write an essay about jammu and kashmir

Essay on Jammu and Kashmir Issue

Students are often asked to write an essay on Jammu and Kashmir Issue in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Jammu and Kashmir Issue

Introduction.

Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India with a complex history. It has been a subject of dispute between India, Pakistan, and China since 1947.

Historical Background

The dispute.

The ruler of Jammu and Kashmir chose to accede to India. This decision led to a conflict between India and Pakistan, sparking several wars.

Current Scenario

Today, the region is divided between the three nations. The issue remains unresolved, causing tension and conflict.

250 Words Essay on Jammu and Kashmir Issue

Historical context.

The princely state of J&K, predominantly Muslim but ruled by a Hindu Maharaja, acceded to India post-partition under certain conditions. The Instrument of Accession, signed by Maharaja Hari Singh, promised a high degree of autonomy to J&K, which was later enshrined in Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.

Conflict and International Dimensions

The region has witnessed multiple wars, insurgency, and a constant state of tension. Pakistan, claiming the entire state based on its Muslim majority, has sought international intervention, while India insists it’s a bilateral issue. The conflict has also caught the attention of global powers, given its strategic location and nuclear dimension.

Recent Developments

In August 2019, the Indian government abrogated Article 370, revoking J&K’s special status. This move has added a new layer to the dispute, intensifying the debate on autonomy, integration, and human rights.

The Jammu and Kashmir issue is not merely a territorial dispute but a complex mesh of historical, political, and socio-cultural aspects. It is a challenge that demands a nuanced understanding and an approach that respects the aspirations of the people of J&K, while ensuring geopolitical stability.

500 Words Essay on Jammu and Kashmir Issue

Jammu and Kashmir, an idyllic region nestled in the northernmost part of India, has been a hotbed of political and territorial disputes since the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. The issue is complex, involving historical, political, and socio-cultural aspects that have shaped the region’s current dynamics.

Political Dimensions

The political dimension of the Jammu and Kashmir issue is characterized by divergent narratives. India maintains that the region is an integral part of its territory, while Pakistan asserts that the majority-Muslim region should have been part of its territory post-partition. There is also a third narrative, primarily advocated by separatist groups within the region, demanding complete independence or self-determination.

Article 370 and 35A

Article 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution granted Jammu and Kashmir a special status, allowing it to have its own constitution and flag, and restricting outsiders from buying property in the state. However, in August 2019, the Indian government abrogated these articles, integrating the region fully into India. This move sparked widespread criticism and protests, both domestically and internationally.

Socio-Cultural Implications

International aspects.

The Jammu and Kashmir issue is a complex amalgamation of historical, political, and socio-cultural factors. Resolution of this dispute requires a nuanced understanding of these dimensions, coupled with a commitment to dialogue and diplomacy. It is essential to prioritize the welfare of the region’s inhabitants, ensuring their rights, aspirations, and cultural identities are respected in any future settlement.

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• School Education /

Essay on Kashmir: History and Beauty in 600+ Words

• Updated on  
• Jan 20, 2024

Essay on Kashmir for Students: Kashmir is a region situated between India and Pakistan in South Asia. It is believed that the name Kashmir originated from the word ‘Ka’ which means water, and ‘shimera’ to desiccate. 

The story of Kashmir is complex and has historical, cultural, and political dimensions. Over the years, many rulers and empires, like the Mauryas , Kushans , and Mughals have influenced the paradise of the Earth. The region especially had the special influence of Mauryan ruler Ashoka who contributed to the cultural as well as the architectural heritage of the region.

Cultural Diversity of Kashmir

Kashmir is a region that has a rich history and ancient roots. The place has witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties, such as the Mauryas , Kushnas , and Guptas . On top of that, these dynasties contributed to the cultural and geographic location of Kashmir, which includes the influence of the Silk Road and the blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and later Islamic influences.

Kashmir Issue

The dispute related to the sharing of borders didn’t stop after Independence. Whether it was India, Pakistan, or China, tensions related to the disputes of the region always created a heat of fire between the countries that led to wars. The list of some important wars are as follows:

1. First Indo-Pak War (1947-1948) : Fought for Jammu Kashmir shortly after India’s independence.

2. Sino-Indian War (1962): A conflict between India and China for the territorial region Aksai Chin. 

3. The War of (1965): Fought mainly over Kashmir.

4. Kargil War (1999): A conflict between India and Pakistan in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Article 370 Scrapped

Geographically, Kashmir lies in the northwestern region of the Indian continent. Its total area is around 225,000 square kilometers, which is comparatively larger than the member countries of the United States. 

Out of the total area, 85,800 square kilometers have been subject to dispute between India and Pakistan since 1947. It is important to note that the areas with conflict consist of major portions called the Northern, Southern, and Southeastern portions. The 30 percent of the northern part comprises Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan and is administered by Pakistan.

India controls the portion which is more than 55 percent of the area of the land. The area consists of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Kashmir Valley, and Siachen Glacier which is located in the southern and southeastern portions of India. The area is divided by a line of control and has been under conflict since 1972. 

Also Read: Speech on Article 370

Also Read: How to Prepare for UPSC in 6 Months?

Sadly, the people living near the International Border and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir pose not only a life threat but also do not have a stable life. Replacement and relocation affect the people living in the line of control not affect the people physically but also psychologically and socially aspects. In a survey conducted by the National Library of Medicine 94 percent of the participants recognize stress. Furthermore, the youth population was facing stress and anxiety regularly.  

However, a historic decision from the Supreme Court of India that nullified Articles 370 and 35A and permitted the state to have its constitution, flag, and government except in defense, foreign affairs, and communications decisions. After the decision, many initiatives were taken by the government of India to strengthen the democratic rule of the state. Schools, colleges, and universities were opened regularly in the union territories to develop the youth academically, socially, and as well as physically. 

Furthermore, strict measures to control criminal assaults such as stone pelting have started showing positive impacts on the continuance use of technologies such as mobile networks, and internet activities. Further, the discontinuity of Technology has started showing positive impacts on the lifestyle of people. Regular opening of schools, colleges, and universities, on the one hand, is helping the students to have good career prospects. 

Additionally, the fear-free environment that further increases tourist activities will further improve the local economy and contribute to the local as well as the national economy of the country. 

Also Read: Essay on Indian Independence Day

Kashmir is also called the Paradise on Earth. The region is blessed with natural beauty, including snow-capped mountains and green and beautiful valleys. The region is surrounded by two countries, which are Pakistan and China.

Kashmir is famous for Dal Lake, Pashmina Shawls, beautiful Mughal gardens and pilgrimage sites of Amarnath and Vaishno Devi. 

According to a traditional story, Ka means water and shimira means Desiccate. 

Kashmir is known as the ‘Paradise on Earth.’

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Deepika Joshi is an experienced content writer with educational and informative content expertise. She has hands-on experience in Education, Study Abroad and EdTech SaaS. Her strengths lie in conducting thorough research and analysis to provide accurate and up-to-date information to readers. She enjoys staying updated on new skills and knowledge, particularly in the education domain. In her free time, she loves to read articles, and blogs related to her field to expand her expertise further. In her personal life, she loves creative writing and aspires to connect with innovative people who have fresh ideas to offer.

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Jammu and Kashmir

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Jammu and Kashmir is a union territory of India . Formerly a state of India, it is part of the larger region of Kashmir, which has been the subject of dispute between India, Pakistan , and China since the partition of India in 1947. Legislation passed by India’s parliament in August 2019 set the stage for downgrading Jammu and Kashmir from statehood to union territory status and splitting off a part of it, known as the Ladakh region, into a second union territory. The change went into effect on October 31 of that year. The information that follows describes the former state of Jammu and Kashmir, including the Ladakh region.

Jammu and Kashmir is bounded on the northwest by the Pakistani-administered portion of Kashmir. On the northeast and east it is bordered by two parts of China—the Uygur Autonomous Region of Xinjiang and the Tibet Autonomous Region —as well as the Chinese-administered portions of Kashmir. The Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab lie to the south. Jammu and Kashmir has an area of 39,146 square miles (101,387 square kilometers). The administrative capitals are Srinagar in the summer and Jammu in the winter.

Much of Jammu and Kashmir is mountainous. The Ladakh area of Kashmir extends through the northeastern part of the state. This region includes the valley of the upper Indus River and, in the north, mountains of the Karakoram Range . The range has some of the tallest mountains on Earth, with more than 30 of its peaks exceeding 24,000 feet (7,300 meters) in elevation. Mountains and foothills of the Himalayas are found throughout much of the rest of Jammu and Kashmir. Many of the towering peaks of the Great Himalayas reach elevations of 20,000 feet (6,100 meters) or more. Jammu and Kashmir has two major lowland areas. The plains of the Jammu region are located in the southwest. The Vale of Kashmir, a fertile and heavily populated valley, is in the northwest. The upper Jhelum River flows through the valley, which also has many scenic lakes.

The climate varies from alpine in the northeast to subtropical in the southwest. The average annual precipitation ranges from only about 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) in the alpine area to some 45 inches (115 centimeters) in the subtropical zone.

The population of Jammu and Kashmir is as varied as its terrain. About two-thirds of the population adheres to Islam . Muslims are concentrated especially in the Vale of Kashmir, where the vast majority of the people are Muslims who speak Kashmiri or Urdu. About a third of Jammu and Kashmir’s people are Hindus , who predominate in the southeastern part of the Jammu region. Many of them are closely related to peoples in Punjab state and speak the Dogri language. The Jammu region is also home to most of Jammu and Kashmir’s Sikhs . The people of the eastern Ladakh region are largely Buddhists of Tibetan origins who speak Ladakhi.

Most of the people of Jammu and Kashmir depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Rice is the main crop. Wheat, corn (maize), barley, pulses (legumes), oilseeds, and vegetables are also grown. Large orchards in the Vale of Kashmir produce apples, pears, peaches, walnuts, almonds, and cherries, which are among Jammu and Kashmir’s major exports. The Kashmir goat is an important livestock animal in the Ladakh region; its coat provides cashmere, which is used to make fine textiles. The principal manufactures include metalware, precision instruments, sporting goods, furniture, matches, and resin and turpentine. Handicrafts such as the handloom weaving of locally produced silks, carpet weaving, wood carving, and silverwork are also important.

As a state, Jammu and Kashmir retained a special status within the Indian governmental structure and followed a modified version of the Indian constitution. A governor, appointed by the president of India, served as head of state (a largely ceremonial position). The actual administration of the state was carried out by an elected chief minister and the Council of Ministers. Jammu and Kashmir also had a two-house legislature. In August 2019, however, the national government effectively suspended the constitution of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Legislation passed that month established a framework for splitting the state into the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the union territory of Ladakh. Under this framework, the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir will be under the administration of a lieutenant governor appointed by the president of India. It will have a Legislative Assembly, with members elected to five-year terms, though it may be dissolved by the lieutenant governor before the term expires. The union territory of Ladakh will likewise be administered by a lieutenant governor. Unlike Jammu and Kashmir (but like most other union territories in India), Ladakh will not have a legislative body. The two union territories will share a High Court appointed by the president of India.

The Kashmir region has a long history. From the 9th to the 12th century, it was a center of Hindu culture. It was brought under Muslim rule in the 14th century and remained so until the Sikhs of Punjab and then the ruler of the Hindu Dogra kingdom of Jammu assumed control in the 19th century. The British made the ruler of Jammu the maharaja (ruling prince) of the new princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. This state formed part of a buffer zone that was imposed by the British between their Indian empire and the empires of Russia and China to the north.

When the British withdrew from India in 1947, their Indian empire was divided between India and the new country of Pakistan . The maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir at first sought independence but then chose to make his territory part of India. The Pakistanis intervened militarily, claiming that the region—which like Pakistan has a Muslim majority—was a natural extension of their country. A cease-fire line was established in 1949. Incursions into Ladakh by Chinese forces further complicated the situation and led to a war between India and China in 1962. Warfare again broke out between India and Pakistan in 1965 and 1999. Border tensions have continued to erupt periodically. Various movements and militant groups have sought a merger of Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan, independence for the Kashmir region, or the granting of Indian union territory status to Buddhist Ladakh. The controversial move by India’s parliament in August 2019 to downgrade the state at a later date to a union territory—and to split the Ladakh region off into a separate union territory of its own—laid the groundwork for the national government to take full control over Jammu and Kashmir’s governance. Although Jammu and Kashmir was formally stripped of its statehood, several court cases affecting its status remained pending. Population (2011 census), 12,548,926.

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Kashmir Issue – Understand the multiple dimensions

Last updated on July 9, 2024 by Alex Andrews George

Table of Contents

Was Kashmir an independent nation? Learn the history of Kashmir

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Kashmir, and adjacent areas like Gilgit, Jammu, and Ladakh – were part of the different empires at different times. Over the years, this area was under the control of Hindu rulers, Muslim emperors, Sikhs, Afghans, and Britishers.

During the period before AD 1000, Kashmir was an important center of Buddhism and Hinduism. Many dynasties like  Gonanditya,  Karkota, and Lohara ruled Kashmir and surrounding areas of North-western India.

The Hindu dynasty rule which extended until 1339 was replaced by the Muslim rule by Shah Mir who became the first Muslim ruler of Kashmir, inaugurating the  Shah Mir dynasty . A few centuries later, the last independent ruler Yusuf Shah Chak was deposed by the Mugul emperor Akbar the Great.

Akbar conquered Kashmir in 1587, making it part of the Mughal Empire . Subsequently, the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb expanded the empire further.

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Thus, it can be seen that under the Mughal rule, which extended nearly all of the Indian subcontinent, Kashmir was an integral part of India – however, not an independent nation .

Also read : Ladakh Statehood

Kashmir Region – After the Mughals

Aurangzeb’s successors were weak rulers. Later Mughals failed to retain Kashmir. After Mughal rule , it passed to Afghan, Sikh, and Dogra rule.

In 1752, Kashmir was seized by the Afghan ruler Ahmed Shah Abdali. The Afghan Durrani Empire ruled Kasmir from the 1750s until 1819 when Sikhs , under Ranjit Singh, annexed Kashmir and ended the Muslim rule.

By the early 19th century, Sikhs under Maharaja Renjith Singh took control of Kashmir. He had earlier annexed Jammu. The Sikhs ruled Kashmir until they were defeated by the British (First Anglo-Sikh War) in 1846.

After that Kashmir became a princely state of the British Empire – under the Dogra Dynasty.

Jammu and Kashmir – as a princely state of the British Empire

Maharaja Gulab Singh of the Dogra Dynasty signed the ‘Treaty of Amritsar’ with the British East India Company in 1846. Under this treaty, he paid Rs. 75 lakhs to the East India Company in 1846 in exchange for Kashmir and some other areas.  Jammu and Kashmir as a single entity was unified and founded (1846).

Zorawar Singh, a General in the Dogra Anny later led many campaigns in the northern areas like Ladakh, Baltistan, Gilgit, Hunza, and Yagistan, consolidating smaller principalities. He expanded the dominions of Maharaja Gulab Singh.

However, Jammu and Kashmir, from 1846 until 1947, remained a princely state ruled by the Jamwal Rajput Dogra Dynasty. Like all other princely states in India then, Kashmir too enjoyed only partial autonomy, as the real control was with the British.

Also read: Special Category Status

The ruler’s stand (at the time of Partition)

During the time of partition of British India (1947), Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) was a Princely State. Britishers had given all princely states a choice – either to join India to join Pakistan or even to remain independent.

The ruler of Kashmir during that time (1947) was Maharaja Hari Singh, the great-grandson of Maharaja Gulab Singh. He was a Hindu who ruled over a majority-Muslim princely state.

He did not want to merge with India or Pakistan.

Hari Singh tried to negotiate with India and Pakistan to have an independent status for his state. He offered a proposal of a Standstill Agreement to both the Dominion, pending a final decision on the State’s accession. On August 12, 1947, the Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir sent identical communications to the Governments of India and Pakistan.

Pakistan accepted the offer and sent a communication to J&K Prime Minister on August 15, 1947. It read, “The Government of Pakistan agrees to have Standstill Agreement with Jammu and Kashmir for the continuation of existing arrangements …”

India advised the Maharaja to send his authorized representative to Delhi for further discussion on the offer.

What were the Kashmiri people’s aspirations in 1947?

Kashmiri people took part extensively in the Indian Nationalist Movement. They not only wanted to get rid of British rule but also never wanted to be under the rule of the Dogra dynasty once the nationalist movement achieved its mission. The Kashmiris had preferred democracy to monarchy.

Jammu and Kashmir was always a secular state – with a history of Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh rule. Even though the majority population was Muslims, it then had a significant Hindu population as well.

India in 1947 had suggested conducting a plebiscite to know the aspirations of Kashmiri people. With tall leaders of Jammu and Kashmir like Sheik Abdullah on its side, cherishing the common values – secularism, democracy, and pan-India nationalism – India was confident to win the Plebiscite if it was held in 1947.

India’s stand with Junagadh, another princely state, was also to conduct a plebiscite. In 1947, upon the independence and partition of India, the last Muslim ruler of the Junagadh state, Muhammad Mahabat Khanji III, decided to merge Junagadh into the newly formed Pakistan. The majority of the population were Hindus. The conflict led to many revolts and also a plebiscite, resulting in the integration of Junagadh into India.

However, the Pakistan attack on Kashmir in October 1947 changed all dynamics. The exact aspirations of Kashmiri People at that time is still unknown – as a plebiscite or referendum was never held.

The Pakistan Invasion of Kashmir in 1947

Pakistan, though entered into a Standstill Agreement with Jammu and Kashmir, had an eye on it. It broke the Standstill Agreement by sponsoring a tribal militant attack in Kashmir in October 1947.

Pashtun raiders from Pakistan invaded Kashmir in October 1947 and took control over a large area. Hari Singh appealed to the Governor General of free India, Lord Mountbatten for assistance.

India assured help on the condition Hari Singh should sign the Instrument of Accession. Maharaja Hari Singh signed the instrument of accession with India (1947). It was also agreed that once the situation normalized, the views of the people of J&K will be ascertained about their future.

Jammu and Kashmir signs the Instrument of Accession with India

The Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession to India on 26 October 1947 in Srinagar.

As soon as the accession documents were signed, the Indian Armed Force took over the stage to repulse Pakistan-supported tribal assault.

Indian and Pakistani forces thus fought their first war over Kashmir in 1947-48.

India successfully drove out most of the Pak-supported tribal militants from Kashmir occupation. However, one part of the State came under Pakistani control. India claims that this area is under illegal occupation. Pakistan describes this area as ‘ Azad Kashmir ’. India however, does not recognize this term. India uses the term Pak-occupied Kashmir (PoK) for the area of Kashmir under the control of Pakistan.

India brings the United Nations (UN) into the picture

India referred the dispute to the United Nations Security Council on 1 January 1948. Following the set-up of the  United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) , the UN Security Council passed Resolution 47 on 21 April 1948.

The UN Resolution was non-binding on India and Pakistan. However, this is what the UN resolution mentioned:

UN Resolution on Jammu and Kashmir

The UN resolutions clearly said :

• Pakistan is the aggressor in the state.
• Pakistan has to vacate all occupied territory in the state and hand over the vacated territory to India.
• India has to remove all its forces leaving aside enough to maintain law and order.
• India to conduct a plebiscite in the state.

Why has no Plebiscite or Referendum been held in Kashmir yet?

• The state of Jammu and Kashmir is defined as it existed on or before the invasion of Pakistan on 22nd October 1947. This includes the present territory of Pak-occupied Kashmir (POK), Gilgit, Baltistan, Jammu, Laddhak, and Kashmir Valley.
• Pakistan asked for time to vacate its occupation but it never complied.
• As nearly one-third of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is still under the occupation of Pakistan, it is a non-compliance of conditions leading to the plebiscite.

Sheikh Abdullah’s movement – Formal incorporation of Kashmir into the Indian Union

Kashmir’s first political party, the Muslim Conference, was formed in 1925, with Sheikh Abdullah as president. Later, in 1938, it was renamed as National Conference . The National Conference was a secular organization and had a long association with Congress. Sheikh Abdullah was a personal friend of some of the leading nationalist leaders including Nehru.

National Conference started a popular movement to get rid of the Maharaja. Sheikh Abdullah was the leader.

After Maharaja Hari Singh signed an ‘Instrument of Accession’ with the Government of India, Sheikh Abdullah took over as the Prime Minister of the State of J&K (the head of the government in the State was then called Prime Minister) in March 1948.

Sheikh Abdullah was against Jammu and Kashmir joining Pakistan. However, he took a pro-referendum stance and delayed the formal accession to India. The pro-Indian authorities dismissed the state government and arrested Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah.

The new Jammu and Kashmir government ratified the accession to India. In 1957, Kashmir was formally incorporated into the Indian Union.

Kashmir Issue – External Disputes

Externally, ever since 1947, Kashmir remained a major issue of conflict between India and Pakistan (and between India and China to a minor extent).

Pakistan has always claimed that the Kashmir valley should be part of Pakistan. The conflict resulted in 3 main wars between India and Pakistan – 1947, 1965, and 1971. A war-like situation erupted in 1998 as well (Kargil war).

Pakistan was not only the illegal occupant of the Kashmir region. China too started claiming parts of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.

By the 1950s, China started to gradually occupy the eastern Kashmir (Aksai Chin) . In 1962, India fought a war with China over its encroachments, however, China defeated India. To make matters worse, Pakistan ceded the Trans-Karakoram Tract of Kashmir (Saksham Valley) to China.

Kashmir Issue – Internal Disputes

Internally, there is a dispute about the status of Kashmir within the Indian Union.

Kashmir was given autonomy and a special status by Article 370 of the Indian Constitution . Articles like 370, 371, 35A , etc are connected with privileges given to Jammu and Kashmir.

What is the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir?

• Article 370 gives greater autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir compared to the other States of India.
• The State has its own Constitution.
• All provisions of the Indian Constitution do not apply to the State.
• Laws passed by the Parliament apply to J&K only if the State agrees.
• Non-Kashmiri Indians cannot buy property in Kashmir.

This special status has provoked two opposite reactions.

A section feels that Article 370 is not needed!

There is a section of people outside of J&K that believes that the special status of the State conferred by Article 370 does not allow full integration of the State with India. This section feels that Article 370 should, therefore, be revoked and J&K should be like any other State in India.

Another section feels that Article 370 is not enough!

Another section, mostly Kashmiris, believes that the autonomy conferred by Article 370 is not enough.

Major Grievances of Kashmiris:

Kashmiris have expressed at least three major grievances.

• First, the promise that Accession would be referred to the people of the State after the situation created by tribal invasion was normalized, has not been fulfilled. They demand a ‘Plebiscite’ at the earliest.
• Secondly, there is a feeling that the special federal status guaranteed by Article 370, has been eroded in practice. This has led to the demand for restoration of autonomy or ‘Greater State Autonomy’.
• Thirdly, it is felt that democracy which is practised in the rest of India has not been similarly institutionalised in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

Politics since 1948 – Conflict between the Kashmir State Government and the Central Government of India

After taking over as the Prime Minister, Sheikh Abdullah initiated major land reforms and other policies that benefited ordinary people. But there was a growing difference between him and the central government about his position on Kashmir’s status. He was dismissed in 1953 and kept in detention for several years.

The leadership that succeeded him did not enjoy as much popular support and was able to rule the State mainly due to the support of the Centre. There were serious allegations of malpractices and rigging in various elections.

During most of the period between 1953 and 1974, the Congress party exercised a lot of influence on the politics of the State. A truncated National Conference (minus Sheikh Abdullah) remained in power with the active support of Congress for some time but later it merged with the Congress.

Thus Congress gained direct control over the government in the State.

In the meanwhile, there were several attempts to reach an agreement between Sheikh Abdullah and the Government of India.

Finally, in 1974 Indira Gandhi reached an agreement with Sheikh Abdullah and he became the Chief Minister of the State.

The Revival of National Conference (1977)

He revived the National Conference which was elected with a majority in the assembly elections held in 1977.

Sheikh Abdullah died in 1982 and the leadership of the National Conference went to his son, Farooq Abdullah, who became the Chief Minister.

But he was soon dismissed by the Governor and a breakaway faction of the National Conference came to power for a brief period.

The dismissal of Farooq Abdullah’s government due to the intervention of the Centre generated a feeling of resentment in Kashmir. The confidence that Kashmiris had developed in the democratic processes after the accord between Indira Gandhi and Sheikh Abdullah, received a setback.

The feeling that the Centre was intervening in the politics of the State was further strengthened when the National Conference in 1986 agreed to have an electoral alliance with the Congress, the ruling party in the Centre.

1987 Assembly Elections, Political Crisis, and Insurgency

It was in this environment that the 1987 Assembly election took place. The official results showed a massive victory for the National Conference-Congress alliance and Farooq Abdullah returned as Chief Minister.

However, it was widely believed that the results did not reflect the popular choice and that the entire election process was rigged.

A popular resentment had already been brewing in the State against the inefficient administration since the early 1980s. This was now augmented by the commonly prevailing feeling that democratic processes were being undermined at the behest of the Centre. This generated a political crisis in Kashmir which became severe with the rise of the insurgency.

By 1989, the State had come into the grip of a militant movement mobilized around the cause of a separate Kashmiri nation.

The insurgents got moral, material, and military support from Pakistan. The balance of influence had decisively tilted in Pakistan’s favor by the late 1980s, with people’s sympathy no longer with the Indian Union as it had been in 1947-48, 1965 or 1971.

The terrorists and militants drove out almost all the Hindus from the Kashmir valley, ensuring that a future plebiscite (if it happens) would be meaningless.

India imposed the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir in 1990.

For several years, the State was under President’s rule and effectively under the control of the armed forces . Throughout the period from 1990, Jammu and Kashmir experienced violence at the hands of the insurgents and through army action.

1990 and Beyond – Growing Trust Deficit

After 1987, the pro-India sentiments of Kashmiri people tilted heavily towards Kashmiri Separatism. Pakistan, of course, added fuel to the fire – by giving moral and financial support to terrorists, militants, and insurgents. As a result, Kashmir frequently witnessed violence, curfew, stone-pelting, and firing between the troops of India and Pakistan across the Line of Control (LoC).

Thousands of soldiers, civilians, and militants have been killed in the uprising and the Indian crackdown since 1989.

Even though state elections were conducted, Kashmir did not return to normalcy before 1987 .

Assembly elections in the State were held only in 1996 in which the National Conference led by Farooq Abdullah came to power with a demand for regional autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir.

J&K experienced a very fair election in 2002. The National Conference failed to win a majority and was replaced by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Congress coalition government.

In 2015, India’s ruling BJP party was sworn into government in Indian-administered Kashmir for the first time in coalition with the local People’s Democratic Party, with the latter’s Mufti Mohammad Sayeed as chief minister (followed by Mehbooba Mufti because of the death of her father and party founder). However, this coalition didn’t last for long.

Even though the Government of India is taking many steps to stop the insurgency and bring Kashmir back to normalcy, terrorist attacks like that in Pulwama have seriously hindered the peace process.

The Current Stand of India – Regarding the Kashmir Question

• No more mediation with the UN or any other other third parties.
• India and Pakistan should resolve issues through bilateral talks as agreed by the Simla Agreement.
• No Plebiscite in Kashmir unless Pakistan reverses the situation back to what was in 1947 (territory and demographics).

Who are the Kashmir Separatists?

• All Parties Hurriyat Conference
• Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front
• Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami
• Lashkar-e-Taiba
• Jaish-e-Mohammed
• Hizbul Mujahideen
• Harkat-ul-Mujahideen
• Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind Flag.png Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (Since 2017)

What do Separatists demand?

Separatist politics which surfaced in Kashmir from 1989 has taken different forms and is made up of various strands.

• There is one strand of separatists who want a separate Kashmiri nation, independent of India and Pakistan.
• Then some groups want Kashmir to merge with Pakistan.
• Besides these, there is a third strand which wants greater autonomy for the people of the state within the Indian union .

Demand for intra-state autonomy

Even though the name of the state is Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), it comprises three social and political regions: Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.

• Jammu – The Jammu region is a mix of foothills and plains, of Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs and speakers of various languages.
• Kashmir – Kashmir Valley is the heart of the Kashmir region. The people are Kashmiri-speaking and are mostly Muslims. There is also a small Kashmiri-speaking Hindu minority.
• Ladakh – The Ladakh region is mountainous, and has a very small population which is equally divided between Buddhists and Muslims. Ladakh is divided into two main regions – Leh and Kargil.

It should also be noted that out of the 3 main administrative divisions – Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh – insurgency and demand for independence is high only in the Kashmir Valley. Most of the people in Jammu and Ladakh still wish to be part of India, even though they demand autonomy differently. They often complain of neglect and backwardness. The demand for intra-state autonomy is as strong as the demand for State autonomy in the regions of Jammu and Ladakh.

Article 370: Changes made via Presidential order of 2019

On 5 August 2019, Home Minister Amit Shah announced in the  Rajya Sabha  (upper house of the Indian Parliament) that the President of India had issued  The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019 (C.O. 272) under Article 370, superseding the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 1954.

The order stated that all the provisions of the Indian Constitution applied to Jammu and Kashmir.

While the 1954 order specified that only some articles of the Indian constitution to apply to the state, the new order removed all such restrictions.

This in effect meant that the separate Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir stood abrogated.

The President issued the order with the “concurrence of the Government of State of Jammu and Kashmir”, which meant the Governor appointed by the Union government.

Change of status: Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019

After the Government of India repealed the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Indian constitution in 2019, the Parliament of India passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, which contained provisions that dissolved the state and reorganized it into two union territories – Jammu and Kashmir in the west and Ladakh in the east.

The two union territories came into existence on 31 October 2019, which was celebrated as National Unity Day.

The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir was proposed to have a legislature under the bill whereas the union territory of Ladakh is proposed to not have one.

Urge for Peace

The initial period of popular support for militancy has now given way to the urge for peace.

The Centre has started negotiations with various separatist groups. Instead of demanding a separate nation, most of the separatists in the dialogue are trying to re-negotiate a relationship of the State with India.

The Kashmir issue – has multiple dimensions – external and internal; inter-state as well as intra-state. Not even the separatists are on the same ground – their demands are different.

The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir which was under the control of British India – is now not entirely with India. Pakistan and China too now occupy a significant portion of the territories of the erstwhile princely state.

Of course, the Kashmir problem also includes the issue of Kashmiri identity known as Kashmiriyat. However, almost every state in India has its own identity – Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal, or Kerala. However, the people in each of these states even when seeing themselves as Tamilians, Kannadagans, Bengalis or Malayalis are also able to see the bigger picture – they identify themselves as Indians.

Jammu and Kashmir is one of the living examples of plural society and politics. Not only are there diversities of all kinds (religious, cultural, linguistic, ethnic, tribal) but there are also divergent political aspirations.

Unfortunately, from the perspective of the youth of Kashmir, there is a growing trust deficit. It’s a hard reality that Jammu and Kashmir never functioned like other Indian states since its accession to India. It had given higher autonomy initially, however, it got eroded in practice.

The first step to solving the Kashmir issue is to identify the problems behind the alienation of Kashmir. Here are some of them:

• Mishandling of the Kashmir Issue by the successive Central governments of India – which includes frequent dismissal of State Assemblies.
• The state governments of Kashmir failed to distribute the benefits of growth and development to every area of Kashmir.
• The terrorist and military outfits in Pakistan have been distancing the youth of Kashmir from the democratic form of the Indian government.
• The regular presence of the Indian Armed Force or CAPF in the Kashmir interiors, and the misuse of provisions like ASFPA.

To find a solution to the Kashmir issue – all stakeholders should be considered.

What is the need of the hour is proper integration of Kashmir, Jammu, and Ladakh with India. Integration should not be seen in a limited dimension of territory. India should be able to win the hearts of the people of Kashmir.

Only time can tell about the success of the changes made concerning the provisions of Article 370.

Kashmir was and still is an integral part of India. It has a plural and secular culture – just like the rest of India. Urgent steps should be taken to bridge the gaps of trust deficit in the minds of Kashmiri youth. All Kashmiris should get the due share in the growth story of India. Like all other states in India, there should be adequate political autonomy in Jammu and Kashmir.

Violence, terrorism, and killings are never the answer – be it on any side. What do you think?

Read: Ladakh statehood

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About Alex Andrews George

Alex Andrews George is a mentor, author, and social entrepreneur. Alex is the founder of ClearIAS and one of the expert Civil Service Exam Trainers in India.

He is the author of many best-seller books like 'Important Judgments that transformed India' and 'Important Acts that transformed India'.

A trusted mentor and pioneer in online training , Alex's guidance, strategies, study-materials, and mock-exams have helped many aspirants to become IAS, IPS, and IFS officers.

Reader Interactions

March 6, 2019 at 6:50 pm

The separatist themselves don’t want this situation to have a positive outcome as it will subsequently deteriorate/hamper their “political” stance which they’ve nurtured since a long time.

February 11, 2023 at 7:29 pm

I never seen a article like this…its amazing date wise i m from Kashmir i nvr understand Kashmir isssue , Kashmir history from beginning…but today i understand full 🌝 thanks to the author of this article 😊

March 6, 2019 at 7:30 pm

As long as radical brainwashed of youth continues…nothing can be done, first shut down all those radical institutions & then bring education that teaches about secularism & India’s beauty & achievements!

March 6, 2019 at 7:43 pm

kashmiri youth mind are washed out by these separatist…and some militant group ..work opportunity should be given to the youths of kashmir alike other states of india ….Empty mind see only a way to destruction…..

March 6, 2019 at 11:58 pm

The real situation of J&K can be assessed only by hearing the voices of the common people, the constitutional arrangements like Article 370, Article 35A & IoA must be respected to keep the relationship intact.

March 18, 2019 at 11:34 pm

Common people with normal situation ab toh majority Muslim log ka hi hai…. pehle un hinduwo ko bulo jinko waha se bhga diya gya …tb na brabar ka faisla hoga

March 7, 2019 at 9:52 am

there is another angle to look into this dispute and that is religion. religion play a major role in building and developing the behaviour of the society.

March 7, 2019 at 10:31 am

Yes, I do agree that wars, disputes, killing will no longer be a way to provide an efficient solution to Kashmir issue.

March 8, 2019 at 12:21 pm

wonderful article….!! what i believe is ..us Indians should stand together for Kashmir… and make people of Kashmir know that though we are 1000’s of kilometers away we still stand for them will be their strength…Apart from all the political drama they should know that a simple spark in kashmir will cause a wildfire in kanyakumari.. The role of govt here is the root cause of all the issues if u ask me .. what were you doing while the kidnapper lure the kid with the candy …? now indian govt should respect the kashmiri’s give them the hope and gain trust.. a lot of bloodshed ,mutilated bodies , power abuse , women abuse … give them hope …show them we love them .. youth from other states understand the kashmiris show them the support.. show them why they should be a part of india …

March 8, 2019 at 5:20 pm

For the violence to stop in Kashmir and preventing this problem to further aggravate development plans, projects should be well reached in the state so that the youth is engaged in something productive rather than destructive work. First of all, the politicisation of the State situation should be avoided.

March 13, 2019 at 11:31 pm

This is not the solution of problem,but give the right of people.As it is mentioned is article that Kashmir was a princely state,it has right to what they want,the Kashmir dispute has only one solution come India and Pakistan forward and give rights to Jammu and Kashmir people what they want,and destroy this illegal occupied.

March 14, 2019 at 2:54 pm

Further plubicite may useful for kashmiris yo choose their will…

March 27, 2019 at 7:14 pm

Your assumption of Kashmir being an integral part of India because the it was a part of The Mughal Empire is akin to the assumption that India is an integral part of Great Britain because it was a British colony once. That is ridiculous! The problem would not be solved till India accepts the fact that Kashmir is not an integral part of India. You cannot blame Pakistan for it then because Pakistan was as much ‘India’ once as new India is. So morally, historically, Politically and logically, by your argument, Pakistan is nowhere wrong to claim Kashmir for itself!

April 7, 2019 at 6:48 pm

but chirag The Government of Pakistan agrees to have Standstill Agreement with Jammu and Kashmir but india didn’t. So, Pakistan is wrong as it was a the first one who attack….in 1947 october after that indian government helps J&K and our military took over the charge.

April 7, 2019 at 9:33 pm

state politician are taking due benefit of the prevailing situation in jammu kashmir. They are making their vote bank at the cost of common public. Center should make efforts to ground level development through job creation employment generation education and overall development of state. mare education is not solution even the highly educated students after getting no source of income has diverted their route which mislead the other growing youth. Stone pelting is source of income for some public because they are paid for this for which politicians and other extremists are responsible as they bargain with center for normalcy of situation.

July 10, 2019 at 10:56 am

all is messed up because of british government gave 3 choice instead of two

August 2, 2019 at 2:47 am

Very good article, Alex! 🙂

August 9, 2019 at 8:30 pm

The only thing matters is that J&K belongs to India, anyone can claim it but won’t get even a stone of it. (At least till the plebiscite is done with all the Kashmiris taking part including the one who had left or removed from Kashmir). They do deserve to take their own decision with all due respect but including all the Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Buddhists.

August 14, 2019 at 6:31 pm

This is the best article I have ever read……!!! Really helpful in making a notes on Kashmir…..Thankyou very much…..!!!!!!

August 19, 2019 at 6:42 pm

Now the minds of kashmir people have been washed with the continuous presence of separatists and the Pak sponsored terrorism. No more plebiscites are needed to be given to these people. Indian government and the constitution is supreme. They have revoked 370 to bring the J & K into mainstream for all round development of J&K and its people. Pak does not have any right to interfere in our affairs, since its accession to India.

January 24, 2020 at 9:12 pm

Really good notes, grateful thanks to clearias team

February 9, 2020 at 6:21 pm

If Indian government wanted to integrated Kashmir into Indian Union, they should behave like human towards Kashmiri people who suffered from torture, disappearance, rapped by Indian Army from decades. Even Kashmiri youth experience torture, mob lynching by rest of indian people and although India wanted to integrate land of Kashmir not the people.

March 30, 2020 at 12:07 am

Can I download all of this in pdf format?

April 22, 2020 at 9:16 pm

Thank you sir

May 21, 2020 at 1:25 pm

It’s a very good article and has explained the J&K issue as easily as possible yet maintained the details. My look over the recent amendments on the J&K issue has changed, and it looks like a step that will work for the people in the long run (however not in the short term).

September 14, 2020 at 12:23 pm

Now come to know more about J & K issue… Contents of several book in one article.. Separatists,militants,terrorists, defunct politicians should be treated hard with central / State agencies … Hope for peace not only in valley… But in all parts including jammu,Kashmir & Ladakh……

October 27, 2020 at 12:44 am

I have a simple question. Even if both Pakistan and India want and agree on something. Should that be the solution, or should it be what the people want. To me, whether you like it or not, its the right of the Kashmiris to decide what they want for their future. Give them that right, thats the only fair solution.

And if you are not bothered by what is fair then the alternative is to go with the powerful and war is the way to find who is stronger.

March 21, 2022 at 3:38 pm

This Article is Baseless and Far From Ground Reality of Our Kashmir Nation , Kashmir Is not a integral or Vein of Any Nation wether is India or Pakistan , Kashmir Is Independent Before Birth of India or Pakistan.. Due to Continues occupation by Non Kashmirs Wehter is Muslim or Non Muslims , We Kashmirs Fight against the Occupation From years, still we are under Occupation joinlty by India paksitain and China ,, We Kashmirs are Peaceful Community between three Nation , we Lost more then 1 lakh we are wintess of crimes done by Non Kashmirs, we kashmiri Never agaist any Pakistain or India , but we never allow any indian or pakitain Interfercne in out kashmir , due to interference of India and Pakistan is responsible for destruction of our kashmir nation , We Peaple of kashmir never accept any occupation , 1000 political Drama playing by tri nation till date in our kashmir..

we Kashmiri appeal to Good and responsible Citizen of India and Pakistaini , both-side people are misguided regarding the Kashmir nation, the Ground Reality is different.. we Kashmiri respect both side nation as guest , we welcome every country peoples visit our kashmir people but we never accept India and pakistain occupation and we never forget the crimes of India and pakistain .

April 27, 2023 at 5:08 pm

Please update your notes. This is brilliantly done.

July 26, 2023 at 7:08 pm

Unbiased, good analysis and effectively presented. Hope the powers to be can affect the policy ideas presented here. Thanks!

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V eteran civil rights activist and journalist Gautam Navlakha, who surrendered before National Intelligence Agency (NIA) in New Delhi on April 14 following a Supreme Court order on the Bhima-Koregaon case , has had a long and deep engagement with Kashmir.

As an activist and journalist, Navlakha has visited and worked in Kashmir for decades. Anyone who knows him in Kashmir knows how he’s always spoken out, and written about, their political and human rights. He’s also produced a body of work documenting the changing political situation and rights violations in Kashmir over the years. He’s also written extensively on the impact of heavy militarization on the economy and on the lives of people in Kashmir. Navlakha has equally been a part of many ground-breaking, fact-finding delegations and reports on Jammu and Kashmir, some of which are not available online.

While his writings on Kashmir largely focus on state violence and militarization in the region, his writings on the Maoist insurgency focus on both the sociology and organization of insurgency itself.

About a decade ago, I remember Navlakha speaking in a civil society seminar in Srinagar. The pain in his voice showed a rare concern and deep empathy for the struggles of people in Kashmir.

He also spoke about how it’s probably the only movement where so many people have suffered so much and over many decades without achieving anything substantial in return.

“I can’t understand why Kashmir doesn’t get anything concrete despite all the sacrifices people have made here over decades,” he said, wanting the people to also think about protecting their lives while also resisting abusive power. “You ask any sacrifice and people have made it here. You deserve a better future now.”

I’m reminded of what Belarusian writer Svetlana Alexievich, who was awarded the 2015 Nobel Prize in Literature, said in her moving Nobel Lecture which also sums up the sense of loss and pain in Kashmir.

“Suffering is our capital, our natural resource,” she said. “Not oil or gas – but suffering. It is the only thing we are able to produce consistently. I’m always looking for the answer: why doesn’t our suffering convert into freedom?”

Here’s a list of 10 essays by Gautam Navlakha on Kashmir, with short excerpts and online links to full essays, which were published in different publications, many of them in the reputed Economic and Political Weekly, dating back to the early 1990s.

10 Must-Read Essays on Kashmir by Gautam Navlakha

“Bharat’s Kashmir War” by Gautam Navlakha (EPW, December 21, 1991)

This paper attempts to clarify the Kashmir imbroglio by investigating its genesis in the context of the Indian state’s responses.

“In most Indian writings, however, the characterisation of the movement in Kashmir as communal and fundamentalist proceeds from the argument that the Kashmiri Pandits are being hounded out of Kashmir and since they do not share the desire for referendum the demand cannot be ‘nationalist’ since nationalism is a secular identity. The contrary is however true. Nationalism is not the opposite of religious identity. The point of commonality is not just the religious zeal.”

Bharat’s Kashmir War In the last two years a lot has been written on Kashmir. But arguments on all sides have been more in the nature of assertions rather than informed reasoning. J…

“Kashmir: At the Edge of the Possible” by Gautam Navlakha (Economic and Political Weekly, September 17, 1994)

“…since the Indian army cannot defeat militancy and because the government is not trying hard enough for a political solution, not even when political openings come its way, and with involvement of international agencies being increasingly perceived as the only way in which the Indian government can be dissuaded from persisting with its militaristic response to what has been and remains a political problem, the prospect of peace without the association of Hurriyet to work out the framework and modality of a referendum remains remote.”

Kashmir At the Edge of the Possible Kashmir: At the Edge of the Possible Gautam Navlakha The emergence of the militant organisation Harkatul Ansar holds the prospect of mindless violence of a kind one sees in Afghanistan, but the blame for this must rest squarely on the government, on its total lack of foresight.

“India Turns Clock Back” Back by Gautam Navlakha (EPW, May 22, 1993)

“It needs reiteration that chauvinism and anti-Muslim prejudice all over India found sustenance in lies about destruction of temples in Kashmir or in ignorance of the facts of Kashmiri Pandit migration from the valley which actually accelerated after Jagmohan took over in January 1990. This should act as a reminder that if the policy of attrition is not controlled back, the consequences point in the direction of a xenophobic build-up which will pave the way eventually for ‘demo-graphic Indianisation’.”

KASHMIR- India Turns Clock Back The decision to impose army rule in Kashmir, in effect if not formally, represents a tragic turn of policy, as much for India as for the people of Kashmir. Step by step the government has been moving in precisely the direction which the BJP and the Hindu chauvinists have been urging it to take.

“Chrar-e-Sharief: Victory for Hardliners on Both Sides” by Gautam Navlakha (EPW, May 20, 1995)

“On May 9, the day before the destruction of Chrar-e-Sharief, the right and left in parliament unitedly condemned the government for ‘kneeling’ before the militants. Not a word was said about the Kashmiri people’s alienation and the violence perpetrated against them. Indeed there was not even the usual vacuous talk of the political process.”

Chrar-e-Sharief-Victory for Hardliners on Both Sides The government’s version of the hunting of Chrar-e-Sharief and the events leading up to it are full of holes, but more important is it that the destruction of the shrine has dealt a blow to the efforts of Kashmiri leaders such as Shabir Shah and Yasin Malik who Have been working courageously to bring the gun under control in Kashmir.

“It’s Never Too Late to Do the Right Thing” by Gautam Navlakha (EPW, July 29, 2000)  

“History teaches that people are not mere spectators who cannot influence the course of events. When successive governments failed the citizens by dividing the people, then it would be a mistake to leave every-thing to the discretion of the government. It is for us to fight for a just and honourable peace. Irrespective of what the government or militant leadership do in J&K, actions of solidarity can also stem the tide of communal polarisation. But before everything else we must welcome and lend unqualified support to the Kashmiris because it is the inalienable right of all of us to revolt against oppression to defend our dignity and freedom. It is only then our concerns will acquire meaning, and be taken seriously. To the extent people make their own histories the choice is ours.”

Kashmir : It’s Never Too Late to Do the Right Thing An obsession with territorial integrity has undermined the singular importance of the politics of solidarity, preventing an appreciation of the ground realities in Kashmir. The government’s current offer to hold unconditional talks with the militant leadership, while commendable, cannot succeed unless there is a recognition of the urgent need to begin the long process of gaining the confidence of the Kashmiris.

State of Jammu and Kashmir’s Economy” by Gautam Navlakha (EPW, October 6, 2007)  

“The Economic Survey for J&K does show how despite the disruptions and privations caused by war, economic performance has improved. Quite apart from sweeping statements about employment in horticulture and the importance of tourism, it does, however, skirt the fact that without addressing the issue of occupation of land by troops and restrictions placed on the use of water resources, both intricately linked to a political solution, problems will remain in the path of realising the full economic potential of the state.”

State of Jammu and Kashmir’s Economy The 2006-07 Economic Survey for Jammu and Kashmir reveals that despite the privations of conflict, the performance of the economy has improved in recent years. However, unless the two political issues of occupation of land and restrictions on the use of the state’s water resources are removed, the full economic potential of the state will not be realised.

“Doctrine for Sub-conventional Operations: A Critique” (Economic and Political Weekly, April 13, 2007)

In late 2006, the Indian army released its first ever doctrine on sub-conventional operations, i e, internal operations. This article critiques the document. “It is worth nothing what the Army Chief told the students of Sainik School in Thiruvananthapuram on February 17, 2007. According to him, the army’s fight is against the “divisive forces” and “our cause is just” and “we fight to win”. Win in this context means to suppress people.”

Doctrine for Sub-Conventional Operations: A Critique on JSTOR In late 2006, the Indian army released its first ever doctrine on sub-conventional operations, i e, internal operations. This article critiques the document.

“Kashmir: State Cultivation of the Amarnath Yatra” by Gautam Navlakha (Monthly Review, Aug 08, 2008)

“Arguably, when the yatra was halted between 1991 and 1996 due to the threat by a section of the militants it played into the hands of the extreme right wing elements in Indian society who have since then played an integral role in mobilising large numbers of pilgrims. However, it is equally important to note that earlier, schoolchildren and college youth used to act as volunteers and provide assistance to the yatris. Even when this was discontinued after 1996, the main indigenous militant organisation the Hizbul Mujahideen and Muslim Janbaz Force always supported the yatra and consistently demonstrated its opposition towards those who tried to disrupt it. And even today there is no section of people who opposes the yatra. What they resent is the horrendously jingoistic turn that it has taken under the SASB.”

MR Online | Kashmir: State Cultivation of the Amarnath Yatra The origins of the conflagration in June in Kashmir on forest land allocation for construction of facilities for the Amarnath yatra lie in open state promotion of the pilgrimage. The yatra has caused considerable damage to the economy and ecology of the area. The high-handed actions of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board only aggravated the situation.

“From the Killing Fields of Kashmir to the Finishing Line” by Gautam Navlakha (Sanhati, October 10, 2010)

“Truth and demand for justice are on the side of the Kashmiri people. It would be a sad day were these battles won after so much of sacrifice,  is allowed to be squandered for illusory gains at the behest of mealy-mouthed Indian ruling classes. There can be no replacement for right of self-determination. It is in Indian people’s interest, for our own democratic struggle, that we stand by this demand of the Kashmiri people. Defeat of oppressors in Kashmir, unlike the doomsayers, will strengthen our struggle.”

From the Killing Fields of Kashmir to the Finishing Line By Gautam Navlakha Where armed conflicts have gone on for a long period (decades) and where negotiations have been used by the State to win time or tire out opponents, or talks are deadlocked or cannot ensure compliance with whatever solution is reached, then making a reference to the people is the most sensible way […]

“The Kashmir Question: Nation-state, War, and Religion” by Gautam Navlakha (Indian Cultural Forum, Feb 2018)

“India’s working people cannot emancipate selves if they do not come out strongly against the persecution of the Kashmiri people at the hand of the same bourgeoisie nation-state which exploits and oppresses Indian people in general. While the Indian public may not influence external developments vis a vis Pakistan or China, they certainly can affect domestic perceptions and transform the terms of debate. Therefore, it matters how India’s progressives steer their political course and whether they can provide an alternate perspective on Kashmir to counter the myopic official discourse. It needs no reiteration that it is “never too late to do the right thing.”

The Kashmir Question: Nation-State, War and Religion – Gautam Navlakha Gautam Navlakha

Relevant Links

‘My Hope Rests on a Speedy and Fair Trial’: Gautam Navlakha Before His Surrender The Supreme Court recently rejected the bail applications of scholar and activist Gautam Navlakha, who was booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, or UAPA for allegedly fomenting violence during during the Bhima Koregaon event. The top court gave him and scholar Anand Teltumbde one week to surrender.

India Covid-19: SC Decision To Send HRDs Gautam Navlakha And Anand Teltumbde To Jail Is Cruel And Disappointing – Amnesty International India Amnesty International India Bangalore / New Delhi: 10 April 2020 12:39 pm Amid the spread of COVID-19, the Supreme Court of India’s order directing the arrest and imprisonment of two human rights defenders, Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha within a week, is disappointing.

Why is India targeting writers during the coronavirus pandemic? | Priyamvada Gopal and Salil Tripathi As a lethal virus scorches its way across continents, the leftwing Indian rights campaigner Gautam Navlakha has been reminding us of the words of Leonard Cohen, urging people to speak up for the right things: “There is a crack/a crack in everything, that’s how light gets in.”

‘New Low in India’s Political History’: PUDR Condemns Anand Teltumbde, Gautam Navlakha’s Arrests New Delhi: Condemning the arrest of social activists and intellectuals Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha on Tuesday, the People’s Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR) said that this “attempt to browbeat rights activists” marked a “deep and scathing new low in the political history of contemporary India”.

India: Activists Detained for Peaceful Dissent (New York) – Indian authorities on April 14, 2020 detained two rights activists who have been critics of government policies, Human Rights Watch said today. The government should immediately drop all charges under a counterterrorism law against Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha for allegedly inciting caste-based violence along with other activists during a demonstration in Maharashtra state in 2017.

Mounting international concern over detention of civil rights activists in India in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic Over 5,000 Individuals and 15 Organizations Sign Global Statement of Support for Dr. Anand Teltumbde and Mr. Gautam Navlakha On 16 March 2020, a Supreme Court bench comprising the judges Arun Mishra and Mukeshkumar Rasikbhai Shah rejected the anticipatory bail pleas of the civil-rights activist Gautam Navlakha and the writer Anand Teltumbde, in relation to the violence at Bhima Koregaon in January 2018.

Stand in Solidarity with Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha Stand in Solidarity with Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha Statement by Activists, Academics and Concerned Citizens In August 2018, the Pune Police implicated Prof. Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha with other human right activists and lawyers in the now-infamous fabricated Elgar Parishad case.

Journalist Gautam Navlakha tells CPJ he fears imprisonment amid COVID-19 pandemic New Delhi, April 9, 2020 — Indian authorities should stop pursuing the arrest of journalist Gautam Navlakha, and should cease holding journalists in jail during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Clampdown On Dissent Continues During The Covid-19 Pandemic In India The clampdown on dissent in India continues. Even during a pandemic, the Government of India is seeing to that targeting those critical of the government are being targeted. When hard-won rights to expression and peaceful protest are weakened, everyone stands to lose.

Human Rights Defender Gautam Navlakha’s Letter Before His Arrest As I prepare to Ieave to surrender before the NIA headquarters in Delhi I am glad that Justice Arun Mishra and Justice Indira Banerjee gave me another week of freedom when they passed the order on April 8, 2020. A week of freedom means a lot in my condition, even in the age of lockdown.

Global Solidarity Staement for Dr. Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha – Jamhoor This is a time sensitive petition for the immediate release of Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha, two of India’s foremost civil rights activists and public intellectuals. Please read and sign this petition here: Global Solidarity Statement for Dr. Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha .

Human rights groups denounce Indian activists’ arrest as crackdown on dissent – La Prensa Latina Media New Delhi, Apr 15 (efe-epa).- Human rights nonprofits on Wednesday came down hard against the Indian government a day after the arrest of scholar Anand Teltumbde and rights activist Gautam Navlakha under an anti-terrorism law for allegedly inciting violence during a protest in 2018, calling it a clampdown on dissent.

96c03acb00 – United States Department of State India is a multiparty, federal, parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislature. The president, elected by an electoral college composed of the state assemblies and parliament, is the head of state, and the prime minister is the head of government.

Under UAPA, Process Itself Becomes Punishment, Writes Activist Gautam Navlakha Before Surrendering | NewsClick As the country remembers Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar on the occasion of his birth anniversary, civil rights activists Gautam Navlakha and Anand Teltumbde, who were booked under the draconian UAPA in relation to the Bhima Koregaon violence in 2018, are set to surrender to the police.

Indian columnist arrested on trumped-up “Maoism” charge | Reporters without borders Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Gautam Navlakha, a well-known columnist and human rights defender who, despite serious humanitarian concerns, has been jailed on a flimsy charge brought by India’s counter-terrorism police, the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Persecution of rights activists and voices of dissent in India Recently, in a series of synchronized raids carried throughout India, various human rights activists and vocal critics of the ruling government were arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), an anti-terror law. These arrests have been widely criticized for being politically motivated as they are aimed at curbing the right of free speech and dissent or criticism towards the government.

Dalit leaders condemn Anand Teltumbde’s arrest on 14 April-Ambedkar Jayanti On 16 March 2020, a Supreme Court bench comprising the judges Arun Mishra and Mukeshkumar Rasikbhai Shah rejected the anticipatory bail pleas of the civil-rights activist Gautam Navlakha and the writer Teltumbde, in relation to the violence at Bhima Koregaon in January 2018.

UK Rights Organisations condemn arrest of Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha UK Rights Organisations condemn the imminent arrest of Prof Dr Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha Demand prompt release of all political and democratic rights activists in Indian jails 08 April 2020 The police in the State of Maharashtra, India, acting at the behest of the central BJP Hindutva government, is forcing the arrest of Professor […]

Statement by Hindus for Human Rights and Global Indian Progressive Alliance Protesting the Arrest of Dr. Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha – Hindus For Human Rights Dr. Anand Teltumbde is a highly respected and revered scholar and human rights defender. Along with his comrade in justice work, Gautam Navlakha, Dr. Teltumbde will be arrested today on demonstrably fabricated charges related to the Bhima Koregaon case.

Dalit Leaders, Political Representatives Condemn Dr Teltumbde’s Imminent Arrest on Ambedkar Jayanti | NewsClick Ahead of the Anand Teltumbde’s surrender on April 14 [also the ocaasion of B R Ambedkar’s birth anniversary] in accordance with the Supreme Court order, Dalit, Adivasi, OBC and minority leaders have demanded that he be allowed “to live and write, to be a free spirit that enlivens our democratic selves”.

MASS condemn arrest of Gautam Navalakha and Anand Teltumbe Guwahati: The Manab Adhikar Sangram Samiti (MASS) is disturbed and dismayed by the Supreme Court of India’s decision to allow for the detention of civil rights activist Gautam Navalakha and Anand Teltumbe after August 14,2020. Both had been implicated in Bhima Korgoan case of 2018, where many Dalit activists were hurt in rioting by mobs supported by powerful local politicians.

‘A tragedy for India’: Author Arundhati Roy on arrests of activists Anand Teltumbde, Gautam Navlakha ‘They have both been accused of outlandish crimes.’

In Solidarity with and Appeal to Acquit Prof. Anand Teltumbde In Solidarity with and Appeal to Acquit Prof. Anand Teltumbde Statement by IIMA faculty, students and alumni Over 280 students, faculty members and alumni of Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA), have signed a statement in solidarity with their illustrious alumnus, Anand Teltumbde who apart from being a corporate leader and teacher has done so much to the society.

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Majid Maqbool

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The Jammu region

Kashmiris of the vale and highlands, settlement patterns, demographic trends.

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People of Jammu and Kashmir

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• GlobalSecurity.org - Jammu and Kashmir, India
• Indianetzone - Jammu & Kashmir, India
• Official Tourism Site of Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Development Corporation, India
• Jammu and Kashmir - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
• Table Of Contents

The cultural, ethnic, and linguistic composition of Jammu and Kashmir varies across the region. About two-thirds of the population adheres to Islam , a greater proportion than in any other Indian state or union territory apart from Lakshadweep ; Hindus constitute most of the remaining third. There also are small minorities of Sikhs and Buddhists . The union territory’s official languages are Urdu , English, Kashmiri , Dogri , and Hindi .

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Jammu , winter capital of the maharajas (the former Hindu rulers of the region) and second largest city in the union territory, was historically the seat of the Dogra dynasty . More than two-thirds of the region’s residents are classified as Hindu. Most of Jammu’s Hindus live in the southeastern portion of the region and are closely related to the Punjabi -speaking peoples in Punjab state; many speak the Dogri language. The majority of Sikhs in the union territory also live in the Jammu region. To the northwest, however, the proportion of Muslims increases, with Muslims making up a dominant majority in the area around the western town of Punch .

The Vale of Kashmir , surrounded by the highlands of the broader Kashmir region, always has had something of a unique character. The vast majority of the people are Muslims who speak Kashmiri or Urdu . Culturally and ethnically, their closest links are with peoples in the northwestern highlands of the Gilgit area (in the Gilgit-Baltistan district) of the Pakistani-administered sector of Kashmir. The Kashmiri language is influenced by Sanskrit and belongs to the Dardic branch of Indo-Aryan languages , which also are spoken by the various hill peoples of Gilgit. Kashmiri has rich folklore and literary traditions. The great majority of the population resides in the lower reaches of the vale. Srinagar , Jammu and Kashmir’s largest city, is located on the Jhelum River .

Jammu and Kashmir’s physiographic diversity is matched by a considerable variety of human occupation. In the plains and foothills of the southwestern region, colonization movements from the Punjab areas over a long period of time have produced numerous agricultural settlements. In the dun regions and lower valleys of the foothills, where alluvial soils and the availability of water for irrigation make agriculture possible, the population is sustained by crops of wheat and barley, which are gathered in the spring ( rabi ) harvest, and of rice and corn (maize), gathered in the late summer ( kharif ) harvest; livestock also are raised. The upper sections of the valleys support a sparser population that depends on a mixed economy of corn, cattle, and forestry. Herders migrate to higher pastures each spring to give their flocks the necessary forage to produce milk and clarified butter, or ghee, for southern lowland markets. In winter the hill dwellers return to lower areas to work in government-owned forests and timber mills. Agricultural hamlets and nucleated villages predominate throughout union territory; cities and towns such as Jammu and Udhampur function essentially as market centers and administrative headquarters for the rural populations and estates in the vicinity.

The population of Jammu and Kashmir continued to increase fairly rapidly from the late 20th into the early 21st century, growing by nearly one-fourth between 2001 and 2011. The region has remained largely rural, nearly three-fourths of its people living in towns and villages, but urbanization has increased. Nearly two-fifths of the urban population resides in the Srinagar region. The sex ratio is relatively poor, about 890 females per 1,000 males at the 2011 census, lower than it was in the 2001 census (900 females per 1,000 males).

Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir Essay

Tourism today has become one of the largest and fastest growing industries of the world: India is one of the world’s most exciting and attractive tourist resorts. There are several reasons for it. First, she is famous for her scenic beauty. Nature has been kind to her. Secondly, India’s architecture, sculpture and great monuments are the finest creation known to the civilised man.

Kashmir is the paradise of tourists: Its scenic beauty and salubrious climate have given it the aptitude of “ Tourists Paradise. ” With its lakes and mountains, its luxurious chinars and tall slender poplars, delicious fruits ancient monuments, its placid rivers and murmuring streams swarming with Himalayan trout, and a host of innumerable natural attractions Kashmir, as G.T. Vigne prophesied in 1885, has become the sine qua non of the traveller to the East.

The clear cool water, the gentle breezes, the genial sun-shine, the bubbling springs, the freshwater lakes and snow-capped mountains of Kashmir are very charming, indeed. While praising the beauty of Kashmir a poet has aptly remarked:

Tell me what land can boast of such treasures Is aught so fair is aught so sweet? Hail I Paradise of endless pleasure!” Hail! Beautiful and beloved Kashmir.

The valley of Kashmir has different attractions for different people: It is a pleasure garden for lovers, a playground for sportsmen, an ideal health resort for the sick and a haven of rest and repose for the worried and weary souls. To a poet, its enchanting sights and sounds are a source of joy and inspiration.

To a scholar, its rich folklore and ancient manuscripts promise a world of delight. To a gay, young couple it is an ideal holiday. resort where they can enjoy themselves in luxuriously decorated houseboats or sit under chinar trees. eat cherries and talk of love.

To an artist, it is a land of enchanting colourful scenes which never were on sea or land. To a student of geology, there is a vast field of exploration of rocks and minerals while to students of culture it is the meeting ground of various races and civilizations.

Kashmir has another charm as a holiday resort: In addition to its variety of fruits and flowers, scenes and sights, the choice of varied climate that its hills and meadows offer, there are several opportunities for games and sports.

One can do boating, skiing, skating, mountaineering, horse riding Etc. One can indulge in fishing, hunting wild animals, catching birds, shooting ducks and other kinds of sports.

There are many beauty spots of Kashmir that attract tourists from far-flung places : Pahalgam and Gulmarg are among the finest of them all. The latter is the valley of roses and the tourism department has built up two golf courses of a high standard for the recreation of game lovers. The place is ideal for skiing and trekking.

The Jammu and Kashmir Government Tourist Department extends all kinds of facilities to tourists: It has opened its branches at various important stations to supply information and give help to those who intend planning a holiday in Kashmir. Besides those branches, there are innumerable Tourist Agencies in Kashmir which cater to the needs of visitors.

The tourist trade is an important factor in the economy of Jammu and Kashmir : As many as four lakh tourists pay a visit to the valley every year. The tourist season commences in April-May and continues up to October. Some Europeans come in winter to enjoy the beauty of snowfall and such winter sports like skating and skiing at Gulmarg which is the queen of hill stations in Asia.

Ameni ties to tourists have been considerably extended now. A net work of well equipped dak bungalows and tourist huts has been laid out throughout the Valley. A Tourist Reception Centre has been set up for looking after the over all needs of the tourists.

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Indian History

Make Your Note

Integration of Princely States After Independence

• 21 Aug 2019
• 14 min read
• GS Paper - 1
• Post-independence Consolidation of India

Introduction

• The Indian Independence Act of 1947 gave princely states an option to accede to the newly born dominions India or Pakistan or continue as an independent sovereign state.
• At that time more than 500 princely states have covered 48 percent of the area of pre Independent India and constituted 28% of its population.
• These kingdoms were not legally part of British India, but in reality, they were completely subordinate to the British Crown.
• For the British these states were the necessary allies, to keep in check the rise of other colonial powers and nationalist tendencies in India.
• Accordingly, the princes were given autonomy over their territories, but the British acquired for themselves the right to appoint ministers and get military support as and when required.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (India’s first deputy prime minister and the home minister) with the assistance of V.P menon (the secretary of the Ministry of the States) was given the formidable task of integrating the princely states.
• From invoking the patriotism of the princes to remind them of the possibility of anarchy on event of their refusal to join, Patel kept trying to convince them to join India.
• He also introduced the concept of “privy purses” — a payment to be made to royal families for their agreement to merge with India.
• Bikaner, Baroda and few other states from Rajasthan were the first ones to join the union.
• There were several other states that were adamant to not join India. Some of them thought this to be the best moment to acquire independent statehood, while there were others who wanted to become a part of Pakistan.
• The southern Indian maritime state was strategically placed for maritime trade and was rich in both human and mineral resources.
• It was one of the first princely states to refuse accession to the Indian union and question the Congress’ leadership of the nation.
• By 1946, the Dewan of Travancore, Sir C.P. Ramamswamy Aiyar declared his intention of forming an independent state of Travancore that would be open to the idea of signing a treaty with the Indian union.
• Sir C.P. Aiyar is also said to have had secret ties with the UK government who were in support of an independent Travancore in the hope that they would get exclusive access to a mineral called monazite that the area was rich in, and would give an edge to Britain in the nuclear arms race.
• He stuck to his position till as late as July 1947. He changed his mind soon after he survived an assassination attempt by a member of the Kerala Socialist Party.
• On July 30 1947, Travancore joined India.
• The Rajput princely state despite having a Hindu king and a large Hindu population, strangely had a tilt towards Pakistan.
• Young and inexperienced, Jodhpur prince, Hanvant Singh reckoned that he may get a better “deal” from Pakistan since his state was contiguous with the country.
• Jinnah reported to have given the Maharaja a signed blank sheet of paper to list all his demands.
• He also offered him free access to the Karachi port to arms manufacturing and importing along with military and agrarian support.
• Seeing the risks in the border state acceding to Pakistan, Patel immediately contacted the prince and offered him sufficient benefits.
• Patel assured him that importing arms would be allowed, Jodhpur would be connected to Kathiawar by rail and that India would supply grain to it during famines.
• On 11 th August 1947, Maharaja Hanvant Singh, King of Jodhpur signed the Instrument of Accession and the State of Jodhpur was integrated into the Indian Dominion.
• It was another state that wished to declare independence.
• Here a Muslim Nawab , Hamidullah Khan, was ruling over a majority Hindu population.
• He was a close friend of the Muslim League and staunchly opposed the Congress rule.
• He had made clear his decision to attain independence to Mountbatten.
• However, the latter wrote back to him stating that “no ruler could run away from the dominion closest to him”.
• By July 1947, the Prince became aware of the large number of princes who had acceded to India and decided to join India.
• It was the largest and richest of all princely states, covered a large portion of the Deccan plateau.
• Nizam Mir Usman Ali was presiding over a largely Hindu population in the princely state.
• He was very clear on his demand for an independent state and blatantly refused to join the Indian dominion.
• He drew support from Jinnah and the tussle over Hyderabad grew stronger over time.
• Both requests and threats from Patel and other mediators failed to change the mind of the Nizam, who kept expanding his army by importing arms from Europe.
• Things took a turn for the worse when armed fanatics (called Razakars) unleashed violence targeted at Hyderabad’s Hindu residents.
• The Congress government decided to make a more decisive turn after the Lord Mountbatten resignation in June 1948.
• On September 13, 1948, Indian troops were sent to Hyderabad under ‘Operation Polo’.
• In an armed encounter that lasted for about four days, the Indian army gained full control of the state and Hyderabad became the integral part of India.
• Later, in an attempt to reward the Nizam for his submission, he was made the governor of the state of Hyderabad.
• The princely state, situated on the southwestern end of Gujarat, also did not accede to the Indian union by August 15, 1947.
• It was the most important among the group of Kathiawar states and contained a large Hindu population ruled by the Nawab, Muhammad Mahabat Khanji III.
• On September 15, 1947, Nawab Mahabat Khanji chose to accede to Pakistan ignoring Mountbatten’s views, arguing that Junagadh adjoined Pakistan by sea.
• The rulers of two states that were subject to the suzerainty of Junagadh — Mangrol and Babariawad — reacted by declaring their independence from Junagadh and acceding to India.
• In response, the nawab of Junagadh militarily occupied the two states. Rulers of the other neighbouring states reacted angrily, sending troops to the Junagadh frontier, and appealed to the Government of India for assistance.
• India believed that if Junagadh was permitted to accede to Pakistan, communal tension already simmering in Gujarat would worsen, and refused to accept the Nawab’s choice of accession.
• The government pointed out that the state was 80% Hindu, and called for a plebiscite to decide the question of accession.
• India cut off supplies of fuel and coal to Junagadh, severed air and postal links, sent troops to the frontier, and occupied the principalities of Mangrol and Babariawad that had acceded to India.
• Pakistan agreed to discuss a plebiscite, subject to the withdrawal of Indian troops, a condition India rejected.
• On 26 October, the Nawab and his family fled to Pakistan following clashes with Indian troops. Before leaving, the Nawab had emptied the state treasury of its cash and securities.
• On November 7,1947 Junagadh’s court, facing collapse, invited the Government of India to take over the State’s administration.
• The Dewan of Junagadh, Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto, the father of the more famous Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, decided to invite the Government of India to intervene.
• The government of India accepted the invitation of the Dewan to intervene.
• A plebiscite was conducted in February 1948, which went almost unanimously in favour of accession to India.
• Junagadh became a part of the Indian state of Saurashtra until November 1, 1956, when Saurashtra became part of Bombay state.
• In 1960, Bombay state was split into the linguistic states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, in which Junagadh was located and since then Junagadh is part of Gujarat.
• It was a princely state with a Hindu king ruling over a predominant Muslim population which had remained reluctant to join either of the two dominions.
• The case of this strategically located kingdom was not just very different but also one of the toughest as it had important international boundaries.
• The ruler of Kashmir Maharaja Hari Singh had offered a proposal of standstill agreement to both India and Pakistan, pending a final decision on the state’s accession.
• Pakistan entered into the standstill agreement but it invaded the Kashmir from north with an army of soldiers and tribesmen carrying weapons. In the early hours of 24 th October, 1947, thousands of tribal pathan swept into Kashmir.
• The Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir appealed to India for help. He sent his representative Sheikh Abdullah to Delhi to ask for India’s help.
• On 26 th October 1947, Maharaja Hari Singh fled from Srinagar and arrived in Jammu where he signed an 'Instrument of Accession' of J&K state.
• According to the terms of the document, the Indian jurisdiction would extend to external affairs, communications and defence. After the document was signed, Indian troops were airlifted into the state and fought alongside the Kashmiris.
• On 5 th March, 1948, Maharaja Hari Singh announced the formation of an interim popular government with Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah as the Prime Minister.
• In 1951, the state constituent assembly was elected. It met for the first time in Srinagar on 31 st October 1951.
• In 1952, the Delhi Agreement was signed between Prime Ministers of India and Jammu & Kashmir giving special position to the state under Indian Constitutional framework.
• On 6th february 1954, the J&K constituent assembly ratified the accession of the state to the Union of India.
• The President subsequently issued the constitution order under Article 370 of the Constitution extending the Union Constitution to the state with some exceptions and modifications.
• As per Section 3 of the J&K constitution, Jammu & Kashmir is and shall be an integral part of the Union of India.
• On 5 th of August 2019, the President of India promulgated the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019.
• The order effectively abrogates the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir under the provision of Article 370 - whereby provisions of the Constitution which were applicable to other states were not applicable to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

Jammu Kashmir – Culture and Tradition

The state of Jammu & Kashmir has always been a disputed land since the Independence of India. J&K is the reason for the conflict between India , Pakistan , and  China . Jammu and Kashmir also called the Venice of East . Since its formation, J&K is a center of Extremist and Separatists powers.

The region has been violently disputed by India and Pakistan since its 1947 partition. China, too, which borders the region to the north and east, has been involved in these conflicts. The Indian portion of Kashmir is called Jammu and Kashmir and it’s capital in Srinagar. The Pakistani-controlled part of the region is called Azad Kashmir and its capital is Muzaffarabad.

Though, some of the time this state is closed down due to curfew, tourists still flock to the place to enjoy the natural beauty and the pleasant climate. This is why it is called the Switzerland of India.

The capital of Jammu & Kashmir in summer is Srinagar ( March – October ) and in winter the capital is Jammu (October – March).

The history of Kashmir started just before the great Mahabharat war. The first ruler of Kashmir was Gonanda, Gonanda was killed in a battle along with his son and at the time of the commencement of the Mahabharat war, Gonanda II was ruling over Kashmir. Ashoka founded the old city of Srinagar known now as “Pandrethan”. After the death of Ashoka, his son Jaluka ascended the throne of Kashmir, and the latter was succeeded by his son King Damodar II.

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The valley for over two hundred years was ruled by Indo-Greek Kings before the start of the “ Turushka ” (Kushan) rule in the state. The contact with the Greeks is responsible for the beautiful architectural and sculptural style of old Kashmir temples. Khemgupta ascended the throne of Kashmir in 950. The last Hindu ruler of Kashmir was Udayan Dev. Before his death, he embraced Islam. His death in 1339 paved the way for the establishment of Muslim rule in Kashmir.

Then Kashmir was ruled by Muslims and Mughal respectively. The Mughal rulers never came alone but were always accompanied by hundreds of Nobles, Amirs and Umrah, Princes, and Army Generals. Then came the Afghan Rule and the Dogra Period, The greatest service of the first Dogra ruler is the foundation that he laid for the modern Jammu and Kashmir State.

When India got freedom in 1947 Hari Singh the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, wanted his state to remain independent, and have two options either to include their state in India or in Pakistan, Hari Singh took a long time to make this decision. At the same time, Kashmiri (Muslim majority population) on the Pakistan side opened a front against Hari Singh. To deal with the rebellion, Hari Singh sought the help of the Indian Army and agreed to merge his kingdom in India.

The land was divided into two parts- India and Pakistan. The Indian side of Kashmir is called Jammu and Kashmir and the Pakistani-controlled part of the region is called Azad Kashmir.

Culture and Tradition of Jammu Kashmir

Jammu Kashmir is a diverse blend of various cultures People from different religious and social practices of Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist have created a composite culture of the state which is called Kashmiriyat. Kashmiri comprises of Kashmiri Pundits, Kashmiri Muslims, Gurjars, and Rajasthani Rajputs.

Kashmiri Weddings traditions are full of joyful and traditional ceremonies. Emphasis is also laid into matching the background, status, and reputation of the family of the prospective match.

Costumes of Jammu Kashmir

Costumes of Jammu and Kashmir are well known for their embroidery and intricate designs, which reflect the richness of the culture and landscape of the region. The form of clothing is designed to counter the cold climate of the region. Most of the garments are made of wool, silk designed with intricate embroideries and cotton.

The Pheran is a prominent attire for Kashmiri women. The Pheran is worn by women usually has Zari, embroidery on the hemline, around pockets, and mostly on the collar area. Ladies prefer a suit and Burgha in summer and Pheran are preferred in autumn.

The typical dress of a Kashmiris man both Hindu and Muslim is Pheran, a long loose gown hanging down below the knees. The men wear a skullcap, a close-fitting shalwar (Muslims), or churidar pyjama (Pandits).

Suggested Read: Carpets of Jammu and Kashmir

Cuisines in Jammu Kashmir

Kashmiri food is a blend of Kashmiri Pandits, Muslims, and Mughals styles. The Dogras are Hindu, so they are mainly vegetarian, eating a staple of rice, wheat, and beans. They take plenty of vegetables but the favorite dish is the hak or karam sag. In the cities, mutton is consumed in large quantities but in the villages, it is still a luxury reserved only for festive occasions. Beef is forbidden to Hindus.

Kashmiri food is meat-based, slowly cooked for a long time with many exotic spices. Although they are the inhabitants of a cold country, Kashmiris abhor the use of intoxicating drinks. The traditional green tea with spices and almonds known as Kahva is consumed during the winters of Kashmir. A Kashmiri meal ends with a cup of ‘kahva’.

Kashmiri Pulao is a common dish for Kashmiri vegetarians other dishes are Dum Olav/Dun Aloo, Karam sag, and Nadier Palak. Also, spices, curd, and condiments are common ingredients of Kashmiri cuisine. Phirni is a sweet delicacy of Jammu and Kashmir.

Music and Dances of Jammu Kashmir

Due to Kashmir’s close proximity to Central Asia, Eastern Asia, and Southern Asia, a unique blend of music has evolved encompassing the music of the three regions.

But, overall, Kashmiri Valley music is closer to Central Asian music, using traditional Central Asian instruments and musical scales, while music from Jammu is similar to that of North India.

The Dumhal is a famous dance in the Kashmir valley, performed by men of the Wattal region. The women perform the Rouff, another traditional folk dance.

Famous tourist attraction

In Jammu and Kashmir, the most important tourist places are the Kashmir Valley, Srinagar, the Mughal Gardens, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Jammu. Some areas require a special permit for non-Indians to visit.

The tourism economy in the Kashmir valley was the worst hit due to militancy in the state. However, the holy shrines of Jammu continue to remain popular pilgrimage and tourism destinations.

Every year, thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit the holy shrines of Vaishno Devi and Amarnath which has had a significant impact on the state’s economy.

Simmi Kamboj

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Essay on Jammu and Kashmir | India

Here is an essay on ‘Jammu and Kashmir’ for class 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Find paragraphs, long and short essays on ‘Jammu and Kashmir’ especially written for school and college students.

Essay on Jammu and Kashmir

Essay Contents:

• Essay on the Flora and Fauna of Jammu District

Jammu and Kashmir State constitutes the northern most extremity of India. The state of Jammu and Kashmir is located between 32° 17’to 37° 06′ N latitude and 73° 26′ to 80° 30′ E longitude. Jammu and Kashmir is home to several valleys such as the Kashmir Valley, Tawi Valley, Chenab Valley, Poonch Valley, Sind Valley and Lidder Valley. Jammu and Kashmir is founded by Maharaja Ghulab Singh by integrating four regions viz. Jammu, Ladakh, Kashmir and Gilgit.

Jammu and Kashmir consists of three regions- Jammu, the Kashmir valley and Ladakh, which consists of overall 22 districts. Jammu region has 10 districts viz. Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Reasi, Doda, Poonch, Kishtwar, Rajouri and Ramban, whereas Kashmir region has 10 districts namely Kupwara, Budgam, Baramulla, Bandipora, Srinagar, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Shupiyan, Anantnag and Kulgam. However, Ladakh region comprises of only two districts i.e. Leh and Kargil. Srinagar is the summer capital, and Jammu is the winter capital.

Essay # 1. History of Jammu District :

Jammu was one of the important principalities along with other districts of Jammu region well before and during the earlier phase of Mughal rule. In 12 th century A.D when Mohd. Gauri invaded India and over Punjab, Rajputs took refuge in the mountainous tract of Jammu region and carved out separate estates which they rule as independent sovereigns. After the disintegration of Mughal Kingdom, however, the rajas recovered their strength and proclaimed their independence once again.

With the installation of Sikh rule in Punjab, however, Jammu and all other adjoining areas were annexed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh with his territories. Mian Kishore Singh who was the direct descendent of Raja Dhruv Dev, an earlier ruler of Jammu, held a prominent and respectable position in the court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Lahore. His son Gulab Singh joined the army of Ranjit Singh while in teens and in course of time distinguished himself as a gallant warrior and became an accredited lieutenant of Ranjit Singh.

Gulab Singh was eventually made the Raja of Jammu by the treaty of Amritsar dated 13-03-1846. Later on, he annexed Kashmir with Jammu as a result of the sale deed executed by the British after the fall Sikh rule in Punjab.

The descendants of Maharaja Gulab Singh ruled over Jammu and Kashmir up to 1948 when Maharaja Hari Singh left the state and his son Yuvraj Karan Singh was appointed Regent. With the enactment of a new constitution for the state which was adopted on 17 th November, 1956, the monarchy came to a final end, but Jammu has continued to retain its importance as the winter capital for the state government.

Like all other districts of the state, Jammu district also derives its name from its headquarter, the city of Jammu. Historians are unanimous in the view that the city was originally founded by Raja Jamboo Lochan who lived in 14 th century B.C. It is said that the Raja had gone out one day for hunting when he happened to witness a tiger and a goat drinking water from one and the same pond.

This extraordinary phenomenon set him thinking and he decided to build a city at this site so that the strong and the weak could live together in peace and mutual tolerance. Eventually, he founded the city which came to be known as ‘Jamboo’ after his own name. With the passage of time and due to its frequent use, the pronunciation of the name got slightly distorted and the city came to be known as ‘Jammu’ as it is called now.

Essay # 2. Location of Jammu and Kashmir :

Jammu District is located between 74° 24′ and 75° 18′, East longitude and 32° 50′ and 33° 30′ North latitude. It is approximately 600 Kms away from National Capital, New Delhi and is linked with National Highway, NH44 (earlier NH1 A). Jammu District is situated on a hillock, on the bank of river Tawi and is bound by Udhampur district in the north and northeast, Kathua district in the east and southeast, Pakistan (Sialkot) in west and Rajouri district and POK (Bhimber) in the northwest. The city has numerous shrines for Muslims, Sikhs & Christians.

Jammu also serves as base camp for the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi and is the Railhead of the state. The Jammu District covers an area of3095 Sq. Kms. The original inhabitants are Dogras, which are also the major ethnic group but an influx of Kashmir’s Migrant and peoples of other parts of the state has changed the past scenario. The major proportion of the population consists of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhist and Christian in lesser proportion.

Essay # 3. Administrative Set Up in Jammu:

Jammu district derives its name from its headquarters and state’s winter capital popularly known as city of temples. Administratively, Jammu region has 10 districts viz. Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Reasi, Doda, Poonch, Kishtwar, Rajouri and Ramban. The area under study i.e. Jammu district is in Jammu region which comprises of four tehsils viz. Akhnoor, Bishnah, Ranbir Singh Pura and Jammu, which were reorganized in 2004, but in 2001 Jammu District had Five Tehsils viz. Akhnoor, Bishnah, Jammu, Samba, R.S.Pura.

The district consists of eight blocks i.e. Akhnoor, Bhalwal, Bishnah, Khour, Marh, Ranbir Singh Pura, Satwari and Dansal. Jammu district has a National Airport situated at Satwari. Jammu district serves as the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir State from November to April when all offices move from Srinagar to Jammu.

Essay # 4. Physiography of Jammu and Kashmir:

Jammu district is situated in the sub-mountainous region at the foot hills of the Himalayas. The northern, north-eastern and north-western areas form a part of the Himalayan foot hills with a number of low lying ridges, strike and transverse valleys. The hills, in general have their southern slope comparatively gentler than the northern prominent hill scarps. The hills gradually merge in the plains where topography is gently undulating and flat. The mean sea level increases from 320 meters at Jammu to 1207 meters at Kalidhar near Chauki Chaura.

Jammu district has been divided into four sub-micro regions on the basis of geo-physical conditions of the district, the detail of each region are given below:

1. Jammu Siwalik West :

The region is located in the north western corner of the Jammu district and forms a part of the slopes of Siwalik range which runs at the top of the district. The area is comprised of the lower hills of Siwalik which are locally called as Kalidhar Mountains which separate the district Jammu from district Rajouri.

The road leading to Rajouri and Poonch districts passes through the Kalidhar mountains. Because of the irregular and uneven topography, the land is full of narrow valleys combined with deep cut hills and perennial/ non- perennial rivers/ nallas. The area is full of pine trees, sisham and variety of shrubs.

The average height of the region is about 608 meters with Kalidhar peak rising as high as 1204 meters. The main river of sub-micro region is Chenab. The other important river of the region is Manawar Wali Tawi followed by Tawi Khad. Apart, from these, there are also a number of small rivers/ rivulets and streams flowing through the region. The area of this region is not easily accessible being comprised of undulating topography.

2. Chenab Plain :

The region is located around the two main rivers of the district viz., river Chenab and Tawi River and includes plain areas only. The region is spread over the south-western and middle parts of the district. The region occupies a large part of Tehsil Jammu but areas of Akhnoor and Ranbir Singh Pura Tehsils also fall in the sub-micro region.

The region has international boundary with Pakistan in the south and south western parts and the territory illegally occupied by Pakistan in the west. The region is situated at an average height of 750 meters having undulating area in the north eastern side and plain area in the south west which is very fertile due to the fact that the major river accompanied by their tributaries bring the fertile soil with water, which get settled in the plain areas.

3. Tawi Plain :

The region forms a part of the region of Siwalik range, running in the northern part of the district. The region is spread over the upper north eastern part of the district, with an average height of about 600 meters. The height of about 600 meters in the north gets gradually merged with plains, forming a sub-montane belt. The seasonal torrents which are large in number flow down the slopes of Siwalik and bring with the silt, gravels, boulders etc. which they spread in plains.

The main rivers of the region are Tawi, Basantar and Devak besides a number of small and large perennial and non-perennial streams and rivulets originating from Siwalik. Forests are spread over a large part of the region leaving a few patches mostly on the banks of rivers/ streams for cultivation.

4. Jammu Foot Hill Plain :

The region is situated in the southern-most part of the district and has undulating areas which are contiguous with Punjab plain in the south and Siwalik range in the north. The region has international boundary with Pakistan on its west and south whereas district Kathua falls towards its south eastern side. The region is spread over a major part of tehsil Ranbir Singh Pura, whole of Bishna, south western part of Samba tehsil and south eastern parts of Jammu Tehsil where the maximum contour height does not exceeds 500 meters.

The land is very fertile and cultivation is plenty. There is no forest in the region but the growth of shrubs is dense. The main rivers of this region are Basantar River and Aik Nalla which along with many tributaries spread sand, gravel, loamy soil and boulders in the plain areas of the region.

The accessibility to the region is exceptionally good as compared to the others areas of the district with National Highway NH44 passing from east to west and connecting many towns and villages of the area. Apart from this, there are also a number of other roads of varying specifications giving access to its important places.

Essay # 5. Drainage   System in Jammu and Kashmir :

The Tawi, the Chenab, the Ujh and the Basantar are the main rivers constituting the drainage network of Jammu district. Besides these, various, nallahs, and choes having north south flow are also spread over the area. The Tawi originates from the base of snow field above Bhaderwah in the middle Himalayas, at an altitude of 4220 meters. The Tawi River passes through narrow valleys and ultimately debouches into a wide alluvial plain in and around the Jammu city.

The two important branches of the Tawi are the Nikki Tawi and the Baddi Tawi. Both the streams have braided pattern. The second important river in the study area is the Chenab. The Chenab enters the plain tract at Akhnoor and becomes braided. Some of the channels so formed get separated from the main stream and follow their own courses in responses to the gradient variations.

The river Chenab gets flooded frequently especially during rainy season. Thus, the flood plain of Chenab is wide and marshy. The Ranbir canal and Pratap canal which irrigates the different Tehsils of Jammu district are taken out of this mighty river of Chenab at Akhnoor. The Basantar, the Devak and the Bein are the important streams in the study area. The nallahs and choes are in large numbers. They remain practically dry throughout the year except in rainy seasons when they get inundated and cause damage to crops and property.

Essay # 6. Soil   of Jammu District :

Soils of Jammu District are not of uniform nature they are quite diverse due to variable rock formations, terrain, climatic and floral conditions.

National Soil Atlas of India has divided the soil covers of Jammu district into following types:

1. Bhabar Soil.

2. Brown, Red and Yellow Soil.

3. Montane Meadow Soil

1. Bhabar Soil :

The narrow slope in the foothills of Siwalik extending from east to west including the Tehsils of Bishnah, Ranbir Singh Pura, Akhnoor and Southern portions of Jammu are characterized by typical Bhabar soils. The soils in the area have been formed by the mechanically transported alluvium from the adjoining Siwaliks and the Himalayan ranges comprising small pebbles and gravels. These soils are moderately alkaline in reaction. These soils are generally deficient in humus contents as the organic matter varies from 0.5 to 0.9 percent and nitrogen content ranges from 0.05 to 0.06 percent.

2. Brown, Red and Yellow Soil :

These soils are mainly developed over sandstone, grey micaceous sand stone and shales. The pH values vary from 6.0 to 7.6% and as such are neutral soils. Soils found in Siwaliks, which are composed of young tertiary sedimentary deposits and unasserted detritus are associated with various mineral constituents. In reaction they are slightly alkaline. On the whole these soils are less productive. These soils are found on the northern parts of Jammu and Akhnoor tehsil.

3. Mountain Meadow Soil :

These soils are mostly found on the steep mountain slopes. Climate particularly decreasing temperature with altitude and sluggish weathering processes are some environmental factors which plays an important role for the origin of this soil. These soils are formed in the vicinity of forests, have a considerable amount of organic matter. Meadow soil are not so deep but characterized by a well-defined profile.

Essay # 7. Climate of Jammu and Kashmir:

The climate of the district is more or less similar to that of the adjoining district of Kathua and some districts of Punjab. The only difference is that the district lies at the terminus of a series of mountains. Whereas, climatic condition of Jammu district as of any other geographical region, is determined by location and altitude. Jammu district experiences sub-humid monsoon type of climate.

On the basis of temperature and rainfall, the district is divided into three distinct climatic seasons:

1. The Winter Season (October to March) .

2. The Summer Season (April to June) .

3. The Rainy Season (July to September) .

1. The Winter Season (October to March) :

The winter season in the Jammu district starts from October and continues till the end of March. Mostly during this period a high pressure belt extends over the region. January is the coldest month of the year. The western disturbances (temperate cyclones) accompanied with moderate to intense rainfall pass over the Jammu district during this season. These depressions (Temperate Cyclone) have their origin in the Mediterranean Sea.

The timely occurrence of the rainfall in winter season is highly beneficial for the Rabi crops. During winter cold winds blow from the surrounding snowy mountains and the frosting conditions of the winter which are very frequent, greatly affect the growth of the vegetables and rabbi crops. There is a great diversity in the distributional pattern of rainfall during winter.

2. The Summer Season (April to June) :

Summer season in the Jammu district starts from April and continuous till the end of the June or early July when it is replaced by the rainy season. Influences of physiography are closely seen in the distribution of seasons in the region. The mercury rises above 25 °C in April and the highest temperature is experienced in June. The plain areas of the region such as Ranbir Singh Pura, Bishnah, Jammu and Akhnoor are marked by high and very high temperatures in the summer. The plain areas experience very hot and dry winds during the summers which are locally called as “Loo”.

The occurrences of the dust storms in the plain areas locally known as “Andhi” are a unique feature of this season. The temperatures remain highest during June throughout the district. In June, the temperature ranges between 35° to 43°, but sometimes the mercury soars as high as 45° to 47°.

3. The Rainy Season (July to September) :

The rainy season approaches the Jammu district by the first week of July and it last till the 15 th of September. The rain during these months is received through the outburst of the South-West Monsoon which strikes the border of the region after 10 th of the July every year.

The arrival of the summer monsoon rains bring the temperature down and the relative humidity increases substantially which ranges between 60 to 85 percent. July is the wettest month followed by the August. These are the rainiest months of the year and contributed about 67 percent of the total rainfall of the area. Thus, in the rainy season the entire study area is engulfed by the monsoon winds, very high humidity with very high temperatures.

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Jammu & Kashmir Cuisine

About Jammu & Kashmir Cuisine

Jammu & Kashmir boasts being flavoursome and diverse. The union territory with its variety of dishes makes an excellent destination for culinary tourism and attracts food lovers from around the world. The food of Jammu & Kashmir can be divided into two- Jammu Cuisine and Kashmiri Cuisine; each of which is unique in their own way.

The Kashmiri food is further categorized into two - Kashmiri Pandits/Brahmins Cuisine and Kashmiri Muslim Cuisines. While the Pandits use generous quantities of curd along with asafoetida and ginger in their food, Muslims use all these ingredients in liberal amounts for food preparations along with ginger and garlic. However, one can find some commonality between the cuisine of Jammu and Kashmir regions.

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Traditional dishes in jammu region.

In Jammu, the dishes of Dogra cuisine are quite popular. This region is famous for rajma chawal, with rajma (kidney beans) being a local crop. Dishes like Ambal, Khatta Meat, Kulthein Dal, Dal Patt, Maa da Madra, and Auriya mark the prominence of Dogra cuisine in Jammu. 

The other traditional dishes that are a must-try in Jammu Region are Morel (Gushi) Palov, Madra (lintel cooked in curd), Oria (Potato/Pumpkin in mustard sauce), Maani, Khameera, Katha Meat (Sour Mutton), Shasha(raw mango chatni), Kasrod and Timru-di-Chatni,Shiri Pulav, and Mitha Bhat (Sweet Rice).

As desserts, Jammu offers dishes like Chocolate Barfi, Sund Panjeeri, Patisa for food lovers You cannot overlook the street food of Jammu comprising Gol Gappas, Kachaalo, Gulgule, and Rajma Kulche.

Traditional Dishes in Kashmir Region

The beautiful valley of Kashmir reflects a rich influence of Persian, Central Asian and Afghan food in its cuisine. In Kashmiri cuisine, spices like cardamom, cinnamon, fennel, and cloves are used, making the food delectable and aromatic.

The highlight of the Kashmiri cuisine is Wazwan, a collection of 32 veg and non-veg dishes. Wazwan is considered a mandate in every celebration, be it weddings or any other significant events.

Some of the important dishes in Kashmir are Tabakhmaaz, Shab Deg, Dum Olav/Dum Aloo, Aab Gosh, Goshtaba, Lyader Tschaman, Runwagan Tschaman, Riste, Nader ti Gaad, Herath, Novroze, Yakhni, and the widely acclaimed Rogan Josh.

The valley is also famous for its bakery tradition, and thus you can find here various kinds of bread. Tsot and tsochvor, sheermal, baqerkhayn (puff pastry), lavas (unleavened bread) and kulcha are some popular bakery items in Kashmir. The locals of Kashmiri are also fond of tea; hence, Kahwa and Noon chai/Sheer Chai comes into the picture.

Popular Dishes to Try in Jammu & Kashmir

Both Jammu and Kashmir regions have delicious dishes on offer, however, some of them have become quite popular even for the tourists. The region of Kashmir, in fact, with its variety of dishes on offer, has become a hub for culinary tourism. Here are the top dishes from Jammu & Kashmir to try on your holiday:

• Rajma Chawal
• Kalaadi Kulcha
• Khatta Meat

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Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood to be restored before October?

Union minister Ramdas Athawale reiterates the government's commitment

The statehood of Jammu and Kashmir could be restored before October this year.  This was stated by Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Thursday at a press conference in Srinagar. 

"Polls are scheduled to be held in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh before October. I think before October, statehood can be restored, and elections may also happen in October," he said.

He also urged people to ensure a record-breaking voter turnout.

Athawale reiterated the government's commitment made during the abrogation of Article 370 to restore statehood of Jammu and Kashmir and conduct assembly elections.

The minister also praised the high voter turnout in the recent Lok Sabha elections, commending the people for their role in strengthening democracy.

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In his meeting with J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in Srinagar, Athawale highlighted the positive impact of the abrogation of Article 370 on tourism. 

"More than 2.11 crore tourists, including foreigners, have visited here,’’ he said. “People don't fear going to Kashmir now. Earlier, they wanted to come, but terrorism was stopping them.” 

The minister said that the LG informed him that Jammu and Kashmir is peaceful barring some untoward incidents.

He shared details on social justice initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that over 2 lakh pre- and post-matric scholarships have been awarded to SC students and more than 84,000 scholarships to OBC students. 

"SC and OBC constitute 8 per cent each in J&K, but there is not a single SC family in Kashmir," Athawale said.

He informed that 74 cases have been registered under the Atrocities Act against SCs and OBCs in J&K and announced plans to establish one old age home in each district of J&K, with 16 such homes already operational.

He said his party, the Republican Party of India, intends to field 10-15 candidates in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly elections.

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Eight DIGs, 14 SPs Among 24 Police Officers Transferred in Jammu and Kashmir

SRINAGAR:  As the Election Commission of India prepares to announce electoral notifications for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the government has initiated a major reshuffle within the police department. In adherence to ECI directions, 24 senior police officers, including eight Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) and 14 Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), have been transferred with immediate effect.

The comprehensive transfer order aims to ensure that no officer remains posted in their home district or stays in the same position for more than two years, in line with the norms set to facilitate a fair and transparent electoral process.

According to the official order, the transfers are as follows:

Gurinderpal Singh , AIG (P&T) PHQ, has been posted as SSP Baramulla, replacing Nagpure Amod Ashok , who has been transferred to SSP Udhampur.

Amritpal Singh , Commanding Officer IR-2, has been appointed SSP (Tech) CID Headquarters, while Mumtaz Ahmed , Commanding Officer 1 Border Battalion, Jammu, will now serve as SSP Poonch.

Mohd Aslam , CO JKAP-13, will take charge as SSP Doda, and Sandeep Gupta , SSP Ganderbal, has been posted as AIG (Tech) PHQ.

Anayat Ali Choudhary , SSP Kathua, has been transferred to SSP Shopian, with Ms. Tanushree , SSP Shopian, reassigned as SP SIA Kashmir.

Ms. Mohita Sharma , SSP Reasi, has been posted as AIG (Prov) PHQ, while Ms. Deepika , IPS, takes charge as SSP Kathua.

Gaurav Sikarwar , SP SIA Kashmir, is now SSP Reasi, and Kulbir Singh , CO IR-11, is appointed SSP Ramban.

In addition, several DIGs have also received new assignments:

Dr Sunil Gupta , IPS, presently DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range, has been given charge as IGP Crime, J&K, relieving Deepak Kumar , IPS, of the additional responsibility.

Sujit Kumar , IPS, DIG CID Kashmir, has been placed in charge of IGP Security, J&K, succeeding M.K. Sinha , IPS.

Vivek Gupta , IPS, DIG North Kashmir Range, will now oversee IGP Railways, J&K.

M Suleman Choudhary , IPS, DIG (Pers) PHQ, is appointed IGP Traffic, J&K.

Dr Ajeet Singh , IPS, has been transferred from DIG SIA to DIG Traffic, Kashmir.

Dr Vinod Kumar , IPS, SSP Jammu, has been assigned to DIG Armed Jammu.

Maqsood-Ul Zaman , IPS, will serve as DIG North Kashmir Range, Baramulla.

Mubassir Latifi , IPS, has been given charge of DIG (Pers) PHQ.

Shiv Kumar Sharma , IPS, will take on the role of DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range, Vijaypur.

Ms Rashmi Wazir , IPS, is now in charge of DIG Security, J&K.

Rajeshwar Singh , IPS, has been appointed as DIG SIA, J&K.

The transferred officers have been instructed to assume their new duties immediately, with all deemed relieved from their previous assignments. This reshuffle is seen as a crucial step in ensuring administrative neutrality and efficiency ahead of the highly anticipated electoral process.

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How Middle East Tensions Are Impacting Security in the Western Pacific

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The U.S. has redeployed an aircraft carrier from the Asia-Pacific region to the Arabian Sea, renewing questions about Washington’s security priorities.

An F/A-18F Super Hornet prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Aug. 10, 2024.

On August 11, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the accelerated deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) and its escorts from the West Pacific to the Middle East. This urgent redeployment was driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly the potential for Iranian retaliation against Israel. However, this strategic shift, intended to bolster U.S. presence in the Middle East, leaves a significant deterrence gap in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, regions where U.S. military presence is equally critical.

The Middle East has long been a focal point of U.S. military engagement, but the simultaneous need to maintain a strong presence in the West Pacific, especially in the face of a rising China, has placed unprecedented strain on U.S. forces. The redeployment of the Lincoln exemplifies this strain, revealing a growing challenge for the U.S. military: the difficulty of sustaining deterrence on multiple fronts. As the U.S. diverts resources to manage Middle Eastern tensions, it inadvertently signals vulnerability in the Pacific, where China has been steadily expanding its naval capabilities.

China’s military ambitions are increasingly evident, particularly in its naval advancements. Beijing is rapidly testing its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which, when fully operational, will be the world’s largest conventional aircraft carrier. Unlike its predecessors, the Fujian is equipped with advanced technologies such as electromagnetic catapults and arresting gear, allowing it to launch a variety of aircraft more efficiently. This leap in naval power not only enhances China’s ability to project power across the Asia-Pacific region but also poses a direct challenge to U.S. dominance in the seas surrounding Taiwan and the South China Sea.

In addition to the Fujian, China is developing the world’s first specialized drone aircraft carrier , a revolutionary vessel designed for unmanned aerial warfare. This drone carrier, also equipped with electromagnetic catapults, underscores China’s focus on modernizing its military with cutting-edge technology. 

The primary objective behind these developments appears to be the eventual reclaiming of Taiwan, a goal central to China’s long-term strategic vision. Although China is unlikely to resort to military action against Taiwan in the immediate future, its expanding naval power enables it to subtly shift the balance of power in the region. China’s naval buildup is likely to have profound implications for U.S. influence in the West Pacific. 

The Lincoln’s redeployment comes at an inopportune time: For the first time in a decade, the U.S. Navy is swapping out the aircraft carrier that is forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. The USS Ronald Reagan departed Japan in May and will be replaced by the USS George Washington sometime this fall .

By capitalizing on the temporary reduction of the U.S. naval presence, China could increasingly assert its dominance in disputed waters such as the South China Sea. The Chinese military might not engage in outright confrontation, but it could exploit these opportunities to challenge U.S. naval transits, gradually eroding the perception of U.S. strength and resolve in the region. Over time, this could lead to a significant reduction in U.S. influence, particularly as regional allies and partners begin to question the reliability of U.S. security commitments.

Furthermore, China’s growing proactiveness in the West Pacific is likely to coincide with closer military cooperation with Russia. The two nations have already conducted joint naval drills and air patrols near U.S. and allied borders , signaling a united front against Western influence. As U.S. naval resources are stretched thin, China and Russia could intensify their efforts to test U.S. defenses, forcing the U.S. to focus more on protecting its own borders rather than projecting power abroad. This shift could diminish the United States’ ability to counter China’s strategic moves in Asia-Pacific and beyond.

The current tension in the Middle East underscores a broader challenge for Washington: the need to balance military commitments across multiple regions without compromising deterrence in any one area. The redeployment of the Lincoln is a clear example of the difficult choices the U.S. faces as it navigates an increasingly multipolar world. While the United States remains the world’s preeminent military power, its ability to maintain this status depends on its capacity to address threats in multiple theaters simultaneously.

The acceleration of the Lincoln’s deployment to the Middle East may be necessary to address immediate threats, but it comes at the cost of weakening U.S. deterrence in the West Pacific. As China continues to expand its naval capabilities and assert its influence in the region, the U.S. is naturally driven to find ways to mitigate the risks associated with these strategic shifts. This, as reported recently, might involve bolstering alliances with Australia, Japan, and South Korea in the Asia-Pacific, investing in more flexible and resilient military assets, or developing new strategies to maintain a credible presence in multiple theaters. Failure to do so could lead to a gradual erosion of U.S. influence in the West Pacific, with long-term consequences for regional stability and global order.

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Nalin Prabhat Appointed Special Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police

Highly decorated ips officer nalin prabhat has been appointed special director general of jammu and kashmir police. he will head the force following r r swain's retirement on september 30. prabhat has previously held prominent roles, including heading the anti-naxal police force 'greyhounds' and serving in the crpf..

In a significant move, Nalin Prabhat, a highly decorated IPS officer, has been appointed as the Special Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police. He will take over after R R Swain's retirement on September 30.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order stating that Prabhat, a 1992-batch IPS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, is being transferred to Jammu and Kashmir with immediate effect. Prabhat is set to take charge as the Director General of Police (DGP) for the region.

At 55, Prabhat brings a wealth of experience, including winning the police gallantry medal three times and leading Andhra Pradesh's anti-Naxal force 'Greyhounds.' He has also served extensively in the CRPF, including as the Inspector General of operations and Additional Director General in Kashmir. The government recently shortened his tenure as the NSG Director General and approved his inter-cadre deputation from Andhra Pradesh to the AGMUT cadre for a period of three years.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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Decorated IPS officer Nalin Prabhat sent to J-K as Special Director General of Police, will take over as new chief on Sept 30: Order.

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