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Kashmir in 2025 is gradually becoming a new horizon of hope, empowering its citizens, reviving tourism, sports, agriculture and peace
By Shireen Bano
Kashmir, a region long marred by conflict, is experiencing a remarkable transformation in the new year, marked by positive strides in key sectors like security, tourism, sports, agriculture and economic development. The last year of 2024 ushered in a period of peace and prosperity, and the Muslim community, which constitutes the majority of the population in the Valley, is benefiting the most.
From a steep decline in militancy, to the revival of industries and the empowerment of youth, Kashmir seems to be re-emerging as a beacon of hope and progress in the Indian subcontinent. This article examines the specific changes that have defined the region’s transformation in 2024, focusing on how these shifts are reshaping the lives of its people, particularly the Muslim population.
Re-establishment of democratic process
In 2024, Jammu and Kashmir reached a pivotal moment with the restoration of democratic governance, marking a new phase in the region’s political evolution. Following the reorganization of the state in 2019, which led to its bifurcation into two Union Territories, the region was initially under direct central rule, and the state legislature was dissolved. However, in 2024, after a series of administrative and political reforms, J&K witnessed the first fully-fledged elections to the Legislative Assembly.
The elections were held in a peaceful and transparent manner, with a significant voter turnout, signaling a return to democratic normalcy. This process included participation of various political parties, including regional ones like the National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and Indian National Congress, as well as emerging local political groups. These elections allowed citizens, particularly from the Muslim-majority Kashmir Valley, to elect their representatives to the legislature, restoring local self-governance and empowering the people to influence policies that affect their lives.
The successful conduct of these elections not only reaffirmed the democratic process, but also helped to rebuild trust in political institutions, offering the promise of a more inclusive and self-governed future for the region. In the end, National Conference formed the government in the UT with Omar Abdullah as the chief minister and Jammu getting the deputy CM in form of Surinder Kumar Choudhary.
Decline in militancy and the restoration of peace
One of the significant and concrete changes in Kashmir in 2024 has been the dramatic decline in militancy. Over the past few years, the region has witnessed a steady reduction in violent incidents, a trend that reached its zenith in 2024. The number of militant encounters has dropped by more than 50 per cent compared to previous years, a result of concerted efforts by Indian security forces, better intelligence sharing, and enhanced cooperation with local law enforcement agencies. The government seems to have successfully dismantled militant groups that were once deeply entrenched in the region.
For the Muslim community in Kashmir, the decline in militancy has brought a renewed sense of security. Families, once caught in the crossfire of insurgency, now experience safer environments where children can play outside without fear of violence.
The return of normalcy has been pivotal, as it has laid the groundwork for growth in other sectors. The reduction in militancy has encouraged the reintegration of youth who once considered militancy as a viable path to resolve their grievances, offering them safer alternatives to pursue their dreams.
Tourism: Revitalizing the Valley’s beauty and economy
Tourism has always been a cornerstone of Kashmir’s economy, yet, it was severely impacted by years of unrest. However, 2024 has marked a resurgence of this vital sector. With the decline in militancy and the subsequent improvement in law and order, Kashmir has seen an influx of tourists, both domestic and international. According to the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, tourist arrivals in 2024 have increased by over 40 per cent compared to the previous year. This has been a postitive development in rejuvenating the region’s economy.
The famous tourist destinations of Kashmir, such as Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg, have become vibrant once again. The picturesque houseboats on Dal Lake, the serene beauty of the meadows, and the adventure opportunities in Gulmarg have all contributed to the resurgence of the tourism industry. Local Muslim businesses—ranging from hotels and handicraft-sellers, to shikara operators and restaurant owners—have all benefited from this influx of tourists.
The government has made strategic investments in the tourism infrastructure, improving roads, upgrading airports and enhancing security for visitors. This has made the region more accessible and safer, encouraging tourists to visit without reservations.
This tourism boom has not only created thousands of new jobs for the local population, predominantly Muslims, but has also provided a much-needed boost to the handicraft and hospitality industries — sectors where Kashmiri Muslims have traditionally been involved.
Sports: Empowering youth and building national pride
Sports in Kashmir has witnessed an extraordinary transformation in 2024. The region’s youth, especially from the Muslim community, who had been largely disengaged due to prolonged unrest, are now finding a renewed sense of purpose and pride in sporting activities. Kashmir’s youth, once sidelined by violence, are now channeling their energy into athletics, football, cricket, and winter sports, supported by both government initiatives and private sector investments.
The government led by Oma Abdullah has launched a series of sports development programmes, including new stadiums, academies and sports scholarships for talented youth. A prime example is the establishment of the Kashmir Sports Academy in Srinagar, which provides state-of-the-art training for aspiring footballers, cricketers and athletes.
These initiatives have begun to pay off, with Kashmiri youth competing successfully at the national level in sports such as football and cricket. For instance, the Kashmir Premier League for football has gained national attention, and young Kashmiri cricketers have been selected for prestigious national cricket leagues.
Notably, Kashmiri Muslims are at the forefront of this sports revolution. Rising stars like Mehmood Shah, a footballer from Srinagar, have been making waves in Indian football, while young cricketers like Zubair Ahmad are being scouted for major Indian tournaments. The region’s engagement in winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, has also flourished with increased investment in ski resorts in Gulmarg.
For the youth, these new opportunities in sports provide an outlet for expression, a sense of pride, and a path to national and international recognition. With sports offering an alternative to militancy and violence, it has played an instrumental role in redirecting the energies of young Kashmiris toward peace and national unity.
Agriculture: Boosting livelihoods and economic growth
Agriculture remains the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, and in 2024, this sector has seen a transformative shift due to modernization efforts and a focus on sustainable growth. The Muslim farmers in Kashmir, who make up the majority of the agricultural workforce, have benefited from new agricultural policies introduced by the government in Srinagar, as well as improved infrastructure and access to technology.
In particular, the introduction of high-yielding seed varieties, advanced irrigation techniques, and modern farming tools has increased productivity. The region’s signature crops, such as saffron, apples, and pomegranates have gained prominence in domestic and international markets.
Saffron, in particular, has experienced a revival, with initiatives aimed at improving its quality and sustainability, ensuring the protection of the region’s iconic crop from threats like climate change and market fluctuations.
The government’s Kashmir Horticulture Development Programme has bolstered the production of fruits, vegetables and flowers, with an emphasis on organic farming. This has allowed farmers, many of whom are Muslim, to diversify their income sources, access better market prices, and achieve greater economic independence. The increased production and export of Kashmiri agricultural products have spurred job creation in sectors like food processing, packaging and transportation, providing further economic opportunities to the region’s Muslim population.
Role of Muslims in Kashmir’s new era
In 2024, the Muslim population of Kashmir is playing a pivotal role in the region’s transformation. Historically marginalized by the region’s conflict, Muslims are now at the forefront of the renewed economic, social and cultural revitalization. From tourism to agriculture, sports to entrepreneurship, Muslims in Kashmir have been active participants in the region’s growth.
Educational reforms, improved infrastructure and economic opportunities have allowed the Muslim youth of Kashmir to thrive. The rise of Kashmiri Muslim entrepreneurs, especially in sectors like tourism, hospitality and agriculture, has been a defining feature of this transformation. Moreover, the government has placed a strong emphasis on uplifting the Muslim community through skill development programmes and entrepreneurship initiatives, ensuring they play an integral role in the valley’s development.
Kashmir in 2024/25 is witnessing a remarkable transformation, driven by the decline in militancy, the revival of tourism, the empowerment of youth through sports, the modernization of agriculture, and the active participation of the Muslim community in all these sectors. The region, once marked by conflict, is gradually becoming a symbol of hope, prosperity and progress.
As the valley continues to rebuild and grow, the Muslim population in Kashmir is proving to be a key force in shaping its future, turning challenges into opportunities and driving the region toward a brighter, more peaceful tomorrow.