Decline of Separatist Movement in Kashmir

Context: The separatist politics that dominated Kashmir for decades seems to be weakening under the assertive stance of the central government.

Trends Indicating the Decline of Separatist Movement in Kashmir

Formal Dissociation from Separatist Ideology

• Members of several separatist outfits like J&K Peoples Movement, Democratic Political Movement, J&K Tahreeq Isteqlal, Tahreek-i-Istiqamat, and J&K Salvation Movement have publicly announced their exit from separatist politics.
• Even second-rung separatist leaders and smaller groups are now renouncing separatism, indicating a significant shift in political sentiment.

Banning of Key Separatist Organizations

Since 2019, the Ministry of Home Affairs has banned major separatist organizations, including:

• Jamaat-e-Islami
• Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF)
• Awami Action Committee (Mirwaiz Umar Farooq)
• Ittihadul Muslimeen (Mohammad Abbas Ansari)
• Democratic Freedom Party (Shabir Shah)

The Hurriyat Conference, once an influential coalition of over 20 organizations, has been rendered largely inactive, with most top leaders jailed or sidelined.

Reduced Influence of Pakistan in Kashmir Politics

• Pakistan’s internal political and economic instability has weakened its ability to support separatist activities in Kashmir.
• Cross-border infiltration and logistical support for militancy have seen a decline in recent years.

Shift from Urban to Guerrilla-Style Warfare

• Militancy has morphed into a rural and forest-based conflict, signaling that separatists are losing hold over urban centers.
• Advanced surveillance, communication technologies, and terrain-mapping tools have pushed militancy to the fringes.

Reasons Behind the Decline of Separatist Movement

Abrogation of Article 370 (2019)

• The removal of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status integrated the region more closely with the Indian Union.
• The reorganization into Union Territories allowed greater administrative and political control by New Delhi.

Also Read: Article 370 of Indian Constitution

Heavy Security Presence

The deployment of security forces across Kashmir has helped control large-scale protests and unrest.

Crackdown on Separatist Groups and Leadership

• The arrest of top leaders and the banning of separatist groups weakened the organizational structure of the separatist movement.
• Financial channels supporting separatism were disrupted through enforcement actions and sanctions.

Central Government’s Assertive Approach

• The government adopted a no-compromise policy towards separatism and militancy.
• Political engagement with separatists, which was seen during previous governments, was completely stopped post-2014.

International Isolation of Pakistan

• Pakistan’s diplomatic setbacks and economic challenges reduced its capacity to support insurgency in Kashmir.
• Global counter-terrorism measures put pressure on Pakistan to curb its involvement in Kashmir.

Rise of Aspirational Politics and Development Narrative

The central government has promoted a new narrative of peace, prosperity, and integration in Kashmir.

• Increased focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and employment generation created alternative opportunities for youth.
• Government-backed investment and tourism revival efforts contributed to economic stability.

Public Fatigue and Declining Popular Support

• Decades of violence and instability have led to growing public fatigue with separatist politics.
• The local population is increasingly seeking peace and economic opportunities over political conflict.

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