Naya Kashmir, Post August 5, 2019: Policy Shifts, People’s Response and Separatism

Kashmir, once a region torn apart by conflict and political uncertainty, is now in the midst of an undeniable transformation. The abrogation of Article 370 was more than just a legal change; it marked the beginning of a new era, an era where hope, governance, and development attempt to replace the ghosts of instability.

Naya Kashmir—a term that evokes both hope and skepticism—is at the heart of the region’s ongoing transformation. It signifies a break from the past, a future where opportunity replaces uncertainty, and where the aspirations of the common Kashmiri take center stage.

For years, the valley was synonymous with conflict. Today, it stands at the crossroads of change. Roads are being built, businesses are emerging, and an entire generation is daring to dream beyond the cycle of shutdowns and protests.

Why Many Of Our Politicians Refuse To Acknowledge Naya Kashmir

Despite this shift, many politicians refuse to acknowledge Naya Kashmir, dismissing it as a hollow slogan.

Instead of engaging with the tangible changes—the revival of tourism, infrastructure development, and a decline in militancy—they continue to paint a bleak picture, as if Kashmir remains trapped in its past. Why?

For some, admitting to progress means conceding political ground. A stable, prosperous Kashmir undermines the long-standing narrative of victimhood and neglect that many have used to mobilize support. But how much truth is there in their pessimism? While challenges remain—unemployment, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and political alienation—the sweeping denial of any improvement serves only to stall hope and breed cynicism.

Kashmir’s Momentum Toward Progress

The people, however, see the reality on the ground. “My son doesn’t ask me if there’s a strike tomorrow—he asks about his exams,” says Bashir, a shopkeeper in Anantnag, his voice filled with cautious optimism. For him, Naya Kashmir is the simple yet profound freedom to plan for tomorrow without fear of sudden turmoil.

Shazia, a young entrepreneur in Srinagar, recalls how starting a business once felt impossible. “We were always told Kashmir is unstable, that investment won’t come here. But look around—cafés, startups, new businesses are thriving.”

Tariq, who once joined protests in his youth, now runs a successful travel agency in Gulmarg. “Years ago, I would shut my shop at the slightest sign of trouble. Now, I stay open late because tourists keep coming,” he says with a smile.

Yet, politicians refuse to acknowledge this progress. The refusal to recognize Naya Kashmir isn’t just political maneuvering. It’s a betrayal of the  people they claim to represent. “If you tell us there’s no change, you insult our struggles,” says Arif, a taxi driver in Pulwama. “We lived through the worst. We know things are better now.” While the political elite continues to debate whether Naya Kashmir is real or an illusion, the people have already made up their minds—they are moving forward, with or without them.

For decades, uncertainty dictated the lives of Kashmiris. Today, the streets that once echoed with protests and stone pelting now witness something different – students hurrying to classes, shopkeepers attending to customers, and young entrepreneurs setting up businesses. Kashmir is changing, and while challenges remain, the momentum toward progress is unmistakable.

Zahid, a taxi driver in Srinagar, recalls how, just a few years ago, fear dictated his daily routine. “We never knew when a strike would be called, when protests would erupt. Business was always uncertain. But now, I have a steady income. There is peace, and people want to work,” he says, his voice carrying both relief and hope.

Bustling Markets, Better Infrastructure

The government has pushed for better governance, infrastructure, and economic opportunities. Roads that were once riddled with potholes now facilitate smooth travel. Tourism, which had nearly vanished, is once again thriving, bringing prosperity to small business owners.

The markets of Lal Chowk bustle with activity, the aroma of freshly brewed Kahwa filling the air. The message is clear—Kashmir is open for business, and its people are eager to move forward.

Balance Needed Between Local, Non-Local Officers

The move to replace local bureaucrats with non-local officers was a strategic attempt by the LG Administration to weed out corruption and nepotism, which have been long-standing afflictions in Kashmir’s administration.

However, political theorists like Max Weber emphasize the importance of bureaucracy being rooted in familiarity with local customs and conditions. Many Kashmiris feel disconnected from non-local officials. People feel that though non-local officers are efficient, they lack the cultural and social understanding of the region. “The new officers mean well, but they don’t always understand our struggles. A balance between experienced local officers and non-local administrators would be better,” says Faisal, a teacher in Baramulla.

The sociologist Emile Durkheim argued that in times of transition, societies experience “anomie”—a sense of normlessness that can lead to disillusionment. Many Kashmiris expected rapid economic progress, but unemployment remains high, and infrastructural gaps persist.

There is discontent among  a section of youths, some of whom are once again being lured by separatist ideologies. The government must proactively bridge this gap before frustration gives way to radicalization.

Youths Choosing Jobs Over Guns

Despite challenges, there is a sense of cautious optimism. The financial networks that once fueled separatist groups have been cut off, making it increasingly difficult for these movements to sustain themselves. “The funding has dried up, and people are realizing that violence leads nowhere,” explains Arshad, a local journalist. “More and more young people are choosing jobs over guns.”

Stories of change are everywhere. Adil, a software engineer in Srinagar, is preparing to move to Bengaluru for a promising job opportunity. “A few years ago, I never thought we would have access to such jobs,” he says. Aisha, a medical student from Anantnag, plans to stay and work in Kashmir, inspired by the newly built hospitals and improved healthcare facilities. And then there’s Tariq, a former stone pelter from Pulwama, who now runs a successful handicraft business. “I once threw stones; now I sell art. This is my real freedom,” he says with conviction.

Weakening Influence of The Hurriyat

A significant development in Kashmir’s evolving political landscape is the recent withdrawal of four separatist groups from the Hurriyat Conference. The JK Democratic Political Movement, JK People’s Movement, JK Tahreeqi Isteqlal, and JK Tahreek-I-Istiqamat have all distanced themselves from the separatist alliance, signaling a weakening of its influence. Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed this shift, declaring that separatism in Jammu and Kashmir is “on its last breath.”

His statement underscores a broader trend. Separatist ideology, once deeply entrenched, is now losing its grip on the region. The dissociation of these groups is not merely symbolic. It represents a fundamental shift in public sentiment.

For decades, the Hurriyat and its allied organizations thrived on narratives of discontent, often fueled by external funding and ideological radicalization. However, with sustained crackdowns on terror financing, a strengthened security apparatus, and renewed developmental efforts, separatist factions are increasingly finding themselves irrelevant.

The people of Kashmir, especially the youth, are prioritizing economic progress and political stability over slogans of secession. This trend aligns with what many political analysts term as the “post-separatist reality” of Kashmir. With Article 370 abrogated, financial networks disrupted, and former strongholds of militancy seeing a surge in education and business initiatives, the valley is witnessing a transformation. The question that remains is not whether separatism will survive, but how soon it will become a remnant of the past.

Kashmiris Have Begun To Believe in Their Future

The political theorist John Locke spoke of the social contract—the idea that governance must serve the people’s interests to retain legitimacy. Kashmir stands at a defining moment in its history.

The concept of Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s general will – the collective desire for the common good – resonates strongly with the current atmosphere in the region. The people of Kashmir, once caught in an endless cycle of turmoil, are now looking ahead, eager for a future defined by growth rather than grievance. While challenges persist, the content that comes from peace, dignity, and development is palpable in the streets of Srinagar and the far-flung villages of Kupwara alike.

The legacy of colonialism and its impact on divided societies has been discussed by political theorists such as Frantz Fanon, who argued that the wounds of prolonged conflict take time to heal, but healing is inevitable if people reclaim agency over their own futures. In Kashmir, the younger generation is doing just that. The youth, once easy prey for radicalization, now seek empowerment through education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Government initiatives, if structured wisely, could harness this energy to further drive progress.

The post-separatist reality of Kashmir is that youths are prioritizing economic progress and political stability over slogans of secession. Kashmiris want a future defined by growth rather than grievance

Rehana, a young woman from Sopore, exemplifies this changing landscape. Having secured a government scholarship, she now studies political science in Delhi, dreaming of reforming the very bureaucratic system that once ignored voices like hers. “We don’t want sympathy; we want opportunity,” she says confidently.

While these narratives of hope paint a promising picture, governance remains an evolving challenge. The disconnect between policymakers and the ground reality needs to be addressed. Amartya Sen, in his work on development as freedom, asserts that economic growth without social equity creates new forms of oppression. The state must ensure that infrastructural and economic advancements are accompanied by genuine political representation and grassroots involvement.

The road ahead is not without obstacles, but one thing is certain—the spirit of Kashmiris is resilient, and they are ready to write their own story, one of hope, ambition, and a lasting peace. If governance aligns itself with the aspirations of the people, Kashmir will not only heal from its past but thrive as a beacon of reconciliation and prosperity. The world watches, but more importantly, Kashmiris themselves have begun to believe in their future again. That belief is the most powerful tool for transformation.

 

Dr. Toseef Ahmad formerly served as an Associate Research Fellow at the International Centre for Peace Studies (ICPS), Delhi. The views expressed herein are solely his own.

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