Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)

Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)
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Name	Jammu and Kashmir
Type	Union territory
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	India
Established title	Formation
Established date	31 October 2019
Seat type	Capital
Seat	Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter)
Leader title1	Lieutenant Governor
Leader name1	Manoj Sinha
Leader title2	Chief Secretary
Leader name2	Atal Dulloo
Area total km2	42241
Population total	12,267,013
Population as of	2011
Population density km2	auto
Official languages	Kashmiri, Dogri, Hindi, Urdu, English
Timezone1	IST
Utc offset1	+5:30
Blank name sec1	High Court
Blank info sec1	Jammu and Kashmir High Court
Website	https://jk.gov.in

Jammu and Kashmir (union territory) is a region administered by India as a union territory, which was formed on 31 October 2019 following the reorganization of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. It constitutes the southern portion of the larger Kashmir region, which has been the subject of a dispute between India, Pakistan, and China since the Partition of India in 1947. The territory is administered from two capitals: the summer capital in Srinagar and the winter capital in Jammu.

History

The history of the region is deeply intertwined with the Kashmir conflict. Following the Independence of India and the subsequent Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-1948, the Maharaja Hari Singh of the Princely state of Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India, leading to the establishment of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Line of Control was established after the Simla Agreement following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. In a historic move, the Parliament of India passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which revoked the special status granted under Article 370 of the Constitution of India and reorganized the state into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. This act was preceded by a significant security deployment and a communications blackout.

Geography

The union territory is characterized by its diverse topography, encompassing the fertile Jammu Plains, the rugged Pir Panjal and Greater Himalayan ranges, and the famed Kashmir Valley. Major rivers include the Jhelum River, the Chenab River, and the Tawi River. The region features significant water bodies such as Dal Lake and Wular Lake, and is home to important passes like the Banihal Pass. The Siachen Glacier, though militarily contested, lies to the northeast. The climate varies from subtropical in Jammu to continental in the Kashmir Valley.

Government and politics

The union territory is administered by a Lieutenant Governor, appointed by the President of India, with the current officeholder being Manoj Sinha. The territory is under the direct legislative purview of the Parliament of India, though it has a Legislative Assembly with limited powers. The Jammu and Kashmir High Court is the highest judicial authority. Major political parties include the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party, and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Security matters are overseen by the Indian Army and various central police forces like the Central Reserve Police Force.

Economy

The economy is primarily agrarian, with key crops including apples, saffron, and rice. Tourism, centered around destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Srinagar, is a vital industry, though frequently disrupted by security concerns. The region is known for traditional handicrafts such as Kashmiri shawls, Pashmina, and Kashmiri carpets. Industrial activity is limited but includes sericulture and horticulture. Major infrastructure projects are underway, including the Jammu–Baramulla line railway and the Chenab rail bridge. The Dul Hasti Hydroelectric Plant is a significant power project.

Demographics

According to the 2011 Census of India, the territory had a population of over 12 million. The main ethnic and linguistic groups are Kashmiris in the valley, Dogras in the Jammu region, and Gujjars and Bakerwals in nomadic communities. The predominant religions are Islam, with a majority in the Kashmir Valley, and Hinduism, concentrated in the Jammu region. Sikhism and Buddhism also have adherents. The official languages include Kashmiri, Dogri, Hindi, Urdu, and English.

Culture

The region boasts a rich cultural heritage, a syncretic blend often referred to as Kashmiriyat. It is renowned for its traditional music like Sufiana Kalam, dance forms such as the Rouf, and its distinct Kashmiri cuisine featuring dishes like Rogan Josh and Wazwan. Literature is celebrated through the works of poets like Lal Ded and Habba Khatoon. Important festivals include Eid al-Fitr, Maha Shivaratri at the Shankaracharya Temple, and the annual Amarnath Yatra. The Mughal gardens of Srinagar, including Shalimar Bagh, are iconic architectural landmarks.