The Queer Case of Kashmir
Prerana Srinivasan
Kashmir is undoubtedly one of the most majestic places in the Indian
subcontinent, from the Dal Lake to the “meadow of flowers”, one could
say that Kashmir has it all. However, Kashmir has been a breeding
ground for turmoil since the departure of the British from the
South East Asian region (1947).
According to the terms agreed to by India and Pakistan for the
partition of India, the rulers of princely states were given the right
to choose for either Pakistan or India or with certain reservations to
remain independent. Hari Singh, the king of Kashmir, believed that
by delaying his decision he could maintain the independence of Kashmir,
however, due to a revolution among his Muslim subjects along the western borders of the state and the intervention of Pashtun tribesmen, in October of 1947, he acceded to the Indian Union.
This was the signal for intervention both by Pakistan, which considered the state to be a natural extension of Pakistan and by India, which intended to the act of accession. Localized warfare continued during 1948 and ended, through the intercession of the United Nations, in a cease-fire that took effect in January 1949. India and Pakistan defined a cease-fire line (LOC) during July of the same year.
Kashmir, being a rather peculiar state in the Republic of India, was granted special provisions which were laid down in articles 370 and 35(a) of the Indian Constitution. Article 370 of the Indian constitution is an article that grants special autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Article 35, sub-clause (a) issued by the President of India on 14 May 1954, under Article 370 states that “The state of Jammu and Kashmir defined these privileges to include the ability to purchase land and immovable property, ability to vote and contest elections, seeking government employment and availing other state benefits such as higher education and health care”. Non-permanent residents of the state, even if Indian citizens were not entitled to these 'privileges'.
The turmoil in Kashmir intensified with the recent, controversial abrogation of said articles. This led to a communications blockade and human rights violations which many claims are nothing but alleged. The situation in Kashmir has manifested itself into a cloud of chaos which erupts nothing but damage upon intervention.
On 22nd September the Defense Minister of India, Rajnath Singh dared Pakistan to send terrorists to Kashmir now that the situation there had changed. Singh said that terrorism left Kashmir bleeding and termed Article 370 as a 'lacerating wound'. "The biggest cause which gave birth to terrorism in Kashmir are Article 370 and Article 35A. This terrorism bloodied Kashmir. Let's see how much courage Pakistan has. How many terrorists will it produce?" Singh said.
Imran Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan has warned the globe of a potential nuclear war with regard to the situation in Kashmir and has requested for UN interference.
Some people in Pakistan’s portion of Kashmir said thousands of people were preparing to storm the line of control (LOC), a ceasefire line agreed with India that is one of the most militarized borders in the world.
(INSIGHT INTO IT)
The President of the United States of America, Mr. Donald.J.Trump has offered his support as a mediator in the India- Pakistan situation over the region of Kashmir. The president reiterated to Khan as they began their meeting with reporters present, that he would be willing to mediate between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. Kashmir has long been a flashpoint between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan. Both countries rule parts of Kashmir while claiming it in full. Two of the three wars they have fought have been over it.
