Kashmir, a region known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural history, experienced a significant shift in the late 1980s. Before the storm of insurgency and terrorism ravaged the region, Kashmir had enjoyed a period of relative calm from 1980 to 1989. In part 2 of our series on the history of terrorism in Kashmir, we revisit the crucial years that set the stage for one of the most intense periods of conflict in modern India.
The Legacy of Muslim Dynasties
Kashmir’s political and cultural fabric has been shaped by Muslim dynasties since the 14th century. The story begins with Rinchan Shah, a Tibetan prince who converted to Islam and laid the foundations for Muslim rule in the region. His reign was followed by Shah Mir, who established the first Muslim dynasty in Kashmir.
The Abdullah family, which would later dominate Kashmir's political scene, is another pivotal part of the region’s history. The patriarch, Sheikh Abdullah, founded the National Conference in the early 20th century, shaping Kashmir’s political direction for decades. His son, Farooq Abdullah, would later rise to power and become a central figure in the Kashmir conflict.
The Calm Before the Storm: 1980-1989
The early 1980s saw Kashmir as a peaceful, tourist-friendly destination. The secessionist agenda seemed a distant memory, and many Kashmiris hoped for integration with India. Farooq Abdullah, who became the Chief Minister after his father’s death in 1982, initially enjoyed a relatively stable tenure, despite political turbulence in the region.
However, by the mid-1980s, political shifts and rising dissatisfaction with the Indian government began to strain relations. The crucial 1987 elections would be the turning point that ultimately led to the eruption of violence.
The 1987 Elections: A Catalyst for Unrest
In 1987, the alliance between Farooq Abdullah's National Conference and the Congress Party sparked outrage among many Kashmiris. The Congress-NC alliance was seen as a betrayal of Kashmir’s autonomy, with accusations of rigged elections and unfair practices fueling public discontent. The election results were contested, and allegations of vote manipulation in areas like Amira Kadal sparked widespread anger.
The rise of the Muslim United Front (MUF), a coalition of pro-Pakistan and pro-azaadi forces, created a political vacuum that fueled the separatist cause. The election was seen as a referendum on Kashmir’s future within India, and the disillusionment from the rigged process pushed many towards militancy.
The Role of Pakistan in Kashmir's Militant Movement
Pakistan played a significant role in fueling the insurgency in Kashmir. Under the leadership of General Zia ul-Haq, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) actively supported separatist groups in the Valley, providing them with training, funding, and logistical support. The goal was clear: to destabilize India by supporting the Kashmiri insurgency and force a political change in the region.
The Emergence of Militancy
In the aftermath of the 1987 elections, many MUF leaders, including Mohammad Yusuf Shah (who would later become Syed Salahuddin), turned to militancy. The Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), founded by Amanullah Khan in Britain, became the spearhead of this armed struggle. The JKLF, with its ties to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), began to recruit Kashmiri youth and initiate armed attacks in the region.
The early months of 1989 saw a surge in militant activity. The JKLF and other militant groups like Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba launched coordinated attacks, resulting in bomb blasts, sniper shootings, and widespread chaos. The insurgency had begun.
The Summer of 1989: The Beginning of Terror
In the summer of 1989, Kashmir was a paradise for tourists, but beneath the surface, tensions were rising. The militants had grown bolder, and their strikes became more frequent. On August 15, 1989, India’s Independence Day, the valley witnessed widespread hartals (strikes), enforced by militants and separatists, while peaceful civilians were caught in the crossfire.
The assassination of Yusuf Wani, a well-known National Conference worker, marked the beginning of targeted killings in Kashmir. His death sent shockwaves throughout the region, signaling the commencement of a violent campaign against those perceived as pro-India.
Within weeks, the violence escalated. Ethnic cleansing and attacks on Kashmiri Pandits became rampant, as militants sought to rid the valley of those loyal to India. The once serene and peaceful region had transformed into a battleground for ideological and political struggles, and the Kashmir conflict had entered a new, more violent phase.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Early Years of Insurgency
The years leading up to 1989 in Kashmir were marked by political tension, electoral disputes, and the gradual rise of militant forces. The peaceful period between 1980 and 1989 was a precursor to the brutal insurgency that would follow, with Pakistan’s support for Kashmiri separatists playing a central role in fueling the conflict.
As the valley descended into violence, Kashmir’s fate became intertwined with larger geopolitical struggles, shaping the course of its history for decades to come. The turmoil that began in 1989 has left a lasting legacy, affecting the region’s politics, culture, and security situation.