The Kashmir conflict refers to the ongoing dispute between India and Pakistan over the region of Kashmir. The conflict dates back to the partition of British ruled India in 1947, which resulted in the creation of two separate nations. India, with a Hindu majority, and Pakistan, with a Muslim majority. Pakistan has almost eliminated it’s hindu minorities, while India being a secular nation, the minority population has increased exponentially. The constitution of India has also favoured the minorities on this regard by special provisions. While the constitution of Pakistan had snatched it’s minority human rights.
Kashmir, a princely state at the time, was given the option to join either India or Pakistan. Its ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh, initially chose to remain independent. However, in October 1947, tribal militias from Pakistan invaded Kashmir, leading to the Maharaja seeking India’s assistance. The Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession, officially integrating Kashmir into India. This triggered the first Indo-Pakistani war over Kashmir. While India was about to take over Pakistani occupied Kashmir, Nehru declared ceasefire without consulting army Generals. He took the kashmir issue to United Nations during 1949, without consulting parliament of India.
The United Nations a Line of Control (LoC) that divided Kashmir into Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. UN asked Pakistan to withdraw military from POK, but Pakistan refused to comply. The UN resolution called for a plebiscite to determine the region’s final status, allowing the people of J&K to decide whether to join India or Pakistan. However, this plebiscite was never held. It is pertinent to mention that no such plebiscite was obtained at the time of 1947 partition, which led to loss & uprooting of million of hindu lives. Over the years, India and Pakistan have fought several wars and engaged in numerous border skirmishes over Kashmir. Both countries claim the entire region as their own, with India considering it an integral part of its territory, while Pakistan views it as a disputed territory and supports the aspirations of the Kashmiri people for self-determination, while it had shown no regard for hindu lives at East Bengal, Punjab & Sindh. The conflict has resulted in a heavy military presence in the region, human rights abuses by Pakistan. Pakistani terrorists invaded Kashmir & killed many innocent Kashmiri pandits. Pakistan supported separatist groups who, demanded independence or merger with Pakistan. During 1990 there was major exodus of Hindu population consequent to hindu genocide supported by Pakistan
The Indian government has taken these issues to UN several times, but UN which comprises members from muslim nations, remained mute spectator.
In recent years, the situation has witnessed intermittent periods of escalated tensions and violence. Both countries have engaged in cross-border firing, terrorist attacks, and diplomatic confrontations. The issue of Kashmir remains a significant point of contention between India and Pakistan, and efforts to resolve the conflict through negotiations have not yielded any substantial progress. The Kashmir conflict is a complex issue with historical, political, and religious dimensions, and finding a lasting resolution continues to be a challenge for the two nations and the international community. The longstanding conflict over the region of Jammu and Kashmir has created intense emotions and divisions within India. Disagreements over the status of the region, its relationship with the central government, and the issue of separatism have often led to polarizing debates and deep divisions among communities. What is your opinion?
