Article 370 abrogation paved way for resolving Kashmir issue: Amit Shah

September 29, 2025 by News Desk

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 had opened the path toward resolving the Kashmir issue, leading to a sharp decline in violence and ushering in what he called an “era of peace and development” in Jammu Kashmir.

Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Shah said the constitutional change was followed by a comprehensive strategy that combined development, education, and poverty alleviation with a strong security policy to counter Pakistan-backed militancy.

“Between 2004 and 2014, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed over 7,300 violent incidents. Today, that number has fallen to 1,800. Deaths of security personnel have dropped by 65 percent, and civilian casualties are down by 77 percent,” Shah said, quoting official figures.

He also underlined the political shift in the region, noting that panchayat elections were conducted successfully for the first time since Independence. “There was a time when MPs were elected with barely 10,000 votes because people boycotted polls. Now, in district and taluka panchayat elections, voter turnout reached 99.8 percent.

The 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly polls also saw massive participation, reflecting renewed public faith in democracy,” he said.

According to Shah, the full implementation of central laws in Jammu and Kashmir has integrated the region into the mainstream of national governance. “Today, every law of the country is in force in the Union Territory. We are firmly moving toward resolving the Kashmir issue and ensuring lasting peace, stability, and prosperity,” he added.