Jammu & Kashmir: Key Events and Developments (January – October 2024)

January to March 2024:

1. Security Measures:
   • Counterterrorism Operations: A surge in operations, with several militant groups banned and key operatives arrested or killed.
   • Crackdown on Militant Networks: Arrests were made in connection with high-profile attacks targeting civilians and security personnel.
   • Border Security: Increased security operations along the Line of Control (LoC) to counter infiltration attempts from Pakistan, resulting in multiple encounters.
2. Development Initiatives:
   • Electrification and Transport: Remote areas were electrified for the first time, alongside the launch of J&K’s first electric train, improving connectivity.
   • PM Modi’s Visit: Prime Minister Modi inaugurated several developmental projects focusing on industries, agriculture, and tourism to boost employment in J&K.
3. Political Landscape:
   • PDP Gains: Muzaffar Hussain Baig rejoined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), signaling a shift in political alignment ahead of Assembly elections.
   • Election Delays: Continued delay of Assembly elections led to public criticism, with Panchayat polls expected post-2024 Lok Sabha elections.
4. Judicial and Legal Changes:
   • Judiciary Strengthening: An increase in the cadre strength of judges to handle the rising caseload.
   • OBC Quota: The introduction of a reservation for the Other Backward Classes (OBC) in the region.
   • Public Safety Act Case: The J&K High Court ordered compensation for an individual unlawfully detained under the Public Safety Act.
5. Cross-Border Tensions:
   • Ceasefire Violations: Regular violations by Pakistani forces along the LoC were met with retaliatory fire by Indian forces, alongside multiple foiled infiltration attempts.
6. Public Discourse and UCC Debate:
   • Uniform Civil Code (UCC): The debate over the UCC intensified, with political leaders and civil society criticizing the involvement of the Army in UCC discussions.

April to July 2024:

1. April 2024:
   • Militant Identification: A prominent militant was identified and killed in counterterror operations, with continued targeting of migrant workers, particularly in Anantnag, raising safety concerns for non-locals.
2. May 2024:
   • Article 370 Rejection: The Supreme Court rejected pleas to review the revocation of Article 370, which had ended J&K’s special status.
   • Cross-Border Tensions: Multiple infiltration and cross-border firing incidents were reported, with Indian forces neutralizing several militants.
3. June 2024:
   • Terror Attack on Pilgrims: A terror attack on pilgrims led to heightened security measures for religious gatherings.
   • PM Modi’s Statehood Promise: Prime Minister Modi promised the restoration of full statehood for J&K.
   • Assembly Elections Preparation: Efforts to hold long-overdue Assembly elections intensified.
4. July 2024:
   • Continued Militancy: Militants targeted security personnel and civilians, with operations continuing to neutralize networks.
   • Expanded LG Powers: The J&K Lieutenant Governor was granted expanded powers in administrative and security matters.
   • Jamaat-e-Islami’s Election Bid: The Jamaat-e-Islami expressed its intent to contest the upcoming elections, adding a new layer to the political dynamics.

August to September 2024:

1. Land and Refugee Rights:
   • Pakistani Refugees’ Land Rights: Pakistani refugees were granted land ownership rights in J&K, stirring political debate on its impact on local demographics.
2. Election Preparations:
   • Election Commission Review: The Election Commission reviewed the situation in J&K to finalize preparations for the delayed Assembly elections, emphasizing security arrangements.
   • Political Alliances: Major political parties formed alliances, with the National Conference and Congress preparing for a tough electoral battle.
3. Security and Infrastructure:
   • Militant Attacks: Security forces intensified efforts to neutralize militants, while multiple encounters resulted in the death of several operatives.
   • Infrastructure Projects: Development projects, including a new township in Srinagar, were launched to enhance economic activity and provide housing for locals and migrant workers.
4. Political Dynamics:
   • Electoral Alliances: NC, Congress, and BJP formed alliances, with Article 370 remaining a key issue in the electoral discourse.
5. Militant Attacks: Sporadic militant attacks continued, keeping security forces on high alert.

October 2024 – J&K Assembly Election Results:

1. Election Outcome:
   • The National Conference (NC)-Congress alliance secured 48 seats in the J&K Assembly elections, with NC winning 42 seats, Congress securing 6, and BJP winning 29 seats.
   • AAP’s First Seat: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won its first-ever seat in the Doda constituency.
2. New Chief Minister:
   • Omar Abdullah was named the new Chief Minister, with a focus on cooperation with the central government while advocating for greater autonomy for J&K.
3. Restoration of Statehood:
   • The NC-Congress alliance made restoring full statehood a top priority, following the abrogation of Article 370.
4. Women Representation:
   • The election saw three women candidates, including former Minister Sakeena Masood, elected to the Assembly, highlighting a growing emphasis on women’s political representation in J&K.