Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that the abrogation of Article 370 has paved the way for finding a lasting solution to the Kashmir problem. He asserted that the decision taken in August 2019 has not only reduced violence but has also created an atmosphere of peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at a function in New Delhi, Shah, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that after the constitutional change, the Central Government framed a detailed policy with a clear focus on development, better education opportunities, and poverty alleviation. Along with these steps, he said, a strong and coordinated security strategy was also put in place to counter Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and to ensure long-term peace in the Union Territory.
The Home Minister highlighted that the results of this policy are clearly visible on the ground. He said that between 2004 and 2014, more than 7,300 violent incidents took place in Jammu and Kashmir. That figure has now come down to 1,800. He further informed that the deaths of security personnel have decreased by 65 percent, while the number of civilian deaths has dropped by 77 percent, showing a sharp improvement in the security situation.
Amit Shah also spoke about the political transformation of Jammu and Kashmir in recent years. He said that for the first time since Independence, panchayat elections were conducted successfully in the region with massive participation of the people. He recalled that earlier there used to be a time when Members of Parliament were elected with barely 10,000 votes because most people boycotted the elections. “That phase has now changed,” he said, adding that during the district and taluka panchayat president elections, voter turnout reached 99.8 percent. He pointed out that the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections also saw huge participation from the public, which reflected the growing trust of the people in democratic processes.
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The Home Minister said that with the implementation of all central laws in Jammu and Kashmir, the region has now become a full part of the mainstream governance framework of the country. Every law of India is now equally applicable in the Union Territory, he added. According to him, this has brought new opportunities for development and equal rights to the people of J&K, something that was not possible earlier under Article 370.
Amit Shah concluded by stating that the government is firmly committed to resolving the Kashmir problem once and for all. He said the combined focus on development, education, poverty reduction, and strict action against terrorism is helping to ensure lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir. He described this as the beginning of a new chapter for the region, where both peace and progress can go hand in hand.
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