Answer:

Introduction:

The Kashmir issue has been a persistent challenge in Indian politics since the partition in 1947. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, played a crucial role in shaping India’s policy towards this complex issue. His strategies and initiatives were marked by a mix of diplomatic, political, and military measures, aimed at integrating Kashmir into India while trying to maintain regional stability.

Body:

Strategies and Initiatives by Nehru:

• Instrument of Accession (1947): Nehru’s first major step was overseeing Kashmir’s accession to India. Maharaja Hari Singh, facing an invasion by tribal militias from Pakistan, signed the Instrument of Accession to India. Nehru accepted the accession, but with a promise of a plebiscite after peace was restored.
• UN Intervention (1948): When Pakistan refused to withdraw its troops, Nehru took the unprecedented step of bringing the issue to the United Nations. This led to a series of UN resolutions calling for a plebiscite, which, however, never materialized.
• Article 370 (1950): Nehru played a crucial role in the formulation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, granting special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This was a strategic move to integrate Kashmir while acknowledging its unique status.
• Indo-Pak Wars (1947 and 1965): Nehru’s tenure saw two wars with Pakistan over Kashmir. These conflicts were significant in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the region and Nehru’s approach to national security.
• Bilateral Agreements: Nehru also engaged in bilateral talks with Pakistan, like the 1950 Liaquat-Nehru Pact, aimed at improving relations and resolving the Kashmir dispute.

Critical Assessment:

• Diplomatic Foresight or Miscalculation?: Nehru’s decision to approach the UN is debated. Critics argue it internationalized a bilateral issue, creating a long-standing global dispute. Supporters, however, view it as a move to establish legal legitimacy over Kashmir.
• Article 370 – Integration or Isolation?: While intended as a bridge between Kashmir and the rest of India, Article 370 is often critiqued for creating psychological and political distance. It’s argued that it led to a sense of exclusivity and alienation in the region.
• Military Interventions: The wars under Nehru’s leadership had a mixed outcome. They helped in securing certain territories but also entrenched the dispute further, without a clear resolution.
• Plebiscite Promise: Nehru’s promise of a plebiscite was never fulfilled, leading to a trust deficit. This unfulfilled promise has been a point of contention in India-Pakistan relations and in the internal dynamics of Jammu and Kashmir.

Conclusion: 

Jawaharlal Nehru’s approach to the Kashmir issue was a blend of idealism and pragmatism. His strategies were pioneering, given the context of a nascent independent state grappling with complex geopolitical challenges. However, the enduring nature of the Kashmir dispute suggests that these strategies had limitations and unforeseen consequences. Nehru’s legacy in Kashmir thus remains a subject of intricate analysis, reflecting the intricate dynamics of one of the most protracted territorial disputes in modern history.