WHILE launching projects worth Rs 32,000 crore in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has reiterated commitment of the Central Government led by him to the transformation of the Kashmir Valley into a tourist destination. Beyond the Valley also, the Government under him has ushered in an era of development in Jammu as well as Ladakh areas. This process has been pretty consistent in the past few years, since abrogation of Article 370. The developmental push will go a long way in bringing about a positive change in what was the State of Jammu and Kashmir, before trifurcation into Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. What the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing is extremely significant. For years, the infusion of funds for development was more into the separatism-ridden Kashmir Valley and the other two regions - - Jammu and Ladakh got smaller shares. The entire focus of the earlier Governments was on the Valley.

 

The leaders of the Valley, who mostly belonged to a chosen few families, got all the attention and hospitality of the Government of India. Despite that they often tended to speak a language that did not fully favour the Indian identity of the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Fortunately, the present-day Government of India under Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has been resolute in certain actions. The biggest and the most significant actions have been the abrogation of Article 370 and trifurcation of the State into Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh regions. Now, each region is getting equal attention. Being the Union Territory now, the developmentally backward Ladakh region with difficult terrain has been getting better attention. These two steps have ended the era of isolation of the erstwhile State, from the rest of India. Due to revocation of special status, now, the people-to-people exchange has become more seamless and smooth. The development process is not facing technical, political, and separatist hurdles. As a result, Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing never-before development.

 

At the same time, the Central Government has been alert as far as curbing terrorism and cutting down terror financing in the Valley is concerned. While all these things are progressing well, an area of concern is also emerging. The terrorists have started focussing on areas outside of the Valley. As has been the case, there has been a spurt in terror activities in parts of otherwise peaceful Jammu region, and especially in Poonch area. So, while giving a big-time push to development in Jammu and Kashmir, and sending out positive message to the population, the Government needs to stay on alert as far as security dimension is concerned. For, as long as Pakistan continues to sponsor cross-border terrorism targetting India, India cannot afford to allow any laxity in approach towards the sensitive territory. When a massive investment is being made in road network and other infrastructure, schools, institutions of higher learning, healthcare, and even entrepreneurship, no country can afford to be negligent towards security aspect. In fact, security and development form the two-pronged weapon against terrorism and secessionism. If people reap the benefits of development and employment, their chances of falling prey to terrorist and secessionist elements reduce. Similarly, the area with sense of security fetches more investment, which ultimately ensures overall progress. The present Government has to implement this two-pronged strategy for long-term results.