Ii The Historical Background of Jammu Kashmir
Ii The Historical Background of Jammu Kashmir
Ii The Historical Background of Jammu Kashmir
ideas, events and meaning of man‟s long journey through his birth and
elicitation, indicative of how the past is interpreted and what lessons might
actions, the philosophy and forces that operated and influenced him.
Jamboolochan in the 14th century BC. It is believed that during one of his
hunting campaigns he reached the Tawi River where he saw a goat and a
lion drinking water at the same place. The king was impressed and
decided to set up a town after his name, Jamboo. With the passage of
1953:14).
it is stated that the valley of Kashmir was formerly a lake (Das Gupta,
33
1958:38). According to Hindu mythology, the lake was drained by the great
rishi Kashyapa, son of Marichi, son of Brahma, by cutting the gap in the
connected with the draining of the lake and the chief town or collection of
provided a calm and serene shelter to sages and savants. The ancient
visited the valley around 631 A.D called it Kahi-Milo.Rishis finding the
place secure for their Tapas made it their home and gave it the name
Kashyapa mar after the rishi who found it. In the modern time it had been
abode of Shiva manifest itself as the great lake of Sati, the other form of
continued to come and settle here. A time came when the whole of the
valley was populated by Brahmanas with a rich Vedic scholarship and lore.
Medieval historian Alberuni says Varanasi and Kashmir are the High
34
Physiography
situated between 320 17‟ and 37‟5 N lattitude and 720 40 and 800 30 E
Pakistan. Geographically this state was divided into four zones – the
mountains and semi Mountains plain known as Kandit belt, Siwalik ranges,
mountains of Kashmir valley and Pir Panjal ranges and Tibetan tract of
Ladakh and Kargil. A peculiar feature of the state was the existence of
Jammu. The climate of the state varies from tropical in Jammu plains to
semi arctic cold in Ladakh with Kashmir and Jammu mountain tracts
hottest region in the state. In the winter nights temperature goes down
below zero and heavy snow fall occurs during November to February. The
annual rainfall varies from region to region with 92.6mm in Leh, 650.5mm
Our immortal Sanskrit poet Kalidasa writes about the valley: “The
place is more beautiful than heaven and is the benefactor of supreme bliss
35
here. The valley is an emerald set in pearls; lands of lakes, clear streams,
green truf, magnificent trees and mighty mountains where the air is cool,
and the water sweet, where men are strong, and women are beautiful like
fruits” (Kaul R.U, 1999; 62). Table 2.1 gives profile of the Jammu Kashmir
TABLE 2:1
Profile of J&K
Nature has bestowed unlimited grace and grandeur to the valley. Its
scenic beauty is unparallel. The chinar is a royal tree and the walnut
belongs to Kashmir. Its green leaves become red in autumn and later fall
36
down on the ground where these are meticulously collected by the
housewives in villages for use as fuel etc, during hard winter months. That
Kashmir Valley, Tawi , Chenab , Poonch , Sind and Lidder . Among these
the major one is Kashmir valley which is 100 km (62 mi) wide and
15,520.3 km2 (5,992.4 sq mi) in total area. The Himalayas divide the
Kashmir valley from Ladakh while the Pir Panjal range, which encloses the
valley from the west and the south, separates it from the great plains of
northern India. This densely settled and beautiful valley has an average
height of 1,850 metres (6,100 ft) above sea-level but the surrounding Pir
Panjal range has an average elevation of 5,000 metres (16,000 ft) (Menon
V P, 1957: 14).
The Jhelum River is the only major Himalayan River which flows
through the Kashmir valley. The Indus, Tawi, Ravi and Chenab are the
major rivers flowing through the state. Jammu and Kashmir is home to
(18,870 ft) above sea-level, the Siachen Glacier is 70 km (43 mi) long
37
making it the longest Himalayan glacier (Lawrence W.R, 1967:38). Table
TABLE 2: 2
Rivers in J&K
Name Origin
Jhelum Verinag
Ravi Basoli
Indus Tibet
Important rivers are Jhelum and Chenab. Both are originating from
J&K and flowing to Pakistan. There are so many small rivers also
Important thing is winter season also filled with water because of the
melting snow.
March. In the hot season, Jammu city is very hot and can scale up to 40
38
°C (104 °F) whilst in July and August, very heavy though erratic rainfall
Across from the Pir Panjal range, the South Asian monsoon is no
longer a factor and most precipitation falls in the spring from southwest
with the wettest months being March to May with around 85 millimeters
Across from the main Himalaya Range, even the southwest cloud
bands break up and the climate of Ladakh and Zanskar is extremely dry
and cold. Annual precipitation is only around 100 mm (4 inches) per year
The region, almost all above 3,000 metres (9,750 ft) above sea
level and winters are extremely cold. In Zanskar, the average January
temperature is 20°C (-4 °F) with extremes as low as -40 °C (-40 °F). All
the rivers freeze and locals actually do river crossings during this period
because the high levels from glacier melt in summer inhibits crossing.
39
During summer in Ladakh and Zanskar, days are typically warm about 20
°C (68 °F) but with the low humidity and thin air nights are cold (Schelling
TABLE 2: 3
March. Winter also attracted tourists to J&K. Snow season attracted many
people from other parts of country. In rainy season road journey is little
40
Lakes in J&K
There are eleven lakes situated in J&K. Mansbol Lake is the longest
in the valley. It originates from Sopore. Seshnag Lake is the shortest in the
valley (Pandit R S, 1993: 41). Table 2.4 gives detailed picture of lakes in
J&K.
TABLE 2: 4
Lakes in J&K
through the gorge of the river Jhelum. This road entered the state
boundary at Kohla Bridge over the Jhelum. At Domel another road from
41
Abbotbad to Muzaffarabad joined it. The main road from Srinagar to
another cold valley of the state. A new road link was started between
Anantnag and Kishtwar over Simthan pass but can be used in summer
a link road goes over Haji pir pass and joins Uri-Srinagar road near Uri
Divisions
Valley and Ladakh, and is further divided into 22 districts The Siachen
Glacier, although under Indian military control, does not lie under the
formed districts .
Jammu Region
The Jammu region consists of territory south of the Pir panjal range.
Its West and North West borders touch Pakistan. This region is a medley
of hills and narrow valleys and plains. Before independence Jammu region
42
had six districts. Now it has ten districts. This region has a great historic
Kashmiri Pandits.
Zinc and Lead. Sapphire mines are located at higher elevations in the
Quarts and Feldspar are also found in the region. The region is rich in
Pine, Fir and Deodar trees. Jammu city is well connected with Air and rail.
1983:32).
Kashmir Region
eastern mountainous areas. The river Jhelum passes through the valley
from the beginning to the end. The total districts are ten. Kashmir region is
the Hindus known as Kashmir Pandits, who are the original inhabitants
43
A small number of Sikhs also live in some pockets here. Muslims by
and large are Sunnis but Shias also dominate in the districts of Badgam
snow fed streams and springs. Apples, Apricots and Peaches are common
Ladakh Region
Shia Muslims. River Indus cuts through the mountains and valley of
Ladakh. The chief crops are wheat, gram, buck wheat and Barley. Leh is
44
TABLE 2: 5
Districts of J&K
The state was divided in to Three Regions like Jammu & Kashmir
and Ladakh. Most of the districts lie near to Pakistan and China
Culture
Jammu's Dogra culture and tradition is much similar to that of
such as Lohri and Vaisakhi are celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm
Jammu. Known for their semi-nomadic lifestyle, Gujjars are also found in
45
Pradesh. Gaddis are generally associated with emotive music played on
the flute. The Bakkarwalas found both in Jammu and the Kashmir valley
are wholly nomadic pastoral people who move along the Himalayan slopes
common with Tibetan food, the most prominent foods being thukpa,
waistcoats and boots, and gonads or hats. People, adorned with gold and
men of the Wattal region. The women perform the Rouff, another
traditional folk dance. Kashmir has been noted for its fine arts for
wooden boats, and houseboats are a common feature in various lakes and
46
As a consequence, houseboats became popular among those who
were unable to purchase land in the Valley and has now become an
traditional green tea with spices and almond, is consumed all through the
day in the chilled winter climate of Kashmir. Most of the buildings in the
Valley and Ladakh are made from softwood and is influenced by Indian,
Hindu Period
started just before the great Mahabharat war. According to him the first
king who ruled over Kashmir is Gonanda, his reign is placed as 653 Kali-
era, the traditional date of coronation of King Yudhistira, the eldest brother
of the Pandvas, Gonanda was killed in a battle along with his son and at
thus winning the heart of the local population, who were mostly
47
According to local tradition, like Lord Shri Krishna, Lord Buddha is
also supposed to have visited Kashmir. After the death of Ashoka, his son
Jaluka ascended the throne of Kashmir, and the latter was succeeded by
his son King Damodar II, Jaluka was a great king who cleared the valley of
The scholars also, accept the theory that the valley for over two
Vitasta (river Jhelum) in the hills between Varahmulla and Jhelum (Panikar
architectural and sculptural style of old Kashmir temples, and the coinage
of later Kashmir Kings has also been influenced by this contact. The three
kings mentioned by Kalhan are Huska, Juska, and Kanishka, each of them
48). The Kushan Kings also built many temples and Vihars. Kanishka held
Hien Tsang has given the proceedings of this Council. Nearly 500
Kashmir Brahmin Vasumitra presided over its session. Some of the great
48
Buddhist Scholars, who took active part in this council, were Ashvagosha,
possible that these copper plates may be unearthed in near future, and we
would learn much about the rich cultural history of the valley (Jia Lal Kilam
Lohara (Poonch) and granddaughter of the Sahi King of Kabul. In 980 A.D.
Didda ascended the throne after the death of her husband. Before her,
two other queens had ruled Kashmir namely Yashovati and Sugandha.
Didda was a very unscrupulous and willful lady and led a very immoral life
(Kaul and Anand Pandit, 1924: 56). But inspite of these drawbacks, she
was an able ruler, who firmly ruled the valley. She died in 1003 A.D. and
children had died young, she transmitted the crown to Sangramraj, son of
her brother Udairaj, the ruler of Lohara (Poonch). It was during her time
that Mahmud Gaznavi twice tried to capture the valley but the fort at
49
Lohara, remarkable for its height and strength proved impregnable. The
Sultan was obliged to abandon the conquest (Gupta Sisir, 1966: 85-86).
From 1089 - 1101 AD, King Harsha and from 1155-1339, the
quarrels. The last Hindu ruler of Kashmir was Udayan Dev. Before his
death, he embraced Islam. His death in 1339 paved the way for the
Muslim Period
Shah Mir ascended the throne under the name of Sultan Shamas-
ud-din, and his dynasty ruled the state for 222 years. Sultan Sikander
that he persecuted the Hindus and issued orders prohibiting the residence
of any other than Muslims in Kashmir. He also ordered the breaking of all
Mughal Period
During the period of Mughal rule from 1587 to 1752, the people
enjoyed peace and order. Akbar built a new town near Hariparbat and
called it Nagar-Magar and built the massive wall around the hill. The
Jahangir came virtually, under the spell of the scenic beauty of the place,
50
majestic Chinar trees or a beautiful lake, he utilized the place for planting a
Shalimar and Nishat gardens on the banks of Dal Lake, would keep
Jahangir‟s love for natural beauty ever fresh in our memory. Table 2:6
TABLE 2: 6
are facing Dal Lake. Aurangazeb visited Kashmir only once in 1665.
The rulers of Kabul were great despots, and they ruled all the parts
51
policy was terror. As many as twenty eight Durrani Subedars governed
Kashmir during these sixty seven years. Most of the well to do people of
the valley were summoned by the Abid Ali Governor Abdullah Khan to his
palace, and ordered to surrender all their wealth on pain of death. Their
houses were completely sacked, and many people were put to sword.
All the prosperity of the valley was gone, and the people could not
even move on the streets, for fear of being robbed of even their scanty
clothing. Each and everyday for a Kashmiri was a day of struggle and
uncertainty (Sheikh Mohd Abdullah, 1969: 15). In 1819 the State was
added to the Sikh Kingdom of Punjab. The Sikh rule over Kashmir lasted
only for a brief span of time, during which the rulers at Lahore were far too
province of theirs.
well, such as premature snow falls, which would destroy a ripe rice crop
to India during these hard days, and no wonder the population of the
valley came down to two lakhs from nine lakhs (Hargopal Kaul, 1933: 68).
52
Dogra Period: 1846 -1957
from Rajputana many centuries ago. They live predominantly in the J&K,
Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and North East Pakistan. They speak their own
language called Dogri. Most of the Dogras are Hindus, some are Muslims
and some are Sikhs (Musa Mohamed, 1983: 59). From 1846 to 1949, four
Dogra kingdoms are ruled in J&K. The Kashmir accession was started at
the time of Maharaja Harising. Table 2:7 gives names of Dogra rulers of
J&K.
TABLE 2:7
Amritsar the British who had by now become undisputed master of India.
The greatest service of the first Dogra ruler is the foundation that he laid
53
for the modern Jammu and Kashmir State. The Maharaja died in 1857
Singh who ruled from 1857 to 1885 (Veena kukreja, 2003: 69).
ruled for a period of 40 years. The real modernization of the state and
several progressive reforms were carried out by him. Sir Walter Lawrence
scientific lines. The two mountain roads, Jhelum valley road and Banihal
Cart were built by linking the state with the rest of India.
generating plant at Mohra was also undertaken during this period. Two
Telephones and post offices were opened in many places. After the death
of Maharaja Pratap Singh his nephew Maharaja Sir Hari Singh ascended
54
the throne in 1925. He continued to govern the state till 1949. Hari Singh
was the last ruler of Kashmir. When India got freedom in 1947 the land
was divided into two parts- India and Pakistan (Veena Kukreja: 70-71).
By this time most of the princely states of India were united to form
the Indian Union. Kashmir, an independent state under Raja Hari Singh,
decided to join India due to great similarity in culture and social aspects.
refugees.
the future of the state was the birth of political parties and the growth of
political consciousness in the state during this period. But more important
was the liberation of the country from the British Yoke in 1947 that ended
Population
The Pandits were found mainly in Jammu, where they constituted a little
less than 50% of the population. In the Kashmir Valley, the Pandits
represented only 524 in every 10,000 of the population (i.e. 5.24%), and in
55
the frontier wazarats of Ladakh and Gilgit only 94 out of every 10,000
persons (0.94%). In the same Census of 1901, in the Kashmir Valley, the
have remained fairly stable for the last 100 years (Hargopal, 1933: 49).
93.6% of the population of the Kashmir Valley and the Hindus constituted
4%. In 2003, the percentage of Muslims in the Kashmir Valley was 95%
and those of Hindus 4%; the same year, in Jammu, the percentage of
Hindus was 67% and those of Muslims 27% (British India Census 1941).
Jammu and Kashmir is the only state in India that has a Muslim
population of the state and by 97% of the population of the Kashmir valley,
the population and Muslims 31% and Sikhs, 4%; In Ladakh, Buddhists
nearby Indian states of Haryana and Punjab, as well as the city of Delhi. In
totality, the Muslims constitute 67% of the population, the Hindus about
56
30%, the Buddhists 1%, and the Sikhs 2% of the population (Census
J&K.
TABLE 2: 8
Total Population in J&K
Between 1941 – 1981
Before the partition of the J&K, 1941 census shows Muslims are
57
25.01% and 1981 census shows total population is increased 32.24%.It
means 7.23% growth in Hindu population. The table 2:9 shows population
TABLE 2:9
Population Details in 2001
% % % %
Division Population
Muslim Pandit Sikh Buddhist/Other
Kashmir
5,476,970 97.16% 1.84% 0.88% 0.11%
(53.9%)
Jammu
4,430,191 30.69% 65.23% 3.57% 0.51%
(43.7%)
Ladakh (2.3%) 236,539 47.40% 6.22% – 45.87%
Jammu
10,143,700 66.97% 29.63% 2.03% 1.36%
Kashmir
2.78%.1981 census they are 64.19% and 2001 they are 66.97%.Pandit
population as per 1981 census 32.24% and 2001 census 33.02%,it include
58
TABLE 2: 10
Population Details in J&K Districts
Source: J&K Ministry of Home Affairs Report about District and Division base
Ladakh region Leh is the highest. In Jammu and Kashmir, the principal
Punjabi, Gojri and Dadri, Kishtwari. However, Urdu written in the Persian
59
script is the official language of the state. Many people prefer to use Hindi
Economy
agriculture and allied activities. The Kashmir valley is also known for its
sericulture and cold water fisheries. Wood from Kashmir is used to make
saffron is also very famous and brings the state a handsome amount of
Agriculture
economy. The major crops include rice, maize and wheat. The productivity
60
Rice It is a kharif crop grown in the state of J&K between March-April and
requires a cool and moist climate in the beginning and dry at the time of
31000 acres and, in Kashmir 78000 acres and Ladakh 7000acres (Jasbir
August/September. The crop requires hot dry climate with rainfall varying
state. With an annual turnover of over Rs. 300 crores, apart from foreign
exchange of over Rs. 80 crores, this sector is the next biggest source of
income in the state‟s economy the region of Kashmir is known for its
products from the state include apple, apricot, Cherrie, pear, plum, almond
61
and walnut (Brigd Keenan, 1983: 68-70). Table 2:11 shows the production
TABLE 2: 11
2004-
1093.33 40.25 84.02 1217.60 100.60 13.47 0.19 114.26 1331.86
05
2005-
1151.34 42.36 102.66 1296.36 108.27 14.33 0.20 122.80 1419.16
06
2006-
1222.18 43.09 108.41 1373.68 114.93 15.18 0.22 130.33 1504.01
07
The important fruits are Apple and Walnuts. Along with Pear, Almonds
the state, and accordingly, it is working with the union and the state
62
government to set up industrial parks and special economic zones (The
In the fiscal year 2005–06, exports from the state amounted to Rs.
TABLE 2: 12
Economic Profile in J&K
National Average,
Per capita income (Rs.) 12,399 Cores
16,707
10th plan per capita allocation (Rs) 14399.21 5667.57
Grants from Centre
13,187.7 4916.1
2000-03 (Rs.crs.)
Net Resource Transfer from the centre
14,085.3 -
2000-03 (Rs.Crs.)
Credit Deposit Ratio in 2002 (%) 35.9 62.03
Population below poverty line % 3.48 26.1
integrate Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India. The state is one of the
largest recipients of grants from New Delhi, totaling $ 812 million per year
in the state, the Indian government has commenced work on the ambitious
63
Kashmir railway project which is being constructed by Konkan Railway
Corporation and IRCON at a cost of more than $2.5 billion( Tikko Ramesh,
2006: 176). The Jammu & Kashmir Bank, which is listed as an S&P CNX
500 conglomerate, has its base in the state. It reported a net profit of Rs.
LOC Trade
Trans LOC trade between India and Pakistan via Kashmir has
Line of control trade areas are Pak-occupied Kashmir, Uri, Kargil, and
and also gifted with the production of world famous exotic apples and dry
The Trans LOC trade will greatly help find an attractive market for
of fresh and dry fruit business being produced by both small and big
2008).
64
Poonch-Rawalkot economic zone last year noted more than 27
crores trade was done between India and Pakistan. The Trans LOC trade
is likely to give a major fillip to the tourism industry in the state because the
people across the Loc will be curious to see the places and the people in
24000 crores for the state. Speaking at Srinagar the Prime Minister said
that the time has come to put forward a new blue print, a fresh vision for
Kashmir and for the Kashmiri people, free from war want and exploitation.
In the last 10 years poverty level had dropped from 25.17% to 3.48%
Tourism
65
Vaishnvodevi temple, Amarnath temple etc are the important tourist
destinations of J&K.
TABLE 2: 13
As per the table each year tourism industry is growing very fast.
Vaishno Devi yatra alone contributes Rs. 475 crore to the local economy
66
As per the World travel and Tourism council, this sector contributed
valley has rebounded in recent years and in 2007, the state became one
2004-05).
Apple farms and Saffron Paddies also are main attractions for
tourists. Gulmarg, one of the most popular ski resort destinations in India,
is also home to the world's highest green golf course. However, with the
Education
its own education board and university. Education in the state is divided
Jammu and Kashmir follows 10+2 pattern for education of children. This is
conducted for students in class VIII, X and XII. In addition there are
Army schools that also impart secondary school education. These schools
67
follow the Central Board of Secondary Education pattern (Data collected
villages were benefited between 2.5 kms and only one percent villages
villages have a a college within the village 2.7%.villages had this facility
had this facility available to more than beyond 20kms (Hassan Mabashir,
2006: 107).
68
Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Sher-e-Kashmir
collegiate Department).
Governments in J&K
general Bhagwant Das and his aid Ramachandra. The Mughal army
defeated Turk ruler Yusuf Khan of Kashmir. After the battle, Akbar
Ramachandra founded the city of Jammu named after the Hindu goddess
Jamwa Natha, South of the Pirpanjal range. 1780 Kashmir was captured
ruled the whole valley. In 1820 Gulab Singh becomes governor of Jammu
In 1845 the first Anglo-Sikh war broke out and Gulab Sing contrived
to hold himself aloof till the battle of Sobraon. Two treaties were
concluded, in the first the state of Lahore was handed over to British for an
equivalent amount of one crore rupees. The second British made over to
69
Gulab Singh for 75 lakhs rupees all the hilly areas situated to the east of
the Indus River and west of the Ravi River. Soon after Gulab singhs death
in 1857, his son Ranbir Singhs added Hunza, Gilgit and Nagar to his
British rule in the sub continent in 1947(Sajad Gani Lone, 2005: 126-127).
to by all the major parties, by which power was to be transferred from the
British to the Indian hands by August 1947. When Sheikh Abdullah was
and in this Jinnah nearly succeeded when on August 12, 1947 the state of
Kashmir would count and not the Maharaja" and after his visit to Kashmir,
on 6th August Gandhi said that "the will of the Kashmir‟s is the supreme
70
law in Kashmir". The congress leadership presumably was of the opinion
that Kashmir would opt for India in case a free vote was taken.
notice what Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed has told him about the prospects
of a plebiscite and also informed Nehru what passed between him and the
Maharaja. Lord Mountbatten also visited Kashmir towards the end of June
1947.
Mountbatten had told the Maharaja that the British Government would not
As a part of the partition process both countries had agreed that the
rulers of princely states would be given the right to opt either Pakistan or
the Governor General Lord Mountbatten who agreed on the condition that
71
Indo-Pak war, 1947
valley to take over the state. This was known as the Indo Kashmir war.
The Maharaja wrote a letter to Indian governor general seeking help from
the Indian dominion against tribal attack and also attached along with the
and war ended on 1948 December. More than 37555km was occupied by
of aiding and abetting tribal forces again (Christophe Jafferlot, 2001: 106).
will not conduct plebiscite anywhere in India, it may be because of the fact
that if the government kept the promise in J&K, some of the other states
72
independent countries. It is a confused term. Indian union means, it‟s a
1949). The question of holding plebiscite in Kashmir did not arise because
Pakistan has not carried out its obligations under Part –II A and B of the
Pakistan is squarely guilty of not carrying out its obligations under the first
The Chairman of the UNCIP in his letter dated 25th August, 1948
Kashmir which were then under the effective control of the Pakistan High
Srinagar and the Kashmir valley left to India and 83807 sq km including
73
Muzzafarabad and Giligit, Baltistan areas go to Pakistan (White Paper on
whereby Ladakh to India, the northern areas and J&K under Pakistani
rejected his proposal. The first meeting of the Constitituent Assembly was
& K. The committee headed by Sheikh Mohd Abdullah and Mir Qasim as
its Secretary was appointed to decide the form of Government for the
people of J & K. On June 10, 1952 committee report was submitted and
Assembly on June 11, 1952. The head of the state would be designated
74
Article 370, Temporary provision with respect to state of J&K
Maharaja and was accepted by the Union of India, the whole state of
Jammu and Kashmir became an integral part of India like other princely
states. It became constitutional and legal duty of the Union of India to get
back the whole of the territory which had been illegally occupied by
plebiscite under the auspices of UN (ICG Asia Report No.79, Brussels and
Islamabad, 2003).
says that the provisions of act (repealed by the constitution 7th Amendment
Act, 1956) shall not apply in relation to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sub Cl. (a) is discriminatory and against the constitutionalism. The law
of parliament are unlimited and even they have extra territorial application.
But in case of the state of Jammu and Kashmir law making powers are
(i) Union list and Concurrent list in Constitution with the government of
Such other matters in the said list with the concurrence of the state.
75
and in violation of principles of constitunalism. This article gives superior
power to the state of Jammu and Kashmir over the parliament of India
which is to obtain concurrence of the state before legislating for her (South
of the state. After this Bakshi Ghulam Mohd was installed as new Prime
Minister. In mid 1954, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru declared that India still
Srinagar that the people of Kashmir only wished to work for their
Assembly. The Constitution of the state was enforced with effect from 26
the Union of India, with its own separate flag, official language and elected
1979: 59-60).
76
Sino-Indo War, 1962
The cause of the war was a dispute over the Aksai Chin and
Arunachal Pradesh border regions. India claimed that Aksai Chin belong to
Kashmir, China claimed that it was a part of Xinjiang. In 20th October 1962
between India and Pakistan. Fighting spread across the ceasefire line in
both sides.
77
TABLE 2: 14
From 1948 to 1965 in J&K Prime Minister is the head of the state.
Indian troops invaded East Pakistan. This lead to war and fighting
spread to Punjab, Rajastan and Kashmir. Dhaka fell to Indian forces and
Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi sign the Simla Agreement, Which
means. The accord renamed the cease fire line in J&K as the LOC (Stern
78
In 1975 Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Sheikh Abdullah signed
any matter concerning the territory of the state. 1975 election National
the leadership of Farooq Abdullah. But two years later NC lost the
majority and Awami NC leader GN Shaw became the new Chief Minister.
On March 06, 1987 President Rule was declared and was withdrawn in
majority and Farooq Abdullah became the Chief Minister of the state from
October 09, 1996 to October 18, 2002. After his tenure again Presidents
79
Kargil Conflict
The 1999 Kargil War took place on May 8, when Pakistani forces
and Kashmiri militants were detected a top the Kargil ridges and July 14
believed that the planning for the operation, by Pakistan, may have
posts along the border in the disputed Kashmir region. Over the previous
six weeks India had moved five infantry divisions, five independent
Indian troop strength in the region had reached 730,000. The build-up
Army Officers).
into the territory on the Indian side of the line of control around Kargil in the
state of Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian military campaign to repel the
intrusion left 524 Indian soldiers dead and 1,363 wounded, according to
Government figures stated that 696 Pakistani soldiers were killed. A senior
80
killed on the Pakistani side of the line of control (Kargil Review Committee
Report, 2000).
The Pakistani effort to take Kargil was occurred after the February
1999 Lahore summit between the then Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz
Sharif and the Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This conference
was believed to have de-escalated the tensions that had existed since
May 1998. The major motive behind the operation was to help in
internationalizing the Kashmir issue, and for which global attention had
Staff, Gen Pervez Musharraf and Lt Gen Mohammed Aziz, the Chief of
any specifics, from Nawaz Sharif (The Dawn dated 14 November 2009).
In 2002 election, for the first time in the History of J & K, single
party majority lost and coalition governments formed the legislature with
the help of INC; PDP formed a Government for first three year November
became Chief Minister in J & K and November 2, 2005, July 11, 2008 INC
some political dramas from July 11, 2008 to June 5 2009 once again
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President Rule was imposed. Table 2:15 gives the list of Chief Ministers
TABLE 2: 15
Political
Name Duration
Party
G.M. Sadiq 30 March 1965 12December 1971 INC
Syed Mir Quasim 12 December 1971 INC
25 February 1975
Sheikh Abdullah 25 February 1975 NC
26 March 1977
President Rule 26 March 1977 -
9July 1977
Sheik Abdullah 9 July 1977 8September 1982 NC
Farooq Abdullah 8 September 1982 2July 1984 NC
G.M. Shaw 2 July 1984 NC
6 March 1986
President Rule 6 March 1986 7November 1986 -
Farooq Abdullah 7 November 1986 NC
19 January 1990
President Rule 19 January 1990 9October 1996 -
Farooq Abdullah 9 October 1996 18October 2002 NC
President Rule 18 October2002 2November 2002 -
Muffti Mohammed Syed 2nd November 2002 2 November PDP
2005
Ghulam Nabi Azad 2 November 2005 INC
11 July 2008
President Rule 11 July 2008 -
5 July 2009
Omar Abdullah 5 January 2009 NC
82
Government and Omar Abdullah became Chief Minister of J & K. (From
from the very earliest period. Its culture and tradition, rise and fall of
various kingdoms victory and defeats of the people have been noted
carefully. The History shows the valley originally was a huge lake called
Satisar. The lake was drained, the land appeared and the demon was
Shaivism became an important cult. The valley came under the influence
of Islam only in the 13th century. The Muslim ruler Zain-ul-Abidin should
be praised for his exceptional tolerance towards other religions. This early
Islamic rule was followed by a rather long Mogul administration with short
reigns of Afghanis and Sikhs. Raja Gulab Singh purchased all the lands
between the Indus and Ravi from the East India Company. All of this
territory remained under his successors until 1947 when Kashmir acceded
to India.
83
Right from 1949 Pakistan has been involved directly in organizing
three conventional wars, and all of them for Kashmir. Although Pakistan
and part of it ceded to the Peoples Republic of China (Aksai chin) there is
clearly the much larger original territory of the erstwhile Dogra kingdom.
Militancy in the whole Kashmir valley tries to destroy the unity and integrity
The life of Pandits and their Socio- Economic conditions being the
focus of this study, their origin, culture, life styles and socio-economic
84