Amina Rahman

Ms. Linda Atkinson

Global Geography
2024-04-18
The Kashmir Dispute

The Kashmir dispute stands as one of the most enduring and contentious territorial conflicts in
modern history, casting a long shadow over the stability and relations between India and Pakistan, two
nuclear-armed neighbors in South Asia. Originating from the partition of British India in 1947, the dispute
over the region of Kashmir has been marked by a complex interplay of historical, political, and religious
factors, leading to multiple wars, ongoing violence, and human rights concerns (2). By examining these
various facets, understanding the complexities surrounding the Kashmir conflict and exploring potential
pathways towards a peaceful resolution is crucial.
In August 1947, India gained independence after 200 years of British rule, all while splitting the
nation into two. Muslim – majority provinces became the newly created Pakistan, and Hindu – majority
provinces remained as India. This partition however, was followed by one of the larges and bloodiest
forced migrations in history, with an estimated one million civilians losing their lives (7). The 20 th century
began with decades of anti – colonial movements, where Indians fought for independence from Britain. In
the aftermath of World War II, under enormous financial strain from the war, Britain finally caved and
began planning the independence of India (12).
Following riots and increased violence in 1946 and 1947, the British expedited their retreat. In
June 1947, the British viceroy, Lord Louis Mountbatten announced that India would gain independence
by no later than July 1948, and would be partitioned into Hindu – majority India and Muslim – majority
Pakistan (8). Using outdated maps and minimal knowledge of the nation’s demography and geography, a
hasty border was drawn by foreign cartographer Cyril Radcliffe, roughly dividing the country into two, all
while taking into account where Muslims and Hindus were majorities. Princely states like Kashmir, that
were on the border of the newly independent nations were asked to choose which country to join, losing
their sovereignty in the process and with most states opting to join the country with the same religious
majority (7).
With the maharajah of Kashmir, Hari Singh, being Hindu, many citizens of Muslim – majority
Kashmir rebelled, fearing that their maharajah would choose to join India (9). Hari Singh tried to quell the
uprising by using brute force, resulting in the deaths of 200,000 Kashmiris (14). Hearing reports of
attacks on the Muslim Kashmiris, tribesmen from Pakistan’s north – west frontier invaded Kashmir,
forcing Hari Singh to ask India for aid. India obliged, but also forced the maharajah to temporarily cede
Kashmir to India. The maharajah signed the Instrument of Accession, but was commonly understood that
a referendum would take place to determine the states future once the fighting had been quelled (11). The
proposed referendum would have no option of independence though: Kashmir would join either India or
Pakistan. This led to the first of three Indo – Pak wars in Kashmir on October 22, 1947 – just a mere two
months after independence (6). None of the wars led to concrete results.
When the first Indo – Pak war ended on January 5th, 1948, the United Nations backed ceasefire
line, now known as the Line of Control, split Kashmir between Pakistani and Indian administration – but
the promised referendum never took place, and still has not happened as of 2024 (6). Following the
conflict, the western part of Kashmir came under Pakistani rule, and is also known as Azad – Kashmir.
The eastern part of Kashmir, also known as Jammu and Kashmir came under Indian rule, which is home
to a Muslim – majority population. China controls the most uninhabited part of Kashmir, Aksai – Chin,
which was seized from India in a short war fought in 1962 (6). Two more wars were fought between India
and Pakistan over Kashmir – neither leading to any political advancements.
In the 1980s, increased opposition to Indian control in Jammu and Kashmir grew exponentially,
which led to armed resistance against Indian troops stationed in Indian – administered Kashmir (4). The
regions insecurity forced thousands of civilians out of the valley. By the early 2000’s, India had seemingly
crushed all rebellion through mass arrests, frequent suppression of rights, and violent counterinsurgency
operations. Today, Indian – administered Kashmir is the most militarized zone in the world, with over
700,000 Indian soldiers occupying the area (8).
These troops have committed countless human rights violations, such as rape, torture, and
enforced disappearances, which are still frequent today. The number of people killed in Jammu and
Kashmir is estimated to be anywhere between 50,000 to 100,000, with the number still rapidly rising (7).
Despite several reports of the numerous human rights violations in Indian – administered Kashmir by
reputed human rights organizations, India denies the claims, calling the accusations “fallacious”. More
rebellion sparked in Jammu and Kashmir when India suddenly stripped Kashmir of its special autonomy.
On the 5th of August, 2019, the Indian government scrapped the special autonomous status that
Jammu and Kashmir had enjoyed since the 1940s (5). This autonomy was granted to Kashmir due to
Article 370 in the Indian constitution, which provided Jammu and Kashmir with significant autonomy in
governance, allowing the state to have its own constitution, flag, and control over internal administration,
except for matters related to defense, foreign affairs, finance, and communications. The article restricted
the legislative powers of the Indian Parliament over the state to only three subjects and allowed laws
enacted by the Parliament to be applicable to the state only with the consent of its legislature.
Additionally, Article 370 provided special provisions related to residency and property rights in Jammu
and Kashmir.
As civilians condemned the Indian governments decision, protests and armed rebellions broke out
in Indian – administered Kashmir, leading to the complete lockdown of the region. With over half a
million Indian soldiers deployed to Jammu and Kashmir, strict curfews enforced, and all
telecommunications cut, violence quickly rose, leading to the deaths of almost 100 civilians just a week
after the abrogation of Article 370 (1). The frequent and illegal use of pellet guns, which the Indian forces
regularly use to quell protests have been the cause of countless life – changing disabilities for civilians.
The revocation of Article 370 is widely seen as Indian Prime minister, Narendra Modi’s effort to tighten
control on India’s only Muslim – majority state. Yet for both nuclear nations, the desire for Kashmir is
rather controversial.
India claims their goal is to unify Kashmir with the rest of the country, and bringing the country
under tighter central control will help end its decades – long violent conflict. Indian prime minister
Narendra Modi made gaining control over the region a central campaign promise, with full intentions of
delivering on it. Narendra Modi’s new approach is controversial within India as well, as his opposing
politicians say that it would have the opposite of its intended effect, and would further inflame tensions
and lead to fresh violence (7). During a political gathering, Modi claimed that under his new legislation,
Kashmir would be finally free of its terrorism and separatism; yet the revocation of Article 370, which
was under Modi’s new legislation, has only sparked more violence.
 Meanwhile, Pakistan wants to see India’s decision of revoking Article 370 reversed. Former
prime minister Imran Khan says revoking Indian – administered Kashmir’s autonomy is illegal under
international jurisdiction (6). Pakistan has also begun pressuring India by moving to cut diplomatic and
trade ties. But Pakistan also has a broader goal. For decades, Pakistan has claimed Kashmir as its own,
with Pakistani officials often pointing to Kashmir’s Muslim – majority population as a clear reason as to
why it should be part of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan rather that Hindu – majority India (13).
However, this decades – long dispute is more likely over water.
Pakistan’s only water supply is the Indus River, which happens to first flow through Indian –
administered Kashmir. The Indus Water Treaty, which was signed by both Pakistan and India in 1960
gave Pakistan control of 80% of the river, but also gave India the power to utilise the remaining 20% in
Indian – administered Kashmir (7). India uses its water for irrigation, and has begun multiple dam
projects that reduce the flow of water to Pakistan. As the nuclear nations boom in population, the need for
both water and hydro - powered electricity continues to increase.
In conclusion, the Kashmir dispute remains a significant and volatile issue that continues to
define the strained relationship between India and Pakistan. Originating from the complex circumstances
of the partition in 1947, the conflict has evolved into a multifaceted struggle, encompassing historical,
political, religious, and resource-related dimensions. Despite the passage of decades and numerous
attempts at resolution, including wars and diplomatic efforts, a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue
remains elusive.
The human cost of this unresolved conflict has been immense, with tens of thousands of lives lost
and countless others affected by violence, displacement, and human rights abuses. The militarization of
the region and the suppression of dissent have further exacerbated tensions and fueled cycles of violence
and resistance. Both India and Pakistan have entrenched positions on Kashmir, driven by nationalistic
fervor, security concerns, and strategic interests. For India, maintaining control over Kashmir is seen as
vital for territorial integrity and national security. Meanwhile, Pakistan's claims on Kashmir are rooted not
only in religious and national identity but also in its dependence on the region's water resources.
The recent revocation of Article 370 by India and Pakistan's strong opposition to this move
underscore the deep-rooted disagreements and the potential for further escalation. The lack of meaningful
dialogue and trust between the two nations continues to hinder any prospects for a peaceful resolution. As
the world watches the ongoing tensions and instability in Kashmir, it becomes increasingly clear that a
comprehensive and inclusive approach, addressing the legitimate concerns and aspirations of all
stakeholders, is essential for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. Only through dialogue,
mutual respect, and cooperation can India and Pakistan hope to find a mutually acceptable solution to the
Kashmir dispute and pave the way for a peaceful coexistence that benefits not only but also the broader
South Asian region.
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