National Integration Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh

Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh pose challenges for integration in multiple dimensions geographic, historical, religious, ethnic and multiple sub national identities within.

Geographically these regions have been separated due to harsh terrain and difficulty in expanding transportation networks – road and rail. While rail communication has now been extended up to Srinagar in Kashmir Valley, Ladakh remains cut off during the winter months as the main passes are snowbound. Efforts are ongoing for an all-weather road to the Union Territory which is carved out between India, China and Pakistan – the latter by occupation of forces post Partition of India.

Historically as a part of the Jammu and Kashmir State, subsuming the same in the Indian Union was achieved through the Instrument of Accession signed on 27 October 1947, by the Maharaja essentially after threat of Srinagar likely to be overrun by Pakistan supportered raiders. With Pakistan occupied parts of the State including Jammu and Gilgit Baltistan while China in Aksai Chin, the legacy remains a contention.

Jammu and Kashmir has two main religions – Muslim and Hindu and is the only state with an Islamic majority in India, thus Pak claims under the warped Two Nation Theory while for India it is symbol of secularism. Ladakh is mainly Buddhist with Kargil dominated by Shia Islam followers. Overall, in normal times there is acceptance of the, “other”.

The ethnic diversity in Jammu and Kashmir is complex from the majority Kashmiri to the Dogra in Jammu, Pahari in Jammu hill belt and Ladakhi in Ladakh and Kargili in Kargil. Within these there are different sub ethnicities which have varied aspirations.

Forced acquisition of parts of the State by Pakistan [Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir] and China [Aksai Chin] with some even seceded by the former to Beijing’s control such as the Shaksgam Valley adds another dimension to the complexities. These states mark Jammu and Kashmir as a disputed area for their own vested interests in the international arena. More so their vested agenda is pursued through active encouragement of political dissension and organised campaign of violence through state supported terrorism. The latest manifestation of which was the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025.

The multiple complexities need to be homogenised within the Indian Constitution. So far special status under Article 370 and 35 A met the aspirations of the people while at the same time integrated then State within the Indian Union. After repealing of  Article 370 in August 2019, constitutionally integration has been achieved, but holistic amalgamation remains a work in progress.