Debunking Misconceptions

1) Jammu and Kashmir is an Indian or Pakistani state.

No, Jammu and Kashmir is independent region of land. However, the Indian and Pakistani military and government do administer certain areas of land. India controls a larger portion of Jammu and Kashmir, and Pakistan controls Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, which are part of the greater Kashmiri area.

2) Jammu and Kashmir is a ghost land.

Despite observing periods of intense conflict between global superpowers, Jammu and Kashmir are far from a ghost land even after managing the conflict. While it’s not as developed as cities such as Lahore or Chandigarh per se, Jammu, and Kashmir, even so, have many gorgeous landmarks such as the Amar Mahal Palace.

Jammu and Kashmir have been developing their urbanism and city-like architecture over time while also keeping aspects of their culture alive. On an accompanying note, no, the people of Jammu and Kashmir aren’t just mountain dwellers.

3) There is conflict (amongst the military) occurring at all times.

Thankfully, Jammu and Kashmir don’t witness the constant conflict with the military. Every so often there are extremely vulnerable periods of militant power, yet these occurrences aren’t frequent and the streets aren’t as dangerous as the public may perceive.

4) It's cold all year long.

To be fair, Jammu and Kashmir see snow and temperatures lower during the fall. Nonetheless, it isn’t snowing or hailing all year round. In fact, during the spring and summer, Jammu and Kashmiris enjoy warmer temperatures. Principally during June and July, the weather is far from being frigid.

5) The citizens of Jammu and Kashmir would prefer to be a part of India or Pakistan.

Not exactly. While both superpowers have been trying to bite off more and more land of the region (along with China and their region of Aksai Chin) the citizens of the area seem to prefer to be independent. According to a 2007 survey, a majority of civilians of Jammu and Kashmir would prefer to be an independent nation and not have to handle the constant conflict between India and Pakistan.

6) The people of Jammu and Kashmir are uneducated and illiterate.

As with any area that has conflict over land, Jammu and Kashmir also face the common myth of illiteracy and the people being uneducated.

While the literacy rate is 67.16%, the number is rising. With greater access to technology and the construction of new schools and tuition programs, Jammu and Kashmir are noting growth in literacy and will hopefully no longer have ties to being an uneducated region of land.

7) Jammu and Kashmir lack religious diversity.

Despite being a region of land that has a Muslim-majority, Jammu and Kashmir do sustain diversity amongst religions. There are still Sikh, Hindu, Christian, and other religious communities that are scattered throughout the area. Fortunately, the communities tend to live in tranquility with one another.

8) The civilians only drink Noon Chai and only eat apples.

Noon Chai and apples are a broad aspect of Jammu and Kashmiri culture and agriculture respectively. Nonetheless, the cuisine of Jammu and Kashmir is far more diverse than just apples and Noon Chai. From Kalaadi Kulcha to Gushtaba, the cuisine is not just containing varying tints of red.

9) Jammu and Kashmir lack historical significance before the British Raj.

This misconception is very far off from reality. Jammu and Kashmir were a significant part of the Indian subcontinent (which it was part of along with Pakistan, before the British Raj and the Partition of 1947). During the Mughal Invasion of India, many leaders vacationed in Jammu and Kashmir to enjoy the scenic beauty. The Mughal Emperor Jahangir loved what was then called the Kashmir Valley so much, his last words were claimed to be,

“Kashmir, the rest is worthless.”

Jammu and Kashmir also addressed issues in later periods after being annexed by the Mughal Empire as well and later faced issues with the arrival of the British Empire.

10) Designating the region of Kashmir, "Jammu and Kashmir” are redundant.

While it may seem as so, the region of Jammu and Kashmir is called as such because of the terminology behind the inhabited land. While the Pakistani and Indian governments regard the area as Indian occupied Kashmir, merely referring to the region as Kashmir disregards the militant conflict in Jammu. Jammu has also dealt with militancy after Partition from both forces.

In this manner, the term Kashmir is encompassing of Indian, Pakistani, and Chinese land, yet it is still important to recognize Jammu and face issues with the militancy and governmental authority of the three nations.