Accession of Jammu and Kashmir
Topic: Regional Aspirations: J&K, Punjab, the North-East and Accommodation · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 7 "Federalism"; Class 12, Ch 7 "Regional Aspirations"
Meaning
This is how Jammu and Kashmir became part of India. Maharaja Hari Singh had wanted his state to stay independent. In October 1947 Pakistan sent in tribal raiders. To get Indian military help, the Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession (the legal document by which a princely state joined India) on 26 October 1947. The way the accession happened shaped the state's later temporary autonomy under Article 370.
Example
After the accession, the Indian army pushed the raiders out of the valley. India then took the issue to the UN. UNSC Resolution 47 (1948) asked Pakistan to withdraw first, then India to reduce its forces, and only then a plebiscite (a vote of the people). Pakistan never withdrew, so the plebiscite never took place.
Don't confuse with
- Delhi Agreement 1952: a later understanding on how much autonomy the state would have. It did not decide whether the state joined India.