Jammu and Kashmir ceased to be a state of the Union, making way for two new Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh. India formally implemented legislation approved by Parliament on August 5 that removes Indian-controlled Kashmir's semi-autonomous status and begins direct federal rule of the disputed area. This marks an important milestone in the history of J&K and, especially, Kashmir Valley’s tense ties with the rest of the country.
The creation of the UTs of J&K and Ladakh coincides with the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, credited with the merger of over 560 states with the Indian Union and who has been promoted by the Modi government as the embodiment of national unity and muscular nationalism. The new lieutenant governors - G C Murmu in J&K and R K Mathur in Ladakh – assumed charge at separate ceremonies on October 31. Gujarat-cadre IAS officer Girish Chandra Murmu, a close confidant of both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah, replaced J&K governor Satya Pal Malik. Murmu, who enjoys special working rapport with Shah, will be the ears and eyes of Modi-Shah duo in J&K as BJP leadership endeavours to restore normalcy in the high-stakes, strife-hit Union Territory. A silent and industrious worker, Murmu earned confidence of Modi and Shah as joint and additional secretary home and CMO between 2008 and 2014 when Modi helmed the state.
Government forces were on high alert to prevent anti-India protests or rebel attacks. Tens of thousands of police and paramilitary soldiers fanned out across the region, patrolling streets and manning checkpoints. Shops, schools and businesses have mostly remained closed since August and streets were largely deserted. Authorities have eased some restrictions, lifting roadblocks and restoring landlines and some mobile phone services since Aug. 5. They have encouraged students to return to school and businesses to reopen, but Kashmiris have largely stayed home, in defiance or fear amid threats of violence.
The Modi government said that Kashmir's new status will give its people right that were denied to them under its past special status, including a right to education, a minimum wage law and statutes ensuring the rights of minorities. An end to an anti-India insurgency would boost tourism in Kashmir, known for its stunning mountain vistas, and encourage outside investment that would improve its economy.
Visible changes
Authorities changed the name of the state-run radio station Radio Kashmir Srinagar to All India Radio Srinagar. The station started broadcasting even before India gained independence from British colonialists in 1947. Srinagar is the main city in Indian-controlled Kashmir. The most visible change is the absence of Kashmir's own flag and constitution, which were eliminated as part of the region's new status. With the formal abrogation of a clause in the Indian Constitution that gave exclusive rights to Kashmiris to land ownership, the Indians outside the region will now be able to purchase property and land in the region.
Pakistan's response
Pakistan rejected the downgrading of Indian-controlled Kashmir's semi-autonomy and said the Indian-imposed changes violate UN Security Council resolutions and agreements between India and Pakistan. "The Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory. No step by the government of India can change this. These changes are illegal and void as per the relevant UNSC resolutions, and do not prejudice the right to self-determination of the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir," Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
India and Pakistan have fought two wars over control of Kashmir. Earlier, Pakistan had reacted strongly to the changes imposed by India in the area it administers by downgrading diplomatic relations with New Delhi and ending bilateral trade. It also has stopped train, bus and postal services. Pakistan has vigorously raised the issue at the United Nations, international human rights organizations and other forums. It says it will continue to give moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris opposed to Indian rule.
The Modi government changed the terms of engagement with the separatists as well as Pakistan. The conversion of the state into two UTs means politicians in the Valley can, at most, hope for restoration of statehood. The August decision also means Pakistan will have to try hard to re-establish its locus on J&K as and when the two sides decide to resume negotiations. The steps taken since - the communications lockdown, the defiance of global liberal sensitivities and the attempt to tap into the influence of right-wing globally - represents the resolve to brazen out any unhappiness in global capitals.
EU lawmakers blame Pakistan
Twenty seven EU lawmakers visited Kashmir on October 29, the first foreign delegation since the special status of the region was revoked. Blaming Pakistan for the terrorist attacks in India, the 23-member team of EU lawmakers said during their visit to Kashmir that the scrapping of Article 370 was India’s “internal matter” and they stood by the country in its fight against terror. “If we talk about Article 370, it is India’s internal matter. What concerns us is terrorism, which is a global menace and we should stand with India in fighting it,” Henri Malosse of France told the select group of journalists at Srinagar’s Old Airfield at Rangreth at the conclusion of their visit.
Newton Dunn of the UK, referring to the details provided to them by the Indian Army and the police, said, “Most terrorists killed in J&K have come from abroad. In fact, they came from Pakistan. It is an international problem. All protests be directed against terrorism.” The EU lawmakers said they interacted with the youth, politicians, women and traders during their two-day stay in Kashmir, adding that it was the “beginning of their engagement” with civil society there.
“We are here to get information. The situation is not as bad as we thought. People here want peace, a better life and better vocations, and they want jobs. Terrorism has destroyed such dreams,” they said.
Ryszard Czarnecki from Poland said, “The international media coverage (on Kashmir) seems to be biased. Once we go back to our countries, we will inform them of what we saw.” The MEPs also criticised Pakistan for violence against the Christian community there. “We trust in the freedom of religion. We are worried about the situation of Christians in Pakistan,” they said while mentioning the case of Aasiya Bibi.
