Self Determination
The international community is unlikely to consider the demand for International Self determination, when made by indigenous groups against representative democracies, as such demands are highly destabilizing. The present world order is based on the idea of the state as a territorial and political unit. To recognise claims of international self determination goes against this idea.
The right to international self determination is merely the right of indigenous people to have representative democratic government chosen through a legitimate political process.
Requirements for Self Determination
The groups demanding internal self determination must possess certain characteristics in order to qualify for the right to succeed. Let us consider these if these apply to the Kashmir cause.
The Kashmiri groups will have to prove that there appears a systematic discrimination on exploitation against them by either a non-representative government or a foreign power in Kashmir. The state's accession has never been doubted internationally. Far from being exploited, the rights of Kashmir have been made secure through Article 370 special political status.
The Kashmir groups have to prove that they are a distinct, self defined community or society within a state, compactly inhabiting a region which overwhelmingly supports separatism. But in Kashmir, there are three major religions, The state is not even a unit geographically. Also elections held (all of which are not rigged) show that some support secession and some don't.
The Kashmir groups have to show that secession will result in peace. In fact, Kashmir was independent up to 22nd October 1947, when it was invaded by Pakistan. The situation in Jammu & Kashmir state is such that big powers will covet bases on its territory. For this reason the state cannot maintain independence.
The Kashmir groups have to show that the Central government has rejected all compromise solutions. This is not so. The Delhi government has made very many attempts at compromise. These requirements weaken the Kashmiri demand for self-determination. But as long as vested interests keep instigating and misleading the Kashmiri people, they will continue to hope it means something more than political rhetoric.