Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently spoke at News18’s ‘Diamond States Summit’ about the changes in the region after the abrogation of Article 370. He stated that since 2019, there has been a noticeable decline in separatist activity in Jammu and Kashmir. He also mentioned that the overall situation in the region has improved.

Increased security for Hurriyat leader

During his speech, Abdullah pointed out a major change that was previously unthinkable: Hurriyat Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq receiving security from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The central government increased Farooq’s security cover on February 21 after reviewing the threats against him. His security was strengthened, especially after his visit to New Delhi, where he submitted a memorandum to the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. He also met with a Kashmiri Pandit group during his visit.

As per sources, CRPF personnel trained in close protection have been assigned to him for security reasons.

Abrogation of Article 370

On August 5, 2019, the Indian government took away the special status of Jammu and Kashmir by cancelling Article 370. This article had allowed Jammu and Kashmir to have its own rules, separate from the rest of India.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced this decision in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament). Along with this, the government also removed Article 35A, which had given special rights like land ownership and government jobs only to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

This decision made Jammu and Kashmir the same as any other Indian state or union territory, with the same laws applying to everyone.

Along with this, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha. This bill led to the division of the state into two union territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Since the abrogation, the government has made efforts to improve the security situation in the region, and officials claim there has been a decline in separatist activities.

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