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He said, “The most significant development is that the system, which had previously been derailed, is back on track. Earlier, people could not move about freely or conduct business properly; today, that has changed. People can now engage in trade and keep their shops open late into the evening. They can go about their daily lives without hindrance.”

Koul further highlighted the removal of historic barriers connected to the former special status, which had previously obstructed youth education and public movement. “Our children and youth, who once could not attend schools, universities, or colleges, can now do so with ease. We have decided to hold grand celebrations for it, both in Kashmir and across the entire country,” he added.

On the same day, People’s Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti led a candlelight protest in Srinagar on the eve of the anniversary. She accused the BJP-led government of “looting the special status of Jammu and Kashmir” and called for the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A.

Speaking about the proposed protest on August 5, Mehbooba Mufti said, “The PDP, our community, we will fight. Along with resolving the Kashmir issue, we will also address Articles 370 and 35A and the release of prisoners languishing in various jails across the country.”

Mufti described Article 370 as more than a constitutional provision, but as “our identity, our honour, our pride, and the protection of our land and jobs.” She said, “They have made us completely worthless. But this day will not last. This is a dark night because a conspiracy was hatched, and using a brute majority in Parliament, the Constitution of India was changed.”

She added, “What was given to us was given by the Constitution of this country, not China or Pakistan. We had joined India with love and certain conditions, but everything was destroyed.”

Targeting the BJP, Mufti said, “Just as the BJP looted the Ram temple, they looted the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Like they are being punished for that, they will be punished for this too.” She reiterated her demand for restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, stating, “Along with the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue, Articles 370 and 35A will also have to be restored.”

Regarding the planned protest, she said, “We will stay here tonight, and tomorrow we will try to stage a protest and send a message to the entire country that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are alive and Article 370 is our right.”

National Conference MLA Sajjad Shaheen also called for restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, contending that the residents of the Union Territory had been wronged. Speaking on the anniversary eve, he said, “The emotions of the people of Jammu and Kashmir were played with. This state, which is called the crown of the country, was downgraded and converted into two Union Territories.”

He urged, “The Government of India should fulfil the promise it made on the floor of the House to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. The government has also given an affidavit in the Supreme Court promising to restore statehood. That promise should be fulfilled.”

Seven years after the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) present sharply contrasting realities. While Jammu and Kashmir has experienced increased stability, expanding infrastructure and improved public services, PoJK continues to face allegations of unrest, restrictions and public protests.

Residents and political voices in PoJK continue to raise concerns over governance, economic hardship and limitations on civil liberties, highlighting differences in development and peace between the two regions over the past seven years.