Kashmir
Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 2 INTRODUCTION 2 1.1 Background to the Problem 2 1.1.2 Conflict Chronology 3 1.2 Problem Statement 5 1.3 Objectives of the Study 6 1.4 Research Questions 6 1.5 Hypothesis 6 1.6 Justification of the Study 7 1.7 Delimitations 7 1.8 Limitations 7 1.9 Organisation of the Study 8
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Problem
The Kashmir territorial dispute between India and Pakistan is among the modern world’s longest running conflicts. Since 1947, the region has witnessed a recurring series of unstable confrontations. South Asia as a result has being widely considered one of the most dangerously unstable and crisis-prone regions. Three major wars, in 1947-48, 1965, 1971 and a limited war in 1999 have been fought over Kashmir. Currently crisis still escalates in Kashmir and if the problem remains unresolved, a nuclear conflict could be triggered.
Kashmir a Himalayan region bordering India, Pakistan and China is multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-lingual in nature (Hasbrouck, 1995).The hostile relationship between India and Pakistan dates back to the period just after WWII, when the departing British decided to partition the newly independent India in 1947. According to Paul (2006) Muslim majority areas were to form the new republic of Pakistan since India was predominantly Hindu. At the time of the creation of these states however, the status of Kashmir which was a predominantly remote Muslim area ruled by monarchs known as Maharajas was left undetermined.
Under the partition plan provided by the Indian Independence Act of 1947, Kashmir was free to accede to India or Pakistan. Its leader who in actual fact was Hindu, Hari Singh, wanted to stay independent but under pressure, eventually decided to accede to India, in return for military aid and a promised referendum. This triggered a war between India and Pakistan but after the United Nations arranged a ceasefire in July 1949,
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Problem
The Kashmir territorial dispute between India and Pakistan is among the modern world’s longest running conflicts. Since 1947, the region has witnessed a recurring series of unstable confrontations. South Asia as a result has being widely considered one of the most dangerously unstable and crisis-prone regions. Three major wars, in 1947-48, 1965, 1971 and a limited war in 1999 have been fought over Kashmir. Currently crisis still escalates in Kashmir and if the problem remains unresolved, a nuclear conflict could be triggered.
Kashmir a Himalayan region bordering India, Pakistan and China is multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-lingual in nature (Hasbrouck, 1995).The hostile relationship between India and Pakistan dates back to the period just after WWII, when the departing British decided to partition the newly independent India in 1947. According to Paul (2006) Muslim majority areas were to form the new republic of Pakistan since India was predominantly Hindu. At the time of the creation of these states however, the status of Kashmir which was a predominantly remote Muslim area ruled by monarchs known as Maharajas was left undetermined.
Under the partition plan provided by the Indian Independence Act of 1947, Kashmir was free to accede to India or Pakistan. Its leader who in actual fact was Hindu, Hari Singh, wanted to stay independent but under pressure, eventually decided to accede to India, in return for military aid and a promised referendum. This triggered a war between India and Pakistan but after the United Nations arranged a ceasefire in July 1949,