Depends on your definition of destroyed I guess, point was various events and conditions led to nations joining India and Kashmir shouldn't have special status because of whatever conditions at the time. About independence etc, I'm not diving into fantasy territory lol.
Kashmir as a independent state is also destroyed in the current timeline.
"What makes Kashmir special. "
Lot's of things. But yes, other states are also special.
I am open for them, to go for independence, or at least local autonomy as well, if they like.