A new dawn of peace and prosperity, development, democracy and the Modi doctrine

By Ahmed Faraaz

X: @the_news_21

Srinagar: With bold reforms and sustained development, the Modi government has redefined Kashmir’s place in the Indian Union. Modi’s governance presents a holistic strategy to bridge gaps — physical, emotional, and political.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has significantly influenced the socio-economic and political fabric of Jammu and Kashmir, steering it toward a path of stability, development, and national integration. Under his leadership, various bold policy decisions, developmental initiatives, and peace-building efforts have reshaped the narrative around this sensitive and strategically important region.

The government’s vision, as evident through its actions, reflects a desire to turn Kashmir from a conflict-ridden territory into a thriving and integrated part of the Indian Union. This transformation is not only structural and infrastructural but also emotional and psychological, aiming to restore the faith of the people and revive the spirit of unity.

One of the most visible and transformative impacts of the Modi government in Kashmir has been the large-scale investment in infrastructure. Over the past decade, the region has witnessed an unprecedented focus on connectivity projects. The construction of all-weather roads, tunnels like the Zojila and Chenani-Nashri, and the extension of the railway network deep into the valley are bridging the once-isolated region with the rest of India.

These projects are not mere physical constructs; they symbolize the government’s commitment of   integrating Kashmir in both geography and spirit with the mainstream developmental agenda. Enhanced connectivity has eased travel, boosted trade, and opened up Kashmir’s markets and tourism sectors to new possibilities.

Education and employment have become central pillars of the Modi government’s Kashmir policy. The focus has shifted towards empowering the youth — often considered the most vulnerable to the effects of conflict through education, skill development, and employment. New institutions have been established, and existing ones upgraded to meet modern standards.

The government has also extended central schemes like Skill India, Digital India and Start-Up India to the region, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation among Kashmiri youth. These initiatives aim to give the younger generation alternatives to conflict, replacing stones with books and guns with laptops.

Employment opportunities in both government and private sectors have seen a rise, thereby reducing disillusionment and fostering hope. Tourism, long known as the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, has received a significant push under the Modi administration. Recognizing its economic and cultural importance, the government has taken proactive steps to revive this sector.

With improved security, infrastructure, and a deliberate attempt to brand Kashmir as a safe and picturesque destination, tourist footfall has seen a remarkable increase in recent years. Restoration of heritage sites, promotion of winter sports in Gulmarg, and local art and craft festivals have brought back the vibrancy that once defined Kashmiri hospitality. The revival of tourism is not only filling the coffers of the local economy but also reinstating a sense of normalcy in the region.

Perhaps the most contentious yet defining move of the Modi government has been the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A in August 2019. These constitutional provisions, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, were seen by the government as barriers to full integration and equal development.

The decision to revoke them was historic, controversial, and consequential. While it was met with mixed reactions both domestically and internationally, the government’s narrative has remained consistent — that it aims to bring equality, uniformity in law, and end a legacy of separatism.

Since the move, the region has witnessed a significant reduction in organized stone-pelting incidents and a general improvement in law and order. Peace, although fragile, appears more sustainable now than it has in decades. Security remains a crucial aspect of any discussion on Kashmir, and Modi’s government has not shied away from taking tough decisions.

The approach to national security has been firm, with a zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism and cross-border infiltration. Enhanced cooperation between the central forces and local police, along with increased intelligence surveillance, has curbed militancy to a great extent.

Rehabilitation programs for surrendered militants and community policing initiatives have also contributed to a more nuanced and humane approach to peacebuilding. The result is visible in the increase in tourist arrivals, resumption of political activities, and an overall sense of calm in previously volatile areas.

Complementing these larger policy decisions are the numerous welfare schemes launched by the central government. Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest health insurance scheme, has extended its benefits to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring free treatment at empanelled hospitals.

Housing schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) have brought dreams of owning a home within reach for thousands of poor families. Financial inclusion through Jan Dhan Yojana (JDY) and direct benefit transfers (DBT) have minimized corruption and ensured that aid reaches the last person in the queue.

These programs are not just welfare measures; they are instruments of trust-building between the state and its citizens. The cumulative effect of these initiatives is slowly but steadily transforming Kashmir. What was once considered a region locked in perpetual strife is now showing signs of a turnaround?

Schools and markets remain open, festivals are celebrated with greater fervour, tourists are returning, and most importantly, conversations around aspirations, education, and development are gaining traction over discussions of violence and separatism. However, it would be unrealistic to paint an entirely rosy picture.

Challenges remain — political uncertainty, questions around representation and identity, and pockets of alienation still persist. Yet, the groundwork laid by the Modi government has created a framework within which solutions can be negotiated peacefully. The emphasis on development, governance, and dignity is gradually replacing the rhetoric of victimhood and exclusion.

As in outline, Prime Minister Modi’s approach to Kashmir represents a paradigm shift — one that is rooted in the belief that development, equality, and strong governance are the best antidotes to conflict and unrest.

By combining infrastructure development with social welfare, promoting peace with firmness in security, and restoring democratic processes with greater accountability, the Modi government has not only influenced the current trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir but also redefined its possibilities. The vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and fully integrated Kashmir, once considered a distant dream, is inching closer to reality under his leadership.

About the Author – the author can be reached at: ahmedfaraaz@gmail.com