Kashmir Conflict: How It All Began
With the establishment of the Muslim League, by a bunch of fundamentalist Muslims on December 30, 1906, many burning issues in the country commenced, the “Kashmir Conflict” being the most severe. The Muslim League, led by Mohammad Ali Jinnah—whose political ambitions served one of the main reason to bifurcate India—demanded a separate nation for Muslims in October 1938, eventually marking the foundation of a new nation, Pakistan, in August 1947.
The 1947 Indian Independence Act freed all the princely states (over 650), from their obligations to the British government. All of them were authorised to be incorporated in any of the countries: India or Pakistan, or live freely.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the iron man of India, was roped in to ensure smooth dissolution of the princely states. His remarkable political and persuasion skills ensured the integration of more than 500 princely states into the Indian Union. But, a few princely states: Junagarh, Hyderabad, Bhopal and Kashmir continued to pose troubles in being dissolved to the Indian Union. By the end of 1949, the honourable Vallabhbhai Patel convinced all these states, except Kashmir.
The prince of Kashmir, Hari Singh, chose to live independently before the state was attacked by Kabailies, backed by Pakistan, forcing him to seek military assistance from India, which readily agreed on the condition of Kashmir’s inclusion in India. India sent their troops to Kashmir after the prince agreed to the condition, accepting the proposal of the integration to the Indian Union on October 26, 1947.
In a diplomatic blunder, the first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru sought the intervention of UN security council, efforts of which helped reach ceasefire in January 1949. After the ceasefire, India was left with the ownership of two-third of Kashmir’s land with Pakistan taking over the rest. Though Kashmir became a part of India, the land deemed to be disputed on account of India’s move to take this issue to the UN; the rest is history.
In 1957, the formal incorporation of Kashmir took place. The then government granted Kashmir a special status under Article 370 of the constitution—abolished on August 5, 2019—leaving only 370(1) in effect.
The Abolition Of Article 370 And 35 A
With the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, J&K will no longer enjoy an almost-separate-land status—no more having a separate flag, constitution, citizenship, set of fundamental rights (which also ensured no one could purchase land or property in J&K). J&K will now be downsized in two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Why Scrapping Was Needed
Article 370 and 35A served a reason to prevent considerable investments in the valley. The Kashmiri youth was misguided over the years by the separatists to serve their purposes to receive political benefits. Hurriyat leaders were preaching and brainwashing people of the valley by forcing them to stay away from education—from everything that could help them make bread and butter.
However, these leaders ensured a luxurious life to their kith and kin by providing high-quality education and hefty money to settle abroad. The youths were being turned to stone-pelters to launch attacks on armed and security forces and carry out anti-national activities. In many cases, national symbols like the national flag, national anthem were disrespected by the youths of Kashmir. This demonstrates how they were brainwashed and infused with fundamentalism.
The successive governments—rather say, the families—have failed miserably to ensure peaceful ruining of the state. The level of terrorism has grown severe over the last few years in the valley. Amit Shah, the Home Minister of India, claimed in the Rajya Sabha that more than 41,400 had been killed due to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir since 1988.
What Repealing 370 Will Do
Though the move will initially receive outrage from the people in Kashmir, it is expected to be fruitful in the long run. The way I see it, the following things will change in the valley:
1. Aspirations Of Youth
The aspirations and mentality of a large number of people will transform, and in my opinion, this will be the most significant change anticipated after the much-awaited move. They will dream like normal people, coming out of the fog of false religious and humanitarian beliefs programmed in their mind over the years. They will gain higher exposure now as Jammu & Kashmir has truly become an integral part of the country.
They will get to interact with diverse people, as people from other states will be allowed to purchase land here; this will also increase religious cordiality in the valley.
2. Smooth Development
The policies centred for development will be implemented more smoothly. The development of Kashmir will take place rapidly as it comes into the mainstream. Unnecessary restrictions will not be imposed on the central government, paving the way for smoother growth.
3. Surge In Employment
Unemployment in the valley has been one of the biggest reasons for the misguiding of youth. They fell easy victims—as they have time to listen to what the separatists in the valley preach. Having a job will inspire them to lead a sustainable life and stay away from it. As soon as the situation in J&K starts improving, for sure, investments will pour in, raising the living standard of the citizens. This will provide people in J&K much-needed employment and other opportunities.
4. Terrorism Control
The common man of the valley has been bearing the brunt of terrorism since Independence. These elements—both inside and outside—have impeded development severely; a large number of people have fallen prey to terrorism and lost their lives.
5. Unity And Peace
People in India have developed a rigid perception that Kashmir is different; Kashmiris are different. Though it will still take time, people will unite.
The possibility of disastrous consequences by this move can’t be completely denied since politics in J&K is way more different from the rest of the nation. Around 96% of its population is Muslim. The Modi government’s wise diplomacy may bring everything in favour, though it remains to be seen how things take a turn. The time has come for us to embrace Kashmiris and make them feel welcomed, as Amit Shah said in Rajya Sabha. This move has also sent a stern message to the U.S. that we are capable of resolving our issues. Kashmir is already a naturally prosperous land, and with the scrapping of 370 and 35A, it is expected to become economically prosperous considering its geographical existence.
This post has originally been published here.