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Monday, May 12, 2025

What do Kashmiris want?

 

What Do the Average Kashmiris Feel About the India-Pakistan Conflict?

(From ChatGPT)

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.

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7. Generational Divide in Kashmiri Sentiment

8. Urban vs Rural Differences in Kashmiri Sentiment