From Turmoil to Tourism: How Kashmir’s Landscape Has Changed Post-Article 370

Seven years after the repeal of Article 370, Governor Kavinder Gupta described a profound transformation in Jammu and Kashmir, turning a once‑troubled area into a thriving destination for travelers and investors.

Gupta, who served as the state’s deputy chief minister before becoming governor, emphasized that the removal of the special provision ushered in an era of peace, development, and equal opportunity. The region, which had grappled with insurgency, mass migration, and a culture of favoritism, now enjoys a notable decline in separatist activities and cross‑border aggression.

He pointed out that places formerly known for stone‑throwing protests and militant gatherings have been pacified. The once‑volatile Lal Chowk now proudly hoists the Indian tricolour, a visual testament to the shift toward unity.

The governor added that the “Kashmir issue” no longer dominates discourse; instead, attention is focused on the disputed Pakistani‑occupied zones. He praised the newfound constitutional rights granted to historically marginalized groups, citing the Valmiki, Gurkha, and western‑Pakistan refugee communities as examples.

Recalling his 2018 role as deputy chief minister when his party withdrew its support from the state government, Gupta linked that political move to the eventual reforms. Today, the tourism industry is flourishing, and a wave of infrastructure projects—roads, hotels, and communication networks—signifies the lasting impact of a robust central administration.