Kashmir Celebrates India’s Independence Day with Tricolour Lights After Article 370 Abrogation
On August 15, the streets of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir were beautifully decorated with tricolour lights to celebrate India’s 78th Independence Day. This marks five years since the abrogation of Article 370, which revoked the region’s special status and brought significant changes to Kashmir.
Transformative Changes in Kashmir
The removal of Article 370 has led to improved security, increased tourism, and a sense of unity among the people of Kashmir. Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, noted that Kashmir is moving towards peace. Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, reported a significant reduction in deaths and the elimination of around 200 terrorists by the Indian Army.
Tourism Boom
Tourism in Kashmir has surged, with record numbers of visitors in 2023 and 2024. The region is becoming a hub for adventure and golf tourism, with new locations like Gurez, Keran, Teetwal, and RS Pura opening up to tourists. Government statistics show a steady increase in tourist visits from 2020 to 2024.
High Voter Turnout
The recent Lok Sabha elections saw the highest voter turnout in 35 years, indicating growing participation among Kashmiris. The Anantnag-Rajouri constituency recorded a 54.3% voter turnout, a significant increase from 14.3% in 2019. Other constituencies like Srinagar and Baramulla also saw high voter turnouts.
Prime Minister’s Visit and High-Profile Events
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit and the hosting of events like the G20 meeting have highlighted Kashmir’s newfound importance. PM Modi stated that the abrogation of Article 370 has led to greater unity and a sense of belonging among the people of Kashmir.
Conclusion
The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 is seen as a turning point in Kashmir’s history, leading to greater integration, development, and peace in the region.
Doubts Revealed
Kashmir -: Kashmir is a region in the northern part of India, known for its beautiful mountains and valleys.
Independence Day -: Independence Day is a national holiday in India celebrated on August 15th, marking the day India became free from British rule in 1947.
Tricolour Lights -: Tricolour lights refer to lights in the three colors of the Indian flag: saffron (orange), white, and green.
Article 370 -: Article 370 was a special law that gave the region of Jammu and Kashmir more autonomy than other Indian states. It was removed in 2019.
Abrogation -: Abrogation means the official ending or cancellation of a law or agreement. In this case, it refers to the removal of Article 370.
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a member of the central government in India who is in charge of a specific department or ministry.
Ramdas Athawale -: Ramdas Athawale is an Indian politician and a Union Minister in the central government.
PM Narendra Modi -: PM Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India, the head of the government.
Tourism -: Tourism means people traveling to different places for fun, adventure, or relaxation. It helps the local economy by bringing in money.
Voter Turnout -: Voter turnout is the percentage of eligible voters who actually vote in an election. High voter turnout means many people are participating in the election.
Integration -: Integration means bringing different parts together to make a whole. In this context, it means making Kashmir more connected and similar to the rest of India.
