In August 2019, India took the significant step of ending the autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir.

Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian constitution granted Jammu and Kashmir semi-autonomous status following the territory’s accession to India in 1949. But in 2019, India revoked these special constitutional provisions.

The provisions included land rights for the Indigenous population of Jammu and Kashmir, a separate constitution and autonomy in internal administration. They also limited the powers of the Indian parliament.

Read more: India’s colossal blunder in Kashmir

As noted by Amnesty International, since India’s 2019 move, Jammu and Kashmir has faced increased challenges, including more violence, a higher military presence, frequent internet shutdowns and repression of dissent.

The initial internet blackout lasted about seven months, making it the longest in any democracy, and caused widespread disruption.

Also disconcerting was the fact that schools were closed. Even after reopening, many remained largely empty because of safety concerns.

Crucially, militarization in Jammu and Kashmir is a structural issue affecting girls’ and women’s access to education.

In March 2026, data presented before the Indian parliament and reported by the........

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