Geopolitics, Conflict and Narratives: An Assessment of Kashmir Conflict after the Abrogation of Article 370.

This article examines the contemporary geopolitics of the Kashmir conflict following the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution on 5 August 2019, which revoked the special autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and reorganized it into two Union Territories. It highlights the divergence between the Indian government's narrative—emphasizing integration, development, and peace—and the on-ground realities marked by militarization, political instability, human rights concerns, and altered indigenous identity. The analysis incorporates perspectives from Kashmiri scholars, revealing widespread local resentment, alienation, and skepticism toward both Indian and Pakistani positions. The paper concludes that while the abrogation has strengthened India's administrative control, it has intensified regional tensions and complicated the geopolitical dynamics involving India, Pakistan, China, and other international actors, underscoring the need for inclusive dialogue and confidence-building measures to achieve lasting peace.