Kashmir Conflict between Pakistan & India

The Kashmir Conflict is a longstanding territorial dispute between India and Pakistan over the region of Jammu and Kashmir. The conflict has been ongoing for over seven decades and has resulted in numerous wars, military skirmishes, and human rights violations. The dispute centers on the Muslim-majority region of Kashmir, which is located in the northernmost part of the Indian subcontinent.

Historical Context

The roots of the Kashmir Conflict can be traced back to the partition of British India in 1947. The princely state of Jammu and Kashmir was given the option of joining either India or Pakistan. The Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir initially chose to remain independent, but he later acceded to India after facing an invasion by Pakistani-backed tribal militias.

Territorial Dispute

India and Pakistan both claim the region of Jammu and Kashmir. India controls about 45% of the region, including the Kashmir Valley, Jammu, and Ladakh, while Pakistan controls about 35% of the region, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The remaining 20% is under Chinese control.

Military Conflicts

India and Pakistan have fought multiple wars and military skirmishes over the region. The first war between the two countries was fought in 1947–48, and the most recent military confrontation was in February 2019 when Indian and Pakistani air forces engaged in a dogfight along the Line of Control.

Human Rights Violations

India have been accused of human rights violations in the region. The Indian government has been accused of torture, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings.

International Mediation

The United Nations has been involved in the Kashmir Conflict since the 1940s. The UN passed a resolution in 1948 calling for a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir to determine its future status. However, the plebiscite has never been held, and the resolution remains unimplemented.

Pakistan And India Wars Over Kashmir

Pakistan and India have fought multiple wars and military skirmishes over the region of Jammu and Kashmir, which both countries claim. The first war between the two countries over the region was fought in 1947–48, soon after the partition of British India, and the most recent military confrontation was in February 2019 when Indian and Pakistani air forces engaged in a dogfight along the Line of Control.

The 1947–48 War: The first war between India and Pakistan over the region of Jammu and Kashmir began in October 1947, soon after the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India. Pakistan disputed India’s claim to the region and launched a military campaign to take control of Jammu and Kashmir. The war ended in a ceasefire line that divided the region into two parts — one controlled by India and the other by Pakistan.

The 1965 War: The second war between India and Pakistan over the region of Jammu and Kashmir was fought in 1965. The war began with a Pakistani invasion of Indian-administered Kashmir, and India retaliated by launching a full-scale military operation. The war ended in a stalemate, with both countries claiming victory.

The 1971 War: The third war between India and Pakistan was fought in 1971, but it was not specifically over the region of Jammu and Kashmir. The war began with the Pakistani Army launching a crackdown on East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), which led to a civil war. India intervened in the conflict, and the war ended with the creation of Bangladesh and the surrender of Pakistani forces in East Pakistan.

The 1999 Kargil War: The fourth and most recent war between India and Pakistan over the region of Jammu and Kashmir was fought in 1999. The conflict began with a Pakistani military infiltration into Indian-administered Kashmir, and India launched a military operation to push the infiltrators back. The conflict escalated into a full-scale war, which ended with a ceasefire and a return to the status quo ante.

The 2019 Military Confrontation: In February 2019, Indian and Pakistani air forces engaged in a dogfight along the Line of Control. The confrontation was triggered by a terrorist attack on Indian security forces in Kashmir, which India blamed on Pakistan. The situation escalated quickly, with both countries carrying out airstrikes on each other’s territory. The situation was eventually defused, but tensions between the two countries remain high.

Current Status

The current status of the Kashmir Conflict is that it remains unresolved. India and Pakistan both claim the region, and there is no clear solution in sight. The Indian government revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019, and the region has been under a communications blackout and a security lockdown since then.

In conclusion, the Kashmir Conflict is a complex and longstanding dispute that has resulted in numerous wars, military skirmishes, and human rights violations. The dispute centers on the region of Jammu and Kashmir, which is claimed by both India and Pakistan. The conflict remains unresolved, and there is no clear solution in sight. The international community, including the United Nations, has been involved in the conflict for decades, but a resolution has yet to be found. The people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to suffer as a result of the ongoing conflict, and it is essential that both India and Pakistan work towards finding a peaceful and lasting solution to the dispute.