Sajjad Lone Urges PM to Protect Kashmiris in Other States Amidst Attacks
Sajjad Lone urges PM Modi to ensure protection for Kashmiris residing in other Indian states.
Photo by Ligio Pereira
Sajjad Lone, chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference, has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure the protection of Kashmiris residing in other states of India. His plea comes in the wake of recent attacks and harassment faced by Kashmiri students and traders outside J&K.
Lone emphasized that such incidents undermine national integration and create a sense of insecurity among Kashmiris. This issue highlights the challenges of national integration, the need for inter-state harmony, and the government's responsibility to protect all its citizens, irrespective of their regional origin, a key aspect of internal security and social cohesion.
Key Facts
Sajjad Lone urged PM Modi to protect Kashmiris in other states.
Concerns raised due to attacks on Kashmiri students and traders.
Lone emphasized the importance of national integration.
UPSC Exam Angles
Constitutional provisions related to fundamental rights (Articles 14, 15, 19, 21) and citizenship.
Challenges to internal security and social cohesion (regionalism, discrimination).
Centre-State relations and the division of powers regarding law and order.
Role of institutions like the National Integration Council and Inter-State Council.
Government's responsibility in protecting all citizens irrespective of their origin.
Visual Insights
Kashmiri Presence & Incidents of Harassment Across India (2024-2025)
This map illustrates Jammu & Kashmir as the origin of the community in focus and highlights key states/cities where Kashmiri students and traders often reside and have recently faced incidents of harassment or discrimination, prompting calls for protection. It underscores the geographical spread of the issue and its national integration implications.
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Key Incidents & Policy Responses Affecting Inter-State Harmony & Citizen Protection (2015-2025)
This timeline highlights significant events and policy developments over the last decade that underscore challenges to inter-state harmony and the protection of citizens, particularly migrants and specific communities, reflecting the broader context of Sajjad Lone's appeal.
India's journey since independence has been marked by efforts to forge national unity amidst vast diversity. While constitutional provisions guarantee freedom of movement and non-discrimination, incidents of regionalism, communalism, and discrimination against migrants periodically challenge this fabric. The government and judiciary have consistently emphasized the need to uphold the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their origin, for robust national integration and internal security.
- 2015Rising regionalist sentiments in some states, leading to calls for 'sons of the soil' policies and occasional discrimination against migrants.
- 2016Incidents of attacks and discrimination against African students in Delhi-NCR, raising concerns about racial harmony and protection of foreign nationals.
- 2019Post-Pulwama attack, widespread reports of harassment and social boycotts against Kashmiri students and traders in various Indian states, prompting government advisories.
- 2020COVID-19 migrant crisis: Mass exodus of migrant workers from cities, highlighting vulnerabilities, lack of social security, and challenges in inter-state coordination for their welfare.
- 2021Government reiterates commitment to 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' program, emphasizing cultural exchange and mutual understanding to foster national unity.
- 2022Debates around domicile laws and reservation policies in employment for state residents intensify in several states, impacting inter-state movement for jobs.
- 2024Renewed reports of attacks and harassment against Kashmiri students and traders in various states, leading to Sajjad Lone's appeal to the Prime Minister.
- 2025Ongoing government focus on strengthening internal security mechanisms and promoting social cohesion to prevent divisive incidents and protect all citizens.
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the protection of citizens and national integration in India: 1. Article 19(1)(d) of the Indian Constitution guarantees every citizen the freedom to move freely throughout the territory of India. 2. Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. 3. The concept of 'single citizenship' in India is primarily aimed at fostering national unity and integration. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct: Article 19(1)(d) guarantees the freedom to move freely throughout the territory of India. Statement 2 is correct: Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Statement 3 is correct: Single citizenship is a key feature of the Indian Constitution, designed to prevent regionalism and promote a sense of national identity and unity among all citizens, irrespective of their state of domicile.
2. In the context of ensuring protection for citizens residing outside their home states and maintaining inter-state harmony, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Maintenance of public order and policing is primarily a subject under the State List of the Seventh Schedule. 2. Article 355 of the Constitution mandates the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance. 3. The National Integration Council (NIC) is a constitutional body chaired by the Prime Minister of India. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct: 'Public order' and 'Police' are entries 1 and 2 respectively in the State List of the Seventh Schedule, making them primarily state subjects. Statement 2 is correct: Article 355 imposes a duty on the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance and to ensure that the government of every State is carried on in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution. Statement 3 is incorrect: The National Integration Council (NIC) is an extra-constitutional (or statutory, if established by an Act, but it's generally considered an advisory body set up by resolution) body, not a constitutional one. It is indeed chaired by the Prime Minister.
3. Which of the following is NOT considered a significant challenge to national integration and social cohesion in India?
- A.Regionalism and linguistic chauvinism
- B.Communalism and caste-based discrimination
- C.Economic disparities and uneven development
- D.Universal Adult Franchise
Show Answer
Answer: D
Options A, B, and C are all significant challenges to national integration and social cohesion in India. Regionalism, linguistic chauvinism, communalism, caste-based discrimination, and economic disparities often lead to social divisions and conflicts. Universal Adult Franchise, on the other hand, is a democratic principle that grants voting rights to all adult citizens, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, or gender. It is a cornerstone of Indian democracy and is meant to promote equality and political participation, thereby strengthening, rather than challenging, national integration.
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