Kashmir Issue | By Dr. Mahipal Singh Rathore

Table of Contents

A Brief History

Region was part of Mauryan empire Centre of learning for Buddhism-Kushans Various Hindu dynasties 5th -14th century The Sultanate of Kashmir – 14th- 16th century Mughals- 1586 Afghans-1751 Sikh- 1819 British installed Dogra rulers-1846 (Maharaja Gulab Singh)
Maharaja Hari Singh – wanted to stay neutral in 1947
Sheikh Abdulla– one of the founders of National conference party Led a struggle for self rule against the Maharaja since 1931

Events of 1947

Jinnah argued that according to the two nation theory (the basis for partition) ,the state of Kashmir with 77% Muslim majority princely should join Pakistan. Maharaja signed a Standstill agreement with Dominion of Pakistan. Rebellion in Poonch area against the state police and army. Communal violence in Jammu against Muslims Pakistan supported tribal Pashtun fighters from NWFP invade the vale of Kashmir on 22 Oct. Maharaja Hari Singh asked Indian govt for help. Asked to accede in lieu of military help. The INSTRUMENT OF ACCESSION signed on 26 October 1947 Pakistan rejected this instrument saying it was signed under duress by an unpopular ruler, not representing the will of the public. The accession was regarded as provisional until such time as the will of the people can be ascertained. Sheikh Abdullah endorsed the accession. He was appointed the head of the emergency administration by the Maharaja.

War of 1947-48

India sends its military to repel the attack and thus the first India-Pakistan/Kashmir war begins. Heavy fighting at high altitudes. Army pushes back the attackers to the northern areas. A provisional ‘Azad Kashmir ‘ govt formed in western areas ,supported by Pakistan.

The United Nations

India goes to UN in January 1948 to resolve Kashmir conflict. United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) was constituted and a security council resolution was adopted.
RESOLUTION 47 of the UNSC – 3
consequential non binding steps Pakistan should withdraw all nationalsv and irregulars from Kashmir India should withdraw its army and keepv only a minimal force in the region A plebiscite to ascertain the will of people Pakistan did not withdraw forces and the stalemate continues. The Ceasefire line of 1948 became the ‘Line of Control’ ,the de facto border China has occupied Aksai Chin since 1962 The Trans-Karakoram Tract(Shaksgam valley) was ceded by Pakistan to China in 1965

ARTICLE 370

Sheikh Abdullah was made PM of Kashmir in 1948 and headed the government. Article 370 of Indian constitution was framed to ‘’temporarily’’ give few special allowances to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
1953- Sheikh Abdullah removed from post of P.M. and jailed for next 11 years
1964- Sheikh released and talks with Nehru begin but the death of Nehru in may 1964 disrupts the talks.
1974- Indira-Sheikh Accords- Sheikh becomes the Chief minister
1984- Indian Army takes control of Siachen Glacier

Militancy in 1990s

The 1987 assembly elections were allegedly rigged to bring NC-INC combine to power. Protests against the rigged election led to strikes, protests and violence. Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front, Hizb ul mujaheedin started a separatist insurgency by fanning the protests and linking them to the cause of independence of Kashmir. Young Kashmiris were sent across LoC and trained by militias and terrorist camps in PoK. In January 1990, Kashmiri Pandits faced large scale violence and ethic cleansing from the extremists. They were threatened and forced to leave the valley en mass(2.5-3lakh pandits fled overnight). The militancy and violence led to the Govt Of India applying the Armed forces (special Powers) act [AFSPA] in J&K in 1990. Throughout 1990s and early 2000s , heavy infiltration of terrorists and attacks occurred. 2004- militancy subsided to an extent but still present.