2026 · GS Paper 3 · Q19 · 15 marks
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. (Answer in 250 words)
In short
The government countered J&K separatism through UAPA bans, grassroots elections and development, and abrogated Article 370 and Article 35A in August 2019, replacing special status with full constitutional integration. About 890 central laws now apply, and the Supreme Court upheld the abrogation in December 2023.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 316 words
Choking separatism
Jamaat-e-Islami and the JKLF were banned under UAPA in 2019, and an NIA terror-funding case jailed Yasin Malik for life in 2022.
Grassroots democracy
District Development Council polls (2020), delimitation (2022) and the 2024 Assembly election, with about 64% turnout, defeated separatist boycott calls.
Development push
The PM Development Package (2015), the New Central Sector Scheme (2021) and the Chenab rail bridge (2025) linked the Valley to the national economy.
Pre-2019 position
Article 370 gave J&K its own constitution and limited Parliament's reach, while Article 35A, added by a 1954 Presidential Order, reserved property, jobs and scholarships for permanent residents.
Post-2019 position
Presidential Orders C.O. 272 and 273 made Article 370 inoperative and Article 35A defunct, and the Reorganisation Act, 2019 created two Union Territories.
Legal integration
About 890 central laws, including RTI and the Forest Rights Act, now apply.
Equal citizenship
West Pakistan refugees, Valmikis and Gorkhas gained domicile, jobs and voting rights denied under Article 35A.
Normalcy dividend
Organised stone pelting ended and tourist arrivals hit a record 2.11 crore in 2023, though the Pahalgam attack (2025) shows the threat persists.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.