Identity Transformation in Post-Article 370 Jammu and Kashmir: Demography, Governance and Socio-Cultural

Abstract

The study examines state-led policies and measures of identity transformation implemented by the Indian government in Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) through the lens of identity transformation theory (ITT). Following the August 2019 revocation of the special autonomous status of the state under Articles 370 and 35A, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government introduced a range of legislative and institutional measures to restructure the demographic, cultural, socio-political and religious identity of the internationally recognized disputed territory. The study argues that these measures constitute a broader mechanism through which the collective identity of Jammu and Kashmir is being redefined within the political and constitutional framework of India. Using qualitative document analysis, the study examines constitutional and legislative documents, parliamentary debates and statements, administrative orders, policy measures, academic literature, human rights reports and national and international media sources. Drawing on Identity transformation theory, the research analyzes how legislative reforms, demographic policies, institutional restructuring, sociocultural interventions and administrative changes contribute to the transformation of the region’s identity and socio-political representation.