The Kashmir dispute is unresolved right from India's independence in 1947. The partition of British India resulted in creation of Pakistan and a few months later gave birth to the Kashmir problem. It is now more than seventy years and the problem can go on perhaps forever.
What is the problem?. When the British decided to give India independence, they decided that they would return the kingdoms to the rulers from whom they had acquired in whatever way during the colonial era. Also they announced the creation of a Muslim centric country of Pakistan. Thus on August 15, 1947, there were the
two independent countries of India and Pakistan and nearly 520 small and big independent kingdoms. The rulers of these kingdoms were given the right to either merge with India or Pakistan or they could choose to remain independent. One main condition was that the kingdoms must have a contagious land border with the country they wanted to merge with or they should have a sea outlet. There was no mention of religion as a basis and the right to decide was to be exercised by the ruler only.Pakistan was formed as a country for Indian Muslims as it was felt by many that in free India they would receive second class treatment. The kingdom of Jammu & Kashmir was a Muslim majority state and its ruler was a Hindu Maharaja. It also had a contagious land border with Pakistan. It was assumed by Pakistan that based on these two favorable aspects, J&K would automatically accede to them.
The Maharaja was unable to take a decision to either merge with Pakistan or India. He chose to continue to remain independent and even signed a standstill agreement with Pakistan. However Pakistan lost patience and decided to force the issue. They encouraged the Pathan tribals to cross into J&K and create mayhem. These leaderless and ferocious tribals let lose a reign of terror on all Kashmiris irrespective of religion and resorted to loot, murder and rape. Soon they were followed by regular Pakistani troops in
guise of tribals. It was invasion of the kingdom by Pakistan.The hapless Maharaja was left with no option but to request India for armed assistance to save his kingdom and subjects from the marauding Pakistanis. India however stated that the Maharaja must sign the instrument of accession which would legitimize the entry of Indian troops into J&K. The Maharaja exercised his option and signed the instrument of accession in late 1947.
Immediately the Indian troops entered into the war torn kingdom and pushed the Pakistanis, from five miles near Srinagar to the present cease fire line also known as Line of Control or LOC. In the process Pakistan has 40% and India has 60% of the erstwhile J&K princely state.
Ever since Pakistan has been trying to grab the remaining part of the state which is now part of India. It has fought three wars and lost them. Now it is supporting terror groups who send terrorists from Pakistan held Kashmir into J&K to create disturbances. There are many small groups in Kashmir who want Kashmir to go to Pakistan. There are some groups who want a referendum to be held to decide which country the people want the state to merge with. There are some who want it to become independent.
India says it is an integral part of India and is non negotiable. Pakistan says it is a disputed territory and should be discussed. In order that the issue does not remain silent Pakistan helps to keep the pot boiling militarily, financially and diplomatically. It is the people of J&K who are suffering. Every day someone or the other from civilians, terrorists or security forces is getting killed.
The longest unresolved international dispute thus carries on without a solution in sight.
