J&K CM: Attacks on Kashmiris force youth to seek local jobs
J&K CM says attacks on Kashmiris are forcing youth to seek local employment.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that attacks on Kashmiris outside the region are compelling local youth to seek employment within the state. This statement followed an attack on Kashmiri shawl sellers in Uttarakhand.
Abdullah emphasized the need to build a strong start-up ecosystem in J&K to provide sustainable employment opportunities and protect the people. Other political leaders, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and BJP leader Ashok Koul, also condemned the incidents, highlighting concerns over the safety and harassment of Kashmiri traders, laborers, and students in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and other parts of the country.
Key Facts
Incident: Attack on Kashmiri shawl sellers in Uttarakhand
CM's response: Need for strong start-up ecosystem in J&K
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International relations.
GS Paper III: Economy - Employment generation, investment models
Connects to syllabus topics like federalism, regionalism, security challenges
Visual Insights
States with Reported Incidents Against Kashmiris (2024-2026)
This map highlights states where incidents against Kashmiri traders, laborers, and students have been reported between 2024 and 2026, contributing to the push factor for internal migration within J&K.
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More Information
Background
The issue of Kashmiri identity and integration within the Indian Union has deep historical roots. The seeds were sown during the partition of India in 1947, leading to the Indo-Pakistani War and the subsequent accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India. Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, drafted in 1949 and operationalized in 1950, granted special autonomous status to the state, allowing it to have its own constitution and limiting the Indian Parliament's legislative powers in the state.
This special status was intended to respect the unique cultural and political identity of the region. However, it also became a source of contention, with some arguing that it hindered the region's full integration into India and fostered separatism. The historical context of Article 370 and its implications are crucial to understanding the current socio-political landscape of the region.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on economic development and employment generation in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The central government has launched several initiatives aimed at attracting investments, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating job opportunities for the youth. These include special packages for industries, infrastructure development projects, and skill development programs.
The aim is to integrate the region more closely with the Indian economy and provide sustainable livelihoods for its residents. However, concerns remain about the pace of development, the impact on local communities, and the overall security situation in the region. The success of these initiatives will depend on addressing these challenges and ensuring inclusive growth that benefits all sections of society.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the issue of Kashmiri youth seeking local jobs in news recently?
The issue is in news because of J&K CM Omar Abdullah's statement that attacks on Kashmiris outside the region are forcing youth to seek employment within the state. This statement came after an attack on Kashmiri shawl sellers in Uttarakhand.
2. What is the J&K CM's proposed solution to address this issue?
Omar Abdullah emphasized the need to build a strong start-up ecosystem in J&K to provide sustainable employment opportunities and protect the people. This would allow youth to find jobs within the state and reduce the need to migrate for work.
3. What are the key facts to remember about this issue for the Prelims exam?
Key facts include: the attack on Kashmiri shawl sellers in Uttarakhand, J&K CM Omar Abdullah's statement, and the proposed solution of building a strong start-up ecosystem in J&K.
4. How does the issue of attacks on Kashmiris relate to the concept of internal migration?
Attacks on Kashmiris in other states can deter internal migration, as people may fear for their safety and security. This can lead to a reluctance to seek employment or education opportunities outside of their home region.
5. What is a 'start-up ecosystem' and why is it important in this context?
A start-up ecosystem refers to the environment in which new businesses (start-ups) can thrive. It includes factors like funding, mentorship, infrastructure, and supportive policies. In this context, a strong start-up ecosystem in J&K can create local employment opportunities, reducing the need for youth to migrate and face potential threats.
6. What are the potential implications of these attacks on the integration of J&K with the rest of India?
Increased attacks and harassment can lead to a sense of alienation and insecurity among Kashmiris, potentially hindering their integration with the rest of India. It can also reinforce regional identities and create distrust.
7. What are some government initiatives aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and employment in J&K?
As per the provided context, the central government has launched several initiatives aimed at attracting investments, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating job opportunities for the youth. These include special packages for industries and infrastructure development.
8. How might the abrogation of Article 370 impact the employment situation in J&K?
The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 has led to a greater focus on economic development and employment generation in J&K. The central government aims to integrate J&K's economy with the rest of India, potentially leading to increased investment and job opportunities.
9. What is the relevance of 'Right to Life and Personal Liberty' in the context of attacks on Kashmiris?
The 'Right to Life and Personal Liberty' guarantees the safety and security of all citizens. Attacks on Kashmiris violate this right, as they create an environment of fear and insecurity, restricting their freedom of movement and livelihood.
10. In your opinion, what steps can be taken to ensure the safety and security of Kashmiris living outside J&K?
Ensuring the safety and security of Kashmiris requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes: strict enforcement of law and order, prompt action against perpetrators of violence, creating awareness about Kashmiri culture and identity, and promoting dialogue and understanding between communities.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding Article 370 of the Indian Constitution: 1. It granted special autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. 2. It was inserted into the Constitution as a temporary provision. 3. It allowed the state to have its own Constitution. 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
All three statements are correct. Article 370 granted special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir, allowing it to have its own constitution and limiting the Indian Parliament's legislative powers in the state. It was indeed inserted as a temporary provision, although it remained in effect for several decades until its abrogation in 2019. The article was included in Part XXI of the Constitution, titled 'Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions'.
2. In the context of promoting employment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir, which of the following initiatives is/are most likely to be effective? 1. Investing in infrastructure development projects. 2. Providing skill development programs tailored to local industries. 3. Encouraging the establishment of start-up ecosystems. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three initiatives are likely to be effective in promoting employment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir. Investing in infrastructure development creates jobs directly and indirectly. Skill development programs ensure that the local workforce is equipped with the necessary skills for available jobs. Encouraging start-up ecosystems fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, leading to the creation of new businesses and employment opportunities. These are all key components of a comprehensive strategy for economic development and employment generation.
3. Which of the following best describes the historical context surrounding the inclusion of Article 370 in the Indian Constitution? A) It was a direct result of the Simla Agreement between India and Pakistan. B) It was intended to facilitate the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir into India without any special provisions. C) It was a response to the unique circumstances of Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India after the 1947 partition. D) It was primarily aimed at promoting economic development in the region by attracting foreign investment.
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
Show Answer
Answer: C
Option C is the most accurate. Article 370 was included in the Indian Constitution as a response to the unique circumstances surrounding Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India after the partition in 1947. The state's accession was conditional, and Article 370 was intended to provide a framework for its relationship with the Indian Union, recognizing its distinct identity and political situation. The Simla Agreement (A) came much later, and the article was not designed for complete integration without special provisions (B) or primarily for economic development (D).