cultural assets to leading global nations.

Everything aside, witnessing Kashmir prosper alongside the rest of India is nothing short of an absolute dream come true. In a world ravaged by war, it makes us emotional to see peace emerge from past violence. "Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat." Jai Hind.