Pakistan Fails To 'Internationalise' Kashmir Issue. The Most It Can Achieve Was A Closed-Door UNSC Meeting.

WION Gravitas: What is a closed-door UNSC meeting?

Restrictions are being eased in Jammu & Kashmir 10 days after Article 370 abrogation. Watch more to know.

WION Gravitas: Kashmir is slowly, but surely marching towards normalcy

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. 
 
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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

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday said that over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2-injured-cases-of-hooliganism-reported-jammu-and-kashmir-principal-secretary-243922">190 primary schools will re-open tomorrow in Srinagar</a>, besides restoring "full functionality" of government offices across Kashmir valley.

"We have a plan of reopening over 190 primary schools in Srinagar district alone," Principal Secretary, Planning and Development, Rohit Kansal said while addressing a press conference here.

He said the process of easing of prohibitory orders and providing relaxations continued on Sunday as well.

Kansal said the relaxations were provided in 50 police stations on Sunday as against 35 police stations on Saturday, and the duration in the relaxation was increased from six hours to eight hours.

In a statement, Kansal was quoted as saying that no untoward incident was reported from the areas where relaxation was provided.

According to the statement, traffic including public transport plied and shopkeepers opened their businesses.

Kansal said that it was the endeavour of the government to restore all the landlines to their full functionality as soon as possible.

"BSNL officers and technicians are working continuously to restore the working of exchanges across Kashmir valley," he said. "The government will attempt to restore infrastructural and developmental works as the overall situation further improves," added Kansal.

&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday said that over 190 primary schools will re-open tomorrow in Srinagar, besides restoring "full functionality" of government offices across Kashmir valley.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday said that over 190 primary schools will re-open tomorrow in Srinagar, besides restoring "full functionality" of government offices across Kashmir valley. "We have a plan of reopening over 190 primary schools in Srinagar district alone," Principal Secretary, Planning and Development, Rohit Kansal said while addressing a press conference here. He said the process of easing of prohibitory orders and providing relaxations continued on Sunday as well. Kansal said the relaxations were provided in 50 police stations on Sunday as against 35 police stations on Saturday, and the duration in the relaxation was increased from six hours to eight hours. In a statement, Kansal was quoted as saying that no untoward incident was reported from the areas where relaxation was provided. According to the statement, traffic including public transport plied and shopkeepers opened their businesses. Kansal said that it was the endeavour of the government to restore all the landlines to their full functionality as soon as possible. "BSNL officers and technicians are working continuously to restore the working of exchanges across Kashmir valley," he said. "The government will attempt to restore infrastructural and developmental works as the overall situation further improves," added Kansal.

Over 190 primary schools will open on Monday in Srinagar: Principal Secretary Kansal

Situations getting back to normal in J&K, landline services restored. Watch this video to know more.

Situations getting back to normal in J&K, landline services restored

No restriction on vehicles' movement in J&K now: Rohit Kansal, J&K Principal Secretary. Watch video to know more.

'No restriction on vehicles' movement in J&K now: Rohit Kansal, J&K Principal Secretary

Perhaps for the first time, the flag-hoisting on Independence Day at the historic Rashtrapati Nivas, formerly Viceregal Lodge, Shimla, reverberated with cries of not just of “Jai Hind” but also of “Bharat Mata ki Jai.” It was a moving and memorable occasion, especially for me, who hoisted the tricolour as Director of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. It was our second President, Dr S Radhakrishnan who donated part of the presidential estate to start this Institute in 1965. The flag-hoisting this year was even more special because the national anthem was played by the bagpipers of the 22nd Rajputs, stationed in Jutogh Cantonment.&nbsp;

India celebrates many festivals throughout the year. Earlier this week, we observed Eid-ul-Zuha or Eid-ul-Adha, better known as Bakrid. This year, August 15 also coincided with Raksha Bandhan. But of all these festivals, Bharat Parva or Independence Day is perhaps the most important. That is because, after centuries of slavery, we became free. It was one of the greatest struggles in human history against what was possibly the world’s most powerful empire. The deeper significance of birthdays was explained by Mira Alfassa, better known as the Mother in Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry. “Yes, it is truly a special day,” she remarked to a sadhak (spiritual practitioner) who had gone to receive her blessings on the occasion, “It is one of those days in the year when the Supreme descends into us…when our soul comes in contact with the eternal….” For India, what does August 15, which was our nation’s 73rd birthday, signify?

As it happens, it was also the birthday of Sri Aurobindo. In his famous Independence Day speech, broadcast on &nbsp;August 14, 1947 from All India Radio, Thiruchirapalli, Sri Aurobindo outlined his “five dreams.” Two of these, “a revolutionary movement which would create a free and united India” and “the resurgence and liberation of the peoples of Asia and her return to her great role in the progress of human civilisation” were already accomplished, albeit in part. As Aurobindo himself noted, “India today is free but she has not achieved unity… But by whatever means, in whatever way, the division must go; unity must and will be achieved, for it is necessary for the greatness of India’s future.”&nbsp;

“A world-union forming the outer basis of a fairer, brighter and nobler life for all mankind” was his third dream. Finally, Sri Aurobindo wanted “the spiritual gift of India” to spread all over the world, a process he believed had “already begun.” His final dream “was a step in evolution which would raise man to a higher and larger consciousness and begin the solution of the problems which have perplexed and vexed him since he first began to think and to dream of individual perfection and a perfect society.” This is the most profound, demanding, and testing of the five dreams. We must transform ourselves — or face mass extinction.&nbsp;

When we look at independent India’s report card, it becomes increasingly obvious that a massive and magnificent spiritual resurgence was the moving force behind the country’s freedom struggle that ultimately led to our independence. Writing some 125 years ago, Swami Vivekananda explained this hidden truth quite succinctly: “Here in this blessed land, the foundation, the backbone, the life-centre is religion and religion alone. In India, religious life forms the centre, the keynote of the whole music of the nation.” Similarly, Sri Aurobindo summed up the importance of dharma in our lives: “When it is said that India shall be great, it is the Sanatan Dharma that shall be great.

… It is for the Dharma and by the Dharma that India exists.” Of course, it needs to be stressed that by Sanatan Dharma, Sri Aurobindo meant the eternal, universal religion, not any particular sect or creed: “If a religion is not universal, it cannot be eternal. A narrow religion can live only for a limited time and a limited purpose.” &nbsp;

The “naked fakir,” whose 150th anniversary we are also commemorating, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also said that “the dream of every Indian...should be...to spiritualise the political life of the country and the political institutions of the country.” In today’s times, unity, strength, and integral progress should be our national priorities. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, India has a unique and unprecedented opportunity to realise its deepest civilisational and spiritual goals, as also play its destined role on the world stage. As Swami Vivekananda reminded us, “The Indian nation cannot be killed. Deathless it stands, and it will stand so long as … her people do not give up their spirituality.” Which is why the flag-hoisting this year concluded with cheers of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-spiritual-significance-of-independence-day-2782389">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Perhaps for the first time, the flag-hoisting on Independence Day at the historic Rashtrapati Nivas, formerly Viceregal Lodge, Shimla, reverberated with cries of not just of “Jai Hind” but also of “Bharat Mata ki Jai.

Perhaps for the first time, the flag-hoisting on Independence Day at the historic Rashtrapati Nivas, formerly Viceregal Lodge, Shimla, reverberated with cries of not just of “Jai Hind” but also of “Bharat Mata ki Jai.” It was a moving and memorable occasion, especially for me, who hoisted the tricolour as Director of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study. It was our second President, Dr S Radhakrishnan who donated part of the presidential estate to start this Institute in 1965. The flag-hoisting this year was even more special because the national anthem was played by the bagpipers of the 22nd Rajputs, stationed in Jutogh Cantonment. India celebrates many festivals throughout the year. Earlier this week, we observed Eid-ul-Zuha or Eid-ul-Adha, better known as Bakrid. This year, August 15 also coincided with Raksha Bandhan. But of all these festivals, Bharat Parva or Independence Day is perhaps the most important. That is because, after centuries of slavery, we became free. It was one of the greatest struggles in human history against what was possibly the world’s most powerful empire. The deeper significance of birthdays was explained by Mira Alfassa, better known as the Mother in Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry. “Yes, it is truly a special day,” she remarked to a sadhak (spiritual practitioner) who had gone to receive her blessings on the occasion, “It is one of those days in the year when the Supreme descends into us…when our soul comes in contact with the eternal….” For India, what does August 15, which was our nation’s 73rd birthday, signify? As it happens, it was also the birthday of Sri Aurobindo. In his famous Independence Day speech, broadcast on August 14, 1947 from All India Radio, Thiruchirapalli, Sri Aurobindo outlined his “five dreams.” Two of these, “a revolutionary movement which would create a free and united India” and “the resurgence and liberation of the peoples of Asia and her return to her great role in the progress of human civilisation” were already accomplished, albeit in part. As Aurobindo himself noted, “India today is free but she has not achieved unity… But by whatever means, in whatever way, the division must go; unity must and will be achieved, for it is necessary for the greatness of India’s future.” “A world-union forming the outer basis of a fairer, brighter and nobler life for all mankind” was his third dream. Finally, Sri Aurobindo wanted “the spiritual gift of India” to spread all over the world, a process he believed had “already begun.” His final dream “was a step in evolution which would raise man to a higher and larger consciousness and begin the solution of the problems which have perplexed and vexed him since he first began to think and to dream of individual perfection and a perfect society.” This is the most profound, demanding, and testing of the five dreams. We must transform ourselves — or face mass extinction. When we look at independent India’s report card, it becomes increasingly obvious that a massive and magnificent spiritual resurgence was the moving force behind the country’s freedom struggle that ultimately led to our independence. Writing some 125 years ago, Swami Vivekananda explained this hidden truth quite succinctly: “Here in this blessed land, the foundation, the backbone, the life-centre is religion and religion alone. In India, religious life forms the centre, the keynote of the whole music of the nation.” Similarly, Sri Aurobindo summed up the importance of dharma in our lives: “When it is said that India shall be great, it is the Sanatan Dharma that shall be great. … It is for the Dharma and by the Dharma that India exists.” Of course, it needs to be stressed that by Sanatan Dharma, Sri Aurobindo meant the eternal, universal religion, not any particular sect or creed: “If a religion is not universal, it cannot be eternal. A narrow religion can live only for a limited time and a limited purpose.” The “naked fakir,” whose 150th anniversary we are also commemorating, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also said that “the dream of every Indian...should be...to spiritualise the political life of the country and the political institutions of the country.” In today’s times, unity, strength, and integral progress should be our national priorities. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, India has a unique and unprecedented opportunity to realise its deepest civilisational and spiritual goals, as also play its destined role on the world stage. As Swami Vivekananda reminded us, “The Indian nation cannot be killed. Deathless it stands, and it will stand so long as … her people do not give up their spirituality.” Which is why the flag-hoisting this year concluded with cheers of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” (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.)

Spiritual significance of Independence Day

UN Security Council 'closed-door' meeting on Jammu and Kashmir move underway. Watch this video to know more.

WION Fineprint: UNSC 'closed-door' meet on J&K move underway

UN Security Council to hold 'closed-door' meeting on Jammu and Kashmir move. Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: UN Security Council to hold 'closed-door' meet on J&K move

UNSC to hold 'closed-door' meeting on Jammu and Kashmir move. Watch this video to know more.

UNSC to hold 'closed-door' meet on Jammu and Kashmir move

Jammu and Kashmir authorities on Friday will review the situation of the areas where restrictions were not lifted after the imposition of Section 144, which prohibits the assembly of more than four people at a time, government sources said.

This comes in wake of the heightened security situation in Jammu and Kashmir after the Centre withdrew the special status and passed the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganization) Act, 2019, bifurcating it into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir with legislature and Ladakh without it.

On August 14, the government had said that law and order was under control in the region and barring some "localised incidents" which led to a few pellet injuries that were treated, no major violence has been reported in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking to media here, Jammu and Kashmir`s Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), Munir Khan, had said the security forces and the administration were ensuring that there is no civilian casualty.

"Law order situation is totally under control. There have been localised incidents in various parts of Srinagar and other districts, which have been contained. There have been no major injuries. There have been a few pellet injuries, they were treated. Our biggest endeavour is that no civil casualty should take place," Khan had said.

Jammu and Kashmir Principal Secretary Rohit Kansal had said that authorities are assessing the situation on an area-to-area basis to decide on the restrictions that are in place.&nbsp;

"Local authorities are keeping a close watch on the situations and offering relaxation wherever the situation warrants," he had said.

Kansal had also said that "hospitals, medical facilities, civil supplies, national highways and airport continue to function normally".&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir authorities on Friday will review the situation of the areas where restrictions were not lifted after the imposition of Section 144, which prohibits the assembly of more than four people at a time, government sources said.

Jammu and Kashmir authorities on Friday will review the situation of the areas where restrictions were not lifted after the imposition of Section 144, which prohibits the assembly of more than four people at a time, government sources said. This comes in wake of the heightened security situation in Jammu and Kashmir after the Centre withdrew the special status and passed the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganization) Act, 2019, bifurcating it into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir with legislature and Ladakh without it. On August 14, the government had said that law and order was under control in the region and barring some "localised incidents" which led to a few pellet injuries that were treated, no major violence has been reported in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to media here, Jammu and Kashmir`s Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), Munir Khan, had said the security forces and the administration were ensuring that there is no civilian casualty. "Law order situation is totally under control. There have been localised incidents in various parts of Srinagar and other districts, which have been contained. There have been no major injuries. There have been a few pellet injuries, they were treated. Our biggest endeavour is that no civil casualty should take place," Khan had said. Jammu and Kashmir Principal Secretary Rohit Kansal had said that authorities are assessing the situation on an area-to-area basis to decide on the restrictions that are in place. "Local authorities are keeping a close watch on the situations and offering relaxation wherever the situation warrants," he had said. Kansal had also said that "hospitals, medical facilities, civil supplies, national highways and airport continue to function normally".

Situation under control in Jammu and Kashmir, authorities to review restrictions

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

Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits, said Governor Satya Pal Malik after hoisting the national flag at Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in Srinagar to mark the occasion of India`s 73rd Independence Day.&nbsp;

"Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits. The administration is committed towards their homecoming and rehabilitation in Kashmir. This is possible with the support and cooperation of all stakeholders including Valley people who share a social and cultural bond with the Kashmiri migrants," Malik said. 
 
Congratulating Kashmiri people for cooperating with the administration during the Amarnath Yatra and concluding it in a peaceful manner, he said: "Over 3 lakh pilgrims paid a visit to the Holy cave. Hajj and Amarnath were organised in a manner which is an excellent example of the true essence of Kashmiriyat which is exemplary for its communal harmony." 
 
The Governor asserted that 3,000 vacancies out of 6,000 in the public sector were established for Kashmiri migrant Pandits and these vacancies are soon to be filled. "The process for recruitment against the remaining 3000 posts out of 6000 created for Kashmiri migrants and the construction of transit accommodation for the employees serving in the Valley has been expedited," he said. 
 
Malik informed that the foundation stone for new Kushak Bakula Rimpoche Airport terminal building at Leh has been laid and the process is underway to establish a full-fledged commercial airport at Kargil. 
 
The process to establish the second tier of the Panchayats has been initiated for which the elections to the block development councils shall be held very soon, he said."I request all elected Panches and Sarpanches to come forward and participate in these elections. 
 
Both Block Development Councils and District Development Boards play a key role in ensuring the participation of people and development in their respective areas," he added. Recalling government`s "Back to Village" programme to address the problems of locals in the remote areas, he said: "Over 4,500 Gazetted Officers of the state visited the Panchayats and stayed there for two days. They interacted with the people to resolve their grievances. 
 
Speaking about Ladakh, he said Ladakh`s people demand has been fulfilled with the formation of a Union Territory of Ladakh."The formation of Ladakh as a new territory will enable the people of Ladakh to realise their aspirations despite the difficult terrain. My administration had created a separate Revenue and Administrative Division for 'Ladakh'&nbsp;comprising the districts of Leh and Kargil with a divisional commissioner and an inspector general of police. Around 495 posts were also sanctioned for staffing the various departments of this division," Malik said. 
 
He said that a separate University has been established for Ladakh region for which a vice-chancellor has been appointed and now students do not have to move outside Ladakh for higher studies.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits, said Governor Satya Pal Malik after hoisting the national flag at Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in Srinagar to mark the occasion of India`s 73rd Independence Day.

Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits, said Governor Satya Pal Malik after hoisting the national flag at Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in Srinagar to mark the occasion of India`s 73rd Independence Day. "Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits. The administration is committed towards their homecoming and rehabilitation in Kashmir. This is possible with the support and cooperation of all stakeholders including Valley people who share a social and cultural bond with the Kashmiri migrants," Malik said. Congratulating Kashmiri people for cooperating with the administration during the Amarnath Yatra and concluding it in a peaceful manner, he said: "Over 3 lakh pilgrims paid a visit to the Holy cave. Hajj and Amarnath were organised in a manner which is an excellent example of the true essence of Kashmiriyat which is exemplary for its communal harmony." The Governor asserted that 3,000 vacancies out of 6,000 in the public sector were established for Kashmiri migrant Pandits and these vacancies are soon to be filled. "The process for recruitment against the remaining 3000 posts out of 6000 created for Kashmiri migrants and the construction of transit accommodation for the employees serving in the Valley has been expedited," he said. Malik informed that the foundation stone for new Kushak Bakula Rimpoche Airport terminal building at Leh has been laid and the process is underway to establish a full-fledged commercial airport at Kargil. The process to establish the second tier of the Panchayats has been initiated for which the elections to the block development councils shall be held very soon, he said."I request all elected Panches and Sarpanches to come forward and participate in these elections. Both Block Development Councils and District Development Boards play a key role in ensuring the participation of people and development in their respective areas," he added. Recalling government`s "Back to Village" programme to address the problems of locals in the remote areas, he said: "Over 4,500 Gazetted Officers of the state visited the Panchayats and stayed there for two days. They interacted with the people to resolve their grievances. Speaking about Ladakh, he said Ladakh`s people demand has been fulfilled with the formation of a Union Territory of Ladakh."The formation of Ladakh as a new territory will enable the people of Ladakh to realise their aspirations despite the difficult terrain. My administration had created a separate Revenue and Administrative Division for 'Ladakh' comprising the districts of Leh and Kargil with a divisional commissioner and an inspector general of police. Around 495 posts were also sanctioned for staffing the various departments of this division," Malik said. He said that a separate University has been established for Ladakh region for which a vice-chancellor has been appointed and now students do not have to move outside Ladakh for higher studies.

Jammu and Kashmir incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits: Governor Satya Pal Malik

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

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

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 14th, 2019

Jammu and Kashmir is now preparing for the Independence day. Security has been tightened in Srinagar to avert any attack. I n this video watch WION's ground report from Srinagar.

Kashmir gears up for Independence day 2019

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

J&K: Security tightened on the eve of 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

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 13th, 2019

The ministry of Home affairs said today that restrictions in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-to-host-first-ever-global-investors-summit-in-october-nk-chaudhary-principal-secretary-242796">Jammu and Kashmir</a> were being "eased out in a phased manner in the Valley" over a week after the government decided to scrap Article 370.

"The situation in the Jammu division has been restored after assessment by relevant local authorities," the ministry said.

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The restrictions in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuKashmir</a> are being eased out in a phased manner in the Valley and the situation in the Jammu division has been restored after assessment by relevant local authorities. (1/4)<a href="https://twitter.com/diprjk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@diprjk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JmuKmrPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JmuKmrPolice</a>
— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBHomeAffairs/status/1161242892985176064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sanjeev Verma, divisional commissioner of Jammu said: "Situation in Jammu has acquired normalcy, in the whole of the Jammu province," adding,"in some of the districts, we have maintained prohibited precautions only to maintain a level of regulation."

Meanwhile, NK Chaudhary, principal secretary in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/concerned-poland-says-india-pakistan-must-resolve-kashmir-issue-through-dialogue-242711">Jammu and Kashmir</a> government informed that the new Union Territory would be hosting the first-ever global investor's summit in October.

Watch Video:

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The inaugural session of the summit will be held in Srinagar on October 12," the principal secretary said.

The home ministry said that medical services were being provided to people without any hindrance and OPDs in hospitals were giving requisite medical treatment to 13,500 patients.

Availability of all drugs, including life-saving drugs has been ensured in every hospital across the Valley, it added.

The ministry added that the national highway was functioning normally with at least hundred heavy vehicles carrying LPG and other essentials plying daily.

Flights from the Valley have been operating normally and 1,500 light motor and other vehicles have been on the road regularly, the government informed today. 
&nbsp;

The ministry of Home affairs said today that restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir were being "eased out in a phased manner in the Valley" over a week after the government decided to scrap Article 370.

The ministry of Home affairs said today that restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir were being "eased out in a phased manner in the Valley" over a week after the government decided to scrap Article 370. "The situation in the Jammu division has been restored after assessment by relevant local authorities," the ministry said. The restrictions in #JammuKashmir are being eased out in a phased manner in the Valley and the situation in the Jammu division has been restored after assessment by relevant local authorities. (1/4)@diprjk @JmuKmrPolice — Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) August 13, 2019 × Sanjeev Verma, divisional commissioner of Jammu said: "Situation in Jammu has acquired normalcy, in the whole of the Jammu province," adding,"in some of the districts, we have maintained prohibited precautions only to maintain a level of regulation." Meanwhile, NK Chaudhary, principal secretary in the Jammu and Kashmir government informed that the new Union Territory would be hosting the first-ever global investor's summit in October. Watch Video: The inaugural session of the summit will be held in Srinagar on October 12," the principal secretary said. The home ministry said that medical services were being provided to people without any hindrance and OPDs in hospitals were giving requisite medical treatment to 13,500 patients. Availability of all drugs, including life-saving drugs has been ensured in every hospital across the Valley, it added. The ministry added that the national highway was functioning normally with at least hundred heavy vehicles carrying LPG and other essentials plying daily. Flights from the Valley have been operating normally and 1,500 light motor and other vehicles have been on the road regularly, the government informed today.

Restrictions being eased in Jammu and Kashmir in phased manner: Government

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. 
 
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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

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

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 12th, 2019

The authorities on Sunday eased restrictions imposed in Kashmir valley to facilitate people ahead of Eid. People were seen rushing to essential stores and bakery shops which were partially open. The forces were deployed in strength to deal with any violence in every district of the Kashmir valley. The local residents were also seen lining up outside the banks and ATMs to withdraw money.

India: J&K gears up for Eid celebrations

In an exclusive conversation with WION, The Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Satya Pal Malik said, Eid celebrations are underway in full swing in J&K.

Satya Pal Malik: Eid celebrations are underway in full swing in J&K | WION Exclusive

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