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| JAMMU AND KASHMIR AFTER INDEPENDENCE AND PARTITION | | | By Col J P Singh, Retd | 3/5/2011 12:45:35 AM |
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Partition of 1947 hit J&K like a tornado that subsequently ripped the State off an important limb and divided it in two halves. There perhaps was never as large transfer of population as followed the partition of India and being on the border, J&K State was badly effected by it. After independence of Pakistan, violent communal riots broke out on the entire border region from Mirpur to Muzaffarabad. Streams of refugees came with tales of cruelties committed by Muslims. By September end nearly 60,000 refugees had arrived at Jammu. Jammu which was known for communal amity boiled with communal passions resulting in communal riots in Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua, Billawar, Basholi, and Reasi. Kotli, Poonch, Rajouri, Jhangar fell to the raiders in October 1947 resulting into additional migration in Jammu Province.
Like any other natural calamity, partition washed away many good things of the past and ushered in much that was totally new. Those who lived through the gory partition are witness to the significant changes in out look in the life of those who were directly effected by this tragedy and some ways those who were indirectly effected. Since the major influx of migration was in Jammu Province from time to time, lots of changes occurred in political, social and economic conditions of this region. It is very difficult to quantify these changes on the basis of any reliable data which in this case does not exit. So as of today the socio economic consequences of the partition and subsequent influx of refugees /migrants can better be felt than fathomed and described than documented.
The turmoil of 1947 resulted in large scale migration of all communities. Maximum migration took place from Mirpur, Bhimber, Kotli, Haveli, Mendher, Bagh, Sadnoti and Muzaffrabad; now in POK. They were called as Displaced Persons (D Ps). With the help of central govt they were settled in various relief camps at Nagrota near Jammu, Yol in HP and Hastinapur in UP. They left every thing behind and reached Jammu empty handed and same thing happened with refugees of 1965 and 1971 and later with Kashmiri Pandits in 1989. Thus all these refugees were forced to start their lives anew in new environments. They had few choices and had to do with anything came their way to make a living. They had to forego their inherited and traditional professions and became very flexible in adopting to the new environments and new jobs. Partition and independence resulted in forced urbanization on them which they had never expected or faced earlier. They developed strong cohesive groups to face common challenges. They were put in govt camps and D Ps were allotted agricultural land in the villages. Those who were given land along the border areas refused to shift. They preferred to settle in or near the urban areas. Such D Ps under took new professions like transport, business and white collar jobs. Similarly refugees of 1965 and 1971 were allotted land and settled in various camps away from Jammu. Whereas the Kashmiri and other migrants from Poonch, Doda and Reasi are yet to be rehabilitated.
In the political sphere the centre of political gravity shifted from Jammu to Srinagar. Since 1931 there had been discontent in the valley while Jammu remained peaceful. Bitterness between Maharaja Hari Singh and Sheikh Abdullah surfaced glaringly after independence. Friction between their aims and ambitions became more visible. Sheikh enjoyed full backing of Indian National Congress and the govt of India. Hence Maharaja had to leave the state after abdicating the throne in favour of his son Dr. Karan Singh on 9 June 1949. In response to the demand of Sheikh Abdullah, J&K state was given special status under Art. 370. Elections were held in 1951 in which nominations of all candidates of Praja Parishad were arbitrarily declared invalid giving all the 75 seats to National Conference. Henceforth Jammu became centre of discontentment due to newly changed situation. Formerly Hindus were in favour of autonomy and independence of the state when Muslims wanted freedom from feudalism. Earlier Muslims sought intervention of British govt against the ruler but now the equations changed. While Kashmiri Muslims became rulers and champions of autonomy, Hindus became advocates of full integration with India. More over bitter memories of communal riots and killings injected the virus of communal hatred in the society. This largely explains why Jammu has remained the citadel of BJP. Thus arose the political tussle between Jammu and Kashmir leading to demands of equality in political, economic and financial powers. Later the demands of Regional Autonomy for Jammu and Union Territory for Ladakh gained popular support. Some organizations are even demanding trifurcation of the state.
It may be mentioned that dislocations and development took place simultaneously even when the first Indo – Pak war was going on. Indian army units poured in the state and were deployed on the Western borders. They set up their army camps and hospitals; made roads and established communication centers. As a result it provided relief and jobs to the civilians. All District and Tehsil HQs were connected by roads and Jammu was connected with rest of India by a road via Pathankot. These road links provided jobs to the D Ps and enabled other villagers to market their agriculture produce at good prices. This helped raise their standard of living and effected their concepts of life and place in the society. Many D Ps particularly Sikhs became transporters and others also chose lucrative engagements. Partition also proved to be a great leveler. Land lords, businessmen and salaried class were the worst sufferers. Millions were rendered homeless and paupers. Displacement played a significant role in lessening caste prejudices. Inter caste marriages which earlier were not heard of now began to be solemnized and accepted. Untouchabilty which was legally prohibited became lesser prejudice in urban areas. Food habits and way of dressing also underwent changes. These challenges and opportunities changed thinking of D Ps in terms of improving their lives and standing in the society. While staying in camps they learnt the art of projecting their demands collectively in one voice and at times violently. The trend continues even today which is evident from their meeting with interlocutors and threatened forcible occupation of Jagti Flats on eve of Prime Minister’s visit. Conditions are no different in refugee and migrant camps. They too have cohesive and effective unions to project their demands.
Time is understood to be a big healer and has come to their rescue as in case of every one else. It has slowly put the traumatic events of partition and migration behind them and gave them a new start. The freedom from traditional taboos and prejudices found reflections in the changed way of living, expression and more importantly in the freedom of women consequent to their displacement. Such changes otherwise take decades / centuries to take place but occurred in years due to displacement. Such fast changes have yet not taken place in Pakistan despite the migration; though much needed and expected.
As on today the state of Jammu and Kashmir which in terms of population is one of the small state but is faced with probably largest number of problems and uncertainties. What was once the backward and conservative corner of the world underwent political awakening and even now a days undergoing changes at a faster rate than most other parts of the country. The push for the changes has come from the traumatic experiences of partition of 1947 and migration of 1989 and the process of displacement continues which is as vital as visible as a chain reaction. Jammuites have been forced to migrate towards South because their avenues of employment are under strain due to migration. Political force and the voice of Jammu got suppressed by the voices of migrants. The focus of attention remained on outsiders. Jobs for the locals shrunk. Demand exceeded supply which led to inflation enriching the business class. Prices of real estate escalated as a result illegal occupation of the land started giving rise to land mafia. Dependence on agriculture and its production declined. Enormous increase in population put strain on natural and man made resources. Scarcity of drinking water and shortage of power effected the normal life of people both in urban and rural areas. Environment and atmosphere were effected. Jammu became Asia’s biggest vehicle market resulting in pollution, accidents, traffic congestions and diseases. Students number swelled and so did the private educational institutions lowering the standards of educations and promoting unfair means. Unemployment increased many folds giving rise to connected problems of agitations, drug abuse, crime and disrespect for law and order. Corruption made inroads in public life eroding the moral and social fiber of the society.
Whereas the contributions of social, religious and political groups to fight for the cause of rehabilitation and welfare of refugees and D Ps was praise worthy, the adverse effects of migration in Jammu region were overlooked. There is a need to appreciate the ill effects and take corrective measure. Hence it is important to know the history of Jammu after partition / independence not only as source of information but more importantly to use it to harmonise the deficiencies and regional tensions prevalent because of factors related to the impact of independence and of partition.
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