||Black and White Digital News ||

||October,2024||

KASHMIR: The Union Territory Foundation Day was marked across Jammu and Kashmir on October 31, 2023, commemorating four years since the state’s reorganization into a union territory following the abrogation of Article 370. Led by Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, the government organized events in various districts, aimed at celebrating achievements in development, infrastructure, and peace efforts under the UT administration. The day also coincided with National Integration Day, reinforcing themes of unity and progress, with thousands of school children and athletes joining sports and cultural programs as part of the celebration .

Government Perspective and Developmental Claims:

Lt. Governor Sinha praised the government’s success in overcoming separatist influences and fostering economic growth, especially in agriculture, tourism, and industry. The administration highlighted significant developments, including large-scale infrastructure projects and efforts to promote transparency and equitable growth across all communities. This narrative aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s “Viksit Bharat” vision, positioning Jammu and Kashmir as an example of peace and progress within India’s broader developmental goals .

Opposition’s Protest and Public Sentiment:

However, the celebrations faced strong criticism and protests from opposition leaders and local political parties, including the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist). Opposition figures, such as Congress’s Viqar Rasool Wani and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, criticized the celebration, arguing it was insensitive to the people’s aspirations for restored statehood. Many contend that the state’s downgrade to UT status was meant to be temporary, and they see the celebration as a dismissal of public sentiment. Opposition groups have called the day a “Black Day,” organizing protests to demand statehood restoration, while expressing concerns that the celebration undermines local identity and autonomy.

Public and Cultural Engagement:

The government’s focus on public engagement included encouraging social media posts from local Panchayat members and organizing community events across Jammu and Kashmir. A documentary on the region’s transformation was screened, and a “4 Saal Bemisaal” e-book detailing government initiatives was released. Despite the strong government presence, the day underscored the ongoing polarization in public opinion regarding Jammu and Kashmir’s political future.

The celebration, and the counter-protests it drew, reveal the complex interplay between developmental narratives promoted by the UT administration and persistent calls from local leaders for political self-determination.