An Insight Of The Kashmir Situation- What Started It All?

How's the josh? High Sir!
This josh-filled dialogue from the recent film- Uri based on the surgical strikes of 2016 gained immense popularity among the masses. This josh soon transcended into the masses as they shouted out chants of vehemence when India paid back the Pulwama Attack with an air strike.

The Pulwama attack has been one of the deadliest terror attacks on security personnel in the Kashmir valley, having led to the death of around 40 army personnel. This was paid back by an Air Strike along with an overall attempt to isolate Pakistan in the world. As per India’s Statement on the attack, theresponsible terrorist camp Jaish-e- Mohammad is based in and sponsored by Pakistan. However, Pakistan sticks topresenting an air of ignorance on terrorism, having taken no stringent action against terrorism in Pakistan.

But what has led tothe stringent relations between the neighbouring countries?
Without pushing our brains too hard, KASHMIR emerges as the bone of contention.

Courtesy- Wikipedia

It all started when the year of 1947 divided the heart of India into two, which was followed by gory bloodshed and violent riots.While one may have hoped for a gradual peace after Partition, differences broiled again too soon. Following Partition, states were left to choose whether to join India or Pakistan or remain independent. Kashmir with a population of 77% Muslims, 20% Hindu and 3% others had to make a tough decision. If it joined India, resentment could emerge within the huge Muslim population. Joining Pakistan, however, could lead to a vulnerability of Hindu and Sikh population. The then ruler Maharaja Hari Singh being a Hindu leader with a Muslim populated state, chose to delay the decision with a hope of becoming independent. Post the invading of tribesmen from North west Pakistan, Maharaja Hari Singh, however, for seeking military protection acceded to India and signed the “Instrument of accession”. As per reports these invaders were supported by Pakistan with arms, so that the Maharaja is bound to accede to Pakistan. Pakistan was unwilling to recognise the document on points that the Maharaja holds a "STANDSTILL AGREEMENT" with Pakistan.

And thus begins the first war between India and Pakistan.

In the war of 1947-48, UN had to interfere whereby India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire line called the Line of Control. LOC is the de-facto lime separating the military territories, but it is still unrecognised as a legal International Boundary.The issue of plebiscite was also brought up in the UN council but was never actually practiced. Initially the war came to a halt with Pakistan occupying a part of Kashmir, later called Azad-Kashmir.

Do see the next part of the wryt-up that follows this one - Militancy in Kashmir and China's role in the issue.