Kamshir Issue - Obstacles in the way of peaceful resolution

Kamshir Issue - Obstacles in the way of peaceful resolution

Question - Release of Kashmiri separatist leader Masarat Alam by J&K CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is the latest in the line of high profile releases. Discuss the genesis and main causes of the Kashmir problem in India.

Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of the nation. However, the Kashmir problem has many historical antecedents. The problem of Jammu & Kashmir arose through the whole issue of disputed territories. Another contentious issue is Article 370. The over-dominance of Kashmir over other areas and the attitude of central and state governments has also played a role in the evolution of this problem. Some of the biggest obstacles to peaceful resolution of the Kashmir problem are as follows:

• The UN resolution of 1948 only encompasses Pakistani aggression and not accession to India

• Two Nation Theory has also planted early seeds of discontent and mistrust between India and Pakistan

• Referendum in J&K failed to produce conclusive results

• Aggression by Pakistan and areas illegally ceded to China by Pakistan are also a major stumbling block in Indo-Pak relations

• Article 370 does not give any benefits for India internationally or the state itself. Globally, it serves as a reminder that J&K is not part of India and any country can raise this issue.

• Nationally, it hinders effective growth and development in the state as well

• This also creates a demographic and psychological divide between people from Jammu & Kashmir and the rest of India

• Pakistan Occupied Kashmir is another roadblock in the peace process

• Indian Army’s advancement into current Pakistan Occupied Kashmir in 1948 was said to have been stalled on the advice that the area beyond were not belonging to the Kashmiris

• Ladakh has demanded separate status as a UT while Jammu is a separate state; there are two parts of J&K other than this including POK and GB

• Moreover, the Aksai Chin and Shaksgam valley occupied by China is not considered but it is also a massive obstacle

• This includes 38,000 square kilometre in Aksai Chin and 5,000 square kilometres in Shaksgam valley

Facts and Stats

• British India was partitioned into India and Pakistan in 1947; Pakistan demanded accession of Kashmir but the Hindu ruler refused

• Kashmir has 3 major areas: Ladakh, Kashmir Valley and Jammu

• In 1948, tribesmen from Pakistan invaded Kashmir with Pakistani support; ruler of Kashmir asked India for help

• Following blockage of the invasion, Kashmir was divided into Pakistani and Indian controlled parts-partition line is called LoC (Line of Control)

• 1948 UN Resolution only called for a stop to Pakistani aggression

• 1962 Indo-China war: China occupies part of Ladakh

• 1965: India and Pakistan have fought a war along Indian-West Pakistan border. UN brokered a ceasefire deal

• 1970-1971: Bangladesh broke away from Pakistan with India’s help

• 1972: Simla Peace Accord signed

• 1974: India tests nuclear device

• Late 1980s: State level election held in Indian occupied Kashmir.

• 1990s: Violence in Kashmir escalates

• 1999: Kargil War

• 2000s: Terror attacks in different parts of the world; militancy in Kashmir escalates