The Cost of Terrorism we paid for is; J&K’s Altered Destiny

What has J&K gained from three decades of bloodshed? The answer is disheartening. Instead of achieving greater autonomy or self-determination, the region has experienced repeated downgrading and devaluation. The dream of freedom has given way to the harsh realities of economic stagnation, social disintegration, and political subjugation. Terrorism has not only failed to deliver on its promises but has actively undermined the very fabric of J&K’s identity.

The journey of J&K’s diminishing autonomy began long before the insurgency took root. From 1953 to 1965, significant changes were made to the political structure of the region. The titles of Sadr-e-Riyasat (Head of State) and Wazeer-e-Azam (Prime Minister of J&K) were replaced by Governor and Chief Minister, respectively, aligning J&K’s governance with the rest of India. These changes eroded the unique semi-autonomous status that J&K had enjoyed under Article 370, laying the groundwork for future centralization.

However, the greatest blow to J&K’s autonomy and status came in the form of terrorism, which gripped the region from the late 1980s onward. The insurgency claimed countless lives, led to the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, and devastated the region’s infrastructure. Rather than bringing about the aspirations of freedom and self-determination, terrorism only accelerated the region’s decline. The culmination of this trajectory was the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the downgrading of J&K to a Union Territory.

While terrorism wreaked havoc for decades, certain high-profile attacks served as turning points in the narrative of J&K. The Uri attack (2016), the Nagrota attack (2016), and most notably, the Pulwama attack (2019) underscored the escalating threat posed by terrorism and the urgent need for decisive action.       

The Pulwama attack, where a suicide bomber targeted a convoy of CRPF personnel, killing 40 soldiers, marked a critical moment. This incident not only claimed innocent lives but also galvanized national sentiment, pushing the government towards a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. It highlighted the pressing need to dismantle the infrastructure of terror, both within and outside the region. The subsequent Balakot airstrike, targeting terrorist training camps in Pakistan, reflected a new resolve in India’s counterterrorism strategy.

Those who support terrorism often say that Pulwama attack was a preplanned attack by some vested interests to influence the parliamentary elections. However, such claims fail to account for the undeniable evidence presented by the perpetrators themselves. The Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) released a video message from the suicide bomber, Adil Ahmad Dar, in which he declared, “I will be in heaven when you watch this message.” This was followed by another message from JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar in Pakistan, who praised Dar for carrying out the attack and proclaimed that “an adult Adil Ahmad Dar from Kashmir has taught India a lesson.” These chilling admissions unequivocally link the attack to JeM, exposing the baselessness of conspiracy theories that divert attention from the real issue of cross-border terrorism.

The economic fallout of terrorism in J&K has been staggering. Tourism, once the backbone of the region’s economy, was crippled as violence escalated. The pristine valleys and snow-capped peaks, which once drew visitors from around the world, became inaccessible due to grenade attacks, ambushes, and an overarching climate of fear. Hotels and businesses dependent on tourism shuttered their doors, and countless livelihoods were lost. Terrorism turned the “Paradise on Earth” into a land of despair.

The social impact was equally devastating. The exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s remains one of the darkest chapters in J&K’s history. Thousands of Pandit families were forced to flee their ancestral homes, leaving behind their heritage and belongings, as militants targeted them in a brutal campaign of ethnic cleansing. This mass displacement fractured the social fabric of J&K and created a void that has yet to be filled.

Innocent lives became collateral damage in the conflict. Grenade attacks in crowded marketplaces, assassinations of political figures, and the brutal targeting of individuals who refused to conform to the separatist narrative painted a grim picture of life in the valley. Families were torn apart as loved ones were killed or disappeared, leaving a legacy of pain and unresolved grief. Those who dared to oppose terrorism—be it through collaboration with the government or simply by refusing to support the insurgency—faced threats, ostracization, and even death.

One poignant example of the brutality inflicted by terrorism is the targeting of individuals who sought to maintain communal harmony or engage in political processes. Teachers, local leaders, and civilians often found themselves on hit lists for defying the separatist agenda. The silencing of dissent through violence became a recurring theme, stifling progress and dialogue.

The political landscape of J&K also underwent significant transformations due to terrorism. The National Conference (NC), a party that has long advocated for autonomy, found itself navigating these turbulent waters. Despite its rhetoric, the NC’s actions have often aligned with the political realities imposed by the center. From early compromises that facilitated centralization to accepting Union Territory status in 2019, the NC’s trajectory highlights the paradoxes of J&K’s political narrative. Omar Abdullah, a prominent NC leader, became the first Chief Minister of J&K as a Union Territory, a move that underscored the party’s adaptability but also its limitations in resisting devaluation.

The Uri, Nagrota, and Pulwama attacks served as grim reminders of the escalating threat posed by terrorism in the region. These attacks not only claimed the lives of brave soldiers and innocent civilians but also highlighted the urgent need for decisive action to counter terrorism. The Pulwama attack in particular, where a suicide bomber targeted a convoy of CRPF personnel, was a turning point that galvanized the nation and its leadership to adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.

In response to these attacks, concrete steps were taken to dismantle the infrastructure of terror in J&K. The downgrading of the region’s status to a Union Territory was one such measure aimed at ensuring direct governance and tighter control. Funding channels that fueled terrorism and unrest were blocked through stringent financial regulations and crackdowns on money laundering networks. Security forces intensified their operations, employing strict policing measures to root out militants and their supporters.

Additionally, the government adopted a firm stance against those propagating separatist narratives and aligning with Pakistan’s dangerous agendas for Kashmir. Organizations and individuals involved in fueling unrest were identified and held accountable, sending a strong message that the era of appeasement was over. These measures, though controversial, were deemed necessary to restore peace and stability to a region long marred by conflict.

Conversely, periods of peace have shown glimpses of the potential that J&K holds. The late 1990s and early 2000s, marked by relative stability, saw a revival of tourism and economic activity. However, these moments were fleeting, as the cycle of violence resumed, erasing the gains made during peaceful interludes. It is evident that had peace prevailed consistently, J&K might have retained or even enhanced its autonomy through constructive dialogue and development.

The lessons from J&K’s turbulent history are clear. Violence and terrorism lead to devaluation, not empowerment. The aspirations of autonomy and progress cannot be achieved through conflict; they require stability, cooperation, and a shared vision for the future. The scars of the past can only be healed through efforts to rebuild trust, foster economic growth, and engage in meaningful political dialogue.

As J&K looks to the future, it must prioritize peace and development. The region’s unparalleled natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and resilient people are assets that can drive progress and prosperity. By breaking free from the cycle of violence and focusing on unity and growth, J&K can reclaim its dignity and chart a course toward a brighter future. The story of J&K serves as a poignant reminder that the path to empowerment lies not in division and conflict, but in collaboration and hope.