Skip to main content

Understanding the State of Jammu & Kashmir

Yes, the most controversial topic of Indian politics since its independence and the basis of Indo-Pak conflict - The Kashmir Issue.

I have found that many Indians don't know much about the state and its culture and fight or debate on it only on the basis of emotions. Religious emotions mostly. So here's an overview of the state and my take on it. Many of you must be thinking that Jammu & Kashmir is a state with just one culture i.e. Kashmiri, like a 'Nation-State'. To have a clarity on what is a Nation-State, you may visit my other article on 'Ethnic Nationalism'. But that is not true, the state of J&K is a multi-ethnic, multi-linguistic and multi-cultural society bound by a former ruler and history.

Here' s the map of the former Princely State of Jammu & Kashmir. 

Not everyone speaks Kashmiri


The state is culturally divided into these regions.

Jammu region- Dogra speaking (similar to Punjabi)
Kashmir valley - Kashmiri speaking
Ladakh - Ladakhi speaking (a Tibetic language)
Baltistan - Balti speaking
Aksai Chin

The state was also home to other ethnicities like Punjabis, Pastuns, Gurjars, Pahari and so on.

The state wanted to stay independent after the end of the British rule, not willing to merge either with Pakistan or India. There were conflicts between its ruler, the Maharaja and the people, but still both the people and the ruler prefer staying independent. Unfortunately Pakistan invaded the state and the Maharaja had to ask India for protection. India replied that India can only come for defence only if the state was part of its territory. As a result the state got acceded legally to India and Indian army entered the state. Just like partition of Germany after WWII between the US-UK and Soviets, the state of J&K got partitioned between India and Pakistan. But as the regions were already culturally distinct, there isn't a real partition.

After some time when China attacked India, it took Aksai Chin; and Pakistan who is so badly wants the Indian state actually sold its occupied territory of Shaksgam valley to China. So basically if Pakistan gets the whole state, it will sell some parts of it to China.

The regions of Jammu and Kashmir divided today.

Gilgit-Baltistan and so-called Azad Kashmir is with Pakistan.
Jammu, Kashmir valley and Ladakh is with India (the real Kashmir)
Aksai Chin and Shaksgam valley is with China.

Now here's a joke. The state of India's Jammu and Kashmir enjoys political autonomy, it has its own flag and own constitution under article 370. It treats non-Kashmiris as foreigners. Laws made in India's parliament is not necessary the laws in J&K. On the other hand, the so called Azad Kashmir province of Pakistan isn't as Azad as the Indian state (Azad means free). Although they call their Governors as President and their Chief Ministers as Prime Minister, still they are very much part of Pakistan without as autonomy as India gives. Also, they don't even speak Kashmiri, they speak Punjabi.

Funny Facts About Pakistan

It couldn't hold its former province (Bengal) which separated to become Bangladesh. Its province of Baluchistan also wants independence from the country due to the same reasons, ethnic discrimination. The tribal areas of FATA are not in the control of their state. Now a country which cannot hold its existing regions is asking for a new one.

Pakistan is a communal, dysfunctional and terrorism infected nation where democracy has failed several times. How can Kashmir join them?

Referendumb

Now as per UN's resolution there should be an impartial referendum on the issue and let the people decide if they want to be part of India, Pakistan or become independent. Recent UK referendum on the EU has proved that it is not necessary what the majority wants is correct thing to do. Pakistani controlled areas are under their cultural influence already so impartial referendum cannot take place.

The Indian state is divided into three regions, Jammu - Hindu majority, Kashmir - Muslim majority and Ladakh - Muslim & Buddhist. Jammu and Ladakh are not part of the ethnic nationalism termed "Kashmiriat". Therefore they would opt for India. Kashmir definitely doesn't wants to join Pakistan, I mean who will? Except a few fanatics.

 An independent Kashmir cannot be a choice as it would be a small territory surrounded by three super arms race with nuclear arsenal - India, Pakistan and China. Kashmir being a strategically important region would face invasions as it did before. Ultimately it will have to rely on India for its assistance as it did before. Terrorism infected Pakistan will spread its virus to Kashmir as well (well its already have) and a fundamentalist takeover would be easy. Years ago Kashmiri Pandits were expelled from Kashmir even though when it was part of India, then imagine what might happen if it becomes an independent country?

Status Quo & Normalisation is the Key

Besides the people of Kashmir has always been part of India's democratic process and people from the state became ministers in the Central Cabinet. They can achieve a better life as part of India rather than independent. So the concept of separatism is more an emotional concept than a rational one.


And the tensions in the valley is due to fuelling of the hatred between two distinct point of views. Only dialogue can solve this issue.
Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Speculative Hindu Temple Architecture: Modern style

India has a wonderful variety of Hindu temple architectures. Each style evolved from previous one during a particular era and under a particular cultural influence. But after colonial period, the style stopped evolving further and all later modern temples we see today have borrowed heavily from the styles that existed before. Although there are a few hipster styles today, but still it’s little bland if you compare it with the kind of architectures that existed before. So, how would’ve been Hindu temple architecture of today’s India if we follow its pattern? But first let’s check out all types of Hindu temple architecture styles in India and abroad. You definitely must be aware of the most common styles – the north Indian ‘Nagara’, the south Indian ‘Dravida’, and its blend known as ‘Vessara’. But there are many regional styles which often get unnoticed by the common folk. Let’s check them out. Types of Hindu Temple Architecture Early Nagara Shikhara with Gavaksha Dravida Vimana Vessar...
1 comment
Read more

Indian Festival(s): Diwali

Diwali also known as Dipavali, which is festival of lights. Although the present scenario in cities of modern India (@least in Mumbai) contradicts the meaning of the festival. The festival of lights is celebrated as festival of noise. Fireworks were used as they gave lights, which were followed by bombs & other crackers which gives 2% light, 48% smoke and 50% noise. It seems like the main intention of celebrating a festival is to trouble people around. Many people have asthma problems; many people mostly due to old age have timid ears and can even get a heart attack after listening the kaboom noise of the crackers. Even during marriages and Ganpati visarjan , traffic jam and making loud noise with weird dances on the streets are common. They don't care if an ambulance have to pass by or if there is hospital in that area.  Indian festivals have now became the best examples of mockery. Festivals are celebrated by troubling other people. Not ju...
8 comments
Read more

Ethnic Nationalism

A lot is heard about ethnic based separatist movements, like people of a particular region in a country having issues with people of other regions within the country. Most of the reasons are ethnic or cultural and the demands range from territorial autonomy to complete independence. Why does it happen? Well for that we have to go back in history. During the age of empires, the political boundaries were not limited to the cultural boundaries but depended on the ruler's imperial capacities. For examples: Maratha Empire had conquered and ruled states like Gujarat and Central India which were culturally distinct. The French Empire ruled Italy and Spain. The Japanese Empire briefly ruled nations in South East Asia and Korea. The British, well their rule was in every continent of the world. When concept of Nation-State emerged, it started changing political boundaries. Most common factor was language; kingdoms like Prussia, Saxony, Bavaria etc. joined to form Germany, as they a...
2 comments
Read more