Today marks the International Day of the Right to Self-Determination. The day is almost exclusively marked by those who are fighting to have their "rights" to self-determination be recognized by the international community. Thus, it is no wonder that numerous pro-Kashmiri Independence groups in the UK, Pakistan and Kashmir are marking the day with rallies and calls that the United Nations recognize their right to secede from India. However, this year the International Day of the Right to Self-Determination was immediately after Indian Kashmiri's voted overwhelming to support a pro-India state government led by Omar Abdullah and his National Conference Party, supported by Sonia Gandhi's Congress.
What's interesting of these elections was what had preceded them. The state government collapsed in June and was put under "President's Rule" after sectarian conflicts erupted between the Muslim majority and Hindu minority over preferential land treatment given to Hindu religious groups. This led to massive state-wide anti-India riots and paralyzed the state government. Polls at the time indicated that pro-Independence parties would make considerable gains as a result. However, the Mumbai Attacks occurred and an escalation of hostilities between India and Pakistan (Kashmir being the border region where the two nations are amassing their troops), taking the wind out of the pro-Independence sentiment in Kashmir.
This case study shows how popular sentiments towards Self-Determination are not static, and are subject to evolving socio-politico-economic realities. Furthermore, how does one know that the constituencies certain groups are speaking for, really represent those people. Should these factors lead to restrictions, limitations, rules or a ban on the Right to Self-Determination as outlined by the United Nations.
The following is a NDTV segment analyzing the impact of the electoral results on separatism in the region:
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