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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.
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