What Do the Average Kashmiris Feel About the
India-Pakistan Conflict?
The feelings of the average Kashmiri about
the India-Pakistan conflict are complex and deeply influenced by decades of
political instability, violence, and unfulfilled aspirations. This article
presents a balanced overview based on various regional perspectives and
sentiments.
1. General Sentiments in Indian-administered Kashmir
• Frustration and Fatigue: Many Kashmiris
are tired of being caught between two nuclear-armed states. They often feel
like pawns in a geopolitical struggle that disregards their wellbeing.
• Distrust Toward Both Sides: There is
often mistrust of both the Indian and Pakistani governments. India is
criticized for heavy militarization and human rights abuses, while Pakistan is
seen by some as exploiting the Kashmir issue for its own political ends.
• Desire for Autonomy or Independence:
Especially in the Kashmir Valley, there has long been an aspiration for azadi
(freedom), interpreted by some as independence and by others as greater
autonomy or union with Pakistan.
2. Sentiments in Jammu and Ladakh
• Jammu: The population here (more
Hindu-majority) tends to support integration with India and is less sympathetic
to separatist sentiment.
• Ladakh: After being made a Union
Territory in 2019, reactions are mixed. Some welcomed direct control from
Delhi, while others are disillusioned by the lack of political representation
and development.
3. Views Toward Pakistan
• Mixed Opinions: While some Kashmiris
historically felt culturally closer to Pakistan, disillusionment has grown due
to:
·
- Lack of clear support during crucial times.
·
- Pakistan’s internal instability and poor
governance of its own territories.
·
- Rising extremism, which many Kashmiris do
not relate to.
4. Views Toward India
• Resentment and Hope: While there's
resentment about India's political handling and military presence, some young
Kashmiris are also interested in opportunities and integration into the broader
Indian economy.
5. What They Truly Want
Across regions, there's a deep desire for
peace, dignity, justice, and the right to shape their own future. Most want:
·
- An end to militarization and violence.
·
- Economic opportunities and development.
·
- Freedom to express their identity and
aspirations.
·
- A say in their political future.
6. Evolution of Kashmiri Sentiment Over Time
1947–1980s: Idealism and Hope
·
- Hope that autonomy or
independence aspirations would be respected.
·
- Article 370 was seen as a
safeguard for identity.
·
- Mixed feelings: Some leaned
toward Pakistan; others favored remaining with India if autonomy was protected.
1989–2000: Insurgency and Disillusionment
·
- Armed uprising in 1989 due to
political frustrations and Pakistan’s involvement.
·
- Heavy militarization by India
led to human rights abuses.
·
- Disillusionment with both
India and Pakistan.
2000s–2010s: Exhaustion and Rise of Civil Movements
·
- Decline in militancy, rise of
civil protests (e.g., 2008, 2010, 2016).
·
- Pakistan support more
symbolic than real.
·
- Focus shifted to education,
jobs, and a peaceful life.
Post-2019 (Abrogation of Article 370)
·
- Anger and grief in the
Kashmir Valley.
·
- Communication blackouts and
political detentions.
·
- Some youth pursuing
professional ambitions pragmatically.
·
7. Generational Divide in Kashmiri Sentiment
8. Urban vs Rural Differences in Kashmiri Sentiment