Jammu & Kashmir: a 'state' behind bars?
Impact of the abrogation of Article 370
1947
India and Pakistan gain independence from Great Britain. Kashmir initially decides to remain independent, choosing not to become a part of either Pakistan or India. After militants from Pakistan invade, the Maharaja of Kashmir signs a letter acceding to India. Pakistan does not recognize the letter as a legal document, sparking war.
1949
India and Pakistan agree to withdraw troops and set a cease fire line.
1965
India and Pakistan go to war again over Kashmir.
1999
India and Pakistan fight a limited border conflict in Kashmir, after armed invaders cross the Line of Control in the town of Kargil.
2001
A 3 day summit held for talks between India and Pakistan. The talks fail to produce a joint statement on Kashmir.
2002
About 300-500 people are killed during the election campaign in Kashmir.
August 5, 2019
Indian Prime Minister announces that India will revoke constitutional provision giving the State of Jammu and Kashmir autonomy set to it's own laws.
August 6, 2019
Indian parliament votes to approve this change in status.
October 31, 2019
Jammu & Kashmir officially lose statehood status and become 2 union territories.
What is Article 370?
- A 'temporary' provision of the Indian Constitution that granted special status to Jammu Kashmir.
- It allowed the state to make it's own constitution, it's own flag; thereby giving it 'autonomous state' power.
Abrogation of Article 370
- On 5th August 2019, Articles 370 was scrapped.
- J&K was divided into 2 union territories.
- Many troops moved in the region to enforce a strict clampdown.
Communications Blockade
___________
___________
India shuts down the internet more than any democracy in the world.
Jammu and Kashmir suffers the most from these internet shut-downs.
Current state of Jammu and Kashmir
Impact on Unemployment
Unlike what the government promised initially, there was no significant impact of the abrogation on unemployment.
Impact on the Economy
Within 120 days of the abrogation, the Jammu & Kashmir economy lost $ 2 Billion.
Impact on Fatalities in Terrorist Violence
Since 1988, there have been 21,451 casualties (Military and Civilian), due to Militant Activities.
Bashir Ahmed Khan, aged 65, was traveling with his grandson on July 1st 2020, was caught between an encounter between the police and militants.
Bashir was killed in this encounter.
While the police said that he was shot by the militants, some eyewitnesses and the family says that he was shot by the police in cold blood.
"My son was my father's heart", said the mother.
The 37 year old who works with the J&K police, said that she was worried her son may never recover from the trauma of what he witnessed.
On average, an adult living in the valley of J&K has witnessed or experienced more than 7 traumatic events in their lifetime.
How can we help?
References
- https://www.cnn.com/2013/11/08/world/kashmir-fast-facts/index.html
- https://internetshutdowns.in/
- https://www.accessnow.org/keepiton/
- https://time.com/5832256/kashmir-lockdown-coronavirus/
- https://unemploymentinindia.cmie.com/kommon/bin/sr.php?kall=wtabnav&tab=4020
- https://im.rediff.com/news/2020/jan/21kashmir.pdf
- https://thewire.in/health/kashmir-blackout-report-mental-health
- https://gh.bmj.com/content/2/4/e000419
- https://theprint.in/india/day-after-jk-militant-attack-3-yr-old-knows-grandfather-is-dead-but-thinks-he-will-return/453341/
- https://thewire.in/rights/kashmir-civilian-death-child-photograph
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