KASHMIR CONFLICT: HISTORY &

ROAD AHEAD
What are the roots of conflict? What are new dynamics in the conflict?

Bilal Ghazanfar
Genesis of the Conflict
• Raja Gulab Singh Purchased the State of Kashmir from the British Government in 1846 for
7.5 Million Rupees.
• The Kashmir area was predominantly Muslim.
Genesis of the Conflict
• Maharaja Hari Singh, Standstill Agreement & Instrument of Accession
• The Kashmir area was predominantly Muslim (78 % Muslims)
• Resentment among the people of Kashmir because of the indecisiveness of Maharaja.
• Maharaja Suppressive Policies against Muslims.
Genesis of the Conflict
• Pathan’s Invasion, 26th October 1947 agreement of accession.
• War of 1947-48
• Security Council and the blame game.
• August 13, 1948 cease fire agreement took place and a plebiscite in Kashmir under UN
auspicious was agreed.
Today’s Kashmir Map
Parties to Kashmir Conflict
• Pakistan
• India
• China
• People of Kashmir
Phases of Resolving Kashmir
• UN Phase
• Major Powers Phase (USA and UK)
• Bilateral Phase
• Era of Isolation
• Kashmir Insurgency
• Composite dialogue
• Unilateral Action of India (August 5th, 2019)
Phases of Resolving Kashmir
Wars over Kashmir
• 1947-48
• 1965
• 1971
• 1999 (Limited War or Low Intensity Conflict)
Resolution for Kashmir Issue
• 46 Proposals of the Solution for Kashmir Conflict
• Core elements of the Solution: Plebiscite, autonomy etc.
• Catalysts for the Solution : Soft borders, demilitarization etc.
• Factors Fuelling Kashmir Issue
Options for Pakistan
• Preparation for Warfare as it may be inevitable because of evolving situation in South
Asia.
• Application of Lawfare against India for Kashmir.
• Lobbying for Kashmir issue in capitals of global powers.
• Encouraging Kashmiri Diaspora for global movement for liberation of Kashmir.
• Projection of humanitarian crisis in IOK at International Organizations and International
Non-Government Organizations.
• Projecting Indian atrocities at global media platforms.
• Development of comprehensive Kashmir Policy that must be unapologetic,
uncompromising, and seeking no short term agreement with India.
• Establishment of legal cell for Kashmir in Ministry of Kashmir.
• Legal case against India for its unfulfilled commitment to UN security Council.
Questions for Pakistan
• Do we have the will and courage to choose the hard path?
• Do we have the capacity to fight the Kashmir issue?
• What diplomatic options do we have?