Regional Aspirations
Jammu and Kashmir
Explain the external and internal dimensions of the Kashmir issue.
Jammu and Kashmir had three regions: Jammu (foothills and plains, mostly Hindu, with Muslims, Sikhs and others), Kashmir (the valley, mostly Kashmiri-speaking Muslims, with a Hindu Pandit minority) and Ladakh (a high, mountainous region with very few people, Buddhist and Muslim). It is a plural society.
In 1947, its ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh, wanted to stay independent. Sheikh Abdullah, leader of the popular National Conference, opposed the Maharaja and also opposed joining Pakistan; he favoured a secular path.
In October 1947, Pakistan sent tribal raiders into Kashmir. The Maharaja asked India for help, and signed the Instrument of Accession to India. Indian troops pushed the raiders back, but part of the state stayed under Pakistan's control. India took the matter to the UN, which passed a resolution on 21 April 1948.
Article 370 gave the state special status, more autonomy than other states. Opinions differed: some wanted it revoked so the state would be like any other; many Kashmiris felt the autonomy actually given was too little, and that promises had not been kept.
Key events:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1953 | Sheikh Abdullah dismissed and jailed |
| 1974 | Indira Gandhi–Abdullah accord; he returned as Chief Minister |
| 1987 | an election widely seen as rigged fuelled anger |
| 1989 | an armed insurgency began, with support from Pakistan; many Kashmiri Pandits fled |
| 1996, 2002, 2008, 2014 | elections restored political processes |
| 2016 | Mehbooba Mufti became the first woman Chief Minister |
| 5 August 2019 | Article 370 abolished; the state reorganised into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh |
The Kashmir issue has an external side (the dispute with Pakistan) and an internal side (the demands and grievances of the people).
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