New Delhi: In the aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a significant shift in its political landscape. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently highlighted this change during News18’s ‘Diamond States Summit’, noting a marked decrease in separatist activities across the region. This development is particularly notable given the enhanced security measures now in place, including the unprecedented provision of CRPF protection to Hurriyat Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.
The situation in the valley has improved substantially since 2019, according to Abdullah. He emphasized that the idea of Mirwaiz receiving CRPF security would have been unimaginable in the past. This shift comes as the Centre recently bolstered Farooq’s security following a review of increased threat perceptions after his visit to New Delhi. During this visit, Farooq submitted a memorandum on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and engaged with a Kashmiri Pandit group. CRPF personnel trained in close protection were subsequently assigned to him.
The abrogation of Article 370 was a pivotal moment in Indian history, with the Union Government repealing the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019. Home Minister Amit Shah announced the move in the Rajya Sabha, leading to the state’s bifurcation into two union territories: Ladakh and Jammu-Kashmir.
