Kashmir Issue

A Sensation in Today's Era

Photo Courtesy : Google Photos

Kashmir issue is going on since 1947. After the independence of the two countries, princely states had a choice between choosing a country or remaining independent. Kashmir was stuck between India and Pakistan border because of its location. The then ruler, Hari Singh then decided to stay neutral but Pakistani troops didn’t allow that neutrality for long. Seeing the Pakistanis at the gate, Hari Singh appealed for a help from India and signed a treaty known as ‘Instrument of Accession’ which leaded Kashmir to accept India. Indian and Pakistani forces fought for the first time in 1947-48 over Kashmir. The dispute was later taken to United Nations on January 1, 1948. Later, a resolution was passed where Pakistan was asked to remove their troops from the Kashmir following to which Indian troops were to fall back. But, even after the resolution the war continued which led to a ceasefire on January 1, 1948 leaving 65% of Kashmir in the territory of India and the rest of the part in Pakistan’s territory.

Kashmir was added in India in 1957 under a special article, Article 370 in India’s Constitution. Again in 1965, fighting broke between India and Pakistan and finally once again a ceasefire was established. On December 3, 1971, India declared war on Pakistan Air Force Planes struck Indian Airfields. Indian Army marched into Dhaka where Pakistanis finally surrendered. When ceasefire was announced, India was already 50 kms inside the Pakistan. Kashmir issue has turned out to be very sensitive because of the wars between two countries for laying the claim over Kashmir.

Photo Courtesy : Google Photos

1990 was the period when the revolt against Indian rule broke out in Kashmir in majority. Prior to this, in 1988 and 1989, Muslim Kashmiris started attacking government officials as well as Kashmiri Hindus. According to information at that time, it is also said that some of the Kashmiris also went to Pakistan for the support regarding finance and weapons. Having no choice, Indian soldiers had to start firings even at unarmed people because of the situations at that time. These firings changed even the mentality of the people who wanted to merge with India. The situations were so heated up at that moment that no difference was seen between the cultural and political aspect of Kashmiris and Pakistanis. Moreover, Kashmiri rebel groups were brought together by the ISI under United Jihad Council and then were trained how to use light weapons in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Later, they were then sent back to wage a war on India. The groups consisted of young men from Kashmir who had hatred in their minds and hearts against the Indian rule over Kashmir. Later, in the summer of 1999, rebels along with Pakistani soldiers were found to have the India-held Kargil occupied.

Photo Courtesy : Google Photos

Pakistan continues to send Jihads and terrorists in the city to create fear among citizens and try to capture it as well as for the destruction in city and of peace. More than thousands of people have suffered because of it and yet the same situation continues in the city. If we calculate, the problem persists from past 70 long years and, yet no solution has been found yet. It doesn’t seem that the problem would get solved even in the near-future as far as the present circumstances are observed. The violence and destruction has been so swift and severe in Kashmir that the revolt has destroyed so many lives. Irrespective of the treaties and ceasefires, still the war continues for the victory over Kashmir between the two countries. No matter what-so-ever happens, it’s the people who suffer from the revolts and firings in the city. People have started living in a constant fear due to the situations in and around the city and are now tired of it. Kashmir issue still stands as a sensitive and unsolved issue in today’s era.