Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir was marked by grand promises of infrastructure development, enhanced connectivity, and a vision of a “new era” for the region.
The unveiling of projects like the Chenab Bridge—billed as the world’s highest railway bridge—and the Z-Morh tunnel—a key link connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country—may appear to herald progress.
However, these initiatives also highlight the contradictions and complexities in his government’s approach to J&K.
At the core of the narrative presented during the visit is the framing of development as a tool for integration. J&K was hailed as the “crown of the country,” with the promise of transforming it into a thriving economic hub through improved connectivity and infrastructure.
However, this rhetoric raises pivotal questions: How inclusive is this development? At what cost does it come? And does it address the underlying political, social, and cultural aspirations of the Kashmiri people?
For many Kashmiris, the focus on infrastructure feels like a superficial gloss, obscuring deeper issues such as continued repression, cultural erasure, and the political issues thrust under the carpet.
The narrative of development often appears detached from the realities on the ground, where the scars of decades of conflict remain unhealed.
The glaring omission during the visit was any meaningful discussion on the restoration of statehood. This demand, voiced repeatedly by J&K’s political leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is not just a technical or administrative issue.
Statehood represents a fundamental longing for autonomy, identity, and self-governance. For the people of Kashmir, it symbolizes dignity and recognition. Yet, New Delhi’s reluctance to address this issue—opting instead for vague assurances—only deepens the sense of alienation.
While the Prime Minister commended the people of Kashmir for contributing to a “peaceful environment” and moving beyond a “troubled past,” this narrative oversimplifies the region’s complex realities.
The phrase “peaceful environment” is particularly contentious when viewed against the backdrop of a heavy military presence, restrictions on freedoms, and the silencing of dissent. Peace, for the people of Kashmir, is not merely the absence of violence but the presence of justice, accountability, and freedom.
Moreover, the emphasis on tourism as a cornerstone of economic growth is fraught with challenges. While J&K’s unparalleled natural beauty and cultural heritage have the potential to attract global tourism, this focus risks commodifying the region.
The voices and needs of local communities are often sidelined, and the benefits of such initiatives rarely trickle down to those who need them most. Tourism, in its current form, does little to address the historical grievances and socio-economic struggles faced by the people of Kashmir.
As a Kashmiri activist, I cannot help but view the visit and its accompanying rhetoric with a critical lens. The notion of a “new era” in Kashmir is undermined by the pervasive realities, the erosion of civil liberties, and the suppression of dissent. The military presence that dominates everyday life starkly contradicts the vision of peace and progress that is publicly projected. In such an environment, genuine development cannot take root.
For the people of Kashmir, true progress lies not in top-down infrastructure projects or well-crafted speeches but in the recognition of their rights, identities, and aspirations.
Development must be inclusive, participatory, and deeply rooted in the region’s unique context. Kashmiris must be active participants in shaping their future, rather than passive recipients of externally imposed agendas.
In conclusion, while the promise of development in J&K may be enticing, it cannot overshadow the urgent need for genuine political engagement, respect for human rights, and the restoration of statehood with dignity.
The people of Kashmir deserve more than empty promises; they deserve a voice in their destiny. It is essential to honour the commitments made by Indian leaders in various forums from the floors of the United Nations to the Indian Parliament and at Srinagar’s Lal Chowk in the past.
True progress is rooted in justice, inclusivity, and the acknowledgement of history. Only then can we envision a future where Kashmiris can thrive in their homeland, free from the shadows of repression in a fair atmosphere.
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