Q. Separatist movements have been one of the major factors contributing to militancy and instability in Jammu & Kashmir (J & K). Bring out actions taken by the Government to bring J & K into national mainstream. Discuss pre and post abrogation status of Articles 370 and 35A. Also bring out positive impacts of abrogation of both articles in mainstreaming the state.
Question from UPSC Mains 2026 GS3 Paper
Model Answer:
Separatism in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) historically fostered cross-border proxy warfare, governance alienation, and radicalization. The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A via the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, marked a paradigm shift toward absolute constitutional and socio-economic integration.
1. Multi-Pronged Government Actions for Mainstreaming
- Dismantling Terror Ecosystem: Strict crackdown on terror financing, asset seizures, and banning subversive outfits like Jamaat-e-Islami (NIA Act, UAPA).
- Democratic Decentralization: Institutionalized the 3-tier Panchayati Raj System via successful District Development Council (DDC) and Panchayat elections.
- Infrastructure & Economic Push: Execution of the ₹80,000-crore Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) and the New Industrial Policy attracting private investments.
- Civic Action & De-radicalization: Army’s Operation Sadbhavana, Mission Youth, and sports infrastructure development to channel youth aspirations away from militancy.
2. Pre vs. Post-Abrogation Status of Articles 370 & 35A
| Parameter | Pre-Abrogation (Prior to August 2019) | Post-Abrogation (Present Status) |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Status | Dual constitution, separate state flag; limited applicability of Parliament’s laws. | Single Constitution of India (One Nation, One Constitution); all central laws apply. |
| Property & Domicile | Article 35A restricted land ownership and state jobs strictly to “Permanent Residents”. | Uniform Domicile Rules; all Indian citizens can buy land and seek employment. |
| Rights & Reservation | Denied reservations to Valmikis, West Pak Refugees; women lost property rights if marrying non-locals. | Full application of progressive laws (RTE, PoCSO, SC/ST/OBC Reservations, Forest Rights Act); gender parity ensured. |
3. Positive Impacts on Mainstreaming
- Collapse of Separatist Apparatus: Complete cessation of organized stone-pelting, shutdown calendars (hartals), and a sharp decline in youth joining militancy.
- Economic Re-anchoring & Tourism: Record tourist arrivals (>2.1 crore in 2023) and global branding through the Srinagar G20 Tourism Working Group meet.
- Democratic Re-engagement: Historic voter turnout in 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, decisively replacing ballot boycotts with political participation.
Dismantling constitutional exceptionalism has structurally neutralized separatism. Sustaining these gains requires continuous industrialization, robust local governance, and long-term socio-political reconciliation.
