Kashmir’s Accession to India

Let me be quite clear about Kashmir. There still seems to be a good deal of misunderstanding about Kashmir’s accession to India. The other day, I said in this House that this accession was complete in law and in fact. Some people and some Newspapers, mostly Newspapers abroad, seem to think that it is only something that has happened in the last week or fortnight or three weeks that has made this accession complete. According to my views, this accession was complete in law and in fact in October, 1947. It is patent and no argument is required, because every accession of every State in India was complete on these very terms by September in that year or a little later. All the States acceded in three basic subjects, namely, foreign affairs, communications and defence. Can anybody say that the accession of any State in India was incomplete simply because they acceded in only those three subjects? Of course not. It was the accession of the Jammu and Kashmir State, in law and in fact, by the end of October, 1947. It was not open to doubt and challenge. I am surprised that anybody here or elsewhere in the world should challenge it. I was telling the House that when the first United Nations Commission, accompanied by their legal advisers and other came here, it was open to them to challenge it. But they did not, because it was quite clear to them and to their legal advisers that there could be no question about the legal validity of the accession. The people of Jammu and Kashmir State not only agreed to come to us as they did, but it was at their request that we took them into our large family of States. I do believe that they have the same friendly feelings towards us as the other States have. I believe that on other occasions they have given evidence of this fact. Even in the election of this Constituent Assembly that took place nearly a year ago, they exhibited that feeling of friendship and union with India.

            A short while ago, we met the representatives of the Government of Kashmir and they were not merely the representatives of the Government but undoubtedly the popular leaders of the people of Kashmir. We met them, we talked to them and we discussed many matters with them. We did not go to them in a bargaining spirit of opposition. We discussed matters with them, with a view to solving our intricate problems.

Nehru's speech in the House of People, New Delhi, August 7, 1952

STRENGTH THROUGH UNITY

We were not Very happy at the partition of India in 1947. It caused us immense sorrow to find that the land of the great Punjabis was divided—one half of it formed part of Pakistan. But we accepted the Partition Plan in the hope that India and Pakistan would live in peace and amity. We had hoped that the two would live as good neighbours and would embark on the path of economic progress. It is a matter of deep regret that ever since her creation, Pakistan has preached hatred against us. Pakistanis have called us Kafirs (infidels). Now they are preaching the slaughter of Kafirs in order to invoke heavenly blessings. Pakistan has launched aggression against us more than once. In 1947, Pakistan invaded Kashmir. Despite this provocation, we chose the path of peace. We agreed to cease-fire and a cease-fire line was drawn. Even after the cease-fire, Pakistanis continued to infiltrate into our territory year after year, and indulged in arson, loot and sabotage. They tried to build up dumps of ammunition in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has continuously indulged in these nefarious activities for the last so many years.

            In April this year, Pakistan invaded the Rann of Kutch. We resisted the invasion. Even after the Pakistani aggression in Kutch, I opted for a peaceful approach. I did not want war between India and Pakistan as war would inevitably cause death and devastation. I was of the view that a peaceful settlement consistent with our honour would be an ideal solution. Ultimately, an agreement was signed between India and Pakistan. While the agreement was being signed, Pakistan was making feverish preparations for an attack on Kashmir and on other parts of India. It became obvious that Pakistan wanted to annex Kashmir by force. Under these circumstances, the duty of the Government of India was clear. The Government could not stand by idly. The Government had already given proof of utmost patience in dealing with Pakistan. Our patience could not be allowed to mean that Pakistan could attack us with impunity and occupy any part of our territory. We had to give a suitable answer to the aggressor. We had to meet force with force.

            Pakistan’s attitude convinced me that no talks were possible. It is not consistent with our self-respect that we should bow down to aggression. No Indian worth the name can condone aggression. Any attack will be met with a fierce counter-attack. This is our firm resolve.

            A cease-fire has been agreed to. It is obvious that in the present world a war cannot continue for long. There is always intense international diplomatic activity. There was a time when a war could be fought to the finish and an issue could be decided by victory or defeat. Now the world is drawn much closer. A small war in any part of the world can easily assume the proportions of a world conflagration. It is for this reason that almost all countries are vitally concerned with conflicts anywhere. Big and small powers are naturally anxious to avoid a big conflagration.

            India is a peace-loving nation. She is pledged to peace. It is our firm resolve to extend our support to all genuine efforts aimed at the promotion of peace. We would like the world to take a close look at our reasonable stand and not try to pressurise us. We cannot submit to anyone’s dictation.

            We are waiting to see what attitude other nations adopt. We are waiting to see what decision the Security Council takes. We are anxious to carry the world opinion with us. We desire the friendship of all nations. We have ill will towards none. Unfortunately, Pakistan and China have generated ill will and hostility towards us. Except these two countries, we have friendly relations with every country, be it the USA, the USSR, Germany, France, or countries of Africa and Asia. We have close relations and feelings of friendship for all these nations. We are naturally keen to carry all these nations with us in our just struggle against aggression. Much, however, depends on the attitude of these nations. We do not have an iota of doubt that truth and justice are on our side. If unfortunately some nations fail to see it, it does not mean that we should abdicate our responsibility. It is for us to determine what our duty is. Our brave and enthusiastic people possess the quality of cool deliberation. Important decisions have naturally to be taken after cool deliberation and not under the stress of emotion. The conflict with Pakistan called for vital decisions on my part. I may not have shown it but I had my share of excitement too. But the decisions to march our armies to Lahore, Sialkot and Barmer Road were taken after cool deliberation. I told the Generals that it was necessary to take this step and that it should be taken immediately. We should undoubtedly be enthusiastic but we cannot afford to lose nerve. We have to build up our strength….

Extracts from Lal Bahadur Shastri’s Speech, 03 October 1965, New Delhi, Selected Speeches of Lal Bahadur Shastri, 1964-66

Kashmir’s Accession to India

The reports of the Basic Principles Committee and the Advisory Committee on Fundamental Rights and Citizenship were adopted unanimously today by the Kashmir Constituent Assembly amid prolonged cheers.

Sixty out of the 75 members of the Assembly were present when the reports, in which two amendments had been made earlier, were put to vote.

Later, the President of the Assembly, Mr. G.M. Sadiq, adjourned the House to February 11 when the Drafting Committee will present its report.

Earlier, commending the reports, the Prime Minister, Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed, said: “We irrevocably acceded to India more than six years ago and today we are only fulfilling the formalities of our unbreakable bonds with India.”

The Kashmir Premier declared : “We are laying the foundation of a new constitutional structure with the object of improving the social, economic and political aspirations of the people of the State with the closest co-operation and understanding of the Indian people.”

He said the recommendations guaranteed full internal autonomy to the people of the State, and “banished all uncertainty and feelings of insecurity.”

AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME

Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed said the reports of the two committees had been fully discussed and there was unanimity among all members that they contained an ambitious programme and reflected the desire of the people of the State to improve their lot.

“We placed these recommendations before the House with honesty and full responsibility after examining all the pros and cons because they intimately concern the structure of our Constitution and relationship with India.”

He deplored the fact that some members were not present in the House when a formal shape was being given to the “irrevocable decision we took in October, 1947, namely, accession to India.”

He said : “For the past six years we have ratified this step of accession from every housetop in the State Today we see our programme, which is the essence of our national struggle, being embodied in these recommendations. This step strengthens the State and cements the closest relationship with India.”

He quoted from the speeches of Sheikh Abdullah and Mirza Afzal Beg and said the recommendations of the two committees were fully in line with the views of the two detained leaders of the National Conference. Both had denounced the communal structure of Pakistan and fully supported Kashmir’s accession to India.

“Today we are not placing a new programme before you. It is the same which Sheikh Abdullah and Mirza Afzal Beg approved publicly from time to time.”

The Hindustan Times, 7 February 1954, NMML Microfilm Collection

Pakistan must vacate the areas of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir

This House notes with deep concern Pakistan’s role in imparting training to the terrorists in camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, the supply of weapons and funds, assistance in infiltration of trained militants, including foreign mercenaries in to Jammu and Kashmir with the avowed purpose of creating disorder, disharmony and subversion :

Reiterates that the militants trained Pakistan are indulging in murder, loot and other heinous crimes against the people, taking them hostage and creating an atmosphere of terror;

Condemns strongly the continued support and encouragement Pakistan is extending to subversive and terrorist activities in the Indian State of Jammu & Kashmir;

Calls upon Pakistan to stop forthwith its support to terrorism, which is in violation of the Shimla Agreement and the internationally accepted norms of Inter State conduct and is the root cause of tension between the two countries.

Reiterates that the Indian political and democratic structures and the constitution provide for firm guarantees of the promotion and protection of human rights of all its citizens:

Regards Pakistan’s anti- India campaign of calumny and of falsehood as unacceptable and deplorable.

Notes with deep concern the highly provocative statements emanating  form Pakistan  and urges Pakistan to refrain from making statements which vitiate the atmosphere and incite public opinion ;

Expresses regret and concern at the pitiable conditions and violations of human rights and denial of democratic freedoms of the people in those areas of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, which are under the illegal occupation of Pakistan;

On behalf of the people of India:

Firmly declares that-

a ) The state of Jammu & Kashmir has been, is and shall be an integral part of India and any attempts to separate it from the rest of the country will be resisted by all necessary means:

b) India has the will and capacity to firmly counter all designs against its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity:

and demands that-

c) Pakistan must vacate the areas of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir which, they have occupied through aggression;

and resolves that-

d) All attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of India will be met resolutely.”

The Resolution was unanimously adopted.

Resolution passed in Lok Sabha regarding the state of Jammu and Kashmir on 22 February 1994

PAKISTAN’S COMPLICITY EXPOSED

We feel deeply concerned over the recent developments in Kashmir. A large number or raiders have entered the Kashmir Valley and they have done so in civilian disguise. They have all been trained by the Pakistan Army, and also fully armed and equipped. Their objective has been to create disruption and disorder in Kashmir, but their attempts have been effectively foiled. The entire world now knows the whole truth about the situation in Kashmir.

            The complicity of Pakistan has been exposed. The fighting which has been unleashed by Pakistan deceitfully through her armed personnel in civilian disguise, is contrary to every known canon of behaviour even in times of war.  By now, Pakistan must know that her adventures will cost her dearly and that they will not be allowed to succeed. The calculations of Pakistan in regard to the attitude of the local population have proved wrong. They have resisted the raiders and cooperated with the authorities.

            The security forces, both army and police, have shown gallantry of a very high order. They have had to face an opponent in sneaking disguise, which makes their task all the more difficult. But they have met the situation most effectively. They are combing out the raiders and this process would be pursued and they will be allowed no quarter.

            In many ways the new challenge is unprecedented. We have to be careful and cautious. We cannot afford to have any internal quarrels in the present state of affairs. I would appeal to the nation that we have to stand as one man and put aside our disputes and differences, to say the least, for a later date.…

Extract from Lal Bahadur Shastri’s speech in the Rajya Sabha on 19 August 1965

World War One: Rethinking the Centenary

Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi

cordially invites you to a

Public  Lecture

on

‘World War One: Rethinking the Centenary’

by

Prof. John Horne

Former Professor of Modern European History, Trinity College Dublin

on FridayTuesday, 15 November 2016 at 11.00 a.m.

Auditorium, Library Building,

Nehru Memorial Museum and Library

Abstract

Mid-way through the centenary is a good moment to examine how we view World War One and how perspectives have changed over the intervening century. The central paradox is that a war which was instantly recognized as a global event – and which unleashed forces that shaped the world we still inhabit – has been largely understood and commemorated through the lens of national histories. That is understandable in that one of the war’s results was to confirm the nation as the dominant state form in Europe. But it has left out of account much of the rest of the globe, to which nation-hood only came later, and has also made it difficult to explain the transnational dynamics that were at the core of the war in Europe and elsewhere. Since the end of the Cold War, historians (especially those working in cultural history) have taken the lead in trying to write first a European and then a global history of a world war. This lecture looks back at the changing understandings of the war since it occurred in the light of this new approach.