OTV reality check: Changes witnessed in Jammu & Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370

Following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the smooth conduct of Assembly elections, OTV recently had a ground reality check about the changes in Jammu and Kashmir.

Five years after the revocation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir is reportedly at an inflection point of development with a significant reduction in terrorist activities with the normalization of the law and order situation. The security personnel are giving a tough time to the terrorists in case of sporadic terrorist attack cases. 

In the latest incident, as many as five terrorists were killed in an encounter by the security personnel in Kulgam area on Wednesday and the ghat is now devoid of terrorists.

A new government has been formed in last October. Following the smooth completion of the elections, the confidence of the people in the administration has been bolstered. Elaborate changes have been brought into the security system. Stone pelting incidents have also been drastically reduced in the valley.

Read Also: Historic time after abrogation of Article 370 and leading force: Odia IPS officer and J&K DGP

“Tourists are coming in large numbers to Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370. As a result, people depending upon the tourism industry are getting good earnings,” said Mudasar, a resident of Srinagar.

“The situation has become completely normal in the valley following the abrogation of Article 370. As a result, the flow of tourists has increased significantly,” said a driver in Srinagar.

Now, tourism season is going on in Jammu and Kashmir which is popularly known as the heaven on the earth. Tourists from different parts of the country and across the globe are thronging Srinagar in large numbers to enjoy its scenic beauty. The tourists are getting themselves engrossed amid the beauty of picturesque green meadows, tall snowcapped mountains, streams, springs, lakes and rivers without having any fear in their minds. They are enjoying the beautiful places in Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. The famous Dal Lake in Srinagar is also attracting many tourists who are enjoying boating in the sprawling water of the lake.

There are some islands and tourist destinations inside the huge Dal Lake covering 26 square km area. After enjoying boating in the lake, many tourists are also getting indulged in marketing activities. Local residents are getting the opportunities to earn their livelihood following an increase in the number of tourists in the valley.

“It is really exciting to ride boats and market inside the Dal Lake. There is not much security here and we don’t have any fear in our minds while enjoying our time here,” said Asif, a tourist from Delhi.

“Everything is good here. We are really engrossed in the scenic beauty of the place and enjoying our time up to the hilt here,” said Swati, a tourist from Karnataka.