“At the time of independence, when Pakistan was carved out of India, Raja Harisingh, then King of Jammu and Kashmir, decided not to merge with either of the nations but to remain independent. But Pakistan was in a bid to get Kashmir by hook or crook. So Pakistan attacked Kashmir. Considering the critical situation, Raja Harisingh took the help of India to defeat Pakistan and merged Kashmir with India. He just wanted some special provision for Kashmiris' and their diverse culture. That's how then Article 370 and Article 35A was imprinted in the constitution. Mohammad Abdulla was offered for the amalgamation of Kashmir with Pakistan, but he considers India a better option to be part of.”