I believe a Messiah emerged from Gujarat, one who led Kashmiris out of the grip of violence and terrorism. This Messiah embodied a strong political will to integrate JKUT with the rest of the country and eradicate terrorism once and for all from Kashmir. The Messiah was none other than PM Modi himself. In this article, I will uncover how PM Modi has dedicated selfless efforts to transform Kashmir once again into a ‘Paradise on Earth’.
Israar Shahid
Known for its breathtaking natural beauty and enchanting climate, Kashmir has long held the well-deserved moniker of the ‘Paradise on Earth.’ Regrettably, the region remained plagued by terrorism, unrest, and violence for almost six decades, causing it to lose some of its heavenly charm along the way. It was a place where terrorists, in collusion with their associates, coerced young women into marriages against their will, often at gunpoint. The land was forcibly seized from landowners, people were given an ultimatum to provide money or offer up one of their children to join the ranks of the militants. It was a place where armed individuals would intrude into homes even at 3 AM, demanding food and shelter from helpless families. All of this transpired at the barrel of a gun, orchestrated by these militants. Over the course of six decades, successive Central and State governments struggled to develop effective strategies to combat terrorism in Kashmir. The levels of terrorist activities often fluctuated, with periods of heightened violence followed by relative calm. When terroristic activities, akin to those of the 1990s, became uncommon, there was a false sense that the problem had been resolved. However, this was a misconception, as terrorism had merely evolved and changed its form. While the terrorists themselves may not have been as visible, their sympathizers found shelter in the form of government security, official accommodations, and even full ministerial protocol, for reasons known best to the authorities, but often perceived by the public as motivated by electoral considerations.
Hence, a common Kashmiri always found himself on the fringes of despair and in the midst of vicious violence. The previous governments, whether central or state, never found a proper modus operandi to eliminate terrorism from its roots in J&K. Local regional parties have consistently betrayed Kashmiris by telling them lies and giving false hope. As the saying goes, ‘God sends a Messiah for his people who are in trouble.’ I believe a Messiah emerged from Gujarat, one who led Kashmiris out of the grip of violence and terrorism.This Messiah embodied a strong political will to integrate J&K with the rest of the country and eradicate terrorism once and for all from Kashmir. The Messiah was none other than PM Modi himself. In this article, I will uncover how PM Modi has dedicated selfless efforts to transform Kashmir once again into a ‘Paradise on Earth’.
- Historic Abrogation of Article 370: On 5th August 2019, a historic decision was declared on the floor of the house, announcing the abrogation of Article 370. This decision has proven to be a sigh of relief for Kashmir, as post-abrogation, the valley has witnessed peace, progress, and prosperity. The political class sold us dreams in the name of Article 370, but as a common Kashmiri, I realize the loss was theirs, not ours. Peace matters more than political games. Kashmir has witnessed progress and development post the abrogation of Article 370. Commoners now breathe in an air of peace, unlike the pre-2019 era. Students go to their colleges daily, businesses run smoothly, and the voices of peace echo in every nook and corner of the valley. This is what every Kashmiri had longed for almost 70 years, and they attained it only after the abrogation.
For a common Kashmiri, no article or special status holds significance if their last name isn’t Abdullah or Mufti. They can’t imagine their sons studying in the US or the UK; for them, colleges in Kashmir are like Harvard and Stanford. Their aspiration has always been for peace, allowing their children to attend college regularly and secure good jobs. Post-abrogation, they have experienced this peace, and for them, witnessing their sons attending college daily is a dream come true, with no consideration for Article 370.
Article 370 has only fueled secessionist sentiments in Kashmir, offering little tangible benefit to the common people. Its primary beneficiaries were the political elites of Kashmir, raising questions about their campaign platforms now, as they seem to lack substantial feats. The ordinary and economically disadvantaged Kashmiri desired basic aspirations: education for their children, thriving businesses, and an atmosphere of peace. Post-abrogation, these desires have materialized, making Article 370 a historical relic for the common Kashmiri.
The peace that followed the abrogation attracted a significant number of more than 2 crore tourists to Kashmir in 2023—the highest since independence. This surge in visitors was undoubtedly a result of the prevailing peace, opening economic opportunities for common Kashmiris, such as ‘Shikara owners,’ ‘Kehwa sellers,’ and other hotel proprietors. The hosting of the G20 summit in Srinagar and the Legends League Cricket tournament in Jammu showcased this newfound peace on an international level. The absence of the Hartaal culture is now evident, and every Kashmiri embraces this peace, a change that was only realized after the abrogation of Article 370.
- Transparency and Accountability: Another challenge that Kashmir grappled with before 2019 was a lack of accountability and transparency. Jobs were often allocated to the highest bidder or to the relatives of politicians, disregarding the aspirations of the underprivileged. Merit was openly disregarded, and individuals associated with terrorist groups were appointed to significant administrative roles. There was a pervasive lack of scrutiny regarding officers engaging in corrupt practices or expressing anti-national sentiments on their social media platforms while holding official positions. Sympathizers of terrorists were provided government security and accommodation, operating against the country with impunity.
Fortunately, these issues are now consigned to the past. Presently, government offices exhibit punctuality, instances of bribery are minimal, job opportunities are based on meritocracy, and there is a conspicuous absence of anti-national elements in higher offices or those provided safe havens with security covers. The implementation of biometric attendance systems in offices, the display of “No Corruption” posters in every office, and the equal treatment of all individuals further attest to the positive changes. Credit for these transformations is rightfully attributed to PM Modi, who has turned once-imagined dreams into reality for the people of J&K.
- First-Time Since Independence: Under the resolute leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Modi Ji, a wave of transformative infrastructural developments has unfolded in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a historic milestone since independence. While my aim is to cover a myriad of these developments in my article, length constraints may necessitate some omissions. Let’s commence by highlighting villages that have experienced newfound road connectivity under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) for the first time.
The remote village of Poonch joyously celebrated the inauguration of its first-ever road, connecting Chella Dhangri village to Atoli. Notably, Takiya, Durri, and Dabar hamlets in Bhadarkote, Karnah, have achieved road connectivity for the first time since independence. Similarly, Kalakot in Rajouri, Kanwani in Pulwama, and Budhal in Rajouri, including remote areas of Rajouri in Kotdwara Panchyat, celebrated the installation of a 40-meter bridge, a historic first. Further, Marta village in Udhampur now boasts road connectivity for the first time post-independence, and the list extends.
In an epoch of modernization, where the world is at our fingertips through mobile phones, certain villages were regrettably left behind in terms of mobile network connectivity for their 70 years of existence. Their connection with the mobile network was unprecedented, including villages like Macchil, Teetwal, Karnah of Kupwara, Bandpawa of Shopian, Inshan area of Warwan in Kishtwar, Rampura of Sopore, and more.
Recognizing the essentiality of water in life, the past political regimes left some villages devoid of tap water, a void now filled by the PM’s scheme Jal Jeevan Mission. Notably, Kashpot and Kilshay villages of Tulail in Bandipora have received tap water for the first time after independence. Other villages, such as Batlan, Chambra, Darya villages of Karnah, Waevan village of Bandipora, Chak Kamad of Anantnag, and beyond, have also benefited from this initiative.
These remarkable achievements under PM Modi’s leadership raise significant questions about the effectiveness of past political regimes. One cannot help but wonder why these basic facilities were not provided to these villages despite the presence of numerous human resources and representatives in the past. Does this not suggest that Kashmiris may have chosen leaders who were perhaps less competent? It’s noteworthy that without a political representative (MLA or MLC), PM Modi has achieved substantial progress. One can only imagine the potential impact with his elected MLAs and MPs supporting his initiatives.
The PM-GKAY scheme has emerged as a beacon of hope for impoverished families, providing them with free ration to sustain themselves and their children. The Ayushman Card, also known as the Golden Card, has lifted the spirits of economically challenged Kashmiris by offering the promise of free medical treatment in any hospital. The Ujjwala Gas Scheme has not only brought relief to our mothers and sisters but has also replaced the old chimney system, reducing harm to both health and the environment. Efficient and transparent examination processes have ensured equal treatment and opportunities for everyone. Notably, the result of JKAS was declared within half an hour of the interview process in the past two years, leaving no room for manipulation. The realization of the much-anticipated railway connecting Kashmir with Jammu and other parts of the country is a dream come true for the people of Kashmir. The implementation of grassroots democracy has played a pivotal role in addressing public issues at the lowest levels. The UMEED scheme under the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM), a centrally sponsored initiative, has empowered women, fostering self-dependence and self-sufficiency. Furthermore, the Smart City project has transformed Srinagar into an aesthetic marvel, making it a magnet for tourists. While the list of achievements is extensive, the constraints of article length necessitate a concise overview of these transformative initiatives.
Bottomline:
In conclusion, the tireless efforts of Prime Minister Modi over the past four years for the betterment of Kashmir have yielded substantial results, prompting reflection on how previous regimes may have politically and emotionally misled us. As a mature student in one of the colleges in Srinagar, I am profoundly grateful to the Honorable PM for creating an environment where we can attend our schools and colleges six days a week. This is a stark contrast to the past, where my father faced threats from armed individuals forcing him to close his shop shutters, and where my mother and sister can now move about freely without fear. The days of hearing phrases like “Call Hai Hartaal Hai Hartaal Hai” have become a distant memory, replaced by an atmosphere of peace, progress, and development. We now breathe in the air of a Kashmir that is embracing positive change. Prime Minister Modi, in his visionary leadership, is not only making a significant impact on a national level but is also emerging as a global leader. In sum, I am compelled to say, “MODI HAI TO MUMKINN HAI” – with Modi, everything is possible.
The Writer is a student activist and can be reached at [email protected]
