Sub-regional conflicts and selective autonomy in J&K: Hill Councils in power. (October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wani, Gull
• Other Names: Mathur Shubh guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Race & class. Volume 56:Number 2(2014:Oct./Dec.)
• Page Start: 81
• Page End: 92
• Publication Date: 2014-10
• Subjects: Chenab Valley -- Hill Councils -- Jammu -- Kargil -- Kashmir -- Ladakh -- Leh -- minorities -- Pir Panchal -- sub-regionalism; Race relations -- Periodicals; Social classes -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; 305.8
• DOI: 10.1177/0306396814542919
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3968

Abstract

The State of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is examined here in terms of its unique history, geography and cross-cultural composition. Its three regions are not just historically and culturally distinct but each have sub-regions and religious minorities with their own claims to autonomy and devolved power. The author examines the diversity of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and assesses, from a personal study tour, the successes and failures of Hill Councils that have been established in Leh and Kargil (Ladakh) and the prospect of creating others in the Jammu region. Sub-regionalism becomes a potent force in the absence of strong regional consciousness, he argues. Regionalism in general is a product of India's diversity; sub-regionalism the result of geographic, historical and socio-economic factors – J&K is a case in point.