Righting historical wrongs in Jammu and Kashmir

Throughout history, philosophers and scholars have recognised the importance of acknowledging and rectifying historical injustices. As George Santayana famously wrote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Similarly, Hannah Arendt argued that forgetting wrongs “can lead to an atmosphere of cynicism and indifference, in which the past is no longer seen as a source of guidance or inspiration, but as a dark and oppressive burden”. This principle holds particular weight in the context of Jammu and Kashmir. The recent passage of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, represents a monumental step in recognising and addressing historical grievances in the region. The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, updates the criteria for reserved seats by replacing the outdated term “weak and under-privileged classes” with the more inclusive “other backward classes”. This bill ensures equal opportunities for marginalised communities in education and employment. Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, increases the total number of seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly from 83 to 90. This expansion includes seven seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and nine for Scheduled Tribes, providing them with a stronger voice in the political process. Additionally, the bill nominates two members from the Kashmiri migrant community and one from the displaced persons of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, granting them long-awaited representation in the legislative body. These two bills mark a significant step towards ensuring justice and inclusivity in Jammu and Kashmir. While these two bills are specifically about inclusion, one should also talk about the overall impact of abrogation of Article 370. The abrogation has significantly impacted the region’s security dynamics, leading to a notable reduction in terrorism-related activities. This shift can be attributed to a combination of direct governance, stringent security measures, financial controls, national integration efforts and a focus on development and economic growth. Empirical data from various time periods underscores this change. Between 1994 and 2004, the region witnessed 40,164 terrorism-related incidents. In the subsequent decade (2004-2014), this number fell to 7,217 incidents. However, the most drastic reduction occurred under the Narendra Modi government (2014-2023), with only 2,000 incidents reported, marking a roughly 70 per cent decrease. This significant decline is partly due to proactive police action, accounting for a 65 per cent reduction in incidents. Enhanced intelligence and prompt responses have also played a crucial role in mitigating the threat of terrorism. Moreover, the abrogation of Article 370 has led to a more direct governance model in Jammu and Kashmir. This has facilitated the implementation of tighter security measures and a stronger law enforcement presence, which has been essential in disrupting terrorist operations. Additionally, the stricter financial monitoring in the post-Article 370 era has choked funding to terrorist groups, severely limiting their operational capabilities. It has also improved the integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India, fostering a sense of belonging and national unity. This has been instrumental in reducing local support for terrorism. Enhanced connectivity and communication with the broader country have improved intelligence sharing and coordination among security agencies, further bolstering the region’s security. There have also been positive changes in the socio-economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. The focus on development and economic growth post the removal of Article 370 has led to improved infrastructure, education, and job opportunities, addressing some of the root causes of terrorism. This economic development has reduced the appeal of terrorism, especially among the youth. The decline in terrorism is further evidenced by the reduction in civilian deaths and security force casualties. Civilian deaths have decreased by 72 per cent, and fatalities among security forces have dropped by 59 per cent during the Modi government’s tenure. Furthermore, the frequency of stone-pelting incidents, a form of protest linked to separatist movements, has dramatically decreased. In 2010, there were 2,654 reported stone-pelting incidents, compared to none in 2023. Another issue that was alluded to in Lok Sabha while these bills were being discussed was that of historical blunders. In fact, Jawaharlal Nehru’s approach to the Jammu and Kashmir issue is often critiqued for its strategic missteps and long-lasting repercussions. This critical analysis delves into Nehru’s handling of this complex matter, spotlighting key decisions that are widely regarded as blunders. Renowned historians and scholars have contributed to this discourse, providing empirical evidence that underpins the critique of Nehru’s policies. Nehru’s approach to the Instrument of Accession, signed by the Maharaja of Kashmir in 1947, was arguably flawed. By introducing a conditional clause based on the will of the people, Nehru inadvertently sowed seeds of uncertainty and ambiguity. Alistair Lamb, among other historians, views this as a tactical error that fuelled separatist sentiments and hindered the smooth integration of Kashmir into India. Furthermore, Nehru’s reliance on Sheikh Abdullah, the Kashmiri leader with ambiguous intentions, exacerbated the situation. Victoria Schofield notes that this reliance made India vulnerable to external influences, particularly Pakistani manipulation. Further, two other issues that the Home Minister alluded to were: (A) a declaration of ceasefire when the Indian Army was in an advantageous position. Critics argue that the ceasefire declaration came at a time when the Indian army held an advantageous position against Pakistan. This decision is seen as a missed opportunity to decisively resolve the conflict in India’s favour, potentially leading to a more favourable and clear resolution of the Kashmir dispute. (B) By internationalising the Kashmir issue, Nehru is criticised for opening the matter to global scrutiny and intervention. This decision is seen as an unnecessary step that led to the involvement of external parties in what was essentially a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. The move to bring the issue to the UN is often cited as a reason for the prolonged and complex nature of the Kashmir dispute, as it brought in various international opinions and interventions that may have otherwise been avoided. Moreover, Nehru’s focus on political integration overshadowed the imperative of economic development in Kashmir. His policies resulted in inadequate investment and infrastructure development in the region, contributing to economic underdevelopment and resultant frustration among the Kashmiri populace. This, as Chakravarty (2009) points out, fed into the broader narrative of alienation and marginalisation in Kashmir. While Nehru’s intentions in handling the Jammu and Kashmir issue might have been well-intentioned, they led to a series of strategic blunders. Thus, the abrogation of Article 370 serves as a pivotal corrective to past errors, addressing historical injustices in Jammu and Kashmir. This significant move, paired with the introduction of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, marks a concerted effort towards rectification and progress. These legislative changes not only reflect a commitment to inclusivity and justice but also represent a broader strategy to integrate Jammu and Kashmir more fully with the rest of India. The decline in terrorism-related activities and the emphasis on socio-economic development further highlight the positive outcomes of these decisions. By providing a voice to marginalised communities and strengthening the region’s legislative framework, these bills echo the sentiments of philosophers like Santayana and Arendt, emphasising the importance of learning from and rectifying the past. In doing so, they pave the way for a future where the mistakes of history do not repeat themselves, fostering an environment of growth, stability, and national unity. The author is OSD, Research, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. Tweets @adityasinha004.Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.