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Overview of the Kashmir Conflict

May 7, 2025

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.