IN Jammu and Kashmir, the concept of normalcy is understood as achieving peace, stability, and the restoration of everyday life without disruptions or conflicts. Given the region’s history of political tensions and unrest, normalcy would mean a state where residents experience a sense of security, freedom of movement, respect for human rights, and opportunities for economic development.
On August 5, 2019, the Government of India made a historic move by abrogating Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir region. However, this decision has been considered a most controversial actions taken by the Indian government in recent history, with far-reaching effects and consequences on the region’s political, social, and economic landscape. The Modi-led BJP administration asserted that revoking Kashmir’s special status would lead to development and an end to violence in the disputed region.
Since the revocation of Article 370, India havebeen promoting the narrative of returning normalcy in the region. In reality, the situation in the occupied territory is deteriorating day by day due to the Indian government’s rigid policies. Although India claims that normalcy has returned to IIOJK to divert global attention from severe human rights abuses by Indian forces, it simultaneously continues to deploy military equipment in the region.IIOJK has become the most heavily militarized zone in the world, with over 1 million Indian troops stationed there.While the government claimed that deploying forces in IIOJK was meant to maintain law and order, critics argued that it led to human rights violations and suppressed dissent.
Historically, Article 370, introduced in 1949, granted Jammu and Kashmir special status with its own constitution, flag, and autonomy over internal matters, excluding defense, foreign affairs, finance, and communications. Its abrogation removed this special status, placing the region under the same constitutional provisions as the rest of India and nullifying Article 35A, which defined “permanent residents” and their rights. Consequently, Jammu and Kashmir was divided into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
It is pertinent to mention that before the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, only residents of Jammu and Kashmir could buy land and apply for government jobs there. The Modi regime’s removal of J&K’s special status and introduction of the J&K Grant of Domicile Certificate Rules, 2020, allowing non-locals to obtain domicile certificates, is deemed illegal by the UN. This move is viewed as an attempt to alter the region’s demographic composition. The Modi-led Indian government is making nefarious struggles to alter the demographic composition of IIOJK and impose its Hindutva agenda. By granting domicile certificates to non-Kashmiris, India aims to shift the region’s Muslim majority to a minority. The revocation of Article 370 is viewed as part of a broader strategy to undermine the identity of Kashmiris.
India’s claim of normalcy in IIOJK is exposed by international human rights organizations, which highlight that since 2019, the Modi government has severely curtailed freedom of expression. Press freedom has deteriorated, with increasing intimidation of journalists and the use of laws like the UAPA and PSA to silence critics. A new media policy introduced in May 2020 allows government censorship of all media, and pro-freedom leaders have been imprisoned to stifle genuine leadership. These measures have led to greater destruction, economic strain, and instability in IIOJK.
Kashmiris are suffering from hunger and poverty due to a lack of livelihoods, leading them to protest against Indian human rights violations and atrocities. The Ladakh population, once supportive of the abrogation of Article 370, is now demanding statehood and recognition. The frequent protests by Kashmiris, who face severe economic hardship, have debunked the myth of normalcy, security, and prosperity. The question of whether the abrogation of Article 370 brought normalcy to Jammu and Kashmir is complex and multifaceted. Many local residents, political leaders, and international observers argue that normalcy has not been restored, pointing to ongoing political disenfranchisement, human rights issues, and security concerns. Persistent security measures, although preventing large-scale violence, have created a sense of siege among the local population, with normal life and freedoms still severely restricted.
The Indian government must understand that true normalcy and peace in IIOJK cannot be achieved until Kashmiris are granted the right to self-determination. India must refrain from altering the demographic structure of the occupied territory, as this is a blatant violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions. India has a long history of using falsehoods as state policy, and this is not the first time the government has tried to deceive the international community with claims of normalcy in IIOJK.
To achieve normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, it is crucial for India to address the concerns of the local population and ensure their participation in decision-making processes. Promoting dialogue and reconciliation among different communities is also vital to foster a sense of unity and coexistence. The Indian government should consider several important steps. Firstly, it is crucial to focus on rebuilding trust and confidence among the local population by engaging in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders, including political leaders, civil society groups, and residents of Jammu and Kashmir. This dialogue should aim to address grievances, ensure the protection of human rights, and involve the people of the region in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
Secondly, the government should prioritize the restoration of essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir. By improving access to basic amenities and creating opportunities for economic growth, the government can help alleviate some of the challenges faced by the local population and contribute to the region’s stability and development.
Additionally, fostering an environment of inclusivity and diversity is essential in restoring normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir. The government should work towards promoting social harmony, respecting the cultural and religious diversity of the region, and ensuring equal opportunities for all residents. By addressing issues of discrimination and promoting unity among different communities, the government can help build a more cohesive and peaceful society in Jammu and Kashmir.
Instead of spreading the narrative of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, India should allow independent fact-finding missions, media, and rights groups to ascertain the real situation on the ground. Both India and the world need to realize that enduring peace in South Asia is possible only by resolving the Kashmir issue and granting the people of IIOJK their inalienable right to self-determination, as pledged in relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
—The author is a Research Scholar and Analyst based in Rawalpindi.
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