Known as the heaven on earth, the Kashmir Valley is famous for its natural beauty, picturesque scenery and fertile land. However, this territory has become the focus of a long-standing and complex dispute between India and Pakistan since 1947. Due to this dispute, the two countries have been involved in conflict many times and the future of the region is still uncertain. Kashmir is in the discussion again after the recent terrorist attack in ‘heaven’.
Ownership of Kashmir: Historically, Kashmir was not part of a single country. It has been ruled by different dynasties and empires at different times. After the end of British colonial rule in 1947, the Indian subcontinent was divided into two independent states – India and Pakistan. At the time of partition, Kashmir was an independent princely state. Its ruler was the Hindu Maharaja Hari Singh and the majority population was Muslim.
According to the policy of partition, the princely states had the right to join India or Pakistan or to remain independent. Maharaja Hari Singh initially wanted to remain independent. However, in October 1947, he sought India's help in the face of attacks by pro-Pakistani tribes. He controversially agreed to the accession of Kashmir to India through the Instrument of Accession. Pakistan considers this accession illegal. Pakistan claims that Hari Singh's agreement was against the will of the Muslim majority people of Kashmir. They argue that Kashmir should have been part of Pakistan on the basis of religious majority.
Who controls what area: Kashmir is currently divided into different parts and is controlled by three countries:
India: About 53 percent of the area, including the Jammu and Kashmir Valley, Ladakh and the Siachen Glacier, is under Indian control. India has divided the region into two union territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Pakistan: About 37 percent of the area, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, is under Pakistani control. Pakistan has divided the region into two separate administrative regions.
China: Only 10 percent of the area, including Aksai Chin, is under Chinese control. Which has been in their possession since the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Pakistan ceded a small part called the Trans-Karakoram Tract to China in 1963.
Economic resources and potential of Kashmir: Kashmir's economy is mainly dependent on agriculture, tourism and handicrafts.
Agriculture: Kashmir is known for its fertile soil and favorable climate. The main agricultural products here include rice, maize, wheat, barley, apples, pears, cherries, apricots and saffron. Kashmir is famous worldwide for its saffron production and it is a valuable economic resource.
Tourism: The natural beauty of Kashmir has earned it the nickname 'Switzerland of the East' or 'Paradise on Earth'. The picturesque valleys in summer, snow-capped mountains in winter attract tourists from all over the world. Tourism is an important pillar of the economy here. However, political instability and militant activities often harm this sector.
Handicrafts: Kashmir is famous for its shawls, pashmina, woodwork and carpets. These handicrafts are in high demand in the domestic and international markets and are a source of livelihood for many people.
Hydropower: Kashmir has several rivers, which create a great potential for hydroelectric power generation.
In addition, the region also has a lot of potential for mineral resources. Although it has not been fully evaluated yet, Kashmir can become a prosperous economic region if stability returns.
Conflict between the two countries over ownership disputes: India and Pakistan have been directly involved in several conflicts over the ownership of Kashmir:
First Indo-Pakistani War (1947-48): This war began after the Maharaja joined India. The first war between the two countries ended with a ceasefire after the intervention of the United Nations. As a result, Kashmir was divided into two parts.
Second Indo-Pakistani War (1965): This war began over Kashmir and both sides suffered heavy losses.
Kargil War (1999): This conflict was caused by Pakistani infiltrators trying to cross the Line of Control and occupy Indian territory, and India won.
In addition, there are regular border clashes, firing and militant attacks between the two countries, which always keep the situation heated.
Lack of a permanent solution internationally: Many attempts have been made to resolve the Kashmir issue at the international level through negotiations and mediation. However, no permanent solution has been found to date. The main reasons for this are:
The stubborn stance of both sides: India considers Kashmir as its integral part. They are reluctant to accept any third party intervention. On the other hand, Pakistan supports the right of Kashmiris to self-determination. They demand a referendum as per the UN resolution.
UN Resolutions: The UN Security Council has passed several resolutions to determine the future of the people of Kashmir through a referendum. However, India considers these resolutions irrelevant. Because they claim that Kashmir is already part of them.
Terrorism: Terrorist activities in Kashmir by Pakistan-based militant groups are a major cause of concern for India. India accuses Pakistan of supporting terrorism.
Geopolitical Complexity: The Kashmir issue is an important part of regional geopolitics. China also controls a part of the region. So their interests are also involved in this dispute.
The international community generally calls on both sides to show restraint and find a peaceful solution through negotiations. However, no specific And a workable solution formula has not yet been found.
Opinion of historians and international boundary law experts: Opinion of historians: Historians believe that the inclusion of Kashmir in the context of the partition of 1947 was a complex and controversial issue. The Maharaja's decision and the then political situation gave rise to this dispute. They also believe that no permanent solution is possible by ignoring the will of the people of Kashmir.
Opinion of international boundary law experts: International boundary law experts emphasize the validity of the 'Instrument of Accession' agreement and the right of the people of Kashmir to self-determination. According to them, the UN proposals are still relevant. For a permanent solution, it is important for both sides to show flexibility and respect for international law. They believe that the future of Kashmiris should be determined through a referendum or some other democratic process. However, its implementation is very difficult, because India considers it an internal matter.
The dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir is a long-standing and deep-rooted problem. This land, known as the 'heaven on earth', has today become the center of bloody conflict and political instability. Despite its economic potential, the people of this region are looking at an uncertain future due to ownership disputes. Despite many efforts at the international level, no permanent solution has been found. Because both countries are adamant in their respective positions. The entire South Asia can be troubled only over the 'heaven on earth'. Therefore, both countries must be flexible to establish a lasting peace, even if it is for regional stability and humanitarian reasons. An acceptable solution must be reached by respecting the hopes and aspirations of the Kashmiris.