The occupied valley of Kashmir continues to face severe economic and social turmoil as the region remains under prolonged restrictions imposed by the Indian government. Since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, a strict communications blackout and commercial lockdowns have devastated the local economy, leaving millions without access to basic necessities.
According to the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce, restrictions on the delivery of agricultural products have resulted in an estimated economic loss of 400 billion rupees. Farmers have been pushed into a deep financial crisis, unable to transport and sell their produce, further weakening one of the region’s key economic sectors.
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The tourism industry, once a significant source of income for the valley, has also suffered massive setbacks. Indian policies have led to losses of over 1 billion rupees in this sector alone, with travelers discouraged by the ongoing military presence and curfews. Kashmiri traders, who rely heavily on seasonal business and external markets, have seen their incomes reduced by 60 percent due to repeated commercial shutdowns.
Education in Kashmir has also been severely disrupted. The closure of schools and universities has put the future of hundreds of thousands of students at risk. Without access to stable internet and in-person instruction, many young people have been unable to pursue their studies, raising concerns about the long-term socio-economic impacts.
Since 2019, the unemployment rate in the region has surged by 20 percent, largely due to the controversial policies of the Modi government. The continuous deployment of the Indian army in civilian areas is seen as a major obstacle to both economic activity and investment. Additionally, the seizure and surveillance of local resources have exacerbated economic instability, limiting opportunities for growth and development.
Despite the immense hardships, the people of Kashmir continue their struggle for freedom. The resilience of the Kashmiri population remains unbroken, as they strive to maintain their identity and rights in the face of ongoing repression.
