Table of Contents

Kashmir Issue

In this article , we will deal with topic titled ‘Kashmir Issue .’

Immediately after Kashmir’s accession to India in 1947 , India offered to conduct plebiscite under International auspicies . But UN has placed the rider that first Pakistan had to withdraw it’s troops. Till 1953 , India was ready to abide by the results of plebiscite but it wasn’t conducted . Hence, by the end of 1956, India made it evident to Pakistan and International Community that Kashmir’s accession to India is a settled fact

J&K was granted special status under Article 370. However, through successive Presidential Orders , the autonomy was diluted which led to the emergence of resentment among the people of Kashmir .
Secondly , due to land reform initiatives taken by Sheikh Abdullah and Delhi Agreement led to the emergence of Praja Mandal led by Prem Nath Dogra in context of Jammu (people of Jammu started a movement demanding full accession to India , greater share for Jammu in Government services and separation of Jammu and Kashmir) . The movement was provided a national colour by Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. As a result, the entire movement acquired a communal colour and Sheikh Abdullah lost his faith in Indian secularism and demand for independence of Kashmir surfaced .

1953	Dismissal of Sheikh Abdullah and Ghulam Mohammad Bakshi was made new leader. However , he ruled J&K with heavy hand and was accused of high scale corruption
1971	1971 War gave a severe jolt to secessionists – plebiscite front and Sheikh Abdullah adopted concilliatory approach towards the government
1975	Sheikh Abdullah became CM
1982	Farukh Abdullah succeeded him
1984	There was a coup against Abdullah and Ghulam Mohammad Shah was made new CM Because of his desire to construct Shah Masjid within premises of Hindu Temple in Jammu followed by Communal speeches led to a series of communal violence against the Kashmiri Pandits
1987	Farukh Abdullah won the election however failed to manage state polity and administration . Reason – Movement for secession stepped up in the valley Hizbul Mujahidin & other fundamentalist groups resorted to violence Jammu Kashmir Libration Front (JKLF) (due to lack of inability to gain power during elections) resorted to separatist means culminating in exodus of Kashmiri Pandits.

Way forward

From early 1950s , people of J&K felt alienated because of the absence of good administration, corruption and nepotism, Pakistan sponsored terrorism , violation of Human Rights, presence of army and political instability.
Following can be done
- Socio-Economic Development and Job creation to channelise energy of youth in constructive way
- Devolution in true sense
- Perception management to drive away the mistrust

The extent of local autonomy is a contentious issue but needs to be resolved keeping in mind the sentiments of local people.