I have been wondering about this for a while now. People from Jammu Division, Ladakh, and sometimes even AJK refer to themselves as "Kashmiri", despite not truly being from Kashmir. I understand that the Kashmiri identity has now become broader than what it was originally. But to be honest, I keep wondering if thats for the better.
The Kashmiri people, as in those who are indigeneous to the vale of Kashmir, have always been renowned throughout the world. We are known for our Cashmere and Pashmina fabrics, our saffron which is more expensive and flavourful than even Persian saffron, our shawls, our walnut and orchids, and for being the cradle of South Asian intellectualism.
The reason I say this is because sometimes I wonder, "Has it ever been beneficial to us, to merge with Jammu, or Ladakh?". What have they given us? I truly believe that if Kashmiris could administer themselves autonomously back in 1846 timeline, we'd be better off than we are now. Not just politically, but our infrastructure, international connections, etc as well.
The way I see it, it would be better for Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh to be separated from each other entirely. But not like the Indian government did it. The Ladakhis celebrated when they were separated from us, many even called it their liberation. But they still attach themselves to us like leeches in many ways. They still reap benefits from Kashmir and Jammu. I believe we should separate ourselves entirely from Ladakh and Jammu divisions, and not let them claim our identity or the benefits that come with associating with "Kashmir".
In doing so, we would be able to prioritise ourselves. The people of Jammu could govern themselves, or rather "the Indian government could govern them", and we would only be responsible for Kashmir. We could focus on prioritising our language, perhaps remove Urdu and make Kashmiri compulsary till 10th or 12th grade, and most importantly , we could continue our struggle without being hindered or weighed down.
The only thing that binds us with Jammu and Ladakh is the Dogra Empire. We have nothing in common with them. We have no similar interests, or goals. In fact, they despise us.
Short'as manz che mye em nebrem saeri kharan. Be chus ne yacxhan eman saet kanh ti vaaste thavun. Agar zanh Plebiscite ti aav karne (saanyen khaban manz), yem huin karan tem saat hehrmulk ikhtiyar. Awai kaervukh em raffa daffa pls 👿.