The history of article 370 features a vast and colorful cast
of characters, but a better question is what is article 370 and why exactly did
it become one of the most important points on which the BJP prime- ministerial
race was run? What makes it so important that it has to be the focus of
attention? Before that we would do well to better understand the reasons for
its existence and let you, the readers be the judge of whether or not Jammu and
Kashmir still needs special provision or whether national integrity is more at
question here.
The
main players in the completion and implementation of article 370 were Nehru,
Patel, Abdullah and Ayyangar. The debate is often times couched in the
slightly ambiguous position that Hindu hardliners take on the issue of a state
that is supposed to be part of the country, but has a degree of sovereignty. Additionally,
the Indian- governed regions of the state can be viewed in terms of three
different regions: The Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Ladakh. The valley has an
almost absolutely Muslim population, while Ladakh is split between Muslims and
Buddhists. Jammu has a more evenly distributed population between Muslims and
Hindus. While this by itself might not be of concern to nationalists (though it
could be), the position that
Kashmir is in presents a problem in itself.
Kashmir is in presents a problem in itself.
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| Source: dnaindia.com |
The special position of J&K springs from a need that was
seen by Sheik Abdullah, the Prime Minister of the state at the time of
partition. The stated reason for this is the fact that the state was quite
distinct from the rest of the country, in its unique geographical and ethnic
position. Here it should also be noted that he was arrested for sedition, by
Nehru himself who had no choice but to do so. Here is where we see the beginning
of the narrative that has continued till the present date. Separatist Tendencies versus Nationalist tendencies.
Recent developments include the Assembly elections in J&K, which showed the clear split in voting patterns between the Valley and Jammu. The PDP- BJP coalition will have their work cut out for them in trying to bridge the gap between the two ideologies. Here's to hoping they remember the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
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| An Unlikely Alliance Source: |
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