WHAT MEDIA DIDN’T TELL YOU ABOUT JAMMU & KASHMIR SINCE ABROGATION OF ARTICLE 370:

Ever since Article 370 was scrapped in Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 th last year, the Indian media
has failed to capture the more fundamental changes that have taken place in this new territory , and
has placed complete focus only on topic- the internet ban. This internet ban was imposed in the
mind in the territory, keeping in mind several terror threats from across the border. Not only the
Indian media, the “Kashmir under internet blackout” headline was published by many countries
across the globe.

Repelling Article 370 and 35A had a lot of advantages. It helped the locals socially, as it proved to be
successful in eradicating discriminations against many marginalized communities like Dalits, LGBTAIA
and Gorkhas. It also restored right to property for many Kashmiri women and children. Currently,
more than 170 Central Laws are applicable in the territory. It also helped West Pakistani refuges get
their rights and citizenship and a certain amount of money was provided to the family as a
compensation for the same.

The Indian media also failed to talk about the economic contribution caused by the abrogation of
article. Recruitment drives initiated by the government increased by 2.5 times. Reservations in these
jobs are provided to Pahuri speaking people and economically weaker section, living near the LOC.
This drive has benefited nearly 70,000 families. Additionally, more than 3L government employees
are now eligible for getting various benefits under 7 th Central Pay Commission. Hence, creating more
jobs will benefit the locals as well as help Jammu & Kashmir’s economy grow.

Many government projects are also planned and currently being executed after the abrogation of
the article. Some of which include, building the highest railway bridge over river Chenab , building
railway connectivity in certain districts by 2022 , working n the toll tax at Lakhanpur and improving
the power sector. The union territory has managed to recoup 100 Crore from stamp duty and
registration fees in the land registration process. Projects upto 5 Crore, can now be approved by
municipal corporations.

One fundamental problem which has prevailed in Jammu & Kashmir from decades now is,
corruption. However, after the abolition of Article 370, corruption rates have drastically come down.
They have been successful in repealing the Roshni scheme, described as India’s biggest land scam.
Additionally, all provisions under Central RTI act 2005 have been enforced. The police crime wing is
now well trained and proficient in dealing with economic offences and cybercrimes.

Terror rates have dropped by 36% post the revocation of Article 370. When comparing terror
incidents in 2020 from 2019, they reduced by more than 1.5 times from 1 st Jan to July. Grenade
attacks and Stone pelting incidents also saw the same downward trend. Local armed forces were
successful in killing 110 local terrorists.

While the abrogation of article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir has many more advantages that mentioned
above, the Indian media continues to focus their attention only on subjective topic.