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GS Paper 1
Syllabus: Post-Independent India
Source: IE
Context: The article delves into the historical complexities of the Kashmir issue, particularly focusing on the events surrounding Hari Singh’s accession to India and the subsequent developments.
Background of Kashmir’s accession to India:
The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh, was faced with a crucial decision as British colonial rule ended in India in 1947. As part of the partition process, princely states were given the choice to join India, Pakistan, or remain independent.
Maharaja Hari Singh’s preference for independence was rooted in his aspiration to maintain a neutral status for Kashmir. However, this choice was challenged by various factors, including the state’s geographical location, its religious and ethnic diversity, and the political pressures of the time.
The role played by Gurdaspur Division:
The division of Gurdaspur, a district that held strategic significance due to its land connectivity to Kashmir, played a pivotal role. The Radcliffe Boundary Commission’s decision to include Gurdaspur in India ensured that there was a viable land route between India and Kashmir, which influenced Hari Singh’s ultimate decision to accede to India.
Tribal incursion:
In 1947, as tensions between India and Pakistan escalated, tribal militias backed by Pakistan invaded Kashmir. Facing a dire security situation, Hari Singh sought India’s military assistance. In return, he agreed to accede to India, formalizing the accession with the signing of the Instrument of Accession.
Why did India approach the United Nations for intervention in Kashmir?
This accession was followed by military intervention by Indian forces to counter the tribal invasion and secure Kashmir. However, the situation continued to be complex.
In January 1948, India brought the Kashmir issue before the United Nations Security Council. India’s contention was that Pakistani infiltrators had occupied parts of Jammu and Kashmir, which had legally acceded to India through the Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh. India argued that these infiltrators should be asked to leave the region to restore the status quo.
What is UNSC decide?
The UN proposed a ceasefire, demilitarization, and a plebiscite to determine the future of the region. However, the UN’s intervention did not lead to a resolution of the Kashmir issue. The ceasefire was implemented, but the plebiscite never took place due to disagreements between India and Pakistan over the preconditions, including the withdrawal of forces from the region.
A significant development was the inclusion of Article 370 in the Indian Constitution on October 17, 1949, which granted Jammu and Kashmir a “special status” within the Union of India. This special status provided the region with certain autonomy in areas like governance, laws, and citizenship, reflecting a unique arrangement that aimed to accommodate the region’s distinct circumstances.
After 1954, as Pakistan strengthened its ties with the United States and both countries signed a military pact, Jawaharlal Nehru, became more resolute against the idea of a plebiscite in Kashmir. Meanwhile, the region of Jammu and Kashmir continued its integration into India’s democratic processes, participating in the drafting of the Indian Constitution and beyond.
Insta Links:
- Constitutional Challenge to the 2019 Abrogation of Article 370
- We need civil society engagement in Kashmir
Mains Links:
Throw light on the Instrument of Accession through which Jammu and Kashmir became a part of India. What were the resultant issues that were the outcome of Kashmir’s accession to India? (250 Words)
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