KASHMIR COMBUSTIBLE REGION: Abrogation of Article 370 and 35A:
The state of Kashmir has been the root cause of the confrontation between India and Pakistan since 1947. India has now annexed its occupied region by repealing articles 370 and 35A, in violation of the resolution of the UN Security Council which is mentioned in Article 49 in the 4th Geneva Convention that any occupier cannot make Demographic changes in any territory. India’s unilateral action has heightened the already tense situation in the South Asian Region.
On August 5, 2019, the Indian Constitution’s Articles 370 and 35A, which granted the IIOJK state special status, were repealed. In 1949, Article 370 was added to the Indian Constitution, allowing Jammu and Kashmir a unique level of autonomy. This article gave the state the ability to have its flag, constitution, and laws covering everything else outside defence, foreign policy, and communications.
The Jammu and Kashmir state legislature was given the authority to specify permanent residents’ rights by Article 35A, which was put into effect by presidential decree in 1954. It permitted the state to restrict access to some benefits, such as land ownership and employment in the government, to only long-term inhabitants. Jammu and Kashmir were granted “Transitional, Special Provisions and Temporary” special status per Article 370. According to Article 35A, persons who live there permanently are referred to as “permanent residents” of the IIOJK. It gives people privileges and exclusive rights about employment with the state government, as well as the opportunity to own property within the state.
The Indian undemocratic and immoral act of stealing Kashmiris’ autonomy and sense of identity. According to the “Rights Group report of July,” since January 2020, there have been at least 229 killings in Indian-occupied Kashmir. There is a possibility that the number of homicides in Kashmir will rise. The economy of Kashmir would suffer significantly. Communications blockade, curfews, and militant threats caused a loss of Kashmir’s economy,” according to the report. Due to the internet blockade and other restrictions, over 90,000 individuals in Kashmir lost their jobs, particularly in the tourist, information technology, and handicraft industries.
The economy in Kashmir has not slowed down this much in the past 70 years. Due to this protracted curfew, the Indian government has denied Kashmiri youngsters access to educational opportunities, casting a shadow over their future. The kids have stayed at home and are not allowed to access the internet, choosing to stay home rather than attend school and advocate for the cause of Kashmir in international forums.
By granting non-Kashmiris the right to live in Kashmir, India is forcing demographic change, turning Kashmir’s Muslim majority into a minority. Tens of thousands of non-Kashmiris have been given the same privileges as Kashmiris by India. For the first time, they are permitted to purchase land. India is attempting to alter Kashmir’s demographics and accusing Pakistan of helping the Kashmiri people’s movement for independence. An all-out war between them would result from Indian accusations and its attempts to harm Pakistan’s reputation.
Pakistan’s jugular vein is Kashmir, and it cannot be ignored. Since August 2019, Indian violations of Articles 370 and 35-A relating to Kashmir have multiplied. The people of Kashmir require Pakistan’s help, which Pakistan has always given to them. The prerequisite for security and stability in the South Asian area is Kashmir’s peace and security. A thoughtful and timely plan must be used. Pakistan and Kashmir must continue their fight until and unless the UNSC steps in to interfere and put an end to the conflict and the world recognize it. Let’s hope for the best in the meanwhile.
The writer Syeda Anish Rehman is an Intern at YFK- International Kashmir Lobby Group, and a student of International Relations at UAJK, Muzaffarabad.
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