The Counter Insurgency Force (Uniform) of Indian Army is organising the first Army recruitment rally in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.&nbsp;

The seven days recruitment rally through Army Recruitment Office, Jammu, commenced on September 3 at Subsidiary Training Centre (STC) of Jammu and Kashmir Police at Talwara, Reasi and will continue till September 9.

"This rally is being conducted to provide employment to youth from seven districts - Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur, Ramban and Reasi," Lieutenant Colonel Devender Anand said in a release.

"Over 29,000 aspiring youths from Jammu Region have registered and are likely to be screened for their physical and medical fitness during the week-long Army recruitment rally in Reasi. On the first day of the rally, more than 2,500 candidates from districts of Kishtwar and Ramban converged for the physical fitness tests," the release added.

The vacancies are open for six categories which are Soldier General Duty, Soldier Technical, Soldier Technical Nursing Assistance (AMC)/ Soldier Technical Nursing Assistance Veterinary, Soldier Clerk, Store Keeper Technical and Soldier Tradesman.&nbsp;

The recruitment process is divided into several categories and rounds which include physical fitness test, medical test and written test. Selected candidates will be inducted into the various arms and services of the Indian Army.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Counter Insurgency Force (Uniform) of Indian Army is organising the first Army recruitment rally in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. The seven days recruitment rally through Army Recruitment Office, Jammu, commenced on September 3 at Subsidiary Training Centre (STC) of Jammu and Kashmir Police at Talwara, Reasi and will continue till September 9.

The Counter Insurgency Force (Uniform) of Indian Army is organising the first Army recruitment rally in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. The seven days recruitment rally through Army Recruitment Office, Jammu, commenced on September 3 at Subsidiary Training Centre (STC) of Jammu and Kashmir Police at Talwara, Reasi and will continue till September 9. "This rally is being conducted to provide employment to youth from seven districts - Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur, Ramban and Reasi," Lieutenant Colonel Devender Anand said in a release. "Over 29,000 aspiring youths from Jammu Region have registered and are likely to be screened for their physical and medical fitness during the week-long Army recruitment rally in Reasi. On the first day of the rally, more than 2,500 candidates from districts of Kishtwar and Ramban converged for the physical fitness tests," the release added. The vacancies are open for six categories which are Soldier General Duty, Soldier Technical, Soldier Technical Nursing Assistance (AMC)/ Soldier Technical Nursing Assistance Veterinary, Soldier Clerk, Store Keeper Technical and Soldier Tradesman. The recruitment process is divided into several categories and rounds which include physical fitness test, medical test and written test. Selected candidates will be inducted into the various arms and services of the Indian Army.

First Army recruitment rally in Jammu and Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370 commences at Reasi

Home Minister Amit Shah told a citizens group from Jammu and Kashmir on Monday that repeal of 370 in Jammu and Kashmir will open multiple doors of progress and assured them that local bodies will get "enough" funds for development works. 
 
It was the first such meeting of a citizens group from Jammu and Kashmir with Shah since the repeal of Article 370 and reorganisation of the state into two Union Territories. 
 
The meeting was also attended by Ministers of State for Home Nityanand Rai and G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Home Secretary AK Bhalla and All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Association Chairman Anil Sharma. It discussed the agenda of development of Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
Sources in the ministry said that Shah told the sarpanches that they should take responsibility of development works in their areas. He said local bodies will now get "enough" funds for development as was the case with other states. Shah said the repeal of Article 370 will be beneficial to the state and open more doors of development in the Valley. 
 
"Employment opportunities will come to your home and your future will be brighter," Shah told the group. The home minister also met a group of apple growers from Kashmir who apprised him of their problems. He assured to look into their issues. Meer Junaid, a sarpanch who was present at the meeting, told ANI that Shah assured them to give statehood to Jammu and Kashmir once normalcy is returned. 
 
"The Home Minister presented a roadmap for the development of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

Home Minister Amit Shah told a citizens group from Jammu and Kashmir on Monday that repeal of 370 in Jammu and Kashmir will open multiple doors of progress and assured them that local bodies will get "enough" funds for development works.

Home Minister Amit Shah told a citizens group from Jammu and Kashmir on Monday that repeal of 370 in Jammu and Kashmir will open multiple doors of progress and assured them that local bodies will get "enough" funds for development works. It was the first such meeting of a citizens group from Jammu and Kashmir with Shah since the repeal of Article 370 and reorganisation of the state into two Union Territories. The meeting was also attended by Ministers of State for Home Nityanand Rai and G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Home Secretary AK Bhalla and All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Association Chairman Anil Sharma. It discussed the agenda of development of Jammu and Kashmir. Sources in the ministry said that Shah told the sarpanches that they should take responsibility of development works in their areas. He said local bodies will now get "enough" funds for development as was the case with other states. Shah said the repeal of Article 370 will be beneficial to the state and open more doors of development in the Valley. "Employment opportunities will come to your home and your future will be brighter," Shah told the group. The home minister also met a group of apple growers from Kashmir who apprised him of their problems. He assured to look into their issues. Meer Junaid, a sarpanch who was present at the meeting, told ANI that Shah assured them to give statehood to Jammu and Kashmir once normalcy is returned. "The Home Minister presented a roadmap for the development of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

Jammu and Kashmir citizens group meets Amit Shah, assured of enough development funds

Now that Articles 370 and 35A have been revoked, certain short and long term initiatives from the central government need to be taken to put the Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K) house in order.&nbsp;

Law and order: The first pertains to law and order, which is sensitive at the moment in the 10 districts of the Kashmir Valley. As and when restrictions are relaxed, pro-Pakistani elements will hit the streets. Pakistan is certain to use its contacts in the Valley to stoke the separatist fire and create trouble.

The mainstream political parties of the valley like PDP and NC have all along opposed abrogation of Article 370. When their leaders come out in the open in the next few days, they, too, are expected to pander to their respective political constituencies to arouse sentiments.&nbsp;

The key to the establishment of peace and harmony lies in the steps that the Centre takes to communicate with the people and convince them that Articles 370 and 35 A were impediments to progress.&nbsp;

Security forces will have to show utmost restraint and handle situations with tact. The Abdulla duo and Mehbooba can play a historic role if they abandon their old stand and call upon the people to unite behind India.

Statements emanating from the Pakistani leadership make it clear that they are not going to be silent witnesses to J&amp;K’s full integration into India. The Pakistani PM has already said that there can be another Pulwama. Under the circumstances, our retaliation should be many times bigger, and deterrence stronger, should Pakistan attempt a misadventure.

India needs to take into confidence, marginalised groups within the Kashmir valley whose voices had been throttled by separatist elements as well as political parties. These include the Gujjars, Bakarwals and Pahadis, who will be more than happy to help the Indian cause.

Delimitation: The Union Territory of J&amp;K is going to have its own legislature. Before elections to the UT are called, delimitation process of the electoral constituencies should be initiated. At present, the Jammu division has a larger area and bigger population than the Kashmir division, but in the Assembly, the Kashmir division had more seats, creating electoral imbalance.

After the delimitation process, the Jammu division would have the advantage of numbers in the state Assembly. Till now, politicians from the Kashmir Valley had monopolised the chief minister’s chair.

Tourism: Because of law and order considerations, tourism in the Valley has suffered a huge setback. Even the Amarnath Yatra had to be aborted. Measures have to be devised to strengthen and revive Kashmir’s world-famous tourism. The message that people from the rest of India love Kashmir and its people and visited the state in large numbers — even at the height of militancy — needs to be delivered.&nbsp;

Tour operators, shikara and house boat owners, hoteliers, taxi drivers, restaurateurs and dealers in dry fruits and handicrafts, should all be taken on board.&nbsp;

Apart from the Kashmir Valley, there are beautiful locales in Jammu and Ladakh. In addition, spiritual tourism needs to be promoted. Holy Buddhist and Sikh places of worship should be showcased before the world.

Pandit rehabilitation: One of the most important tasks at hand is to rehabilitate the displaced Kashmiri Pandits at places from where they were expelled en masse in 1990. The second generation of Pandits might not be willing to go back to the state.&nbsp;

Theatrics notwithstanding, separatist elements in the Valley are not going to welcome them either.

The following measures are imperative. First, Kashmiri Hindus still living in camps in Jammu, should be sent back to their homes in the valley. Their security is the responsibility of the administration.

Second, all houses and properties owned by Hindus, but forcibly snatched, must be restored to the original owners.&nbsp;

Third, some areas must be earmarked in the Kashmir valley where safe colonies

for displaced Hindus are created. The government should allot residential quarters to even those, who at present, are not in a position to return.&nbsp;

Development: With the bifurcation of the state in two UTs, plans for both the areas need to be envisaged separately. The Kashmir Valley can be developed as the world’s best tourist destination. The initiative will act as a confidence-building measure among the masses and act as a potent antidote to the Pakistani propaganda.&nbsp;

Environment-friendly industries also need to be set up and many leading Indian industrialists have already expressed their desire to do so. Both the Union territories of J&amp;K and Ladakh are mountainous regions and conservation of their ecology is an important factor.

Countering Pakistani propaganda: The key to restoring normalcy in the Union Territory of J&amp;K in general, and the Kashmir Valley in particular, lies in countering Pakistani propaganda.&nbsp;

Islamabad indulges in a two-pronged strategy: On the one hand, it infuses jihadism among the masses and sends trained terrorists into Kashmir, on the other, it plays the victim card at international forums.&nbsp;

The following steps are needed. The world has to be told that the Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh with the Union of India is as legal and irrevocable as the other Instruments of Accession signed by 560 odd princely states with India.&nbsp;

The separatist movement instigated on behalf of Pakistan in the Kashmir Valley is nothing, but an arm of the global jihadi movement led and propagated by Al Qaeda and IS. The world community has to be warned about it and be told in no uncertain terms that if this jihadist philosophy is not countered effectively, the world would be an unhappy place.

To defeat Pakistani propaganda, representations of Kashmiri Hindu delegations should be taken to world capitals in general and to members of the UN Security Council in particular. &nbsp;Let the world know how India has suffered at the hands of jihadists.

 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-six-mandatory-steps-in-jammu-and-kashmir-2782629">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

Now that Articles 370 and 35A have been revoked, certain short and long term initiatives from the central government need to be taken to put the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) house in order.

Now that Articles 370 and 35A have been revoked, certain short and long term initiatives from the central government need to be taken to put the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) house in order. Law and order: The first pertains to law and order, which is sensitive at the moment in the 10 districts of the Kashmir Valley. As and when restrictions are relaxed, pro-Pakistani elements will hit the streets. Pakistan is certain to use its contacts in the Valley to stoke the separatist fire and create trouble. The mainstream political parties of the valley like PDP and NC have all along opposed abrogation of Article 370. When their leaders come out in the open in the next few days, they, too, are expected to pander to their respective political constituencies to arouse sentiments. The key to the establishment of peace and harmony lies in the steps that the Centre takes to communicate with the people and convince them that Articles 370 and 35 A were impediments to progress. Security forces will have to show utmost restraint and handle situations with tact. The Abdulla duo and Mehbooba can play a historic role if they abandon their old stand and call upon the people to unite behind India. Statements emanating from the Pakistani leadership make it clear that they are not going to be silent witnesses to J&K’s full integration into India. The Pakistani PM has already said that there can be another Pulwama. Under the circumstances, our retaliation should be many times bigger, and deterrence stronger, should Pakistan attempt a misadventure. India needs to take into confidence, marginalised groups within the Kashmir valley whose voices had been throttled by separatist elements as well as political parties. These include the Gujjars, Bakarwals and Pahadis, who will be more than happy to help the Indian cause. Delimitation: The Union Territory of J&K is going to have its own legislature. Before elections to the UT are called, delimitation process of the electoral constituencies should be initiated. At present, the Jammu division has a larger area and bigger population than the Kashmir division, but in the Assembly, the Kashmir division had more seats, creating electoral imbalance. After the delimitation process, the Jammu division would have the advantage of numbers in the state Assembly. Till now, politicians from the Kashmir Valley had monopolised the chief minister’s chair. Tourism: Because of law and order considerations, tourism in the Valley has suffered a huge setback. Even the Amarnath Yatra had to be aborted. Measures have to be devised to strengthen and revive Kashmir’s world-famous tourism. The message that people from the rest of India love Kashmir and its people and visited the state in large numbers — even at the height of militancy — needs to be delivered. Tour operators, shikara and house boat owners, hoteliers, taxi drivers, restaurateurs and dealers in dry fruits and handicrafts, should all be taken on board. Apart from the Kashmir Valley, there are beautiful locales in Jammu and Ladakh. In addition, spiritual tourism needs to be promoted. Holy Buddhist and Sikh places of worship should be showcased before the world. Pandit rehabilitation: One of the most important tasks at hand is to rehabilitate the displaced Kashmiri Pandits at places from where they were expelled en masse in 1990. The second generation of Pandits might not be willing to go back to the state. Theatrics notwithstanding, separatist elements in the Valley are not going to welcome them either. The following measures are imperative. First, Kashmiri Hindus still living in camps in Jammu, should be sent back to their homes in the valley. Their security is the responsibility of the administration. Second, all houses and properties owned by Hindus, but forcibly snatched, must be restored to the original owners. Third, some areas must be earmarked in the Kashmir valley where safe colonies for displaced Hindus are created. The government should allot residential quarters to even those, who at present, are not in a position to return. Development: With the bifurcation of the state in two UTs, plans for both the areas need to be envisaged separately. The Kashmir Valley can be developed as the world’s best tourist destination. The initiative will act as a confidence-building measure among the masses and act as a potent antidote to the Pakistani propaganda. Environment-friendly industries also need to be set up and many leading Indian industrialists have already expressed their desire to do so. Both the Union territories of J&K and Ladakh are mountainous regions and conservation of their ecology is an important factor. Countering Pakistani propaganda: The key to restoring normalcy in the Union Territory of J&K in general, and the Kashmir Valley in particular, lies in countering Pakistani propaganda. Islamabad indulges in a two-pronged strategy: On the one hand, it infuses jihadism among the masses and sends trained terrorists into Kashmir, on the other, it plays the victim card at international forums. The following steps are needed. The world has to be told that the Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh with the Union of India is as legal and irrevocable as the other Instruments of Accession signed by 560 odd princely states with India. The separatist movement instigated on behalf of Pakistan in the Kashmir Valley is nothing, but an arm of the global jihadi movement led and propagated by Al Qaeda and IS. The world community has to be warned about it and be told in no uncertain terms that if this jihadist philosophy is not countered effectively, the world would be an unhappy place. To defeat Pakistani propaganda, representations of Kashmiri Hindu delegations should be taken to world capitals in general and to members of the UN Security Council in particular. Let the world know how India has suffered at the hands of jihadists. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Beyond Article 370, India now has to plan Jammu and Kashmir's thoroughgoing integration into the Union

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has said that after the revocation of Article 370 in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/normalcy-back-to-kashmir-schools-reopen-amid-tight-security-244007">Jammu and Kashmir</a>, India should now focus on freeing Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) from the 'illegal occupation' of Pakistan and work towards making it an integral part of the country.

As the parliament has unanimously agreed, let us free Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and merge it with India. Let us pray to the almighty that we get the chance to see this in our lifetime," he said on Sunday.

Singh also launched an indirect attack on Congress, saying that the preventive detention of former chief ministers <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammua-and-kashmir-omar-abdullah-and-mehbooba-mufti-fight-it-out-at-srinagars-hari-niwas-palace-242437">Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti </a>was 'unnecessarily being made a big issue'. Defending the government's move, he said&nbsp;that the Centre&nbsp;has taken such&nbsp;steps to maintain peace in the valley.

Singh further said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/removal-of-article-370-heralds-an-era-of-progress-for-jammu-and-kashmir-242889">Article 370 </a>was a 'miscarriage of history' which gave rise to discrimination and its abrogation will restore jamhuriyat (democracy) in the Union Territory, giving equal opportunity to everyone.

Earlier, Defence Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-talks-with-pakistan-only-on-pok-rajnath-singh-243890">Rajnath Singh</a> on Sunday said that if talks were held between India and Pakistan, they would only be on PoK.

"Why should there be talks? On what issues there would be talks? Talks with Pakistan would begin only after it stops patronising terrorism. If talks begin, it would now only be on the PoK and no other issue," he said. 
 
WATCH:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/defence-minister-rajnaths-stiff-message-for-pakistan-will-talk-now-only-on-pok-243828/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He also slammed Pakistan for its efforts to internationalise the issue of Kashmir after New Delhi scrapped Jammu and Kashmir's special status by revoking Article 370.

The Defence Minister further&nbsp;said that the move has sent jitters to Pakistan, and therefore, the neighbouring country was knocking doors of the international community to save itself. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has said that after the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, India should now focus on freeing Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) from the 'illegal occupation' of Pakistan and work towards making it an integral part of the country.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh has said that after the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, India should now focus on freeing Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) from the 'illegal occupation' of Pakistan and work towards making it an integral part of the country. As the parliament has unanimously agreed, let us free Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and merge it with India. Let us pray to the almighty that we get the chance to see this in our lifetime," he said on Sunday. Singh also launched an indirect attack on Congress, saying that the preventive detention of former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti was 'unnecessarily being made a big issue'. Defending the government's move, he said that the Centre has taken such steps to maintain peace in the valley. Singh further said that Article 370 was a 'miscarriage of history' which gave rise to discrimination and its abrogation will restore jamhuriyat (democracy) in the Union Territory, giving equal opportunity to everyone. Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that if talks were held between India and Pakistan, they would only be on PoK. "Why should there be talks? On what issues there would be talks? Talks with Pakistan would begin only after it stops patronising terrorism. If talks begin, it would now only be on the PoK and no other issue," he said. WATCH: × He also slammed Pakistan for its efforts to internationalise the issue of Kashmir after New Delhi scrapped Jammu and Kashmir's special status by revoking Article 370. The Defence Minister further said that the move has sent jitters to Pakistan, and therefore, the neighbouring country was knocking doors of the international community to save itself. (With inputs from agencies)

We should now focus on making PoK integral part of India, says Union Minister Jitendra Singh

Schools in the Jammu and Kashmir valley have re-opened today after 15 days of the&nbsp;scrapping of the state's special status under Article 370.

Though the teaching and non-teaching staff were present on the first day of the school reopening. The schools, however, wore a deserted look as not many students turned up.&nbsp;

The government has made all necessary arrangements to ensure the safety of the students.

As announced by governor Satya Pal Malik, restrictions in the valley are being eased in a phased manner.

On Sunday, the relaxations were provided in 50 police stations as against 35 police stations on Saturday. The duration in the relaxation was also increased from six hours to eight hours.&nbsp;

On Saturday, the state government restored 2G mobile internet services in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur and Reasi districts. Landline services also resumed in 17 telephone exchanges in the Kashmir valley.&nbsp;

All government offices are also expected to start functioning normally from today.

As a result of the restoration of communication, locals resumed their work and businesses.

Restrictions were imposed on August 5, when Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 was revoked and the state bifurcated into two Union Territories.

(With inputs from agencies)

Schools in the Jammu and Kashmir valley have re-opened today after 15 days of the scrapping of the state's special status under Article 370. Though the teaching and non-teaching staff were present on the first day of the school reopening.

Schools in the Jammu and Kashmir valley have re-opened today after 15 days of the scrapping of the state's special status under Article 370. Though the teaching and non-teaching staff were present on the first day of the school reopening. The schools, however, wore a deserted look as not many students turned up. The government has made all necessary arrangements to ensure the safety of the students. As announced by governor Satya Pal Malik, restrictions in the valley are being eased in a phased manner. On Sunday, the relaxations were provided in 50 police stations as against 35 police stations on Saturday. The duration in the relaxation was also increased from six hours to eight hours. On Saturday, the state government restored 2G mobile internet services in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur and Reasi districts. Landline services also resumed in 17 telephone exchanges in the Kashmir valley. All government offices are also expected to start functioning normally from today. As a result of the restoration of communication, locals resumed their work and businesses. Restrictions were imposed on August 5, when Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 was revoked and the state bifurcated into two Union Territories. (With inputs from agencies)

Kashmir back to normal: Schools reopen amid tight security

In a recent parliamentary debate in the Rajya Sabha, home minister Amit Shah said that Article 370 did not tie the state of Jammu and Kashmir to India. It was the ‘Instrument of Accession’, signed in 1947 two years before Article 370 was adopted, which made Kashmir a part of India. &nbsp;

However, it needs to be understood that Article 370, which allowed J&amp;K a separate constitution and autonomy in internal administration, was itself a culmination of the Instrument of Accession. &nbsp;

British India primarily consisted of ‘British provinces’ and ‘Indian states’, ruled respectively by British governors and native princes. The Government of India Act, 1935, proposed to make an All-India Federation by embracing both British provinces and Indian states. However, it could not be realised because accession on the part of states was voluntary and rulers were apprehensive about issues of sovereignty and finances in a federal structure.&nbsp;

After the Second World War, members of the British Cabinet — Lawrence, Cripps and Alexander — visited India in 1946 and proposed to create a Union of India by embracing both British provinces and Indian states, divide British provinces in three groups on a communal basis and form an interim government. It further proposed to form a Constituent Assembly for drafting separate constitutions for province, groups of state and the Union.&nbsp;

An interim government led by Congress party leader Jawaharlal Nehru was formed and later, the Muslim League — which was demanding the creation of Pakistan — also joined it. The Constituent Assembly elected by provincial legislatures met in Delhi in December 1946 for drafting the Constitution of India.&nbsp;

Meanwhile on February 20, 1947, British Prime Minister Clement Attlee announced in Parliament ‘to effect the transference of power to responsible Indian hands by June 1948’ and sent Lord Mountbatten as the Viceroy to hasten the process.&nbsp;

Based on the Mountbatten Plan of June 3, 1947, the Indian Independence Bill was enacted which partitioned India in two dominions — India and Pakistan, and ended paramountcy of the British Crown over Indian states.&nbsp;

Indian states had no option of becoming independent and were asked to negotiate with the new dominions. Subsequently, Sardar Patel, the home minister of interim government, negotiated with princes and integrated more than 550 states in the Indian dominion.&nbsp;

However, J&amp;K, a Muslim-dominated state ruled by Hindu Maharaja Hari Singh, did not join either dominion by August 15. VP Menon, the Political Reforms Commissioner, noted that the Maharaja was in dilemma. If he acceded to Pakistan, he apprehended the resentment of non-Muslims of Jammu and Ladakh, and of a considerable section of Muslims led by Sheikh Abdullah’s National Conference. &nbsp;

In these circumstances, the Maharaja toyed with the infeasible idea of an independent state. Amidst increasing pressure, J&amp;K announced its decision to negotiate a Standstill Agreement, maintaining the existing administrative structure until new arrangements were made. Pakistan signed the Agreement, but India wanted to examine its implications.

Meanwhile, the state was attacked by Pakistani ‘tribesman’ and the Maharaja asked for the assistance of the Indian Army. Before receiving help, he signed the Instrument of Accession with India on October 26, 1947, which declared that the state would be acceding defence, communications and foreign affairs, while some other areas would be subject to the state’s concurrence.&nbsp;

Article 7 of the document signed by the Maharaja noted that ‘Nothing in this instrument shall be deemed to commit me in any way to acceptance of any future Constitution of India.’&nbsp;

In May 1949, the rulers and chief ministers of all states agreed to accept the Constitution of India and resolved that separate constitutions for them was unnecessary.

However, representatives of J&amp;K in the Constituent Assembly, led by Sheikh Abdullah, insisted on the principles of Instrument of Accession. Accordingly, Article 370 was incorporated into the Indian Constitution, which allowed the concurrence of state’s Constituent Assembly before applying other articles of the Constitution.&nbsp;

Thereafter drafting of a separate constitution for J&amp;K began by its elected Constituent Assembly in 1951. Hence, it would be accurate to state that Article 370 was result of the Instrument of Accession. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-contextualising-jk-s-integration-framing-of-art-370-2781811">original article</a>) 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

In a recent parliamentary debate in the Rajya Sabha, home minister Amit Shah said that Article 370 did not tie the state of Jammu and Kashmir to India. It was the ‘Instrument of Accession’, signed in 1947 two years before Article 370 was adopted, which made Kashmir a part of India.

In a recent parliamentary debate in the Rajya Sabha, home minister Amit Shah said that Article 370 did not tie the state of Jammu and Kashmir to India. It was the ‘Instrument of Accession’, signed in 1947 two years before Article 370 was adopted, which made Kashmir a part of India. However, it needs to be understood that Article 370, which allowed J&K a separate constitution and autonomy in internal administration, was itself a culmination of the Instrument of Accession. British India primarily consisted of ‘British provinces’ and ‘Indian states’, ruled respectively by British governors and native princes. The Government of India Act, 1935, proposed to make an All-India Federation by embracing both British provinces and Indian states. However, it could not be realised because accession on the part of states was voluntary and rulers were apprehensive about issues of sovereignty and finances in a federal structure. After the Second World War, members of the British Cabinet — Lawrence, Cripps and Alexander — visited India in 1946 and proposed to create a Union of India by embracing both British provinces and Indian states, divide British provinces in three groups on a communal basis and form an interim government. It further proposed to form a Constituent Assembly for drafting separate constitutions for province, groups of state and the Union. An interim government led by Congress party leader Jawaharlal Nehru was formed and later, the Muslim League — which was demanding the creation of Pakistan — also joined it. The Constituent Assembly elected by provincial legislatures met in Delhi in December 1946 for drafting the Constitution of India. Meanwhile on February 20, 1947, British Prime Minister Clement Attlee announced in Parliament ‘to effect the transference of power to responsible Indian hands by June 1948’ and sent Lord Mountbatten as the Viceroy to hasten the process. Based on the Mountbatten Plan of June 3, 1947, the Indian Independence Bill was enacted which partitioned India in two dominions — India and Pakistan, and ended paramountcy of the British Crown over Indian states. Indian states had no option of becoming independent and were asked to negotiate with the new dominions. Subsequently, Sardar Patel, the home minister of interim government, negotiated with princes and integrated more than 550 states in the Indian dominion. However, J&K, a Muslim-dominated state ruled by Hindu Maharaja Hari Singh, did not join either dominion by August 15. VP Menon, the Political Reforms Commissioner, noted that the Maharaja was in dilemma. If he acceded to Pakistan, he apprehended the resentment of non-Muslims of Jammu and Ladakh, and of a considerable section of Muslims led by Sheikh Abdullah’s National Conference. In these circumstances, the Maharaja toyed with the infeasible idea of an independent state. Amidst increasing pressure, J&K announced its decision to negotiate a Standstill Agreement, maintaining the existing administrative structure until new arrangements were made. Pakistan signed the Agreement, but India wanted to examine its implications. Meanwhile, the state was attacked by Pakistani ‘tribesman’ and the Maharaja asked for the assistance of the Indian Army. Before receiving help, he signed the Instrument of Accession with India on October 26, 1947, which declared that the state would be acceding defence, communications and foreign affairs, while some other areas would be subject to the state’s concurrence. Article 7 of the document signed by the Maharaja noted that ‘Nothing in this instrument shall be deemed to commit me in any way to acceptance of any future Constitution of India.’ In May 1949, the rulers and chief ministers of all states agreed to accept the Constitution of India and resolved that separate constitutions for them was unnecessary. However, representatives of J&K in the Constituent Assembly, led by Sheikh Abdullah, insisted on the principles of Instrument of Accession. Accordingly, Article 370 was incorporated into the Indian Constitution, which allowed the concurrence of state’s Constituent Assembly before applying other articles of the Constitution. Thereafter drafting of a separate constitution for J&K began by its elected Constituent Assembly in 1951. Hence, it would be accurate to state that Article 370 was result of the Instrument of Accession. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Contextualising Jammu and Kashmir's integration and framing of Article 370

Pakistan has made yet another desperate attempt to internationalise the scrapping of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bringing-down-article-370-wall-the-battle-to-contain-jihad-in-jammu-kashmir-has-just-begun-242339">Article 370</a> in Jammu and Kashmir by India. In his Independence Day address to the nation, Pakistan President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/a-look-at-pakistans-new-president-arif-alvis-india-connect-163703">Arif-ur-Rehman Alvi </a>has called for waging<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/dont-talk-to-pakistan-until-it-dismantles-terror-facilities-236028"> jihad against India.</a> 
&nbsp; 
"We are a peace-loving country, we don't war. But if war is imposed on us by India then it will not be limited between the two countries. The whole world will get affected by it and then only Jihad and akhirat (doomsday) will be left as an option for us," Alvi said. 
&nbsp; 
He also appealed to his countrymen to use social media to raise the Kashmir issue. 
&nbsp; 
This comes a day after Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday asked Pakistanis to not live in a "fool's paradise" by expecting United Nations Security Council to "wait with garlands" to support Islamabad's contentions regarding India's decision to abrogate Kashmir's special status. 
&nbsp; 
Pakistan has been desperately trying to internationalise the issue but United Nations Security Council (UNSC) asked Pakistan and India to address the issue bilaterally. 
&nbsp; 
On August 5, the Narendra Modi-led government ended the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir by scrapping Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution. Home Minister Amit Shah presented the bill to this regard in the Upper House of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), which easily sailed through, and subsequently got the nod from the Lower House of Lok Sabha too. 
&nbsp; 
The international community has stood behind India after the decision. The Maldives, United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Bhutan have called it an internal matter of India. 
&nbsp; 
Pakistan, on its part, has downgraded bilateral ties with India and suspended all bilateral trade activities, communication, and railways, which facilitated people-to-people ties between each other.

Pakistan has made yet another desperate attempt to internationalise the scrapping of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir by India. In his Independence Day address to the nation, Pakistan President Arif-ur-Rehman Alvi has called for waging jihad against India.

Pakistan has made yet another desperate attempt to internationalise the scrapping of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir by India. In his Independence Day address to the nation, Pakistan President Arif-ur-Rehman Alvi has called for waging jihad against India. "We are a peace-loving country, we don't war. But if war is imposed on us by India then it will not be limited between the two countries. The whole world will get affected by it and then only Jihad and akhirat (doomsday) will be left as an option for us," Alvi said. He also appealed to his countrymen to use social media to raise the Kashmir issue. This comes a day after Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday asked Pakistanis to not live in a "fool's paradise" by expecting United Nations Security Council to "wait with garlands" to support Islamabad's contentions regarding India's decision to abrogate Kashmir's special status. Pakistan has been desperately trying to internationalise the issue but United Nations Security Council (UNSC) asked Pakistan and India to address the issue bilaterally. On August 5, the Narendra Modi-led government ended the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir by scrapping Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution. Home Minister Amit Shah presented the bill to this regard in the Upper House of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), which easily sailed through, and subsequently got the nod from the Lower House of Lok Sabha too. The international community has stood behind India after the decision. The Maldives, United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Bhutan have called it an internal matter of India. Pakistan, on its part, has downgraded bilateral ties with India and suspended all bilateral trade activities, communication, and railways, which facilitated people-to-people ties between each other.

Pakistan's warmongering over scrapping of Article 370, President Alvi calls for jihad against India

Kashmir has often been presented globally as some sort of Indian military occupation over Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K).&nbsp;

A brief history would help in understanding this conflict better. The state of J&amp;K was primarily a Hindu state until the 14th century. Few modern Indians are aware that Kashmir is the birthplace of Shaivism – one of the major traditions in Hinduism that reveres Lord Shiva.&nbsp;

The tutelary deity of classical Kashmir was Sharada, a manifestation of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of wisdom, whose prayers refer to her as “Kashmira-pura-vasini” (she who resides in Kashmir). Because of such civilisational connections from pre-Islamic Kashmir, the place holds a significant religious value for Hindus.&nbsp;

Fast-forwarding to 1947, during the Partition of India, Kashmir’s king Hari Singh decided to bide his time in deciding the fate of the state of J&amp;K. During this uncertainty, the newly-formed Islamic Republic of Pakistan-backed militants invaded Kashmir.&nbsp;

Hari Singh turned to India for protection in return for acceding the whole J&amp;K, including the present day ‘Pakistan occupied Kashmir’ (PoK) to India unconditionally. There was no demand for autonomy or Article 370 during the accession.&nbsp;

Nehru, struck a deal with Sheikh Abdullah, a self-proclaimed leader of Kashmiri Muslims, to grant special status to J&amp;K and Article 370 came into existence, long after Kashmir actually acceded to India.&nbsp;

J&amp;K state comprises three parts: Muslim-majority Kashmir Valley, Hindu- majority Jammu and Buddhist Hindu- dominated Ladakh, which constitutes of 65% of J&amp;K’s territory. Yet it was the Kashmir Valley that has dominated the discourse.&nbsp;

Pakistan found this situation perfect to meddle in India’s internal matters in the name of religious affinity. In addition to illegally holding on to PoK, Pakistan’s continuous meddling in the state’s affairs through Kashmiri politicians and separatists gave it a religious angle.&nbsp;

Even after Partition, more Muslims decided to stay in India than there were in Pakistan, as India vowed not to discriminate based on religion. A Muslim majority state of J&amp;K was never a problem for rest of the country. But continuous radicalisation of youth there eventually made it a religious conflict.&nbsp;

Until 1980s, when terrorists’ infiltration increased in Kashmir valley, there was no heavy Indian army presence in the valley. However, in the late 1980s, the Abdullah government gave in to terrorists’ call to ethnically cleanse the valley of Kashmiri Pandits, the Hindu minority.&nbsp;

Amid complete collapse of the administration, taped slogans were repeatedly played during those nights of 1990 from mosques all over Kashmir valley: ‘Yahan kya chalega, Nizam-e-Mustafa’ (What do we want here? Rule of Shariah). On the dark night of January 19, 1990, the worst nightmares of Kashmiri Pandits came true. Screaming from loud speakers and crowded streets was a message for the Sikhs and Hindus living in Kashmir - either convert to Islam, leave the land, or die.&nbsp;

Terror apologists conveniently ignore these events that led to the heavy presence of the Indian Army in the 1990s. &nbsp;Kashmiri Pandits were made refugees in their own country.&nbsp;

Jammu and Ladakh did not want to meet this fate and hence Army presence was maintained in the state since 1990. Jammu and Ladakh constantly demanded that article 370 be removed and that they be ruled as Union Territories, directly through Delhi to escape the tyranny of Kashmir valley-based politicians.

It is time the world took cognisance of the fact that Article 370 was discriminatory against women, LGBT, Hindu minorities and it kept J&amp;K deprived of development.&nbsp;

When the rest of India celebrated giving rights to LGBT fraternity, Article 370 ensured that in J&amp;K they would be persecuted. When the Indian government passed laws for benefiting the Dalits, this article made sure that the benefits don’t reach them.&nbsp;

When India decided to spend 10% of central funds despite J&amp;K having only 1% of the country’s population, Article 370 ensured that it never reached those at the bottom, but was misused by two select families.&nbsp;

Removal of 370 not only heralds an era of progress for J&amp;K, but has also saved a part of India’s cultural heritage from getting destroyed and a chapter of India’s civilisational history from getting erased. It is time to correct historical wrongs.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-kashmir-birthplace-of-shaivism-a-major-hindu-tradition-2781548">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Kashmir has often been presented globally as some sort of Indian military occupation over Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). A brief history would help in understanding this conflict better.

Kashmir has often been presented globally as some sort of Indian military occupation over Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). A brief history would help in understanding this conflict better. The state of J&K was primarily a Hindu state until the 14th century. Few modern Indians are aware that Kashmir is the birthplace of Shaivism – one of the major traditions in Hinduism that reveres Lord Shiva. The tutelary deity of classical Kashmir was Sharada, a manifestation of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of wisdom, whose prayers refer to her as “Kashmira-pura-vasini” (she who resides in Kashmir). Because of such civilisational connections from pre-Islamic Kashmir, the place holds a significant religious value for Hindus. Fast-forwarding to 1947, during the Partition of India, Kashmir’s king Hari Singh decided to bide his time in deciding the fate of the state of J&K. During this uncertainty, the newly-formed Islamic Republic of Pakistan-backed militants invaded Kashmir. Hari Singh turned to India for protection in return for acceding the whole J&K, including the present day ‘Pakistan occupied Kashmir’ (PoK) to India unconditionally. There was no demand for autonomy or Article 370 during the accession. Nehru, struck a deal with Sheikh Abdullah, a self-proclaimed leader of Kashmiri Muslims, to grant special status to J&K and Article 370 came into existence, long after Kashmir actually acceded to India. J&K state comprises three parts: Muslim-majority Kashmir Valley, Hindu- majority Jammu and Buddhist Hindu- dominated Ladakh, which constitutes of 65% of J&K’s territory. Yet it was the Kashmir Valley that has dominated the discourse. Pakistan found this situation perfect to meddle in India’s internal matters in the name of religious affinity. In addition to illegally holding on to PoK, Pakistan’s continuous meddling in the state’s affairs through Kashmiri politicians and separatists gave it a religious angle. Even after Partition, more Muslims decided to stay in India than there were in Pakistan, as India vowed not to discriminate based on religion. A Muslim majority state of J&K was never a problem for rest of the country. But continuous radicalisation of youth there eventually made it a religious conflict. Until 1980s, when terrorists’ infiltration increased in Kashmir valley, there was no heavy Indian army presence in the valley. However, in the late 1980s, the Abdullah government gave in to terrorists’ call to ethnically cleanse the valley of Kashmiri Pandits, the Hindu minority. Amid complete collapse of the administration, taped slogans were repeatedly played during those nights of 1990 from mosques all over Kashmir valley: ‘Yahan kya chalega, Nizam-e-Mustafa’ (What do we want here? Rule of Shariah). On the dark night of January 19, 1990, the worst nightmares of Kashmiri Pandits came true. Screaming from loud speakers and crowded streets was a message for the Sikhs and Hindus living in Kashmir - either convert to Islam, leave the land, or die. Terror apologists conveniently ignore these events that led to the heavy presence of the Indian Army in the 1990s. Kashmiri Pandits were made refugees in their own country. Jammu and Ladakh did not want to meet this fate and hence Army presence was maintained in the state since 1990. Jammu and Ladakh constantly demanded that article 370 be removed and that they be ruled as Union Territories, directly through Delhi to escape the tyranny of Kashmir valley-based politicians. It is time the world took cognisance of the fact that Article 370 was discriminatory against women, LGBT, Hindu minorities and it kept J&K deprived of development. When the rest of India celebrated giving rights to LGBT fraternity, Article 370 ensured that in J&K they would be persecuted. When the Indian government passed laws for benefiting the Dalits, this article made sure that the benefits don’t reach them. When India decided to spend 10% of central funds despite J&K having only 1% of the country’s population, Article 370 ensured that it never reached those at the bottom, but was misused by two select families. Removal of 370 not only heralds an era of progress for J&K, but has also saved a part of India’s cultural heritage from getting destroyed and a chapter of India’s civilisational history from getting erased. It is time to correct historical wrongs. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Removal of Article 370 heralds an era of progress for Jammu and Kashmir

Pakistan Prime Minister has said India plans to launch an attack in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/solve-your-issues-with-india-bilaterally-russia-tells-pakistan-243014">Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK)</a> and this one can be bigger than the Balakot strike, which was New Delhi's counter-terror strike on Jaish-e-Mohammad (JEM) terror camps. &nbsp;

JEM was the group behind the Pulwama attack on 14th February that killed over 40 Indian security personnel. &nbsp;

Imran Khan who speaking in the so-called legislative assembly of PoK on the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day said: "India has a plan ready for action in Pakistan occupied Kashmir and like after Pulwama, India took action in Balakot, this can be bigger."

He hinted at an impending war with India for which he said his country was ready.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-india-surges-ahead-pakistan-lags-behind-243003/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We are ready, our military forces and society are on the same page, and we have decided, if they do any violation, which they have planned, we are ready for it", Khan said.

Blaming the international community, he said, "when this war happens, we are telling the international community, they will be responsible... its a trial for United Nations now."

Meanwhile, the so-called PM of PoK&nbsp;Raja Farooq Haider has said the line of control(LoC)&nbsp;will now be the "ceasefire line" and a notification in this regard will be issued soon.

While there were several provocative anti-India rhetoric by Imran Khan, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-warmongering-over-scrapping-of-article-370-president-alvi-calls-for-jihad-against-india-242906">President of Pakistan</a> Arif Alvi and Pakistani Army were not far behind.

Earlier in the day, the Pakistan President had talked about an impending war. President Alvi said, "We are a peace-loving country, but if War is imposed on us by India then it will not be limited between two countries.. the whole world will get affected by it and then only jihad and resolve will be left as an option for us."

Rawalpindi also put views across in the backdrop of Indian government's decision on August 5 to bifurcate the state.

"Pakistan Army is fully alive to the sanctity of Jammu &amp; Kashmir and will remain fully ready to perform its part in line with our national duty for the Kashmir cause", Asif Ghafoor, Pakistan spokesperson had tweeted.

Pakistan Prime Minister has said India plans to launch an attack in Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK) and this one can be bigger than the Balakot strike, which was New Delhi's counter-terror strike on Jaish-e-Mohammad (JEM) terror camps.

Pakistan Prime Minister has said India plans to launch an attack in Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK) and this one can be bigger than the Balakot strike, which was New Delhi's counter-terror strike on Jaish-e-Mohammad (JEM) terror camps. JEM was the group behind the Pulwama attack on 14th February that killed over 40 Indian security personnel. Imran Khan who speaking in the so-called legislative assembly of PoK on the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day said: "India has a plan ready for action in Pakistan occupied Kashmir and like after Pulwama, India took action in Balakot, this can be bigger." He hinted at an impending war with India for which he said his country was ready. Watch Video: "We are ready, our military forces and society are on the same page, and we have decided, if they do any violation, which they have planned, we are ready for it", Khan said. Blaming the international community, he said, "when this war happens, we are telling the international community, they will be responsible... its a trial for United Nations now." Meanwhile, the so-called PM of PoK Raja Farooq Haider has said the line of control(LoC) will now be the "ceasefire line" and a notification in this regard will be issued soon. While there were several provocative anti-India rhetoric by Imran Khan, President of Pakistan Arif Alvi and Pakistani Army were not far behind. Earlier in the day, the Pakistan President had talked about an impending war. President Alvi said, "We are a peace-loving country, but if War is imposed on us by India then it will not be limited between two countries.. the whole world will get affected by it and then only jihad and resolve will be left as an option for us." Rawalpindi also put views across in the backdrop of Indian government's decision on August 5 to bifurcate the state. "Pakistan Army is fully alive to the sanctity of Jammu & Kashmir and will remain fully ready to perform its part in line with our national duty for the Kashmir cause", Asif Ghafoor, Pakistan spokesperson had tweeted.

India planning bigger attack than Balakot: Imran Khan in PoK assembly

While scrapping Article 370 means different things to different people, there’s no denying that things will never be the same again. The status quo has been changed.&nbsp;

A strong government has called Pakistan’s nuclear bluff while launching surgical strikes in Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K) in 2016 and aerial strikes in Balakot this year.&nbsp;

It is important to see these developments from the prism of security. Despite barriers created by Article 370, some provisions did exist for investment from companies from outside the state, but when India’s growth story was taking a leap in the 1990s, the security situation in J&amp;K was bad enough to scare away the most stout-hearted.&nbsp;

Meeting the growth aspirations of the youth needs private sector participation as the government and public sector are not enough. Any number of incentives cannot help bring in investment if there is no peace in the Kashmir Valley. Therefore, it does boil down to providing a safe and secure environment to foster development. &nbsp;

Purely from a security perspective, whittling down of Article 370 in J&amp;K is a welcome step. Security concerns can be addressed better than before, without local pressures.

What are the security implications now? The UN response has been cautious, while making expected diplomatic observations. The US and most other countries have, by and large, taken a stand that it is an internal matter and differences, if any, must be resolved through dialogue peacefully.&nbsp;

What is more important here is the response and attitude of our immediate neighbours, whose territories run contiguous with J&amp;K and Ladakh.

China has somewhat diplomatically, asked India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, saying they should avoid actions that “unilaterally” change the status quo and exacerbate tensions between them, even as it voiced “serious concern” over the situation in Kashmir.&nbsp;

Beijing has, however, expressed its opposition to India’s move to create a separate Union Territory of Ladakh. There has been an exchange of statements and counter statements, but their attitude stops short of being belligerent.&nbsp;

De-hyphenating Ladakh from J&amp;K has its parallel in change of status of Gilgit-Baltistan vis-à-vis Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). Sino-Indian dialogues that include Tibet, Taiwan and Xinjiang will now have Ladakh added on.&nbsp;

The moves seem to have taken Pakistan completely by surprise, putting it at a loss for a suitable response. But Islamabad has no choice. It has to express solidarity with Kashmir as it’s the glue that binds their country together and enshrines the importance of the Pakistan Army. &nbsp;

Despite an encouraging dole from the US last month, Pakistan is in a tight spot at this point of time to consider the option of an all-out war. The FATF re-categorisation comes up for renewal in October and its economy is precariously placed for any misadventure. The world reaction, too, &nbsp;has been muted.&nbsp;

So, what other options do Pakistan have after diplomatic steps have been taken, air flights and train services suspended and trade sanctions imposed? &nbsp;

First, Pakistan can increase the heat on the LoC in both genres - cross-border firing and attempt pushing in more terrorists into the valley. Second, they can engineer an increase in terrorist activities in the hinterland. Third, they can encourage local stone-pelters to step up their agitational dynamics to protest against this reorganisation of the state.&nbsp;

The Indian Army grid on the LoC and security forces deployment in the hinterland is fully geared to meet these contingencies, more so with recent reinforcements. A unified command structure without any interference from local pressures will strengthen the Indian hand greatly.&nbsp;

Political resentment is likely to lead to spilling of anger on the streets in the form of protests and agitations. Some of these may turn violent and lead to stone-pelting. The security forces have to handle this firmly, yet with the sensitivity that it deserves. It cannot be allowed to spin out of control.

However strong our posture on the LoC and comprehensive security grid in the hinterland is, there could always be that small chance of a lone-wolf attack, or one fanatic suicidal terrorist who can create a ‘Pulwama’, pushing India into operational brinkmanship again.&nbsp;

It is, therefore, necessary to retain a stated and bold offensive punitive response option to deter any misadventure, as Pakistan has started appealing to terrorist groups to express solidarity with their Kashmiri brethren.&nbsp;

Information and psychological warfare is another dimension of security that merits mention here. We have had our shortcomings in building up a good narrative so far, a space which has ben quickly filled up by the other side, with its hate narrative.&nbsp;

This is our chance to reverse it. Since there has been no explicit consultative process before scrapping Article 370, the state must build a good, robust, factual narrative and take it to the people in every way possible. This strategic communication is needed to dispel uncertainty and the fear of the future in the minds of the people, creating hope instead. It is important to use the narrative to counter alienation and radicalisation as well. We must get back into the mind space of the youth, as they are the key to integration.

Now that J&amp;K is a Union territory, to be administered in significant part by the Centre, the central government must ensure that this change leads to a better state in all aspects, taking the people together. This will not be easy, but is not insurmountable.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-hobson-s-choice-for-pakistan-2781549">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

While scrapping Article 370 means different things to different people, there’s no denying that things will never be the same again. The status quo has been changed.

While scrapping Article 370 means different things to different people, there’s no denying that things will never be the same again. The status quo has been changed. A strong government has called Pakistan’s nuclear bluff while launching surgical strikes in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in 2016 and aerial strikes in Balakot this year. It is important to see these developments from the prism of security. Despite barriers created by Article 370, some provisions did exist for investment from companies from outside the state, but when India’s growth story was taking a leap in the 1990s, the security situation in J&K was bad enough to scare away the most stout-hearted. Meeting the growth aspirations of the youth needs private sector participation as the government and public sector are not enough. Any number of incentives cannot help bring in investment if there is no peace in the Kashmir Valley. Therefore, it does boil down to providing a safe and secure environment to foster development. Purely from a security perspective, whittling down of Article 370 in J&K is a welcome step. Security concerns can be addressed better than before, without local pressures. What are the security implications now? The UN response has been cautious, while making expected diplomatic observations. The US and most other countries have, by and large, taken a stand that it is an internal matter and differences, if any, must be resolved through dialogue peacefully. What is more important here is the response and attitude of our immediate neighbours, whose territories run contiguous with J&K and Ladakh. China has somewhat diplomatically, asked India and Pakistan to exercise restraint, saying they should avoid actions that “unilaterally” change the status quo and exacerbate tensions between them, even as it voiced “serious concern” over the situation in Kashmir. Beijing has, however, expressed its opposition to India’s move to create a separate Union Territory of Ladakh. There has been an exchange of statements and counter statements, but their attitude stops short of being belligerent. De-hyphenating Ladakh from J&K has its parallel in change of status of Gilgit-Baltistan vis-à-vis Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). Sino-Indian dialogues that include Tibet, Taiwan and Xinjiang will now have Ladakh added on. The moves seem to have taken Pakistan completely by surprise, putting it at a loss for a suitable response. But Islamabad has no choice. It has to express solidarity with Kashmir as it’s the glue that binds their country together and enshrines the importance of the Pakistan Army. Despite an encouraging dole from the US last month, Pakistan is in a tight spot at this point of time to consider the option of an all-out war. The FATF re-categorisation comes up for renewal in October and its economy is precariously placed for any misadventure. The world reaction, too, has been muted. So, what other options do Pakistan have after diplomatic steps have been taken, air flights and train services suspended and trade sanctions imposed? First, Pakistan can increase the heat on the LoC in both genres - cross-border firing and attempt pushing in more terrorists into the valley. Second, they can engineer an increase in terrorist activities in the hinterland. Third, they can encourage local stone-pelters to step up their agitational dynamics to protest against this reorganisation of the state. The Indian Army grid on the LoC and security forces deployment in the hinterland is fully geared to meet these contingencies, more so with recent reinforcements. A unified command structure without any interference from local pressures will strengthen the Indian hand greatly. Political resentment is likely to lead to spilling of anger on the streets in the form of protests and agitations. Some of these may turn violent and lead to stone-pelting. The security forces have to handle this firmly, yet with the sensitivity that it deserves. It cannot be allowed to spin out of control. However strong our posture on the LoC and comprehensive security grid in the hinterland is, there could always be that small chance of a lone-wolf attack, or one fanatic suicidal terrorist who can create a ‘Pulwama’, pushing India into operational brinkmanship again. It is, therefore, necessary to retain a stated and bold offensive punitive response option to deter any misadventure, as Pakistan has started appealing to terrorist groups to express solidarity with their Kashmiri brethren. Information and psychological warfare is another dimension of security that merits mention here. We have had our shortcomings in building up a good narrative so far, a space which has ben quickly filled up by the other side, with its hate narrative. This is our chance to reverse it. Since there has been no explicit consultative process before scrapping Article 370, the state must build a good, robust, factual narrative and take it to the people in every way possible. This strategic communication is needed to dispel uncertainty and the fear of the future in the minds of the people, creating hope instead. It is important to use the narrative to counter alienation and radicalisation as well. We must get back into the mind space of the youth, as they are the key to integration. Now that J&K is a Union territory, to be administered in significant part by the Centre, the central government must ensure that this change leads to a better state in all aspects, taking the people together. This will not be easy, but is not insurmountable. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Article 370 abrogation in Jammu and Kashmir puts Pakistan in a tight spot

No sweets were exchanged on Thursday between Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and Pakistani Rangers at Attari-Wagah border on the occasion of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-warmongering-over-scrapping-of-article-370-president-alvi-calls-for-jihad-against-india-242906">Pakistan Independence Day</a>.

The relationship between India and Pakistan has further strained after the scrapping of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bringing-down-article-370-wall-the-battle-to-contain-jihad-in-jammu-kashmir-has-just-begun-242339">Article 370</a> which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

The exchange of sweets between the two forces is a usual trend on special occasions, such as Eid, Diwali and on nationally important days like Independence Day and Republic Day. &nbsp; 
 
On Monday, BSF personnel were willing to exchange sweets with their Pakistani counterparts on the occasion of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-scrapped-no-exchange-of-sweets-at-attari-wagah-border-on-eid-al-adha-242360">Eid-ul-Adha</a> but Pakistani Rangers did not revert in this regard.&nbsp;

Earlier, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had said that this year Pakistan will celebrate its Independence Day to express solidarity with Kashmiri people.

Centre last week abolished Article 370 and moved a separate bill to bifurcate the state into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

In the wake of scrapping of Article 370 which gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan had downgraded diplomatic ties and snapped bilateral trade with India, besides suspending Samjhauta and Thar Express.

Meanwhile, calling its steps in Jammu and Kashmir an 'entirely internal affair', India has rejected Pakistan's unilateral move to downgrade diplomatic ties and asked Islamabad to review the decision so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

No sweets were exchanged on Thursday between Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and Pakistani Rangers at Attari-Wagah border on the occasion of Pakistan Independence Day.

No sweets were exchanged on Thursday between Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and Pakistani Rangers at Attari-Wagah border on the occasion of Pakistan Independence Day. The relationship between India and Pakistan has further strained after the scrapping of Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The exchange of sweets between the two forces is a usual trend on special occasions, such as Eid, Diwali and on nationally important days like Independence Day and Republic Day. On Monday, BSF personnel were willing to exchange sweets with their Pakistani counterparts on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha but Pakistani Rangers did not revert in this regard. Earlier, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had said that this year Pakistan will celebrate its Independence Day to express solidarity with Kashmiri people. Centre last week abolished Article 370 and moved a separate bill to bifurcate the state into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. In the wake of scrapping of Article 370 which gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan had downgraded diplomatic ties and snapped bilateral trade with India, besides suspending Samjhauta and Thar Express. Meanwhile, calling its steps in Jammu and Kashmir an 'entirely internal affair', India has rejected Pakistan's unilateral move to downgrade diplomatic ties and asked Islamabad to review the decision so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved. (With inputs from agencies)

No exchange of sweets at Attari-Wagah border on Pakistan's Independence Day

For them, this parliamentary measure has taken a long time coming and is a redressal for the injustice done to them. Their being driven out of their homes overnight, the loss of family, property and livelihoods remains a festering open wound that continues to debilitate them. Past discussions on Kashmir have not always spoken about their losses and the need for restitution. 
 
So, undoubtedly, the Kashmiri Pandits have a reason to rejoice. But why are other Indians rejoicing? It surely is not for the good fortune that is knocking on the Kashmiri Pandit’s door. I know this for a fact because the torrent of messages flooding social media on the abrogation of Article 370 do not mention Kashmiri Pandits. What they do mention is praise for Narendra Modi and Amit Shah; they mock Naseeruddin Shah and Owaisi, they speak about ‘Akhand Bharat’, they denigrate Nehru and the Congress and the Abdullahs. But nothing suggests a shared happiness for the Kashmiri Pandits.&nbsp;

Interestingly, many believe the BJP government’s move is also a salute to the soldiers killed in Kashmir. It is only the Kashmiri Pandits who remain clear on the reason for celebrations - an opportunity to return home.

From the ensuing news, debate and analysis on the BJP government’s move on Kashmir, one sees a four-way split in the country. A section of India, marked as pseudo-intellectuals and anti-national, worry about the unconstitutionality of the government’s decision and it’s repercussions. Another section - the Muslims in Kashmir - worry about their status, the Kashmiri Pandits rejoice, and finally, there are those who celebrate the move as a decisive step towards consolidating the country - towards the Hindutva dream of an Akhand Bharat - while undoing the perceived outrages of the past. &nbsp;

The unfortunate truth is that by ignoring the plight of the Kashmiri Pandits, the issue morphed from one about Kashmir per se to one with religious and nationalistic overtones.&nbsp;

One needs to ask whether the pain of the Kashmiri Pandits is being abused to further an agenda. One can see similarities between abrogation of Article 370 and the Triple Talaq Bill. In both instances, the BJP government argued that they were trying to enhance the status of people.&nbsp;

In the instance of the Triple Talaq, known as the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, PM Modi tweeted “An archaic and medieval practice has finally been confined to the dustbin of history! Parliament abolishes triple talaq and corrects a historical wrong done to Muslim women. This is a victory of gender justice and will further equality in society. India rejoices today!”&nbsp;

While in the instance of Article 370, he tweeted “People of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh would be proud that MPs overcame differences and discussed the future of these regions as well as ensuring peace, progress and prosperity there......’ &nbsp;

In each of these two instances, the focus is supposedly on ameliorating a narrow issue. Truth be told, discrimination against women is not the sole proprietorship of one religion - Islam- especially in India. If the BJP was really interested in gender justice, they would have focused on Indian women. But by claiming a victory for women with the passage of the talaq bill, they have used morality to couch their insidiousness. The BJP applied the same ethically mutant method to obfuscate their intentions with the passage of the bill abrogating Article 370. They claim it is for the benefit of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, but their supporters cannot help but crow the truth. &nbsp;

Would it be remiss to ask whether the BJP and their supporters would be applying the same empathy for the victims in Myanmar, Israel and China too? Do farmers and tribals in India who have lost their land and livelihood to big projects hope their government will use the parliamentary process to return their land to them?&nbsp;

Of course in a democracy, not everybody can be given what they want and therefore not everyone can be made happy. But democracy is supposed to be the promise of a leadership implementing an open and fair process where the opportunity for happiness does not necessitate another’ unhappiness or fear. &nbsp;This is how the colour of happiness begins to change. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-the-changing-colour-of-happiness-in-the-indian-republic-2781278">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

For them, this parliamentary measure has taken a long time coming and is a redressal for the injustice done to them. Their being driven out of their homes overnight, the loss of family, property and livelihoods remains a festering open wound that continues to debilitate them.

For them, this parliamentary measure has taken a long time coming and is a redressal for the injustice done to them. Their being driven out of their homes overnight, the loss of family, property and livelihoods remains a festering open wound that continues to debilitate them. Past discussions on Kashmir have not always spoken about their losses and the need for restitution. So, undoubtedly, the Kashmiri Pandits have a reason to rejoice. But why are other Indians rejoicing? It surely is not for the good fortune that is knocking on the Kashmiri Pandit’s door. I know this for a fact because the torrent of messages flooding social media on the abrogation of Article 370 do not mention Kashmiri Pandits. What they do mention is praise for Narendra Modi and Amit Shah; they mock Naseeruddin Shah and Owaisi, they speak about ‘Akhand Bharat’, they denigrate Nehru and the Congress and the Abdullahs. But nothing suggests a shared happiness for the Kashmiri Pandits. Interestingly, many believe the BJP government’s move is also a salute to the soldiers killed in Kashmir. It is only the Kashmiri Pandits who remain clear on the reason for celebrations - an opportunity to return home. From the ensuing news, debate and analysis on the BJP government’s move on Kashmir, one sees a four-way split in the country. A section of India, marked as pseudo-intellectuals and anti-national, worry about the unconstitutionality of the government’s decision and it’s repercussions. Another section - the Muslims in Kashmir - worry about their status, the Kashmiri Pandits rejoice, and finally, there are those who celebrate the move as a decisive step towards consolidating the country - towards the Hindutva dream of an Akhand Bharat - while undoing the perceived outrages of the past. The unfortunate truth is that by ignoring the plight of the Kashmiri Pandits, the issue morphed from one about Kashmir per se to one with religious and nationalistic overtones. One needs to ask whether the pain of the Kashmiri Pandits is being abused to further an agenda. One can see similarities between abrogation of Article 370 and the Triple Talaq Bill. In both instances, the BJP government argued that they were trying to enhance the status of people. In the instance of the Triple Talaq, known as the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, PM Modi tweeted “An archaic and medieval practice has finally been confined to the dustbin of history! Parliament abolishes triple talaq and corrects a historical wrong done to Muslim women. This is a victory of gender justice and will further equality in society. India rejoices today!” While in the instance of Article 370, he tweeted “People of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh would be proud that MPs overcame differences and discussed the future of these regions as well as ensuring peace, progress and prosperity there......’ In each of these two instances, the focus is supposedly on ameliorating a narrow issue. Truth be told, discrimination against women is not the sole proprietorship of one religion - Islam- especially in India. If the BJP was really interested in gender justice, they would have focused on Indian women. But by claiming a victory for women with the passage of the talaq bill, they have used morality to couch their insidiousness. The BJP applied the same ethically mutant method to obfuscate their intentions with the passage of the bill abrogating Article 370. They claim it is for the benefit of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, but their supporters cannot help but crow the truth. Would it be remiss to ask whether the BJP and their supporters would be applying the same empathy for the victims in Myanmar, Israel and China too? Do farmers and tribals in India who have lost their land and livelihood to big projects hope their government will use the parliamentary process to return their land to them? Of course in a democracy, not everybody can be given what they want and therefore not everyone can be made happy. But democracy is supposed to be the promise of a leadership implementing an open and fair process where the opportunity for happiness does not necessitate another’ unhappiness or fear. This is how the colour of happiness begins to change. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Kashmiri Pandits have a clear reason to celebrate - an opportunity to return home

Bahrain authorities have taken legal action against a group of Pakistani nationals who held an anti-India rally after Eid al-Adha prayers on Sunday.

The protest was allegedly carried out over the Indian government's decision to scrap Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a tweet, the Bahrain interior ministry said, "legal proceedings were taken against some Asians for gathering in a way that violated the law after Eid prayer."

Adding, "It urges citizens and residents to not politically exploit religious occasions."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Capital Police: legal proceedings were taken against some Asians for gathering in a way that violated the law after Eid prayer. The case referred to the Public Prosecution. It urges citizens and residents to not politically exploit religious occasions.
— Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) <a href="https://twitter.com/moi_bahrain/status/1160848601008017408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The case has been referred to the Public Prosecution. The rally by Pakistanis was in the backdrop of the Indian government's decision to remove the special status for Jammu and Kashmir last week.

Bahrain authorities have taken legal action against a group of Pakistani nationals who held an anti-India rally after Eid al-Adha prayers on Sunday. The protest was allegedly carried out over the Indian government's decision to scrap Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Bahrain authorities have taken legal action against a group of Pakistani nationals who held an anti-India rally after Eid al-Adha prayers on Sunday. The protest was allegedly carried out over the Indian government's decision to scrap Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. In a tweet, the Bahrain interior ministry said, "legal proceedings were taken against some Asians for gathering in a way that violated the law after Eid prayer." Adding, "It urges citizens and residents to not politically exploit religious occasions." Capital Police: legal proceedings were taken against some Asians for gathering in a way that violated the law after Eid prayer. The case referred to the Public Prosecution. It urges citizens and residents to not politically exploit religious occasions. — Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) August 12, 2019 × The case has been referred to the Public Prosecution. The rally by Pakistanis was in the backdrop of the Indian government's decision to remove the special status for Jammu and Kashmir last week.

Bahrain takes legal action against Pakistanis who held anti-India rally after Eid prayers

The debate on dilution of Article 370 and scrapping of Article 35A has skirted some important issues. People are not aware of the extent of violation of human and women’s rights that these laws forced on people who lived in Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K). &nbsp;

Let’s take the example of Farooq Abdullah. He married a British citizen, who became a Kashmiri by virtue of 35A. His son, Omar Abdulla, by virtue of 35A a natural citizen of Kashmir, married a Hindu girl outside J&amp;K and she became a citizen of Kashmir. His sister married a Hindu from Rajasthan, but she lost her citizenship of J&amp;K, or her permanent resident (PR) status, which gives her certain rights.&nbsp;

She cannot will her property in the state to either her husband or her children. Her family loses the right to inheritance. After she passes away, it would go to the state exchequer. &nbsp;

Article 35A is also about the unseen orphans of Partition, who came to J&amp;K at the invitation of the state government. These include the Gorkhas who stayed back after defending Kashmir as members of the Maharaja’s army and displaced persons from Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) and Chhamb in the Jammu district. &nbsp;

It is time to focus on these large, neglected sections of Indians. After the Partition in 1947, about 5,800 families, mostly Hindus and Sikhs, entered Jammu from West Punjab. Nearly 80 per cent of them are from SC/ST groups, living in utterly miserable conditions in Jammu. They were allowed to stay and were given ‘refugee’ status. They number around 300,000 now. After years of struggle, they can vote for the Lok Sabha elections, but not for the Assembly elections as they are not state subjects under article 35A of the J&amp;K Constitution, a 50-page document that makes no mention of minorities and their rights or privileges.&nbsp;

They are not entitled to go to government schools and colleges, get jobs, buy land or do business! This is the fourth generation of these victims of 35A. Ironically, refugees from the same region who entered India from Punjab, went onto establish successful lives. Two of them, Manmohan Singh and I K Gujral, went onto becoming Prime Ministers.

There are refugees who trooped into Jammu &amp; Kashmir from POJK. India has laid claim on this area by keeping 24 seats in the J&amp;K Assembly. However, those who migrated from POJK after tribal incursions - mainly from Muzzafarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Bhimbar, Deva Balala and also from Gilgit-Baltistan - were not even given refugee status.&nbsp;

The state government has categorised them as Displaced Persons or DPs. Neither the central nor the state government has formally registered them. Some put their number at around a million. No claims for their properties have been given; not even the meagre ex-gratia has been allotted.

They have no support from any government, nor has the UN or any international human rights organisations cared for their cause over the last seven decades.

Likewise, around 200 Valimiki (SC) families were brought from Punjab to J&amp;K in 1957 to be employed as sweepers and scavengers. They were assured that the permanent resident clause would be relaxed for them. Though their numbers have gone up manifold, the permanent resident clause has not been relaxed for them. It means even if they do a PhD, they can only take up the job of a sweeper. It is tragic that such a caste-specific profession has been imposed in secular India. Radhika Gill, who belongs to this category, is a champion state-level athlete, but was refused a civil services job and told she can only become a sweeper!&nbsp;

The sweeper of J&amp;K can vote in Lok Sabha elections, but not in the state Assembly or municipality elections. Politically, they have been kept away from the state’s democratic process.

Even J&amp;K citizens with full rights have not got justice. After the 1971 war, some areas of Chhamb were permanently handed over to Pakistan by India in 1972 as part of Shimla Agreement. People of about 46 to 48 villages of Chhamb were asked by the central government to vacate their homes and lands in 1972.&nbsp;

As per rough estimates, nearly 6,500 to 7,000 families were uprooted. Of these, around 4,600 families comprising of nearly 18,000 members were accommodated in relief camps while nearly 1,600 to 2,000 families were treated as non-camp DPs as they shifted to their relatives’ villages. They have yet to be compensated or provided alternative homes, which they deserved.

&nbsp;The case of Gorkha population of around 100,000 who became part of the Dogra King’s army 170 years back, is equally tragic. Article 35A has ensured that they are deprived of basic human rights. Like the others, they have no right to vote in local elections, nor can they avail of any welfare benefits.&nbsp;

A retired Army officer wrote a letter to the governor of Jammu Kashmir, complaining, “We are residing in Jammu and Kashmir right from the beginning of the Dogra Regime in 1846. The large population of people, whose beloved ones fought for the Jammu &amp; Kashmir Maharaja, now live in the most inhuman conditions. After more than 70 years of independence, we are still denied the status of permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir and are victims of social and economic discrimination...”&nbsp;

Clearly, Articles 370 and 35A had dehumanised the lives of millions of Indian citizens. I can but hope that this small note will open the eyes of champions of these highly unjust provisions of the Indian Constitution.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-invisible-victims-of-partition-2781279">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The debate on dilution of Article 370 and scrapping of Article 35A has skirted some important issues. People are not aware of the extent of violation of human and women’s rights that these laws forced on people who lived in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

The debate on dilution of Article 370 and scrapping of Article 35A has skirted some important issues. People are not aware of the extent of violation of human and women’s rights that these laws forced on people who lived in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Let’s take the example of Farooq Abdullah. He married a British citizen, who became a Kashmiri by virtue of 35A. His son, Omar Abdulla, by virtue of 35A a natural citizen of Kashmir, married a Hindu girl outside J&K and she became a citizen of Kashmir. His sister married a Hindu from Rajasthan, but she lost her citizenship of J&K, or her permanent resident (PR) status, which gives her certain rights. She cannot will her property in the state to either her husband or her children. Her family loses the right to inheritance. After she passes away, it would go to the state exchequer. Article 35A is also about the unseen orphans of Partition, who came to J&K at the invitation of the state government. These include the Gorkhas who stayed back after defending Kashmir as members of the Maharaja’s army and displaced persons from Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) and Chhamb in the Jammu district. It is time to focus on these large, neglected sections of Indians. After the Partition in 1947, about 5,800 families, mostly Hindus and Sikhs, entered Jammu from West Punjab. Nearly 80 per cent of them are from SC/ST groups, living in utterly miserable conditions in Jammu. They were allowed to stay and were given ‘refugee’ status. They number around 300,000 now. After years of struggle, they can vote for the Lok Sabha elections, but not for the Assembly elections as they are not state subjects under article 35A of the J&K Constitution, a 50-page document that makes no mention of minorities and their rights or privileges. They are not entitled to go to government schools and colleges, get jobs, buy land or do business! This is the fourth generation of these victims of 35A. Ironically, refugees from the same region who entered India from Punjab, went onto establish successful lives. Two of them, Manmohan Singh and I K Gujral, went onto becoming Prime Ministers. There are refugees who trooped into Jammu & Kashmir from POJK. India has laid claim on this area by keeping 24 seats in the J&K Assembly. However, those who migrated from POJK after tribal incursions - mainly from Muzzafarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Bhimbar, Deva Balala and also from Gilgit-Baltistan - were not even given refugee status. The state government has categorised them as Displaced Persons or DPs. Neither the central nor the state government has formally registered them. Some put their number at around a million. No claims for their properties have been given; not even the meagre ex-gratia has been allotted. They have no support from any government, nor has the UN or any international human rights organisations cared for their cause over the last seven decades. Likewise, around 200 Valimiki (SC) families were brought from Punjab to J&K in 1957 to be employed as sweepers and scavengers. They were assured that the permanent resident clause would be relaxed for them. Though their numbers have gone up manifold, the permanent resident clause has not been relaxed for them. It means even if they do a PhD, they can only take up the job of a sweeper. It is tragic that such a caste-specific profession has been imposed in secular India. Radhika Gill, who belongs to this category, is a champion state-level athlete, but was refused a civil services job and told she can only become a sweeper! The sweeper of J&K can vote in Lok Sabha elections, but not in the state Assembly or municipality elections. Politically, they have been kept away from the state’s democratic process. Even J&K citizens with full rights have not got justice. After the 1971 war, some areas of Chhamb were permanently handed over to Pakistan by India in 1972 as part of Shimla Agreement. People of about 46 to 48 villages of Chhamb were asked by the central government to vacate their homes and lands in 1972. As per rough estimates, nearly 6,500 to 7,000 families were uprooted. Of these, around 4,600 families comprising of nearly 18,000 members were accommodated in relief camps while nearly 1,600 to 2,000 families were treated as non-camp DPs as they shifted to their relatives’ villages. They have yet to be compensated or provided alternative homes, which they deserved. The case of Gorkha population of around 100,000 who became part of the Dogra King’s army 170 years back, is equally tragic. Article 35A has ensured that they are deprived of basic human rights. Like the others, they have no right to vote in local elections, nor can they avail of any welfare benefits. A retired Army officer wrote a letter to the governor of Jammu Kashmir, complaining, “We are residing in Jammu and Kashmir right from the beginning of the Dogra Regime in 1846. The large population of people, whose beloved ones fought for the Jammu & Kashmir Maharaja, now live in the most inhuman conditions. After more than 70 years of independence, we are still denied the status of permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir and are victims of social and economic discrimination...” Clearly, Articles 370 and 35A had dehumanised the lives of millions of Indian citizens. I can but hope that this small note will open the eyes of champions of these highly unjust provisions of the Indian Constitution. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Article 35A deprived a vast section of Jammu and Kashmir's population of their basic rights

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Tuesday downplayed Pakistan ramping up&nbsp;troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of abrogation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-revoked-from-jammu-and-kashmir-all-you-need-to-know-240772">Article 370</a>.

General Rawat said that&nbsp;India was prepared to deal with any provocation by Islamabad. "If the adversary wants to activate the LoC, that's his choice. Everybody does precautionary deployment, we should not get too concerned about it. As far as the Army and other services are concerned, we have to be always prepared," he said.

He further said that the Army is committed to maintain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-revoked-government-needs-time-to-bring-back-normalcy-in-jammu-and-kashmir-says-supreme-court-242715">cordial relations </a>with the general public in the Union Territory. "One should know how the Army and the common public used to live together in Jammu and Kashmir in the 70s and 80s. We used to meet without guns and if everything stays normal we will once again go back to having that relationship," news agency ANI quoted General Bipin Rawat.

Centre last week abolished Article 370 and moved a separate bill to bifurcate the state into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

<a href="We used to meet without guns and if everything stays normal we will once again go back to having that relationship,&quot; Rawat said. ">Pakistan</a> has downgraded diplomatic ties and suspended bilateral trade with India in the wake of revocation of Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, calling its steps in Jammu and Kashmir an 'entirely internal affair', India has rejected Pakistan's unilateral move to downgrade diplomatic ties and asked Islamabad to review the decision so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Tuesday downplayed Pakistan ramping up troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of abrogation of Article 370.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Tuesday downplayed Pakistan ramping up troops along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of abrogation of Article 370. General Rawat said that India was prepared to deal with any provocation by Islamabad. "If the adversary wants to activate the LoC, that's his choice. Everybody does precautionary deployment, we should not get too concerned about it. As far as the Army and other services are concerned, we have to be always prepared," he said. He further said that the Army is committed to maintain cordial relations with the general public in the Union Territory. "One should know how the Army and the common public used to live together in Jammu and Kashmir in the 70s and 80s. We used to meet without guns and if everything stays normal we will once again go back to having that relationship," news agency ANI quoted General Bipin Rawat. Centre last week abolished Article 370 and moved a separate bill to bifurcate the state into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Pakistan has downgraded diplomatic ties and suspended bilateral trade with India in the wake of revocation of Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, calling its steps in Jammu and Kashmir an 'entirely internal affair', India has rejected Pakistan's unilateral move to downgrade diplomatic ties and asked Islamabad to review the decision so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved. (With inputs from agencies)

If everything stays normal, we will meet people of Jammu and Kashmir without guns, says Army Chief General Bipin Rawat

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to issue directions to the central government on a petition seeking lifting of all restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-revoked-from-jammu-and-kashmir-all-you-need-to-know-240772">Article 370</a>.

The court said it will wait for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/article-370-scrapped-special-privileges-and-autonomy-never-touched-lives-of-common-people-of-jammu-and-kashmir-241451">normalcy to return</a> in&nbsp;the valley and scheduled the hearing of the matter after two weeks.

The petition, filed by social activist Tehseen Poonawala, sought lifting of curfew and other restrictions including blocking of phone lines, internet and news channels. 
 
WATCH:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistans-desperation-grows-poland-backs-bilateral-solution-on-jk-242639/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Attorney General for the government, Tushar Mehta, told the court that government was reviewing the day-to-day situation in the Union Territory. It is a highly sensitive situation but it is in the interest of everyone. Not a single drop of blood has been shed, no one has died so far," he said.&nbsp;

Attorney General KK Venugopal also supported the argument given by Mehta and said every step is taken to bring normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.

The three-judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra told the petitioner, "We shall wait for the restoration of normalcy, if nothing happens you can back to the court."

Centre last week abolished Article 370 and moved a separate bill to bifurcate the state into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Restrictions have also been imposed on communication links, TV channels as 'temporary measures' taken to maintain peace and prevent the circulation of misinformation and rumours. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to issue directions to the central government on a petition seeking lifting of all restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to issue directions to the central government on a petition seeking lifting of all restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. The court said it will wait for the normalcy to return in the valley and scheduled the hearing of the matter after two weeks. The petition, filed by social activist Tehseen Poonawala, sought lifting of curfew and other restrictions including blocking of phone lines, internet and news channels. WATCH: × Attorney General for the government, Tushar Mehta, told the court that government was reviewing the day-to-day situation in the Union Territory. It is a highly sensitive situation but it is in the interest of everyone. Not a single drop of blood has been shed, no one has died so far," he said. Attorney General KK Venugopal also supported the argument given by Mehta and said every step is taken to bring normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir. The three-judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra told the petitioner, "We shall wait for the restoration of normalcy, if nothing happens you can back to the court." Centre last week abolished Article 370 and moved a separate bill to bifurcate the state into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Restrictions have also been imposed on communication links, TV channels as 'temporary measures' taken to maintain peace and prevent the circulation of misinformation and rumours. (With inputs from agencies)

Article 370 revoked: Government needs time to bring back normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, says Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it will consider listing the plea filed by Anuradha Bhasin, the executive editor of a prominent daily in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/article-370-scrapped-special-privileges-and-autonomy-never-touched-lives-of-common-people-of-jammu-and-kashmir-241451">Jammu and Kashmir</a>, seeking lifting of restrictions on journalists in the valley. 
 
Anuradha Bhasin, the executive editor of the Kashmir Times, had filed the plea in the top court seeking a direction for the central government and the administration of Jammu and Kashmir to immediately relax all restrictions on freedom of movement of journalists&nbsp;in the Union Territory.

Centre last week abolished <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-revoked-from-jammu-and-kashmir-all-you-need-to-know-240772">Article 370 </a>and moved a separate bill to bifurcate the state into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

The Centre has deployed a huge contingent of central forces in the Valley anticipating violence after scrapping Article 370. 
 
Restrictions have also been imposed on communication links as a 'temporary measure' taken to maintain peace and prevent the circulation of misinformation and rumours. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it will consider listing the plea filed by Anuradha Bhasin, the executive editor of a prominent daily in Jammu and Kashmir, seeking lifting of restrictions on journalists in the valley.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it will consider listing the plea filed by Anuradha Bhasin, the executive editor of a prominent daily in Jammu and Kashmir, seeking lifting of restrictions on journalists in the valley. Anuradha Bhasin, the executive editor of the Kashmir Times, had filed the plea in the top court seeking a direction for the central government and the administration of Jammu and Kashmir to immediately relax all restrictions on freedom of movement of journalists in the Union Territory. Centre last week abolished Article 370 and moved a separate bill to bifurcate the state into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The Centre has deployed a huge contingent of central forces in the Valley anticipating violence after scrapping Article 370. Restrictions have also been imposed on communication links as a 'temporary measure' taken to maintain peace and prevent the circulation of misinformation and rumours. (With inputs from agencies)

Supreme Court admits Kashmir editor's plea seeking removal of restrictions on journalists

Amid the heightened tension between India and Pakistan following the scrapping of Article 370, no sweets were exchanged between the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and Pakistani rangers at Attari-Wagah border on the occasion of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/glimpses-of-normal-life-in-jammu-and-kashmir-as-restrictions-relaxed-for-eid-242341">Eid al-Adha </a>on Monday.

BSF wanted to give sweets to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-week-after-abrogation-of-article-370-paks-hate-campaign-continues-unabated-242290">Pakistani Rangers</a> but they did not send any reply in this regard, reported news agency ANI.

The exchange of sweets between the two forces is a usual trend on special occasions, such as Eid, Diwali and on nationally important days like Independence Day and Republic Day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/glimpses-of-normal-life-in-jammu-and-kashmir-as-restrictions-relaxed-for-eid-242345/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Centre last week abolished <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-revoked-from-jammu-and-kashmir-all-you-need-to-know-240772">Article 370</a> and moved a separate bill to bifurcate the state into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

In the wake of scrapping of Article 370 which gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan had downgraded diplomatic ties and suspended bilateral trade with India. Islamabad also suspended Samjhauta and That Express.

Meanwhile, calling its steps in Jammu and Kashmir an 'entirely internal affair', India has rejected Pakistan's unilateral move to downgrade diplomatic ties and asked Islamabad to review the decision so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the heightened tension between India and Pakistan following the scrapping of Article 370, no sweets were exchanged between the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and Pakistani rangers at Attari-Wagah border on the occasion of Eid al-Adha on Monday.

Amid the heightened tension between India and Pakistan following the scrapping of Article 370, no sweets were exchanged between the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and Pakistani rangers at Attari-Wagah border on the occasion of Eid al-Adha on Monday. BSF wanted to give sweets to Pakistani Rangers but they did not send any reply in this regard, reported news agency ANI. The exchange of sweets between the two forces is a usual trend on special occasions, such as Eid, Diwali and on nationally important days like Independence Day and Republic Day. WATCH: × Centre last week abolished Article 370 and moved a separate bill to bifurcate the state into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. In the wake of scrapping of Article 370 which gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan had downgraded diplomatic ties and suspended bilateral trade with India. Islamabad also suspended Samjhauta and That Express. Meanwhile, calling its steps in Jammu and Kashmir an 'entirely internal affair', India has rejected Pakistan's unilateral move to downgrade diplomatic ties and asked Islamabad to review the decision so that normal channels for diplomatic communications are preserved. (With inputs from agencies)

Article 370 scrapped: No 'exchange of sweets' at Attari-Wagah border on Eid al-Adha

Jammu and Kashmir on Monday marked its first Eid al-Adha after the revocation of its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/article-370-scrapped-special-privileges-and-autonomy-never-touched-lives-of-common-people-of-jammu-and-kashmir-241451">special status</a>&nbsp;of the state&nbsp;amid massive security arrangements.

People&nbsp;from all across the state gathered at their neighbourhood mosques and offered the morning prayers on the occasion.

<meta charset="utf-8" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bringing-down-article-370-wall-the-battle-to-contain-jihad-in-jammu-kashmir-has-just-begun-242339">Opinion: Bringing down Article 370 wall — the battle to contain Jihad in Jammu and Kashmir has just begun</a>

The J&amp;K administration had eased the prohibitory orders in the Valley for the past few days for the people to make purchases for Eid.

The holy festival of sacrifice, which falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah as per the Islamic lunar calendar is being celebrated today.&nbsp;

Bakra Eid or Bakrid is marked by sacrificing an animal that is close to them to prove their devotion and love for Allah. Post the sacrifice, devotees distribute the offering to family, friends, neighbours and especially to the poor and the needy.

Watch: Jammu and Kashmir celebrates Eid al-Adha after abrogation of Article 370 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/glimpses-of-normal-life-in-jammu-and-kashmir-as-restrictions-relaxed-for-eid-242345/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

People buy goats or sheep a day prior for sacrifice, on the day commemorating Ibrahim (Abraham) who was to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God's command.

Other than prepping the feast, people also visit mosques, offer prayers, exchange gifts, meet and greet their loved ones and together enjoy several delicacies that are prepared on the occasion.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
SRINAGAR: People offered namaz in the morning at Mohalla mosques in various parts of the city on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EidAlAdha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EidAlAdha</a>, today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKasmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKasmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/5TcwnW0bQf">pic.twitter.com/5TcwnW0bQf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1160769060713443329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

However, normalcy is fast returning in most of the Jammu region where restrictions under section 144 CrPc have been completely lifted in five districts. In the other five districts, restrictions have been relaxed to facilitate Eid preparations, officials said.

"Everything is peaceful. The restriction has eased and there has been a lot of improvement in public and transport movement," Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured during his speech on August 9 that the people of the state would not face any trouble in celebrating Eid and that the situation in the valley will return to normal gradually.

Jammu and Kashmir has been under lockdown since the government on August 5 abrogated Article 370, and has divided the state into two union territories.

(With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir on Monday marked its first Eid al-Adha after the revocation of its special status of the state amid massive security arrangements. People from all across the state gathered at their neighbourhood mosques and offered the morning prayers on the occasion.

Jammu and Kashmir on Monday marked its first Eid al-Adha after the revocation of its special status of the state amid massive security arrangements. People from all across the state gathered at their neighbourhood mosques and offered the morning prayers on the occasion. Opinion: Bringing down Article 370 wall — the battle to contain Jihad in Jammu and Kashmir has just begun The J&K administration had eased the prohibitory orders in the Valley for the past few days for the people to make purchases for Eid. The holy festival of sacrifice, which falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah as per the Islamic lunar calendar is being celebrated today. Bakra Eid or Bakrid is marked by sacrificing an animal that is close to them to prove their devotion and love for Allah. Post the sacrifice, devotees distribute the offering to family, friends, neighbours and especially to the poor and the needy. Watch: Jammu and Kashmir celebrates Eid al-Adha after abrogation of Article 370 × People buy goats or sheep a day prior for sacrifice, on the day commemorating Ibrahim (Abraham) who was to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God's command. Other than prepping the feast, people also visit mosques, offer prayers, exchange gifts, meet and greet their loved ones and together enjoy several delicacies that are prepared on the occasion. SRINAGAR: People offered namaz in the morning at Mohalla mosques in various parts of the city on #EidAlAdha, today. #JammuAndKasmir pic.twitter.com/5TcwnW0bQf — ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2019 × However, normalcy is fast returning in most of the Jammu region where restrictions under section 144 CrPc have been completely lifted in five districts. In the other five districts, restrictions have been relaxed to facilitate Eid preparations, officials said. "Everything is peaceful. The restriction has eased and there has been a lot of improvement in public and transport movement," Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured during his speech on August 9 that the people of the state would not face any trouble in celebrating Eid and that the situation in the valley will return to normal gradually. Jammu and Kashmir has been under lockdown since the government on August 5 abrogated Article 370, and has divided the state into two union territories. (With inputs from agencies)

Glimpses of normal life in Jammu and Kashmir as restrictions relaxed for Eid

Thirty years ago, it was the wall. On November 9, 1989, what they brought down in Berlin wasn’t just a few tonnes of bricks, mortar and barbed wire.&nbsp;

They tore up an entire fault line that had dragged the world to the brink of MAD or Mutually Assured Destruction. It ended an epoch. MAD, incidentally, was a very sophisticated argument to avert precisely what it assured. 
 
What was done for the State of Jammu and Kashmir in the Parliament last week was no different. On the surface, it may seem that an inglorious history, of seven decades of self-infliction, has ended. Beneath that surface, an entire civilisation gasping for breath in Kashmir has been extended an oxygen mask. Article 370 was introduced in our Constitution-in-the-making in the month of November, 1949. This was a good two years after the accession of J&amp;K to the Union of India.&nbsp;

Through this provision, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah sought ‘autonomy’ by circumcising the jurisdiction of Indian Parliament. He sought, and got away with, a separate Constitution.&nbsp;

These concessions were most unlike the arrangement with any other princely state, despite the fact that all of them acceded to India on identical terms. These exceptions and concessions for J&amp;K were, clearly, an afterthought.&nbsp;

None of it was a condition prerequisite for accession, which itself was the sole prerogative of the Maharaja. It is time India knew the reasons for such largesse. In the run-up to August 15, 1947, when the then Maharaja of Kashmir sought talks to negotiate the terms of accession, he was snubbed repeatedly. His Prime Minister was kept waiting for three days and denied audience by the interim Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru. He was clearly told to appoint Sheikh Abdullah as his Prime Minister and send him as J&amp;K’s emissary to deal with PM Nehru. This was humiliating for the Maharaja because the Sheikh was in detention for sedition. The delay in accession thus caused, was blamed on the Maharaja’s dithering.&nbsp;

Invasion by Pakistan on October 22, 1947, precipitated matters. The Maharaja sought help to fight back the invasion. PM Nehru refused on the grounds that Jammu &amp;Kashmir wasn’t a part of India yet. &nbsp;An unconditional accession was offered by the Maharaja on October 24. Nehru refused to budge till the Sheikh was appointed the PM. On October 26, another offer of accession was sent. This time, Sheikh Abdullah was persuaded by the Maharaja to carry it. &nbsp; 
 
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, then a Lt. Colonel, was an eye witness to the interaction when the accession was sealed. In his interview to Prem Shankar Jha, published in 1996, in the book —Rival Versions of History – the Field Marshal explained how the accession was signed and Kashmir defended. How Sheikh had no role more than that of Nehru’s preferred courier boy. And, how Sardar Patel had to, virtually, coax an instruction out of Nehru, to mobilise the Indian Army for Kashmir.

Later, keeping his word, Maharaja appointed Sheikh as the PM of J&amp;K. Soon after, he started demanding concessions from Nehru, who had his own phantoms to fight. He had emerged badly bruised and battered from the partition contest with Jinnah. An unmistakable rebuff by the Muslims of India must have rankled, like unrequited love. A Muslim-majority Kashmir acceding to India looked like a consolation prize. But with his overture, the secular, liberal progressive and democrat Nehru went overboard. He forced India to make an exception to its secularism for the J&amp;K because it was a Muslim-majority state. He allowed the Sheikh to run roughshod over all norms of democracy, rig elections and stuff the assembly with his own stooges because he was a leader of Muslims. &nbsp;Nehru forced India to allow the state of J&amp;K complete immunity from the Indian Constitution. All this was done because the J&amp;K was a Muslim-majority state.&nbsp;

Going forward, in 1954, even a law like 35A was smuggled into the statute, to disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of its citizens, deprive them of their basic human rights and institutionalise gender discrimination. &nbsp;On August 5 and 6, 2019, all these travesties were reversed. But, what it unleashed in the last 70 years are like a genie out of the bottle. &nbsp;If one has to identify the top-most challenge to India’s integrity today, it has to be the relentless jihad that the Valley of Kashmir faces today. I know a few people who are squeamish about using the word jihad to describe what goes on in the Valley in the name of Azadi. 
 
They are broadly of two types. Both empathise with the Azadi seekers. Both enjoy privileged access to their ecosystem. Both have enough commonsense to know that it is nothing but jihad. Yet, they are reluctant. It is because they know that the world has very little appetite left for jihad.&nbsp;

One of the two are jihadis themselves. Just that they are the white-collar, politically literate, tactical type. This type knows that unless they dress-up the medieval world view of jihad and accord it the correct vocabulary, there is no hope. &nbsp;The other one is the typical bleeding heart liberal who go through considerable trouble to be in the bed with the enemy. Lenin had a description for such species — useful idiots. The trouble is that jihad is able to find them in abundance.

The bigger challenge is the genie of violent jihad that has been roaming free and gaining heft. It has the mosques, streets, the media, academia, the polity, bureaucracy, the civil-society platforms and more in its stranglehold. Those who wish to triumphantly declare victory must sober down. We have barely begun. It is a long road ahead. The Jihad is well entrenched and implacable. It will take a lot of time, effort, resources, tact, perseverance and above all, a single-minded resoluteness to re-establish freedom, equality, democracy, gender-justice and a harmonious plural order in Kashmir.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-bringing-down-article-370-wall-2780726">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Thirty years ago, it was the wall. On November 9, 1989, what they brought down in Berlin wasn’t just a few tonnes of bricks, mortar and barbed wire. They tore up an entire fault line that had dragged the world to the brink of MAD or Mutually Assured Destruction.

Thirty years ago, it was the wall. On November 9, 1989, what they brought down in Berlin wasn’t just a few tonnes of bricks, mortar and barbed wire. They tore up an entire fault line that had dragged the world to the brink of MAD or Mutually Assured Destruction. It ended an epoch. MAD, incidentally, was a very sophisticated argument to avert precisely what it assured. What was done for the State of Jammu and Kashmir in the Parliament last week was no different. On the surface, it may seem that an inglorious history, of seven decades of self-infliction, has ended. Beneath that surface, an entire civilisation gasping for breath in Kashmir has been extended an oxygen mask. Article 370 was introduced in our Constitution-in-the-making in the month of November, 1949. This was a good two years after the accession of J&K to the Union of India. Through this provision, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah sought ‘autonomy’ by circumcising the jurisdiction of Indian Parliament. He sought, and got away with, a separate Constitution. These concessions were most unlike the arrangement with any other princely state, despite the fact that all of them acceded to India on identical terms. These exceptions and concessions for J&K were, clearly, an afterthought. None of it was a condition prerequisite for accession, which itself was the sole prerogative of the Maharaja. It is time India knew the reasons for such largesse. In the run-up to August 15, 1947, when the then Maharaja of Kashmir sought talks to negotiate the terms of accession, he was snubbed repeatedly. His Prime Minister was kept waiting for three days and denied audience by the interim Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru. He was clearly told to appoint Sheikh Abdullah as his Prime Minister and send him as J&K’s emissary to deal with PM Nehru. This was humiliating for the Maharaja because the Sheikh was in detention for sedition. The delay in accession thus caused, was blamed on the Maharaja’s dithering. Invasion by Pakistan on October 22, 1947, precipitated matters. The Maharaja sought help to fight back the invasion. PM Nehru refused on the grounds that Jammu &Kashmir wasn’t a part of India yet. An unconditional accession was offered by the Maharaja on October 24. Nehru refused to budge till the Sheikh was appointed the PM. On October 26, another offer of accession was sent. This time, Sheikh Abdullah was persuaded by the Maharaja to carry it. Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, then a Lt. Colonel, was an eye witness to the interaction when the accession was sealed. In his interview to Prem Shankar Jha, published in 1996, in the book —Rival Versions of History – the Field Marshal explained how the accession was signed and Kashmir defended. How Sheikh had no role more than that of Nehru’s preferred courier boy. And, how Sardar Patel had to, virtually, coax an instruction out of Nehru, to mobilise the Indian Army for Kashmir. Later, keeping his word, Maharaja appointed Sheikh as the PM of J&K. Soon after, he started demanding concessions from Nehru, who had his own phantoms to fight. He had emerged badly bruised and battered from the partition contest with Jinnah. An unmistakable rebuff by the Muslims of India must have rankled, like unrequited love. A Muslim-majority Kashmir acceding to India looked like a consolation prize. But with his overture, the secular, liberal progressive and democrat Nehru went overboard. He forced India to make an exception to its secularism for the J&K because it was a Muslim-majority state. He allowed the Sheikh to run roughshod over all norms of democracy, rig elections and stuff the assembly with his own stooges because he was a leader of Muslims. Nehru forced India to allow the state of J&K complete immunity from the Indian Constitution. All this was done because the J&K was a Muslim-majority state. Going forward, in 1954, even a law like 35A was smuggled into the statute, to disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of its citizens, deprive them of their basic human rights and institutionalise gender discrimination. On August 5 and 6, 2019, all these travesties were reversed. But, what it unleashed in the last 70 years are like a genie out of the bottle. If one has to identify the top-most challenge to India’s integrity today, it has to be the relentless jihad that the Valley of Kashmir faces today. I know a few people who are squeamish about using the word jihad to describe what goes on in the Valley in the name of Azadi. They are broadly of two types. Both empathise with the Azadi seekers. Both enjoy privileged access to their ecosystem. Both have enough commonsense to know that it is nothing but jihad. Yet, they are reluctant. It is because they know that the world has very little appetite left for jihad. One of the two are jihadis themselves. Just that they are the white-collar, politically literate, tactical type. This type knows that unless they dress-up the medieval world view of jihad and accord it the correct vocabulary, there is no hope. The other one is the typical bleeding heart liberal who go through considerable trouble to be in the bed with the enemy. Lenin had a description for such species — useful idiots. The trouble is that jihad is able to find them in abundance. The bigger challenge is the genie of violent jihad that has been roaming free and gaining heft. It has the mosques, streets, the media, academia, the polity, bureaucracy, the civil-society platforms and more in its stranglehold. Those who wish to triumphantly declare victory must sober down. We have barely begun. It is a long road ahead. The Jihad is well entrenched and implacable. It will take a lot of time, effort, resources, tact, perseverance and above all, a single-minded resoluteness to re-establish freedom, equality, democracy, gender-justice and a harmonious plural order in Kashmir. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Bringing down Article 370 wall: The battle to contain Jihad in Jammu and Kashmir has just begun

Scrapping of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-revoked-from-jammu-and-kashmir-all-you-need-to-know-240772">Article 370 </a>in Jammu and Kashmir, instead of bringing two former chief ministers together on one platform, led to more bitterness between the two.

According to reports, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-omar-abdullah-mehbooba-mufti-detained-after-special-status-to-jammu-and-kashmir-is-revoked-240931">Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah</a> had an argument over the present state of Jammu and Kashmir at Hari Niwas Palace in Srinagar, where the two former chief ministers have been put under preventive custody after the abolishment of Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Reports said that Omar and Mehbooba blamed each other for bringing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to the valley. 
 
Omar hit out at her for forming government in J&amp;K between 2015-2018 with BJP as the alliance partner whereas Mehbooba slammed Omar, saying that his father Farooq Abdullah had an alliance with Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

Following the nasty argument, Omar was shifted out to a hut, managed by the forest department, in Chesmashahi.

Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference deputy chief Omar Abdullah were taken under preventive arrest last week abolished Article 370 and moved a separate bill to bifurcate the state into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. 
 
The Centre has deployed a huge contingent of central forces in the Valley anticipating violence after scrapping Article 370. 
 
Meanwhile, NSA Ajit Doval is also present in Jammu and Kashmir to take a review of the situation on the ground. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Scrapping of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, instead of bringing two former chief ministers together on one platform, led to more bitterness between the two. According to reports, Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah had an argument over the present state of Jammu and Kashmir at Hari Niwas Palace in Srinagar, where the two former chief ministers have been put under preventive custody after the abolishment of Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Scrapping of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, instead of bringing two former chief ministers together on one platform, led to more bitterness between the two. According to reports, Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah had an argument over the present state of Jammu and Kashmir at Hari Niwas Palace in Srinagar, where the two former chief ministers have been put under preventive custody after the abolishment of Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Reports said that Omar and Mehbooba blamed each other for bringing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to the valley. Omar hit out at her for forming government in J&K between 2015-2018 with BJP as the alliance partner whereas Mehbooba slammed Omar, saying that his father Farooq Abdullah had an alliance with Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. Following the nasty argument, Omar was shifted out to a hut, managed by the forest department, in Chesmashahi. Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference deputy chief Omar Abdullah were taken under preventive arrest last week abolished Article 370 and moved a separate bill to bifurcate the state into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The Centre has deployed a huge contingent of central forces in the Valley anticipating violence after scrapping Article 370. Meanwhile, NSA Ajit Doval is also present in Jammu and Kashmir to take a review of the situation on the ground. (With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir: Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti 'fight it out' at Srinagar's Hari Niwas Palace

Amid the ongoing tensions with India over the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/bringing-down-article-370-wall-the-battle-to-contain-jihad-in-jammu-kashmir-has-just-begun-242339"> abrogation of Article 370</a>, Pakistani forces have started moving equipment to their forward bases close to Ladakh.

"Three C-130 transport aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force was used on Saturday to ferry equipment to their Skardu airbase opposite the Union Territory of Ladakh. The Indian agencies concerned are keeping a close eye on the movement of Pakistanis along with the border areas," government sources told ANI.

Sources said the equipment moved to the forward operating base could be support equipment for fighter aircraft operations.

Pakistanis are most likely to move in their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-delivers-first-overhauled-jf-17-fighter-jet-to-pakistan-220677">JF-17 fighter planes </a>to the Skardu airfield, they said.

The Indian intelligence agencies along with the Air Force and Army are keeping a close watch on the movement of the Pakistani Air Force as they can see almost the entire length and breadth of Pakistan.

Watch: Glimpses of normal life in Jammu and Kashmir as restrictions relaxed for Eid

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/glimpses-of-normal-life-in-jammu-and-kashmir-as-restrictions-relaxed-for-eid-242345/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Pakistanis use an older version of the C-130 transport aircraft supplied by the Americans a long time ago and one of their military rulers Gen Zia Ul Haq was also killed in power when the C-130 in which he was travelling crashed in August 1988 due to a bomb explosion.

Sources said the Pakistan Air Force was planning to conduct an exercise of its Air Force and Army elements and the move of shifting planes to the forward base could also be a part of it.

Skardu is a forward operating base of the Pakistan Air Force and it uses it to support its Army operations on the border with India.

Pakistan has been trying to make a big issue out of India's decision of scrapping Article 370 and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/glimpses-of-normal-life-in-jammu-and-kashmir-as-restrictions-relaxed-for-eid-242341">bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir</a> into two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Amid the ongoing tensions with India over the abrogation of Article 370, Pakistani forces have started moving equipment to their forward bases close to Ladakh. "Three C-130 transport aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force was used on Saturday to ferry equipment to their Skardu airbase opposite the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Amid the ongoing tensions with India over the abrogation of Article 370, Pakistani forces have started moving equipment to their forward bases close to Ladakh. "Three C-130 transport aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force was used on Saturday to ferry equipment to their Skardu airbase opposite the Union Territory of Ladakh. The Indian agencies concerned are keeping a close eye on the movement of Pakistanis along with the border areas," government sources told ANI. Sources said the equipment moved to the forward operating base could be support equipment for fighter aircraft operations. Pakistanis are most likely to move in their JF-17 fighter planes to the Skardu airfield, they said. The Indian intelligence agencies along with the Air Force and Army are keeping a close watch on the movement of the Pakistani Air Force as they can see almost the entire length and breadth of Pakistan. Watch: Glimpses of normal life in Jammu and Kashmir as restrictions relaxed for Eid × The Pakistanis use an older version of the C-130 transport aircraft supplied by the Americans a long time ago and one of their military rulers Gen Zia Ul Haq was also killed in power when the C-130 in which he was travelling crashed in August 1988 due to a bomb explosion. Sources said the Pakistan Air Force was planning to conduct an exercise of its Air Force and Army elements and the move of shifting planes to the forward base could also be a part of it. Skardu is a forward operating base of the Pakistan Air Force and it uses it to support its Army operations on the border with India. Pakistan has been trying to make a big issue out of India's decision of scrapping Article 370 and bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

India keeps a close watch as Pakistan deploys fighter jets to Skardu near Ladakh

Days after New Delhi abrogated Article 370 that granted Jammu and Kashmir special status, Pakistan continued its hate campaign against India.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday tweeted about "impending genocide" in Kashmir due to "RSS ideology inspired by Nazi ideology". He said India is trying to change the "demography of Kashmir through ethnic cleansing"

While Imran Khan may be talking about genocide but 1971 saw Pakistani military in cahoots with&nbsp;Islamist group Jamaat-e-Islami executing&nbsp;3,000,000 Bangladeshis to suppress the South Asian country's freedom. This is now being remembered as the Bangladesh Genocide, worst in the history of the Indian subcontinent.&nbsp;

Khan also spoke about Muslims being suppressed in India, something he has talked in the past too. ''I am afraid this RSS ideology of Hindu Supremacy, like the Nazi Aryan Supremacy, will not stop in IOK; instead it will lead to suppression of Muslims in India &amp; eventually lead to targeting of Pakistan," he said in a tweet.

This even as reports have emerged from Pakistan how Hindu and Sikh minorities are facing persecution in the country. In March, two Hindu girls were forcibly abducted which became a national story in that country.

Sindh in southern Pakistan has a higher percentage of Hindus than the rest of Pakistan. Three districts of Mirpurkhas (33% Hindus), Tharparkar (36% Hindus) and Umerkot (49% Hindus) contribute to significant Hindu community in Sindh and these are the districts were most forced conversion and marriages of underage Hindu girls in Pakistan have been reported.

India has been taking up this issue with Pakistan. These include the abduction of 16-year-old Hindu girls Anusha Kumari in January 2019, forceful conversation of 16-year-old Hindu girl Ravita Meghwar on June 07, 2017 and in the same year kidnapping of 17 years of minor Sikh girl Priya Kaur who was married off to one Wajid Ali in Buner district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

It is interesting to note just a few months ago when asked about China's treatment of Uighur Muslims in North-Western Xinjiang, a usually very vocal Imran Khan said, "I don't know much about that".&nbsp;

Meanwhile, BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav slammed the comments of Imran Khan on Twitter saying, "Heights of frustration from the ringleader of global terror empire Pakistan. Threat to the democratic world is from Pak-sponsored Jihadi terror, not from India."

"We have undone Jinnah’s Two-Nation theory n Sheik Abdullah’s Three Nation theory today. Can Imran Khan end religious fascism in Pak?" he added.

Following New Delhi's move on special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has cut trade and diplomatic ties with India and in a big blow to people to people contact between the two countries, shut down Samjhauta and Thar train services besides suspending Delhi Lahore bus service.

Days after New Delhi abrogated Article 370 that granted Jammu and Kashmir special status, Pakistan continued its hate campaign against India. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday tweeted about "impending genocide" in Kashmir due to "RSS ideology inspired by Nazi ideology".

Days after New Delhi abrogated Article 370 that granted Jammu and Kashmir special status, Pakistan continued its hate campaign against India. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday tweeted about "impending genocide" in Kashmir due to "RSS ideology inspired by Nazi ideology". He said India is trying to change the "demography of Kashmir through ethnic cleansing" While Imran Khan may be talking about genocide but 1971 saw Pakistani military in cahoots with Islamist group Jamaat-e-Islami executing 3,000,000 Bangladeshis to suppress the South Asian country's freedom. This is now being remembered as the Bangladesh Genocide, worst in the history of the Indian subcontinent. Khan also spoke about Muslims being suppressed in India, something he has talked in the past too. ''I am afraid this RSS ideology of Hindu Supremacy, like the Nazi Aryan Supremacy, will not stop in IOK; instead it will lead to suppression of Muslims in India & eventually lead to targeting of Pakistan," he said in a tweet. This even as reports have emerged from Pakistan how Hindu and Sikh minorities are facing persecution in the country. In March, two Hindu girls were forcibly abducted which became a national story in that country. Sindh in southern Pakistan has a higher percentage of Hindus than the rest of Pakistan. Three districts of Mirpurkhas (33% Hindus), Tharparkar (36% Hindus) and Umerkot (49% Hindus) contribute to significant Hindu community in Sindh and these are the districts were most forced conversion and marriages of underage Hindu girls in Pakistan have been reported. India has been taking up this issue with Pakistan. These include the abduction of 16-year-old Hindu girls Anusha Kumari in January 2019, forceful conversation of 16-year-old Hindu girl Ravita Meghwar on June 07, 2017 and in the same year kidnapping of 17 years of minor Sikh girl Priya Kaur who was married off to one Wajid Ali in Buner district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is interesting to note just a few months ago when asked about China's treatment of Uighur Muslims in North-Western Xinjiang, a usually very vocal Imran Khan said, "I don't know much about that". Meanwhile, BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav slammed the comments of Imran Khan on Twitter saying, "Heights of frustration from the ringleader of global terror empire Pakistan. Threat to the democratic world is from Pak-sponsored Jihadi terror, not from India." "We have undone Jinnah’s Two-Nation theory n Sheik Abdullah’s Three Nation theory today. Can Imran Khan end religious fascism in Pak?" he added. Following New Delhi's move on special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan has cut trade and diplomatic ties with India and in a big blow to people to people contact between the two countries, shut down Samjhauta and Thar train services besides suspending Delhi Lahore bus service.

A week after abrogation of Article 370, Pakistan's hate campaign continues unabated

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that he was confident that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/united-nations-security-council-snubs-pakistan-does-not-discuss-its-letter-on-kashmir-242048">scrapping Article 370</a> would end terrorism in the state.&nbsp;

Speaking at the launch of a book on Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu in Chennai, Shah said he firmly believed that Article 370 that gave the special status to Jammu and Kashmir should be removed as it was not beneficial to the country.

"As a legislator, I firmly believe Article 370 should've been removed long ago. As a Home Minister, there was no confusion in my mind about the consequences of removing Art 370. I’m confident terrorism in Kashmir will finish and it’ll move ahead on the path of development now,"&nbsp;Shah said.&nbsp;

Opinion: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-rise-of-amit-shah-as-indias-new-loh-purush-242162">The rise of Amit Shah as India's new 'Loh Purush'</a>

Talking about the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, Amit Shah said that the government was worried about numbers in Rajya Sabha over passage of the Bill.

Watch: Mosques thronged by people ahead of Eid in Jammu and Kashmir

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jammu-kashmir-mosques-thronged-by-people-ahead-of-eid-242097/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The&nbsp;PM Narendra Modi government&nbsp;on August 5 revoked Article 370 which gave special status to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-backs-india-on-abrogation-of-article-370-in-jammu-and-kashmir-241948">Jammu and Kashmir</a> and proposed that the state be bifurcated into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

On August 9, President Ram Nath Kovind gave his nod to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019, making it into law. The bill was passed in both houses of the Indian Parliament.

The Bill provides for the formation of the Union Territory of Ladakh without legislature and a separate one for Jammu and Kashmir with the legislature. Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will come into existence as separate Union Territories on October 31.

Meanwhile, Pakistan, on its part, has downgraded bilateral ties with India and suspended all bilateral trade activities, communication, and railways, which facilitated people-to-people ties between each other.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that he was confident that scrapping Article 370 would end terrorism in the state. Speaking at the launch of a book on Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu in Chennai, Shah said he firmly believed that Article 370 that gave the special status to Jammu and Kashmir should be removed as it was not beneficial to the country.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that he was confident that scrapping Article 370 would end terrorism in the state. Speaking at the launch of a book on Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu in Chennai, Shah said he firmly believed that Article 370 that gave the special status to Jammu and Kashmir should be removed as it was not beneficial to the country. "As a legislator, I firmly believe Article 370 should've been removed long ago. As a Home Minister, there was no confusion in my mind about the consequences of removing Art 370. I’m confident terrorism in Kashmir will finish and it’ll move ahead on the path of development now," Shah said. Opinion: The rise of Amit Shah as India's new 'Loh Purush' Talking about the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, Amit Shah said that the government was worried about numbers in Rajya Sabha over passage of the Bill. Watch: Mosques thronged by people ahead of Eid in Jammu and Kashmir × The PM Narendra Modi government on August 5 revoked Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and proposed that the state be bifurcated into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. On August 9, President Ram Nath Kovind gave his nod to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2019, making it into law. The bill was passed in both houses of the Indian Parliament. The Bill provides for the formation of the Union Territory of Ladakh without legislature and a separate one for Jammu and Kashmir with the legislature. Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will come into existence as separate Union Territories on October 31. Meanwhile, Pakistan, on its part, has downgraded bilateral ties with India and suspended all bilateral trade activities, communication, and railways, which facilitated people-to-people ties between each other.

Had no doubts about consequences of removing Article 370: Amit Shah

article-370-scrapped

Article 370 Scrapped, News on Article 370 Scrapped, stories on Article 370 Scrapped, articles on Article 370 Scrapped, Article 370 Scrapped stories at Wion, Article 370 Scrapped news, Article 370 Scrapped latest news

article 370-scrapped