DIVIDED LANDSCAPES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES AND IDENTITY FORMATION IN INDIAN-ADMINISTERED AND PAKISTANI-ADMINISTERED KASHMIR

Abstract

The Kashmir region represents one of the most enduring geopolitical conflicts in South Asia, divided between Indian-administered and Pakistani-administered territories, each governed under distinct political, administrative, and constitutional systems that influence identity formation and socio-political realities. This research examines how governance structures shape political identity, autonomy perceptions, institutional legitimacy, and narratives of belonging across divided Kashmir. Indian-administered Kashmir experienced major governance restructuring after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, transforming its administrative framework and redefining center-region relations. Pakistani-administered Kashmir, comprising Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), operates through semi-autonomous and administratively governed structures shaped by the unresolved international status of the region. Using qualitative analysis of secondary academic sources, this study compares governance models, constitutional arrangements, representation mechanisms, and sociopolitical identity formation processes. Findings indicate that governance structures significantly influence perceptions of citizenship, legitimacy, and regional belonging. The research contributes to conflict governance literature by highlighting how institutional arrangements and political reforms create divergent identity discourses within historically interconnected territories.