From autonomy to 'settler colonialism': How India redrew Kashmir's demographic and political landscape

From autonomy to settler colonialism: How India redrew Kashmir's demographic and political landscape

In the seven years since India revoked Article 370 and 35A, which granted special constitutional status to Indian-administered Kashmir, the region's demographic and political landscape has undergone significant changes. Critics argue that these alterations represent a multi-faceted strategy to reshape Kashmir's identity and political representation.

Following the revocation of these articles in August 2019, the Indian government unilaterally divided Kashmir into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Directly governed by New Delhi, the region underwent a series of reforms aimed at integrating Kashmir more closely with India, attracting investment, and curbing militancy. However, the changes have sparked controversy and debate over identity and representation.

New domicile rules allowing individuals who lived in the region for 15 years, studied there for seven years, or held certain government positions to obtain domicile status were introduced shortly after the revocation. Subsequent amendments further eased restrictions on land purchases. Government data shows that over 1.25 million domicile certificates were issued within two years, including 83,742 to individuals who previously did not qualify as permanent residents.

Residents and critics contend that these measures have led to widespread disenfranchisement of the native population, granting outsiders free access to the region's resources. One resident, Jan, observed a marked increase in economic inequality and the erosion of Kashmir's traditional socialist character. The construction of infrastructure projects, she argued, prioritizes the military over local communities, further estranging many from their land.

Article 370, a provision of the Indian constitution, had governed Kashmir's relationship with the Union of India for 70 years. It barred non-Kashmiris from owning land, regulated employment, ensured local employment, and provided constitutional safeguards for limited political decision-making. When the BJP government unilaterally repealed Article 370 in 2019, the region's demographic and political dynamics were irrevocably altered.