Virender Koundal
virender_koundal@rediffmail.com
Jammu province of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir stands today at a crossroads of economic neglect, political marginalization, and repeated human suffering. Historically known as the gateway to the Himalayas, Jammu once played a central role in trade, pilgrimage, and connectivity to Kashmir. Yet, as development and political priorities continue to tilt towards other regions, Jammu is increasingly bearing the costs of progress without reaping its benefits. From infrastructure bypasses to natural calamities, the story of Jammu is one of sacrifices that remain unacknowledged, and struggles that remain unaddressed.
The recent extension of the railway line directly to Katra and further into Kashmir symbolizes the paradox of development in the region. On one hand, it strengthens national integration, boosts tourism in Kashmir, and enhances connectivity. On the other, it bypasses Jammu city, stripping it of its historical role as the transit hub. Hotels, traders, transporters, and service providers in Jammu, who once thrived on the inflow of tourists and pilgrims, now face sharp decline in business. This infrastructural shift has once again made Jammu the silent sufferer, carrying the economic burden of progress that benefits others.
The issue is compounded by the devastating floods, cloudbursts, and landslides that struck Jammu province in August 2025. The deluge caused extensive damage to agricultural lands, standing crops, residential houses, roads, and schools. Hundreds of families have been displaced, with livelihoods destroyed in farming, horticulture, and small-scale businesses. The scale of destruction is comparable to the 2014 floods, yet the response remains slow and inadequate. Tragically, it is the nationalist population of Jammu those who have consistently stood by the Indian state that have once again paid the heaviest price.
This recurrent pattern of neglect raises important questions not just about economics but about national security. Economic prosperity and national security are not independent goals; they are mutually reinforcing. Prosperity creates stability, fosters unity, and strengthens democratic institutions. National security, in turn, ensures the stability necessary for economic growth. The neglect of Jammu, therefore, is not merely a question of regional disparity but a matter that risks undermining the broader national security framework of India.
Economic prosperity is best understood as a sustained process of wealth creation, employment generation, infrastructural development, and opportunities for upward mobility. It is not simply about GDP numbers, but about ensuring equitable distribution of resources, fostering resilience against shocks, and empowering communities to live with dignity. In Jammu, however, prosperity remains elusive. Despite its strategic location, rich cultural heritage, and hardworking population, the province continues to be sidelined in terms of industrial investment, higher education, healthcare, and tourism infrastructure.
National security in the modern age extends far beyond the military domain. It includes economic security, environmental security, food and energy security, and even cyber resilience. India’s draft National Security Strategy (2023) makes this clear: without strong economic foundations, security becomes fragile. Persistent poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment fuel discontent, which in turn may give rise to instability. The Global Peace Index (2024) has already noted that economic backwardness correlates strongly with conflict risks. Jammu province exemplifies this risk-if its grievances continue to be ignored, it may create social unrest that could undermine national unity.
Jammu’s marginalization has been long-standing. When the railways first connected Jammu in the early 20th century, it boosted tourism and trade but reduced the importance of Pathankot as the old transit hub. Today, with the railways extending directly to Katra and Kashmir, Jammu itself has become the new Pathankot sidelined and bypassed. Economic activities tied to pilgrimage tourism, such as hotels, transport, and local markets, have sharply declined. Dry fruit traders and handicraft sellers are among the worst affected, as tourists who once stayed in Jammu now prefer to travel directly to their destination.
Adding to these challenges, natural disasters have repeatedly crippled Jammu. Floods, cloudbursts, and landslides have become frequent, destroying agriculture and infrastructure. Agriculture remains the backbone of Jammu’s economy, employing a large share of the population. Yet, there is little systematic effort at modernization, irrigation, or crop insurance. Farmers are left at the mercy of climate change and policy neglect. This economic vulnerability is compounded by weak industrial presence. Jammu lacks large-scale industries or significant IT hubs, relying mainly on government employment and small-scale enterprises.
The nationalist spirit of Jammu’s population is often celebrated in political speeches, but rarely supported through concrete economic measures. While regions that have witnessed separatist movements have often been the recipients of large-scale development packages, Jammu has received little despite its unwavering loyalty to the Indian state. This paradox has not gone unnoticed by the people of the province, who increasingly feel that their sacrifices are being taken for granted. Ignoring these sentiments poses long-term risks to India’s national cohesion.
What Jammu requires today is a comprehensive economic and compensation package that addresses both immediate and long-term needs. First, rehabilitation and relief must be prioritized for flood-affected families. Compensation for lost crops, damaged homes, and destroyed infrastructure must be disbursed swiftly and fairly. Second, agriculture requires modernization through irrigation systems, subsidies for high-value crops, and crop insurance schemes. Reviving horticulture and dairy farming could create sustainable livelihoods. Third, tourism must be reimagined. Eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural circuits that include Jammu’s rich heritage can revive its tourism potential. Pilgrimage tourism must be developed in a way that benefits not only Katra but also Jammu city and surrounding areas.
Industrial development is another key priority. Jammu has the potential to develop as a hub for MSMEs, food processing, handicrafts, renewable energy, and IT services. Incentives, subsidies, and industrial clusters can attract private investment and generate employment for the youth. Equally important is the transformation of Jammu into an education and healthcare hub. Establishing world-class universities, skill development centers, and medical colleges can make Jammu a center of intellectual and professional excellence. Healthcare infrastructure can be leveraged to promote medical tourism, benefiting both the local population and the broader economy.
Finally, infrastructural investments must not bypass Jammu. The construction of highways, airports, and industrial corridors must include projects that directly benefit the province. Rail connectivity should be expanded in a way that reintegrates Jammu into the economic circuit rather than sidelining it. Similarly, special status policies and tax incentives can be considered to revive Jammu’s economic base.
In conclusion, Jammu province’s repeated sacrifices and persistent neglect highlight the urgent need for corrective measures. Economic prosperity and national security are deeply intertwined, and Jammu’s marginalization poses risks to both. The floods of 2025, the decline in tourism due to railway bypasses, and the absence of industrial growth have left Jammu vulnerable. To secure India’s unity and stability, it is essential to provide Jammu with a large-scale economic and compensation package, coupled with sustainable development initiatives. A prosperous Jammu will not only uplift its people but also strengthen the security and integrity of the Indian nation. It is time to recognize Jammu not as a forgotten frontier, but as a vital pillar of India’s future.
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