Terrorism as usual remains a challenge
TDD Correspondent
Srinagar, (TDD): The year 2024 will go in the history as full of developments with first ever Assembly polls as its major highlight. The tourism boom was there despite polls even as terrorism remained a challenge despite sucessful anti-terrorist operations.
Parliamentary and Assembly Elections
The year 2024 was pivotal for Jammu and Kashmir with the conduct of the much-anticipated Parliamentary elections, the first after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. The elections were crucial for shaping the region’s political landscape, with several significant outcomes. The National Conference (NC), led by Farooq Abdullah, secured a resounding victory in the elections, winning a majority in the assembly. This marked a key moment in the post-Article 370 era, with the NC’s success highlighting its enduring political influence.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), despite its significant presence in Jammu, emerged as the primary opposition with 29 seats, a respectable showing but not enough to unseat the NC from power. The BJP, however, faced a significant loss with the passing of one of its prominent leaders, Devender Singh Rana, a member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. His death was a moment of mourning for the party and the region, leaving a gap in its political structure.
Government Formation
Following the elections, the NC swiftly moved to form a government, capitalizing on its thumping majority. The new government signaled hopes for political stability and development in the region, though it continued to face challenges related to restoring the region’s statehood and addressing the concerns of various local factions.
The BJP, while in the opposition, continued to advocate for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and remained a vocal critic of the NC-led government’s policies. The opposition’s role remained key in pushing for greater political rights and autonomy for the region.
- Security Situation
The security situation in 2024 remained tense but under control with several militant attacks and counterinsurgency operations taking place across Jammu and Kashmir. While there were reports of increased incidents of violence in some areas, the security forces were actively engaged in neutralizing threats and ensuring the safety of the public. The government’s counter terrorism efforts were ongoing, with several militant commanders eliminated during the year.
The heightened security presence was particularly notable during the election periods, religious gatherings, and political protests, ensuring the safety of participants but also fueling concerns over civil liberties and freedom of expression.
Tourism Growth
Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir experienced a remarkable surge in 2024, with the region welcoming over 3 million tourists. The scenic beauty of famous destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg continued to draw both domestic and international visitors, making the tourism sector one of the key contributors to the local economy. The region also saw a boost in adventure tourism, with skiing, trekking, and river rafting becoming increasingly popular among thrill-seekers.
In addition to the traditional tourist spots, lesser-known areas in Jammu and Ladakh received increased attention, as the government worked to diversify the tourism sector. Pilgrimage tourism remained a strong draw, particularly with the Vaishno Devi Shrine, attracting millions of devotees annually.
The tourism revival also had a positive impact on local businesses, hotels, and transport services, signaling a much-needed recovery for the region’s economy.
Economic and Developmental Progress
Jammu and Kashmir experienced substantial infrastructural growth in 2024, with new roads, bridges, and facilities opening to improve connectivity. Key projects aimed at revitalizing the local economy, particularly in tourism, horticulture, and industry, were implemented. The region’s economic recovery post-pandemic was noticeable, with local businesses benefiting from the increased tourist influx.
However, concerns about the environmental impact of large-scale projects, such as the controversial Rs 250-crore ropeway in Katra, continued to spark protests. Local communities, particularly those involved in traditional livelihoods, voiced concerns about the potential disruption these projects could cause.
Political and Social Concerns
Despite the political stability brought about by the new NC-led government, social issues, including unemployment, political rights, and the demand for the restoration of statehood, remained significant concerns. Calls for greater autonomy and political representation continued, as many locals felt disconnected from the central government’s policies.
In sum, 2024 was a year of significant political change and recovery for Jammu and Kashmir. With the NC emerging as the dominant political force and the BJP in opposition, the region saw a blend of political victories and challenges, all set against the backdrop of security concerns and economic progress. The passing of Devender Singh Rana also marked a somber moment in the year’s political narrative(TDD)