The J&K: Then & Now – A Story of Transformation and Hope

For decades, Jammu & Kashmir stood as a paradox, a land of unmatched natural beauty yet weighed down by conflict, political vacuum, and underdevelopment. But in the last decade, the region has witnessed a profound shift, from uncertainty to aspiration, from isolation to integration. The story of Jammu & Kashmir under the Modi-led government is not merely a tale of administrative change; it's a narrative of people, their progress, and a new dawn of possibilities.

- MD BHAT

Then: A Valley in Waiting: Prior to 2014, Jammu & Kashmir bore the scars of political instability, frequent shutdowns, stalled development projects, and limited economic prospects. The state's special status under Article 370, often projected as a symbol of autonomy, ended up isolating it from the rest of the nation in many ways. Laws that protected rights of minorities, women, and economically weaker sections across India, didn't fully apply to J&K. Young people, despite being talented and ambitious, had limited avenues. Tourism, once a proud economic lifeline was often crippled by unrest and travel advisories. The sentiment of alienation lingered across many hearts.

It was not just the infrastructure that was suffering, it was the people’s morale.

Now: A Valley of New Beginnings: The turning point came in August 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated and Jammu & Kashmir was reorganized into two Union Territories, J&K and Ladakh. For some, it was a political decision. But for most on the ground, it marked the beginning of long-awaited change.

Today, the air in Jammu & Kashmir feels different. There's less fear and more forward-looking conversations. Here are some real markers of that change: