Conflict in Kashmir

1. Conflict in Kashmir By Joshua Liu

2. Map Kashmir is the northernmost region of the Indian subcontinent. Located on the border between India, Pakistan, and China, sovereignty over the area is disputed between the three aforementioned nations.

3. History of Conflict • Prior to Indian independence, Kashmir was ruled as three semi-autonomous “Princely States”, within the British empire. • The largest of the three “Princely States” was Jammu and Kashmir; although the territory’s population was largely Muslim, its Maharaja was Hindu. • Following Indian independence, “Princely States” were allowed to choose to join either India or Pakistan. Due to Kashmir’s Hindu governance, it acceded to India, in spite of its largely Muslim populace. This lead to rebellions among the region’s Muslims; aided by Pakistan, the rebels sought to secede from India and accede to the Muslim state. India responded by expanding its territorial claims to include the other two “Princely States”, Hunza and Nagar, which had since peacefully integrated into Pakistan.

4. History of Conflict (Continued) • Hunza and Nagar were predominantly Shia Muslim, and were ruled by Shia Muslim kings. The two kingdoms had been tributary states of China prior to British colonialism, and so were claimed by China. • Following the Sino-Indian War of 1962, China advanced military relations with Pakistan, and abandoned its claims over Pakistani-controlled territories. • Since 1962, two wars have been fought between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, one in 1965, and the other in 1999. Additionally, periodic incidents of violent civilian unrest continue to occur in Indian Kashmir, alongside radical separatist insurgencies. • Under the demands of the UN, a referendum was held among the residents of Indian Kashmir, with results suggesting widespread support for Indian over Pakistani governance. Nevertheless, anti-government violence continues in the region.

5. Resources in Kashmir • Natural Gas (Indian Administered Kashmir) • Water Resources (Siachen Glacier, claimed by India and Pakistan, no consolidated governance)

6. Terrorists • In the absence of competent government in Kashmir, terrorist groups have sought to establish themselves in the region. • Most terrorist groups in Kashmir are radical Islamist, although some are ethnicity-based. Both categories of groups tend to advocate complete Kashmiri independence, typically viewing India as hostile to Islamic values, and Pakistan as excessively moderate.