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4 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
4 min
Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesPolity & GovernanceNEWS

J&K MLAs Urge Centre to Protect Kashmiri Residents

J&K MLAs call for Centre's intervention amid rising hate crimes against Kashmiris.

J&K MLAs Urge Centre to Protect Kashmiri Residents

Photo by Yasser Mir

Jammu and Kashmir MLAs are urging the Centre to intervene and protect Kashmiri residents outside the Union Territory, citing increasing incidents of hate crimes. PDP MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Para moved an adjournment motion seeking urgent discussion on the safety of Kashmiris. NC MLAs staged a sit-in demanding restoration of Statehood and an end to the harassment of Kashmiris. Former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti criticized the NC for not effectively raising the issue.

Key Facts

1.

Issue: Hate crimes against Kashmiris

2.

Demand: Centre's intervention

3.

MLA: Waheed Ur Rehman Para (PDP)

4.

Protest: NC MLAs sit-in

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Issues related to federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

2.

GS Paper III: Security - Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

3.

Connects to syllabus areas of Centre-State relations, Constitutional provisions, and social justice.

4.

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs, analytical questions on the impact of policy changes.

Visual Insights

Jammu & Kashmir: Focus of Recent Political Activity

Highlights Jammu & Kashmir, the region where MLAs are urging the Centre to protect Kashmiri residents and demanding restoration of statehood.

Loading interactive map...

📍Jammu and Kashmir
More Information

Background

The recent concerns raised by J&K MLAs regarding the safety of Kashmiri residents outside the Union Territory highlight the complex and sensitive situation in the region. Understanding the historical context is crucial. The issue is deeply rooted in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly after its accession to India in 1947 and the subsequent special status granted under Article 370. Over the decades, the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir has undergone significant transformations. The initial special status, intended to preserve the region's autonomy, gradually eroded, leading to increased tensions. The rise of militancy in the late 1980s and 1990s further complicated the situation, resulting in displacement and alienation. Key milestones include various agreements and accords aimed at resolving the conflict, but lasting peace has remained elusive. The role of Constitutional Amendments in altering the status of J&K is also important to note. The legal and constitutional framework governing Jammu and Kashmir has been a subject of intense debate and scrutiny. Article 370, which granted special autonomous status to the region, was a key provision. Other relevant articles include Article 35A, which defined permanent residents of the state and their rights. The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 significantly altered this framework, leading to the reorganization of the state into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Understanding the international context is also important. The Kashmir issue has been a long-standing point of contention between India and Pakistan, with both countries claiming the region in full. Various UN resolutions have called for a plebiscite to determine the future of Kashmir, but these have not been implemented. The involvement of other international actors and the impact of regional geopolitics further complicate the situation.

Latest Developments

In recent years, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has been marked by significant changes and ongoing challenges. The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 led to the reorganization of the state into two Union Territories. This decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some supporting it as a step towards greater integration and development, while others criticize it as an erosion of the region's autonomy. Following the abrogation, the region has witnessed increased security measures and restrictions on communication and movement. The government has emphasized its commitment to promoting development and good governance in the Union Territories. Various initiatives have been launched to boost the economy, create employment opportunities, and improve infrastructure. The role of institutions like NITI Aayog in guiding development initiatives is noteworthy. Looking ahead, the future of Jammu and Kashmir remains uncertain. The restoration of statehood has been a key demand of political parties and civil society groups. The government has stated its intention to restore statehood at an appropriate time, but no specific timeline has been announced. The ongoing dialogue between different stakeholders and the evolving security situation will play a crucial role in shaping the region's future. The impact of schemes like PM-KISAN on the region's economy also needs to be considered. Despite the government's efforts, challenges persist. Concerns remain regarding human rights, freedom of expression, and the overall security situation. The need for inclusive dialogue, reconciliation, and addressing the grievances of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is essential for achieving lasting peace and stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the central issue highlighted by the J&K MLAs, and why is it important for UPSC Prelims?

The central issue is the rising incidents of hate crimes against Kashmiri residents outside the Union Territory. This is important for UPSC Prelims as it touches upon issues of governance, security, and social justice, which are frequently tested areas.

Exam Tip

Remember the key issue: safety of Kashmiris outside J&K. Relate it to fundamental rights and security concerns.

2. Explain the concept of an 'adjournment motion' with respect to the J&K MLAs' actions. How is it relevant to Polity & Governance?

An adjournment motion is a procedure in the legislative assembly to temporarily halt the ongoing business to discuss a matter of urgent public importance. In this case, PDP MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Para moved an adjournment motion to discuss the safety of Kashmiris. It's relevant to Polity & Governance as it highlights legislative mechanisms for addressing urgent issues.

Exam Tip

Note that adjournment motions are tools available to legislators to raise urgent matters.

3. What is the historical background that contributes to the current concerns raised by J&K MLAs?

The historical background includes the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India in 1947 and the special status granted under Article 370. The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the subsequent reorganization of the state into two Union Territories have further complicated the situation, leading to mixed reactions and ongoing challenges.

Exam Tip

Focus on the timeline: Accession -> Article 370 -> Abrogation -> UTs.

4. Why is the issue of Kashmiri residents' safety outside J&K in the news recently?

The issue is in the news due to J&K MLAs urging the Centre to intervene and protect Kashmiri residents, citing increasing incidents of hate crimes. The MLAs are raising concerns in the assembly, highlighting the urgency of the matter.

Exam Tip

Connect the news to the political actions of J&K MLAs.

5. In an interview setting, how would you address the potential impact of these hate crimes on the common citizens of J&K?

Hate crimes can create a sense of insecurity and fear among Kashmiri residents, potentially leading to social unrest and alienation. It can also impact their ability to pursue education, employment, and other opportunities outside the Union Territory. Addressing these concerns is crucial for maintaining social harmony and ensuring the well-being of all citizens.

6. What are the key facts related to the J&K MLAs' concerns that are important for UPSC Prelims?

Key facts include: the issue of rising hate crimes against Kashmiris, the demand for the Centre's intervention, the involvement of PDP MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Para who moved an adjournment motion, and the NC MLAs' sit-in protest demanding restoration of Statehood and an end to harassment.

Exam Tip

Focus on the key personalities and their roles in highlighting the issue.

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. All provisions of the Constitution were directly applicable to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370. 3. Article 370 was permanently incorporated into the Constitution and could not be amended or repealed. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: Article 370 did grant special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir, allowing it to have its own constitution and flag. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: Not all provisions of the Indian Constitution were directly applicable. The state had the power to decide which provisions would apply. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: Article 370 was eventually repealed in 2019, demonstrating that it was not permanently incorporated and could be amended.

2. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019?

  • A.The state of Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union Territories.
  • B.The two Union Territories created were Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
  • C.Ladakh was created as a Union Territory without a legislature.
  • D.The reorganization was carried out without any changes to Article 370 of the Constitution.
Show Answer

Answer: D

Options A, B, and C are correct regarding the reorganization. Option D is incorrect because the reorganization was a direct result of the abrogation of Article 370, which significantly altered the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir.

3. Consider the following statements: I. Waheed Ur Rehman Para, a PDP MLA, moved an adjournment motion regarding the safety of Kashmiri residents. II. NC MLAs staged a sit-in demanding restoration of Statehood for J&K. III. Mehbooba Mufti criticized the NC for effectively raising the issue of Kashmiri residents' safety. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.I and II only
  • B.II and III only
  • C.I and III only
  • D.I, II and III
Show Answer

Answer: A

Statements I and II are correct as per the provided summary. Statement III is incorrect because Mehbooba Mufti criticized the NC for NOT effectively raising the issue.

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