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Multiple Dimensions of the Kashmir Issue

Though there is an agreement that the Kashmir conflict has got its roots in the actions of the Indian partition in 1947, when you do a closer evaluation, you will find a series of Kashmir issue main points like regional, domestic, and international dimensions that include both external and internal to contribute towards the current insurgency of Kashmir.

Kashmir is mapped out in the form of a multi-dimensional dispute between different parties. If you observe the Kashmir issue main points, you will find Kashmir an armed battle between Kashmiris and India. To understand the reasons for the conflict, you need to understand the historic Indian partition. The Indian subcontinent was chiefly inhabited by a couple of religious groups, namely Hindus and Muslims, under the Britishers’ rule. These communities had friendly relationships during that period and proposed a united struggle to achieve independence from the Britishers’ rule.

The History of Kashmir

Kashmir and its adjacent areas, such as Jammu, Ladakh, and Gilgit, were part of different empires. Still, the Hindu rulers, Afghans, Britishers, and Muslim emperors controlled this area over the years. Before AD 1000, it was a vital centre of Hinduism and Buddhism. Several dynasties, such as Karkota, Gonanditya, and Lohara, ruled Kashmir and nearby areas. 

Among Kashmir issue main points, the rule of the Hindu dynasty is one. It extended until 1339 and was substituted by the rule of the Muslims, and Shah Mir ruled it. He inaugurated the Shah Mir dynasty and became the first ruler of Kashmir. After some centuries, Yusuf Shah Chak, the last independent ruler, was overthrown by Akbar the Great, the Mughal emperor.

In 1587, Akbar conquered Kashmir, making it a vital portion of the Mughal Empire. Afterwards, Aurangzeb, the Mughal ruler, expanded his empire further. So, it is noticed that Mughal rule extended to nearly every Indian subcontinent and then Kashmir was a vital portion of India rather than an independent nation.

The Region of Kashmir After the Mughals

The successors of Aurangzeb weren’t strong, so the Mughals couldn’t preserve Kashmir. In 1752, Ahmed Shah Abdali, the Afghan ruler, seized Kashmir. From 1750 to 1819, Kashmir was ruled by the Afghan Durrani Empire, and during this time, Sikhs annexed Kashmir. 

During the 19th century, Sikhs ruled Kashmir, but later the British defeated them in 1846. Later, the British empire took hold of Kashmir under the Dogra Dynasty.

Reason for the Controversy of Kashmir

Kashmir is a region that both countries, India and Pakistan, claim to be theirs. This place was once named Jammu and Kashmir. However, in 1947, it joined India after the division of the sub-continent. Subsequently, India and Pakistan settled on a war to get control over Kashmir, and these countries controlled different portions of the territory. 

The International Dimensions of the Kashmir Issue

It is imperative to understand the international dimensions of the Kashmir issue’s main points. Right from the start, Pakistan took the ingenuity on Kashmir; in this context, India had to react. Abruptly, Pakistan got into an unaccustomed position and began to react to the bold initiative of India. The Muslims comprise 14% of the Indian population, and both Muslim and Hindu populations augmented by 17% and 25% from 2001 to 2011. Hindus include less than 2% of the population of Pakistan, and it came down from nearly 20% at independence. 

Some Facts about the Conflict in Kashmir

There are several external and internal issues in Kashmir issue main points:

  • Early stages – India and Pakistan became independent in 1947, but every princely state had to select between these two nations. However, the Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh, didn’t decide on these countries, and he signed a temporary agreement with Pakistan to continue transport services
  • Line of Control or LOC – LOC resulted in more unrest; hence, the UN intervened to negotiate a ceasefire 
  • The Indo-Pak war – The conflict of Kashmir continued in the Indo-Pak war of 1965. Though the army of Pakistan attempted to snatch Kashmir, it failed
  • The Shimla Agreement – In 1972, India and Pakistan signed the Shimla Agreement, and this agreement intended to bring peace between these two nations
  • The claim by China – China claims its control over 20% of Pakistan, the region named Aksai Chin
  • The Uri Attack – After many years of peace, tensions reignited at a time when armed militants confronted the base of the Indian army, Uri, thus killing 18 soldiers

Conclusion

There are several Kashmir issues main points. Kashmir continues to be a flashpoint between two countries; India and Pakistan. Political experts provided different solutions to the conflict of Kashmir, and both these countries favoured a resolution, and here, Kashmir joined them. Nonetheless, the citizens of the Kashmir valley embraced the announcement of Kashmir Valley or an independent Kashmir. The issue is that this region will not be economically viable because it only receives its revenue from tourism. Kashmir won’t have a different constitution, but it will abide by the constitution of India like other states.

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