Amit Shah: Article 370 Fostered Separatism in Kashmir; Modi Government Effectively Ended Terrorism

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that Article 370 instilled separatist ideas among Kashmir's youth. He credited the Narendra Modi government with ending terrorism and its supporting ecosystem in the valley. Shah highlighted that Articles 370 and 35A, abolished on August 5, 2019, were major obstacles to Kashmir's full integration with India.

Shah emphasised India's unique geo-cultural identity, explaining that its boundaries are defined by culture rather than geography. He noted that understanding India requires an Indian perspective, not a geopolitical one. This was mentioned during the release of the book "Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh: Through the Ages."

Impact of Article 370 on Kashmir

Article 370 created a false sense of temporary integration between Kashmir and India, according to Shah. He pointed out that Kashmir is historically known as the land of Kashyap, highlighting its spiritual importance. The region has always embraced diverse faiths like Buddhism, Sufism, and Shaivism, allowing them to flourish.

Shah questioned why terrorism affected only Kashmir despite other regions with Muslim populations remaining peaceful. He compared Kashmir's situation to Gujarat and Rajasthan, which also border Pakistan but do not face similar issues. He argued that Article 370 fostered separatism, leading to terrorism.

Reduction in Terrorism Post-Abrogation

Since Article 370's removal, incidents of terrorism in Kashmir have decreased by 70%. In 2018, there were 2,100 stone-pelting incidents; none occurred in 2024. Shah mentioned that over 40,000 people died due to terrorism in Kashmir before the abrogation.

The home minister noted that development in Kashmir was delayed for decades due to ongoing violence. However, since the article's abolition, development has progressed like in other parts of India. Local body elections were successfully held, with over 25,000 people elected as panch or district council members.

Cultural Revival and Economic Growth

Shah highlighted cultural revivals post-Article 370 abolition. Night shows returned to theatres after 33 years, and traditional processions like Tazia and Krishna Janmashtami yatra resumed in Srinagar. The region saw a resurgence in film shootings, with 324 taking place in 2024 alone.

Tourism has also flourished, with approximately 2.11 crore tourists visiting Jammu and Kashmir recently. Industries are establishing themselves in the region as well. Shah attributed these positive changes to the strong will of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Historical Significance of Jammu and Kashmir

The book "Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh: Through the Ages" highlights Jammu and Kashmir's integral role in India's soul. It dispels myths about the region's history by presenting factual evidence. Shah called for rewriting history based on facts rather than pleasing past rulers.

He stressed that India's ancient history enriched world civilisation but was neglected during colonial rule. The book demonstrates how culture, languages, spiritual ideas, art, trade, and commerce have been part of Kashmir for thousands of years.

Shah concluded by acknowledging the book's achievement in presenting a truthful historical account of Jammu and Kashmir's continuity and integration with India.