On 8th Oct, 2024 the final result of Assembly Elections declared by the Election Commission of India. These assembly elections were conducted in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir.
However, Assembly Elections of Jammu & Kashmir were significant. Because for the first time the assembly elections were being conducted after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
Last time the assembly elections in J&K were held in 2014 and currently the assembly elections have been conducted almost after 10 years.
Hence these elections were not only important for the people of Jammu & Kashmir but also for the entire country. Now regional issues and problems of the region can be solved for the development of the Jammu and Kashmir comprehensively.
The elections in Jammu and Kashmir were conducted in three phases for 90 seats. According to poll panel data 63.45 per cent voter turnout was recorded in this elections which was remarkable.
Evolution of Jammu & Kashmir?
When the British were leaving India, during that time, India was majorly divided into two parts, some of the territories were under the control of the British and others were 565 princely states.
But the defence, communication and foreign affairs of all these princely states were also handled by the British.
The Mountbatten Plan was introduced by the British to create two dominion states while leaving India.
Under the Mountbatten Plan, it was decided to divide British India in two dominion states, India and Pakistan. It means only British territories were to be divided while other princely states were given liberty to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent.
Accordingly, India Independence Act, 1947 was implemented and India and Pakistan was created.
Most of the princely states also joined India. Sardar Valabhbhai Patel played a significant role in the unification and integration of India.
However, Jammu and Kashmir, Junagadh and Hyderabad were not clear about their choice.
Eventually Hyderabad and Junagadh joined India but Jammu and Kashmir decided to remain independent. Because the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir Maharaja Hari Singh was concerned about his reign. He thought that He would lose all his powers.
But the MaharajaHari Singh offered a ‘Standstill Agreement’ to both India & Pakistan. And Pakistan signed that agreement but India didn’t respond.
In Oct, 1947 Pakistan invaded Kashmir and breached the agreement. The Maharaja Hari Singh appealed to India for Help.
Then India said, we can’t protect Jammu & Kashmir unless it is Integral part of India.
Thus on 26th Oct, 1947 Maharaja Hari Singh signed an ‘Instrument of Accession’ and Jammu and Kashmir became part of India. Under that, state surrendered defence, communication and foreign affairs to the dominion of India.
As it became part of India, the army was sent in Jammu and Kashmir to protect the region.
Subsequently a series of reforms such as the Delhi Agreement, Article 370 and Article 35-A were introduced for integrated and comprehensive development of the region.
What was the ‘Article 370?‘
- Article 370 had provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
- The provision was based on ‘Instrument of Accession’ which was signed by the ruler of J&K, Maharaja Hari Singh in 1947.
- Under this Article Jammu & Kashmir was allowed to have its constitution, flag and autonomy over most of the matters except defence, communication and foreign affairs.
Why was ‘Article 370’ Removed?
- There was a need to enhance national security to deal with Cross-border terrorism and infiltration on LOC (Line of Control) and LAC (Line of Actual Control).
- The ineffective governance and the administration had been a challenge for the machineries. It resulted in non-integration and underdevelopment of Jammu and Kashmir compare to the rest of India.
- Jammu & Kashmir was constantly facing internal disturbance and political instability. That was leading to poor economic growth, high unemployment and collapse of local industries of the region.
- There was a need for infrastructure development, economic growth and opportunities for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
Changes After Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act,2019
- It repealed Article 370 of the Constitution which used to provide special status to J & K.
- Under the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act,2019 two Union Territories were created. First, Jammu & Kashmir with a Legislature and second, Ladakh without legislature. An Amendment was made to the first schedule of the Indian constitution.
- Section 13 of the Reorganisation Act,2019 stated that Article 239 A of the Constitution, which provides for the administration of the UT of Puducherry, shall also be applied to the UT of Jammu & Kashmir.
- Centre’s Law making power was extended with respect to cover several other subjects in the Union List.
Impacts after Abrogation of ‘Article 370‘
- Since the abrogation of Article 370 the terror activities, stone pelting and violent protests have significantly declined.
- Tourism has increased exponentially, last year 21.1 million tourists visited in 2023 which gave boost to the local economy of the region.
- The government heavily investing for the infrastructure development to enhance connectivity of the region.
- That entire region has received Rs. 5,656 Crore in investments across various sectors.
- Electoral participation of the people recorded highest voter turnout in a 2024 Lok Sabha poll in 35 years and 63.45 per cent voter turnout was recorded in assembly election, according to poll panel data.
However, the recent terrorist attack on the Indian army and pilgrims convoy in Jammu raised concern. The bifurcation has created administrative challenges for the Ladakh. The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council is demanding inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for the effective administration and sustainable development of Ladakh.
Now the situation of Jammu and Kashmir can be improved through active local participation and integration of Locals. The Legislature of Jammu and Kashmir is already on the way to comprehensive development of the region.
There is a need to provide a viable solution for Ladakh as well so that both of these Union Territories can flourish together.