DIRECT ANSWER: The harassment of Kashmiris residing outside Jammu and Kashmir is a critical issue that compromises fundamental rights (Article 19) and national integration. As argued by Sajad Lone, such incidents pose a direct threat to internal security by fostering alienation, potentially fueling radicalization, and challenging the constitutional guarantee of safety and equality for all citizens across the Indian union.
Why in News?
The issue gained recent traction following statements by political leaders, notably Sajad Lone, who linked targeted harassment or social boycotts faced by students, traders, or workers hailing from Kashmir in various parts of India directly to India's national security framework. These concerns usually resurface after major security incidents in J&K, leading to retaliatory social friction elsewhere.
What is the Concept / Issue?
The core issue is the violation of the 'Right to move freely and reside in any part of the territory of India' (Article 19(1)(d) & (e)) and the failure of state mechanisms to ensure the safety and social acceptance of regional minorities (Kashmiris) residing outside their domicile. When regional identity becomes a basis for discrimination or violence, it indicates a failure in social integration and cooperative federalism, impacting the unity of the nation.
Why is this Issue Important?
- Strategic: Harassment increases Kashmiri youth alienation, making them susceptible to propaganda from hostile foreign actors (e.g., Pakistan) who exploit these social fractures to radicalize individuals and destabilize the region.
- Economic: Mobility restrictions, fear, and boycotts severely impact the livelihoods of Kashmiri artisans, traders (e.g., dry fruit vendors), and students pursuing education, disrupting inter-state trade and human capital development.
- Geopolitical/Social: It tests the integrity of India's federal structure and secular ethos. Consistent failure to protect citizens based on regional origin erodes trust in the central government and fuels sub-nationalistic sentiments.
Key Sectors / Dimensions Involved
- Dimension 1: Internal Security & Extremism: Social alienation is a key precursor to radicalization. Harassment provides extremist groups with powerful narratives of victimhood against the Indian State.
- Dimension 2: Constitutional Rights & Federalism: It involves the enforcement of Fundamental Rights (Articles 14, 15, 19, 21) across states, testing the commitment of state police forces to protect non-domiciled citizens.
- Dimension 3: Socio-Psychological Integration: The issue pertains to the failure of inter-regional empathy and the persistence of stereotypes, affecting the psychological integration of J&K with the rest of India post-Article 370 changes.
What are the Challenges?
- Difficulty in establishing jurisdiction and coordinated response between police forces of different states when incidents occur.
- Prevalence of Islamophobia and regional stereotypes that fuel hostility, often amplified by unchecked social media narratives, making prevention difficult.
- Lack of standardized grievance redressal mechanisms specifically designed for inter-state migrant issues and identity-based harassment.
UPSC Relevance
Prelims Focus:
- Article 19 (Freedom of movement and residence) and reasonable restrictions.
- Constitutional provisions related to National Integration Council (NIC) and Inter-State Council.
- Definition and scope of Internal Security threats (linkage between social disharmony and radicalization).
Mains Angle:
GS Paper II / III – GS-II: Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources; GS-III: Linkages between development and spread of extremism; Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
How UPSC May Ask This Topic:
Critically analyze the proposition that social disharmony and targeted harassment of regional minorities in mainland India pose a significant threat to internal security and national integration. Suggest institutional mechanisms to address these challenges.
What is the Way Forward?
- Mandatory implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for state police forces regarding the immediate safety and dignified treatment of vulnerable regional minorities.
- Strengthening social media monitoring and counter-narratives to aggressively curb the spread of hate speech and unverified information targeting specific regional groups.
- Promoting nationwide educational and cultural exchange programs (Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat focus) specifically targeting educational institutions and trade bodies to foster mutual understanding and break down stereotypes.