Why Are Jammu and Kashmir Not Separate States Today?

The question of Jammu and Kashmir's unity is often debated in light of its diverse geography and population. This article aims to explore the reasons behind the current state of Jammu and Kashmir and why they remain united as one.

The Demographics and Geography of Jammu and Kashmir

Consider the demographics and geography of the region. Jammu and Kashmir has a total population of around 14.5 million, with the Kashmir Valley comprising about 7 million people. This gives you a preliminary idea of the population distribution. The total area of Jammu and Kashmir stands at 223,000 square kilometers, with approximately 15,000 square kilometers being the Kashmir Valley. Hence, the Kashmir Valley holds about 50% of the population with just 7% of the area.

Any attempt to reorganize these areas into separate states would be illogical and unfeasible due to the disparity in population and area. A division based solely on religious grounds is not a rational justification for state reorganization. India has made a strong case for claiming the entire erstwhile JK as its own territory, which is supported by constitutional provisions and historical context.

Political and Historical Context

Historically, India has claimed the entire state of JK as its own, and this claim is supported by various legal and constitutional frameworks. Pakistan, on the other hand, has contested parts of the state, leading to the separation of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. However, both the Kashmiri people on the Indian side and the British Parliament have raised concerns about the move, arguing that it complicates the situation further.

The main reason for not separating JK lies in the strategic importance of Kashmir to India. India believes that the unity of JK strengthens its claim over the entire region. Hence, it is unwise to disintegrate the territory, as this would weaken India's claim to the entire area. Separating parts of JK would create complications and challenges within the region, leading to further alienation and potentially increasing militancy.

The Case of Ladakh

Another crucial aspect to consider is the status of Ladakh. Ladakh is the largest area in the state, with an area of 59,000 square kilometers but less than 1% of the total population. The Jammu region, on the other hand, represents just over 26,000 square kilometers and nearly 44% of the state's population. In contrast, the Kashmir region comprises about 16,000 square kilometers and nearly 55% of the state's population.

These figures highlight the significant imbalance in population and area, making it difficult to justify the division into separate states. The Ladakh region's large area yet small population further complicate matters.

Legally, splitting a state is a monumental task that requires federal approval, particularly from the state assembly. However, in exceptional cases, where the state assembly loses its constitutionality and becomes meaningless, parliament may consider reorganizing the state. If the Kashmir Valley loses confidence in the state's constitution, the state assembly will effectively become meaningless, and the opportunity may arise for parliament to vote on reorganizing the state.

Conclusion: The Future of Jammu and Kashmir

The current state of Jammu and Kashmir, as one entity, is safeguarded by historical, political, and demographic factors. While the Kashmir Valley's unique significance cannot be ignored, it is important to address the aspirations of the entire region while maintaining unity. A new constituent assembly elected by the people of the Kashmir Valley could potentially negotiate a relationship with the Union of India. If such an agreement is not reached, a referendum or other democratic means may be considered to determine the Valley's future.