Kashmir Combustible Region: Abrogation of Article 370 & 35-A and its Grave Implications

Abstract

Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan is one of the world‘s most enduring conflicts which has severely affected the South Asian landscape and it is remained unresolved. The issue became serious when India gained territorial control of Jammu and Kashmir by force and the region emerged to the forefront of international attention. The situation become more worst when India‘s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) eliminated the semi-autonomous provision of Jammu and Kashmir on August 2019 through the abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A of the Indian constitution which gave special status to the region. They divided the state into two union territories and attempted to open a new chapter on Kashmir dispute. The action provoked intense diplomatic response from the world community and Pakistan also strongly condemned the New Delhi unilateral action because it was against the will of right of self-determination and against the spirit of United Nations Security Council resolutions. The decision has become the cause of backlash for BJP government when they imposed communication restrictions on people and curb their civil liberties. There are no appropriate measures by the central government for uplifting of poverty, illiteracy, backwardness, and socio-economic progress except the lips services. In the situation, the people of the Kashmir deserve the real attention, road map and the same protection as the rest of the world. Nevertheless, there is no comprehensive diplomatic solution has defied by the international community, leaving people disillusioned about the prospect of peace. Large-scale violence ebbs and flows, leaving communities insecure and enabling the conflict to persist as a rallying tool for nationalists and extremist actors, thereby demanding continued US and international attention to prepare the ground for peace.