The history of Kashmir is deeply intertwined with political struggles, identity crises, and regional conflicts. From the oppressive Dogra rule to the insurgency of the 1990s and the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Kashmir remains a region of contesting narratives. This article provides an unbiased historical account of key events, including the role of Maharaja Hari Singh, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Nehru, Jinnah, Mirwaiz Kashmir, Gandhi, and the present-day scenario.
2. The Dogra Rule (1846–1947): A Period of Oppression
- Formation of Jammu & Kashmir State: In 1846, the British sold Kashmir to Maharaja Gulab Singh for 7.5 million Nanakshahi rupees through the Treaty of Amritsar. This transaction included land, people, and cattle, making Kashmiris virtual subjects of the Dogras.
- Forced Unpaid Labor (Begaari): Kashmiris, particularly Muslims, were subjected to forced labor on roads, palaces, and farmlands.
- Religious Discrimination: Mosques, including Jamia Masjid Srinagar, were locked for years, and azan was prohibited at times. Prostitution was institutionalized, with Kashmiri women often forced into it to pay taxes. Land Taxation: The majority-Muslim population worked as peasants on land owned by the Dogra elite, with heavy taxation making survival difficult.
3. Partition and Accession (1947): The Kabali Attack and Maharaja’s Dilemma
- Kabali Attack (October 1947): Pakistan, aiming to annex Kashmir, sent Pashtun tribal invaders (Kabalis) to capture the valley. They looted, killed, and committed atrocities, particularly in Baramulla.
- Maharaja Hari Singh’s Accession to India (26 October 1947): Fearing complete occupation, the Maharaja sought help from India, signing the Instrument of Accession, which granted defense, foreign affairs, and communications to India, while retaining internal autonomy.
- Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s Role: Initially an advocate of Kashmiri independence, Sheikh Abdullah supported Indian accession due to fears of a Punjabi-dominated Pakistan and sought Kashmir’s autonomy within India.
- Nehru vs. Jinnah: Jinnah rejected the accession, claiming Kashmir’s Muslim majority meant it should belong to Pakistan. Nehru took Kashmir to the UN, leading to the UN resolution of 1948, which called for a plebiscite, conditioned on Pakistan’s withdrawal—a condition never met.
4. Post-1953 Developments: The Sheikh Abdullah-Nehru Fallout
- Arrest of Sheikh Abdullah (1953): When Sheikh hinted at possible independence, he was removed and jailed by Nehru, replaced by Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad.
- The Indira-Sheikh Accord (1975): Sheikh, after two decades, agreed to accept Indian sovereignty in return for being made Chief Minister, disappointing many Kashmiris who sought self-determination.
5. The 1987 Elections and the Rise of Insurgency (1989–Present)
- Rigged Elections: The Muslim United Front (MUF) contested elections against the NC-Congress alliance but was defeated through large-scale rigging. This led to mass disillusionment, with many youth joining Pakistan-backed militant groups like Hizbul Mujahideen and JKLF.
- 1990s Insurgency & Exodus of Kashmiri Pandits: Armed militancy surged, with thousands of Kashmiri youth crossing into Pakistan for arms training. Targeted killings and intimidation forced thousands of Pandits to flee the valley. Indian Army launched operations, leading to human rights violations, disappearances, and curfews.
6. The Kargil War (1999) and Pakistan’s Role
- In 1999, Pakistan infiltrated Kargil, aiming to cut off Indian supply lines to Siachen.
- Operation Vijay pushed back Pakistani troops, exposing Pakistan’s direct involvement in Kashmir militancy.
7. The Abrogation of Article 370 (2019) and Its Consequences
- August 5, 2019: India revoked Article 370, ending J&K’s special status.
- Immediate Impacts: Statehood revoked, J&K became a Union Territory. Curfews, internet shutdowns, and mass detentions followed. Protests erupted, but were suppressed through heavy military presence.
8. The Present-Day Situation (2025): Between Security and Uncertainty
- Decline in Militancy: Security forces have neutralized many militant groups, but localized radicalization remains a challenge.
- Political Uncertainty: Pro-India parties (NC, PDP) demand statehood restoration and Article 370’s reversal. Separatists remain weakened due to crackdowns on Hurriyat leaders.
- Development and Economy: New Delhi promotes tourism, investment, and infrastructural growth, but political resentment persists.
9. Conclusion: The Unfinished Struggle
- Kashmir’s history is a tale of betrayals, power struggles, and unfulfilled promises.
- While military control has stabilized the region, political aspirations remain unresolved.
- The future of Kashmir depends on political reconciliation, economic growth, and a peaceful resolution to its contested identity.
