Closing Chapter Of Separatism & Violence In Kashmir

Azadi Narrative Transforms into Progress Agenda in Kashmir

 

Tariq Bhat

Those  who once championed the narrative of Azadi and pro-Pakistan agendas have now altered their stance towards advocating development and progress.

 

 

 

After the abrogation of Article 370, valley has experienced substantial changes, marking a turning point in the decades-long discourse. Although there is still much development work to be done, the primary issue of anti-India sentiments once fueled by certain groups has been fundamentally transformed.

 

 

 

Many have come to the realization that there is no viable alternative but to integrate with India.

 

 

 

 

 

The revocation of Article 370 has, in effect, opened the eyes of those who were previously pushing propaganda against the country.

 

 

 

 

Pakistan, too, has been taken aback by the significant rise in voter turnout in the Valley, signaling a complete shift in the political mindset. What was once a call for Azadi has now evolved into a pro-India narrative.

 

 

 

 

 

 

One journalist from an international media outlet stated that Pakistan had long driven the Azadi movement, funneling large sums of money to sustain it. When the Indian government cracked down on money laundering and tightened border security, the movement began to collapse. According to this journalist, the movement survived only because Pakistan was actively pumping resources into it.

 

 

 

 

 

A former stone-pelter, who had once led protests against the police and army, shared his story. “I was leading stone-pelting against the forces,” he said, “but later I realized, what was I throwing stones for?” He reflected on how the Azadi narrative has lost its last breath now that even separatist groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami, are participating in the election process. He noted that the younger generation now understands that it was only a “money game” and that they had been used as tools to fuel unrest.

 

 

 

 

 

Credit for this change also goes to the security forces, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir Police, who over the past decade have focused on grassroots counseling of the youth. Their efforts have had a profound positive impact on the ground, contributing to the overall shift in sentiment within the Valley.

 

 

 

 

This transformation marks the closing chapter of the separatist narrative and the beginning of a new era focused on development, peace, and integration with the Indian state…