Democracy strengthened in Kashmir in the last 3 years, local leaders told the European MPs the ground situation

The strong steps taken by the Modi government in Jammu and Kashmir have started showing their effect. From stone pelting to terrorism, there has been a decrease in the last few years. Kashmiri politicians briefed European parliamentarians on the changes in the Valley, which J&K has been witnessing in the last three years. Let us inform you that about three years ago, Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir was removed from Jammu and Kashmir, after which a lot of changes have been seen.

The status of women improved in Kashmir Valley

Indeed, a delegation from the Kashmir Valley presented 'Grassroots Democracy in Kashmir, A Road to Democratic Empowerment' organized by the EPP political group in the European Parliament during the 'Gender Equality Week' organized by European institutions mainly to empower women and girls. (Grassroot Democracy in Kashmir, A road towards Democratic Empowerment). At this conference, especially people from conflict-prone areas were included.

Terrorist attacks have reduced in Kashmir

The issue of Kashmir has been a topic of discussion for a long time not only at the Indian level but also at the international level. Pakistan has raised this issue many times in international forums. Pakistan-backed terrorists have been disturbing the peace of Kashmir, and India has presented strong evidence of this many times. However, in the last few years, some unprecedented changes have been made at the ground level to bring about a positive change in the lives of common citizens. One of these is the removal of Article 370. Its positive effects are being seen.

How has the situation in Jammu and Kashmir changed?

Welcoming the Kashmiri delegation, MEP Daniela Rondinelli noted the efforts of youth and women leaders to establish peace and dialogue. They began the debate by mentioning the need to work together with the EU to maintain peace as well as build a bright future for future generations. During this, the President of the District Development Council in Kashmir, Safina Baig said that Jammu and Kashmir have been battling terrorism and conflict for a long time. However, in the last three years, many major changes have been seen. In the meantime, local governance has improved through a three-tier system. All this has been possible because of a new political will.

A democratic solution to the challenging circumstances of Kashmir...!

Safina said, “It is sad that this major initiative aimed at empowering the people of the Valley has long been seen as a story of continuous struggle. However, sincere efforts to facilitate accountable, effective, and transparent governance are not going unnoticed during this period. He further added, “The reason behind this enabling transformation is the youth leadership, which has been given huge support by the public. This new leadership represents the aspirations of the common people to create positive peace through stable and meaningful democratic development. They face many challenging situations and are engaging with common people to find democratic solutions to their problems. Safina told MEPs that we appreciate the dialogue between the parliamentarians of the European Union and India and hope that such exchanges of views will continue in the future - something that will be good for both democracies.

Terrorism is a threat to the entire humanity

Mir Junaid, a human rights activist in Kashmir, also attended the conference and said that despite all the challenges, we are growing and we are coming together and standing despite the threat of terrorism from across the border. "What we want is support from the world in our journey to stability," he said. Our only enemy is terrorism and the world should not forget that terrorism anywhere is a threat to the entire humanity and it should not be allowed to exist at any cost.

Why was Article 370 removed from Kashmir?

Article 370 was removed from Jammu and Kashmir after the Modi government came. After this, many positive effects are slowly coming to the fore. Earlier the laws of citizenship, property ownership, and fundamental rights of the residents of Jammu and Kashmir were different from that of the residents living in the rest of India. So why did it arise? Now with the abrogation of Article 370, things have changed a lot. On August 5, 2019, the Modi government abolished Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir.

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