For several decades, residents of Jammu and Kashmir have lived under the shadow of conflict, fear, and political unrest. The recurrent cycles of violence, telecommunications disruptions, and widespread chaos, movement bans, and the closing of schools and businesses have all disrupted the daily lives of Kashmiris, presenting Kashmir as a suffering region between India and Pakistan. On 5th August 2019, the government of India revoked Article 370, which was introduced in 1949, and transformed the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. The act, which India claimed was necessary for the development of Kashmir and its people, raised an important question from 2019 to the present: Has Article 370 brought peace and stability, or has it amplified political concerns and humanitarian challenges in the valley? Article 370 had granted Jammu and Kashmir special autonomous status, giving it the right to have its own constitution and legislature. With the revocation, the Indian Constitution became fully applicable in the territory, and Parliament assumed greater legislative powers.

India’s stance was that the change would improve governance and continue to promote development, as the special status restricted economic progress and encouraged terrorism and separatism. Indian officials also claimed that the revocation of Article 370 would increase employment opportunities, improve infrastructure, and bring long-term stability.

But after the revocation, Kashmiris suffered many difficulties, including loss of lives, infrastructure destruction, internet shutdowns, blockades of roads, and the closure of schools and businesses. Some senior political leaders, like Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti, were also among those who were detained in the initial months after August 5.

According to Human Rights Watch, high-speed mobile internet was suspended for about 500 days, making it one of the longest internet shutdowns in the world. Reports stated that the restrictions affected school classes, online businesses, hospitals, banks, journalists, and the economy, while vulnerable populations were particularly hard hit. Human rights groups have also raised concerns about the prevailing situation in the region. According to Amnesty International’s 2022 report, “We Are Being Punished by the Law,” a review of 1,346 habeas corpus petitions filed with the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh was noted, and the figure had increased by 32% in the region since 2019. It further pointed out that, on 4 August 2022, only 14 of the 585 habeas corpus petitions filed during that year had been disposed of by the court, raising concerns regarding delays in judicial review. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), there was a 12% increase in the use of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in the region after the August 2019 decision. Amnesty argued that such reliance on pre-emptive detention and anti-terror laws raises concerns about access to justice and the protection of human rights.

In light of these concerns, Amnesty International stated: “The Indian authorities must end their campaign of harassment and intimidation against dissenting voices. The people of Jammu and Kashmir must be able to exercise their right to fully participate in decision-making about their future in the run up to, during, and after elections.”

The Indian government claims that the constitutional changes have led to significant improvements, including security, tourist activity, road infrastructure, and investment opportunities. Officials argue that the full integration of Jammu and Kashmir into the Indian Union has created an environment for economic development and governance.

The United Nations also expressed concerns over the humanitarian situation after the revocation. The constitutional changes in Jammu and Kashmir created issues under international law. The UN raised human rights concerns that prevailed after the revocation of the article. The Secretary-General of the UN, Antonio Guterres, spoke on August 7, 2019, about the tensions in Kashmir: “We are following with concern the tense situation in Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir and call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint. It is important that the human rights of the population are protected and that all efforts are made to prevent actions that could escalate tensions.”

The UN Human Rights Office and the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) had published reports in 2018 titled “The Human Rights Situation in Kashmir.” Based on allegations from July 2016 and April 2018, the report claims to document atrocities committed on both sides of the Line of Control. The report expresses concern about the rights abuses and calls for accountability.

The state of Kashmir is still characterised by two competing narratives, even seven years after the revocation of Article 370: one focusing on accession, security, and progress according to the Indian government, and the other reflecting concerns relating to fundamental freedoms, representation, and human rights. The prospect for long-term peace requires ensuring security and development, along with rebuilding public faith and enhancing both democratic structures and individual liberties, while facilitating inclusive political dialogue among all participants. Seven years after the revocation of Article 370, the future of Kashmir remains uncertain. Lasting peace will depend on the protection of human rights, not only on security and economic development.

The author is a research associate at KIIR and also a member of HEAL Pakistan Organization.