Kashmir

The Himalayan region of Kashmir is situated in the north-western part of the Indian sub-
continent. Kashmir is a territorial conflict between India and Pakistan since the partition of India
in August 1947. Both the countries claim entirety over the former princely state of Jammu and
Kashmir. They have fought three wars over Kashmir in the past and even today, after more than
seven decades, Kashmir remains a flashpoint between the two neighboring countries, and that is
why it is considered as one of the most militarized zones on the globe.

In order to fully understand the issue of Kashmir, it is pertinent to know the historical
background of Kashmir coupled with its geographical location and importance.

Kashmir was transferred from the Mughals to Afghan Durrani Empire in the mid of eighteenth
century. By the end of the second decade in the nineteenth century, Kashmir was lost to
Maharaja Ranjit Singh. In 1946, Kashmir was annexed by the British as a consequence of the
Sikh defeat in the First Anglo-Sikh war. However, the region was sold to Gulab Singh –founder
of Dogra Dynasty –under the treaty of Amritsar. The Hindu Maharaja’s of Dogra Dynasty
continued to rule Kashmir till 1947, and since the conclusion of the British rule the former
princely state became disputed territory. Now parts of Kashmir are controlled by India, Pakistan
and China.

Since its creation in 1846 till 1947, Jammu and Kashmir was the second largest princely state in
India. According to the census held in 1941, Kashmir had 77% Muslim and 20% Hindu
population. Geographically it is located in such a position that Kashmir can be a part of Pakistan
or India. Kashmir is the home to huge glaciers, which are the source of water in the three rivers
of Punjab.

Origin of the Kashmir Issue

Article 7 of the Indian Independence Act 1947 lapses the British King’s suzerainty over princely
states and all the treaties signed with the rulers of states. Princely states were given three options:
(i) join India, (ii) join Pakistan, and (iii) remain independent. However, the rulers of states
were advised to accede the states to either Dominion, taking into account factors such as the
wishes of the people and geographical proximity. On one hand, legally and geographically, the
Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir was in the position to join either Pakistan or India, but on the
other hand keeping the wishes of the Kashmiris (mostly Muslims) in consideration, Maharaja
had one option of joining the Muslim state of Pakistan . To avoid a final decision, the Maharaja
singed a standstill agreement with Pakistan (ensuring continuity of communication, etc.).

Kashmir Conflict

Immediately after the independence, the Kashmiri people revolted against their ruler. Volunteers
from the Pakistani Tribal districts crossed the border in order to help their Kashmiri brethren in
their war for independence. The freedom fighters were able to free a small portion of Kashmir
before the arrival of Indian forces in the state as a consequence of the Maharaja’s signing the
treaty with India on October 26, 1947. The United Nations Security Council proposed to hold a
plebiscite in Kashmir to ascertain the wishes of the people about their future. The plebiscite was
never held because India was not ready to grant the right of self-determination to the Kashmiris.
Due to the continuity of Kashmir issue, Pakistan and India fought three wars over Kashmir and
the Kashmiris are continuously fighting for their right of self-determination.

The recent move of the Indian parliament of abolishing the special status and autonomy of
Kashmir against the wishes of Kashmiris has enraged the people of the valley. The India
government has imposed curfew in Kashmir and has banned the electronic and social media.
Pakistan cannot stand aloof in such a critical movement in the history Kashmir liberation
movement. The government of Pakistan has raised the issue in the Security Council and is trying
to convince the international community over the Indian illegal occupation of Kashmir. The
Indian brutality, violence and atrocities in Kashmir against the unarmed protesting Kashmiris is
totally condemnable. The big world powers should try to solve the issue of Kashmir according
the wishes of the people, because it can lead to even another war between the two atomic-power
neighbours. It is hoped that sooner the struggle of Kashmiris will compel India to give them right
of self-determination.