What generated a political crisis in Kashmir in the 1980s?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Democratic processes were being undermined by the state at the behest of the center
Option (1) President’s rule since its Accession — Incorrect. The crisis of the 1980s grew out of the 1987 election, widely believed to be rigged.
Option (2) Democratic processes were being undermined by the state at the behest of the center — Correct. Resentment against inefficient administration was joined by the feeling that democratic processes were being undermined at the behest of the Centre; this generated the crisis.
Option (3) Military support from Russia — Incorrect. Russia had no part in it; the crisis grew from within the state.
Option (4) Control by the armed forces. — Incorrect. The crisis grew out of an election and the Centre’s interference; insurgency came after it, not before.
NCERT (2025-26): “Insurgency and After It was in this environment that the 1987 Assembly election took place. The official results showed a massive victory of the National Conference— Congress alliance and Farooq Abdullah returned as Chief Minister. But it was widely believed that the results did not reflect popular choice, and that the entire election process was rigged. A popular resentment had already been brewing in the State against the inefficient administration since early 1980s. This was now augmented by the commonly prevailing feeling that democratic processes were being undermined by the state at the behest of the Centre. This generated a political crisis in Kashmir which became severe with the rise of insurgency.” |