Chapter 1 · Topic 1.3 · Prelims + Mains3 of 3
Development & Spread of Extremism: Jammu & Kashmir: militancy and mainstreaming
Key points
- 5 August 2019: Article 370 made inoperative, Article 35A removed; J&K and Ladakh became Union Territories on 31 October 2019.
- The Supreme Court upheld the abrogation in December 2023; Assembly elections were held in 2024.
- Militancy now runs through small groups and over-ground workers; Pahalgam (April 2025) killed 26.
Prelims box: facts and traps
| Aspect | Before 5 August 2019 | After |
|---|---|---|
| Article 370 | Special status; own constitution and flag | Inoperative |
| Article 35A | State defined permanent residents | Removed; domicile rules 2020 |
| Status | State | UTs of J&K and Ladakh (31 October 2019) |
- Trap: J&K UT has a legislature; Ladakh UT does not.
- The Supreme Court upheld the abrogation in December 2023.
Jammu & Kashmir: militancy and mainstreaming
| Aspect | Before 5 August 2019 | After |
|---|---|---|
| Article 370 | Special status; separate constitution and flag | Made inoperative; Constitution applies fully |
| Article 35A | State defined permanent residents with special rights | Removed; domicile rules from 2020 |
| Status | State | Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh (from 31 October 2019) |
Source: Presidential Orders of 2019 and the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019. Inoperative means it stays on paper but no longer works.
Mains 2026 said separatist movements, groups wanting to break away, have been one of the major factors contributing to militancy and instability in Jammu & Kashmir.
- Court: the Supreme Court upheld the abrogation in December 2023 and asked for Assembly polls by 30 September 2024 and statehood back “at the earliest”.
- Effects cited: central laws and reservations now apply, panchayat and District Development Council elections were held, Assembly elections took place in 2024, and investment and tourism rose.
- Threat remains: terror attacks such as Pahalgam in April 2025, which killed 26 people.
Separatist movements have been one of the major factors contributing to militancy and instability in Jammu & Kashmir (J & K). Bring out actions taken by the Government to bring J & K into national mainstream. Discuss pre and post abrogation status of Articles 370 and 35A. Also bring out positive impacts of abrogation of both articles in mainstreaming the state.
Mains 2023 stated: Winning of ‘Hearts and Minds’ in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Measures in J&K: Army Sadbhavana schools and medical camps, skilling and jobs schemes, Back to Village outreach, sports and cultural events, and grievance redress.
Winning of ‘Hearts and Minds’ in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir.
Mains 2019 asked about over-ground workers (OGWs), people who live normal lives but secretly help terrorists. They give shelter, logistics, money and propaganda. Neutralising them needs intelligence, UAPA action, financial tracking and de-radicalisation.
The banning of ‘Jamaat-e-Islami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize influence of OGWs.
What UPSC asks: 370 abrogated 2019, upheld 2023, OGWs.
Mains box: analysis and answer points
- Separatism and 370 (Mains 2026, 15 marks): before vs after, SC 2023, positive impacts (laws, local polls, 2024 elections, tourism), remaining threat.
- Hearts and minds (Mains 2023): Sadbhavana, jobs, Back to Village, sports, grievance redress.
- OGWs (Mains 2019): roles and how to neutralise them lawfully.
Practice
Write an answer
In 150 words, explain the significance of Development & Spread of Extremism with one recent example.
Flashcards (3)
Article 370 made inoperative?
5 August 2019.
SC verdict on 370?
Upheld, December 2023.
OGWs do what?
Shelter, logistics, funds for militants.
Read more: related explainers
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Next chapter · 2. Role of External State & Non-State Actors →Role of External State & Non-State Actors: TerrorismSyllabus: GS-III · Linkages between development and spread of extremism.