ABSTRACT
For a range of reasons, Kashmir has played an important role in the psyche of India, which has—until recently—wanted to project itself as secular, democratic, modernist and forward-looking in contrast to the undemocratic, religious and military-controlled Pakistan. A range of core values are responsible for the perception of Kashmir as an integral part of India and a symbol of India's territorial integrity. One may further speak of affective variables and correlates of territorial integrity, such as fear, honour, mistrust, etc., all of which determine India's policies vis-à-vis Kashmir. Its potential loss would be perceived as detrimental to India's security, identity, self-esteem, etc. India's stance vis-à-vis Kashmir rests on 12 pillars, once defined by Jawaharlal Nehru, that are meant to secure India's territorial integrity and other core values. Creating an illusion of free choice for the Kashimiris in shaping their future, India has consistently pursued a policy of faits accomplis.
