Jammu & Kashmir: A National Security Concern

Neutralization of Article 370 in 2019 has led to change in the policy approach of New Delhi towards Jammu and Kashmir. Thrust has been on capacity building and focus on infrastructural development. Not only that various national schemes that have the mandate to involve youth in terms of skill development, start-ups and entrepreneurship have become game changers. Mainstreaming the youth and indulge them in economic well-being of the society that have witnessed bloodshed and regression is the cardinal principle that guides this policy paradigm. It can be observed from the decisions taken post 370 neutralization that all spheres of public life are being infused with decisions that aim to integrate the people in the national mainstream. More than three decades of ethno religious conflict has wrecked the lives of the natives in Jammu and Kashmir. People need a life that is lived by progressive societies all over the globe and want to be the part of the economic boom. As India has entered the new phase of global leadership after taking over of G-20 presidentship. It is this backdrop that certain political decisions by the Home Ministry must be taken. It started with the ban on the Masarat Alam faction of the Jammu and Kashmir Muslim League under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for four years. Home Minister, Amit Shah in his tweet said that anyone acting against the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the nation will not be spared and will face the wrath of the law. Not only in Jammu and Kashmir but in Assam too, Home Minister also inked a pact with the pro talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) led by Arbinda Rajkhowa after it agreed to lay down arms and participate in the electoral process. Central Government is acting comprehensively to act against terrorism and secessionism across the nation to invest in peace and prevent bloodshed. Another significant development that gives the insight into the incumbent government’s policy to deal against subversion is the gazette notification of Union Home Ministry to ban the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir (TeH). Home Minister while justifying the ban on the TeH has said that the organization has been declared as an “Unlawful Association”. For indulging in forbidden activities to separate Jammu and Kashmir from India. It makes clear that series of these decisions has the imperative to set the space for the new policy premise that gives credence to national security and preparing the ground for socio-political environment that can set the ball rolling for the democratic process and invite participation of the mainstream groups in 2024.Centre is giving clear message Jammu and Kashmir watchers and those who want to invest in Jammu and Kashmir that the writ of the government is paramount ; when it comes to the national security. Only time will tell as to what will be the impact of these decisions when it comes to establishing peace in Jammu and Kashmir. For the time being, it can be internalized that the national security concern and the mainstreaming of the people in Jammu and Kashmir is top priority of the Modi government. Focus on multiplier effect of economy and socio-political inclusion of the people is the mainstay of Jammu and Kashmir policy implemented by the centre. Hope the new year 2024 ushers a new dawn of “Naya Jammu and Kashmir” for well being of all.