Azadi activists abroad: transnational activism in the New Kashmiri Freedom Movement
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Date
25/11/2019Item status
Restricted AccessEmbargo end date
25/11/2021Author
Spencer, Dustie Marie
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Abstract
The Kashmir movement for azadi, or freedom, from India is rooted in pre-Partition
mobilisation, but has evolved over time. With the end to the violent resistance throughout
the 1990s and early 2000s, a predominately nonviolent resistance has taken hold. The
azadi movement has been redefined by predominately young activists with Kashmiri roots
who have adopted strategies of other ‘new’ transnational social movements. This has
broadened the support base from ethnic Kashmiris to include a demographically diverse
range of activists and extends the framing of the conflict from identitarian-based to human
rights-based.
Drawing upon Kashmir Studies literature and social movements literature, this thesis recontextualizes
identitarian motivations for the azadi movement. A combined theoretical
framework aims to better understand how identity influences the movement and how
transnational movements influence identity. This is best demonstrated through social
movements framing processes.
Work with Kashmir Solidarity Movement (KSM) in the United Kingdom through participant
observation, qualitative interviewing, and analysis of online social media corresponding
to the groups has led to a better understanding of how identity motivates participants to
support an independent Kashmir. In-group activists, or those with a direct stake in the
conflict are motivated primarily by an affiliation to Kashmir; however, out-group activists
are primarily motivated by identifying themselves as having some non-ethnic bond to
Kashmir, such as being a part of a self-perceived minority group or active in a cause or
campaign that challenges existing power structures. Legal advocates, activists, and
academics have worked in tandem to raise awareness for the Kashmir conflict and
recommend solutions. Using a rights-based discourse, activists frame independence as
the only means for achieving justice for abuses and reclaiming agency.