Force Alone Won’t Work In Kashmir

The decision to abolish Article 370 was taken by a close committee formed by the government. The announcement was partially expected but not in the manner it came. It came as a surprise for not only the nation but for the neighborhood also, most impacted being Pakistan. Advance deployment of security forces was done. All communication was blocked to control the spread of rumors. Political entities who had gained the most from the continuation of Article 370 were moved into detention.

The plan of the government was to prevent rumors from being spread leading to the instigation of youth, resulting in violence. To handle international criticism and desperation of Pakistan to project this as a violation of existing UN resolutions, the government was diplomatically geared. It conveyed firmly and clearly to all nations and organizations that the decision was an internal matter and within the Indian Constitution. Nothing would change as far as the Lines of Control (LoC) were concerned, nor would India enhance its claim lines.