Kashmir Conflict Lecture Notes

Overview

• Territorial conflict in South Asia between India, Pakistan, and China
• Originated post-1947 partition of India
• Involves claims over Jammu and Kashmir

Territorial Control

• India: 55% of region (Jammu, Kashmir Valley, Ladakh, Siachen Glacier)
• Pakistan: 30% (Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan)
• China: 15% (Aksai Chin, Shaksgam Valley)

Historical Background

• 1752-1819: Afghan rule over Kashmir
• 1819-1846: Sikh Empire control
• 1846-1947: Dogra rule under British Paramountcy
• 1947: Partition of India; princely states to choose India, Pakistan, or independence

Key Events

1. 1947-1948 Indo-Pakistani War

   • Tribal invasion of Kashmir
   • Maharaja Hari Singh's accession to India
   • UN-mandated ceasefire; Line of Control established

2. 1965 Indo-Pakistani War

   • Pakistan's Operation Gibraltar
   • Ended in stalemate

3. 1971 Indo-Pakistani War

   • Resulted in Bangladesh's independence
   • Simla Agreement established LoC as boundary

4. 1999 Kargil War

   • Armed conflict; status quo maintained

Internal Conflict

• 1989: Insurgency against Indian rule in Kashmir
• Supported by Pakistani logistic aid
• Led to exodus of Kashmiri Pandits
• Increased militarization and human rights abuses reported

National Perspectives

• India: Legal accession, integral part of India
• Pakistan: Disputed territory, plebiscite necessary
• China: Claims parts of territory, supports Pakistan
• Kashmiri Views: Divided; some favor independence, others integration

Efforts to Resolve

• Multiple UN resolutions
• Proposed solutions include plebiscite, division, greater autonomy
• Simla Agreement: bilateral resolution approach

Human Rights Issues

• Reports of abuses by Indian forces (extrajudicial killings, torture)
• Allegations of repression in Pakistan-administered Kashmir

Recent Developments

• 2008-present: Continued unrest, protests, and militant activity
• India's 2019 revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status
• Ongoing debates on autonomy and integration

Key Concepts

• Line of Control (LoC): De facto border between Indian and Pakistani-controlled territories
• Instrument of Accession: Legal document for Kashmir's accession to India
• Simla Agreement: Framework for bilateral resolution of disputes

Study Questions

• Discuss the impact of the 1947 partition on the Kashmir conflict.
• Analyze the role of international organizations in mediating the conflict.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Simla Agreement in maintaining peace.