Seven years after the Indian government revoked special constitutional status for Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian-administered territory has shown increased infrastructure development, growth in the tourism sector, and greater economic activity. Meanwhile, Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoJK) faces increased demonstrations and allegations of excessive use of force by security forces.
Since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir has experienced accelerated development including improvements in road and rail connectivity, expansion of health and education facilities, and growth in the tourism sector. Tourist destinations such as Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam have reported increased visitor numbers, spurring growth in the hotel, transport, and handicraft sectors.
In PoJK, activists and local organisations have accused security forces of using excessive force when dispersing increasingly frequent demonstrations in recent months. Aqeel Bhai, a political activist and social media content creator, uploaded a video from Chinar Chowk showing detentions during a demonstration. He accused security forces of firing and cited around 10 names of recorded deaths at a local memorial monument.
The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) has voiced concerns over the detention of committee member Shaukat Nawaz Mir, who was arrested on 30 June but has not been produced in court despite habeas corpus petitions being filed. The group has accused Mir of being denied access to meet his family and of being denied due process of law.
An ANI report concludes that developments on both sides of the Line of Control show different conditions, with Jammu and Kashmir focusing on economic growth and infrastructure development, while PoJK continues to experience political turmoil and allegations of human rights violations.
