7.2.1. Roots of the Problem

Before 1947, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) was a Princely State. Its ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh did not want to merge either with India or Pakistan but to have an independent status for his state. The Pakistani leaders thought that Kashmir region ‘belonged’ to Pakistan, since the majority population of the State was Muslim. But this is not how the people of the state themselves saw it—they thought of themselves as Kashmiris above all.

Before India gained independence in 1947, Jammu and Kashmir was a Princely State with its ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh, preferring independence over joining India or Pakistan. The situation was complicated by the fact that the majority of the population in Kashmir was Muslim, which led Pakistani leaders to claim that Kashmir should belong to Pakistan. Contrary to this belief, the people of Jammu and Kashmir identified primarily as Kashmiris, emphasizing local identity over religious divisions.

Imagine a school where there are different groups based on hobbies. If a club leader wants everyone to join based on their favorite hobby, it might ignore what the individual members truly feel about their identities. Similarly, the Maharaja and the regional aspirations of Kashmiris highlight the desire for individual identity amidst larger national claims.

The popular movement in the State, led by Sheikh Abdullah of the National Conference, wanted to get rid of the Maharaja, but was against joining Pakistan. The National Conference was a secular organization and had a long association with the Congress. Sheikh Abdullah was a personal friend of some of the leading nationalist leaders including Nehru.

Sheikh Abdullah emerged as a key political figure in Jammu and Kashmir, leading a popular movement aimed at ending the rule of the Maharaja while rejecting the idea of joining Pakistan. His leadership was characterized by a secular approach and a strong association with Congress party leaders. This connection was significant as it underlined the broader nationalistic aspirations of many in Kashmir and reflected the secular values that the National Conference promoted.

Think of a student council in a school where one student represents the majority opinion but seeks to include everyone's views regardless of background. Just like Sheikh Abdullah tried to unify the diverse groups in Kashmir under a secular identity, the student council leader aims to create an inclusive environment for all students.

This issue of regional aspiration is known as Kashmiriyat.

Kashmiriyat refers to the unique cultural identity and ethos of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This concept encompasses the shared history, traditions, and values that define the Kashmiri people, transcending the more straightforward categorization based on religion. It reflects how Kashmiris see themselves as part of a larger cultural community rather than being defined solely by religious or national boundaries.

Imagine a unique flavor of ice cream that combines different ingredients to create a new taste. Kashmiriyat is like that ice cream—it's a blend of various elements (culture, language, history) that creates a distinctive identity that many people find flavorful and worth celebrating.

The popular movement in the State, led by Sheikh Abdullah of the National Conference, wanted to get rid of the Maharaja, but was against joining Pakistan.

This movement reflected a desire for self-determination and governance based on local needs and aspirations, showing a clear distinction between local leadership and external influences. The people's desire to establish autonomy and governance reflects a significant aspect of the political landscape during that time.

Consider a local community wanting to start their own neighborhood association rather than being governed by a large city's policies. They want their unique needs to be met and their voices to be heard—similarly, the people of Jammu and Kashmir sought to establish their identity and governance through movements led by local leaders like Sheikh Abdullah.

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