From Article 370 to New Union Territories: Residents Share Their Views

Lucknow, August 4 – Seven years after the historic revocation of Article 370, residents of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir voice mixed but largely hopeful opinions about the changes that have unfolded.

The original accession in 1947, signed by Maharaja Hari Singh, set the stage for a unique constitutional arrangement that lasted for decades. With the August 2019 order, the special provisions were scrapped and the region was divided into the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Community organizer Vimal Mehra reports that the flag‑raising campaigns have become commonplace, especially at the iconic Lal Chowk, where the Indian tricolour now flies high. "We see tourists taking selfies with the flag, and families gathering for religious festivals without fear," she said.

Former separatist sympathizer Deepak Singh notes a sharp decline in protests and a 90‑percent fall in stone‑throwing incidents. "The narrative of separatism that once drove daily shutdowns has lost its audience," he explained.

Business representatives such as Arun Gupta point to improved connectivity, with new rail lines reaching valley towns and a steady influx of visitors to heritage sites. Despite occasional security alerts, the Chamber believes the region is on a path toward sustainable growth.

Leaders of displaced communities, including Shri Puruṣottam Dadhich, highlight that the erstwhile denial of voting rights and government jobs has ended. "Now we can participate in elections, and political parties are courting our votes," he said, adding that a newfound sense of peace pervades the hills.

While challenges remain, the collective narrative suggests that the constitutional shift has set Jammu and Kashmir on a trajectory toward greater integration, economic development and social harmony.