What was the stance of the popular movement led by Sheikh Abdullah in Jammu and Kashmir?

It aimed to get rid of Maharaja Hari Singh but was against joining Pakistan.

The popular movement led by Sheikh Abdullah wanted to remove Maharaja Hari Singh from power but was against joining Pakistan.

Prior to 1947, the region of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) existed as a Princely State. Its ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh, held the intention of preserving an autonomous status for his state, rather than merging with either India or Pakistan. Interestingly, Pakistani leaders contended that the Kashmir region rightfully belonged to Pakistan due to its Muslim-majority population. However, this viewpoint diverged from the self-perception of the state's inhabitants, who primarily identified themselves as Kashmiris.

The idea of regional aspirations is encapsulated by the term "Kashmiriyat." Amidst this backdrop, a grassroots movement was fueled by the populace of the state, under the guidance of Sheikh Abdullah, the figurehead of the National Conference. This movement aimed to remove Maharaja Hari Singh from power, yet it resisted the notion of aligning with Pakistan. Notably, the National Conference was grounded in secular principles and held a longstanding association with the Indian National Congress. Sheikh Abdullah, a significant figure in this movement, shared personal camaraderie with several prominent nationalist leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru.