It now over five months when the hammer struck over the Article 370 and downgrading of the Jammu and Kashmir state into two Union Territories and subsequent shutting of communication modes for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The restrictions on mobile phones, internet services have been eased thereafter to some extent with a fresh order for relaxing some more restriction for a week.
While the Centre takes Jammu region for granted for their pro-India stance by default, its emissaries and agencies have been working overtime through back channel talks with the detained leaders in Kashmir to fall in line and reconcile to the new political arrangements. With seemingly partial success among the second rung Kashmiri leaders, its efforts however, could not cut much ice with the detained top popular leaders,
Situation so far Kashmir valley is concerned did not changed much even after five months, the Home Minister now feel that a cool down exercise should be initiated. Though late but by and large it is a good decision in the right direction.
Even as a lot is being claimed about Jammu and Kashmir after the scrapping of Article 370 and nothing much is known factually at the ground level, a group of Union Ministers will visit Jammu and Kashmir later this month to spread awareness about the positive impact of abrogation of Article 370 provisions and the development measures taken by the government for the region.
The schedule for the visit of the Ministers to the union territories is likely to be finalised at a meeting of the Union Council of Ministers on 17 January. The Home Ministry is coordinating the exercise. Union Minister Piyush Goyal is expected to visit the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir on 19 January. Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has taken few positive measures like creation of 572 posts under various categories in 52 degree colleges and a good number of posts in Alternative Medicine Hospitals that will engage a section of youth towards the employment efforts.
In order to provide access to quality education to students, particularly living in rural and un-served pockets, the administration in 2019 approved the opening of 52 colleges across Jammu and Kashmir.
Some measures like inauguration of upgraded Cricket stadium in Jammu and few similar development announcements by the visiting ministers would create a positive image on J&K in the minds of people and would go a long way in restoring the peace.
