Did You Know Jammu & Kashmir Had a Prime Minister Till 1965? Here Are Unmissable Facts Related to The Region's History
An apprehension exists that facts could be a major casualty in the debate driven along ideological lines. For instance, the reader must be asked whether he is aware that the state of Jammu & Kashmir had its own Prime Minister till 1965? Is he or she aware that J&K was a princely state till independence? And who was the final 'ruler' of the region?
A Jammu & Kashmir sans special status has driven the nation into a frenzy of opinion. A massive section of Indian citizens have lauded the government's move to dilute Article 370, whereas, a significant section -- though appearing to be miniscule as compared to those in favour -- have opposed the presidential order.
An apprehension exists that facts could be a major casualty in the debate driven along ideological lines. For instance, the reader must be asked whether he is aware that the state of Jammu & Kashmir had its own Prime Minister till 1965? Is he or she aware that J&K was a princely state till independence? And who was the final "ruler" of the region? Article 370 Debate: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's 'Is Kashmir Internal Matter' Question Stokes Row; Sonia, Rahul Gandhi 'Upset'
Here Are Unmissable Facts Related to Jammu & Kashmir's History
In 1846, the Sikh regime was defeated by British forces in Anglo-Sikh war, which led to the annexation of Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan by the East India Company.
The Dogras, who had been ruling Jammu since early 18th century, accepted the British dominion and were handed over the reins of Kashmir Valley and Gilgit-Baltistan after paying an indemnity of 7.5 million rupees.
Gulab Singh served as the princely state's first ruler (1846-1857), whereas, Maharaja Hari Singh served as the final ruler (1925-1947). Between 1948 to 1952, his son Karan Singh took over the role of Riyasat-e-Sadr (President).
In 1947, Hari Singh had signed an agreement with both India and Pakistan, stating that the princely state of J&K has chosen to remain an independent nation and not either of the two dominions.
However, in 1948, an unprovoked invasion was led by Pashtun tribes and Pakistan Army regulars in Kashmir. After they penetrated through the Pir Panjal ranges, Hari Singh had reached out to the Indian government seeking military aide.
After the Pakistani intruders were driven out, Hari Singh inked a pact with India, which is widely known as the treaty of ascension.
The treaty was inked in 1948, and its terms were deliberated over by the Indian government and a Kashmiri delegation headed by Sheikh Abdullah.
Article 370, which was adopted in 1949, was one of the conditions of the Instrument of Ascension. In 1954, a presidential order was issued to incorporate Article 35(A) -- which barred non-Kashmiris from owning property or permanently settling in the state.
Till 1965, J&K had a seperate Prime Minister and Riyasat-e-Sadr which was equivalent to the constitutional post of President in India. This was, however, revoked that year through a constitutional amendment. Notably, Sheikh Abdullah had served as the first and last PM of the state.
In 1989, militancy began in J&K, with homegrown and Pakistani militants launching a spree of attacks against Indian security forces.
In 1990, the Pandits in several parts of Kashmir Valley were forced to flee amid the escalating violence.
In 2018, the state was left without a government after BJP pulled out of the PDP-led coalition government.
In 2019, the unprecedented step of revoking J&K's special status was announced by the Narendra Modi government. Home Minister Amit Shah has called it the single-most crucial measure to integrate Kashmir with the rest of India.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 06, 2019 06:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).