Kashmir denotes a larger area that includes Indian
administered state of Jammu and Kashmir (consists of Jammu, the Kashmir valley
and Ladakh), the Pakistan-administered territories of Azad Kashmir and the
Chinese-administered regions of Aksai Chin and the Trans-Karakoram Tract.
The Kashmir dispute is a major territorial conflict between
India and Pakistan that dates back to 1947.
The question is: To whom does Kashmir belong: India or
Pakistan?
Well, it depends on who you ask.
As an Indian, I would say that Kashmir was not a part of
British India and was an independent province under British suzerainty.
Partition does not govern where Kashmir belongs. Accession is a matter to be
decided by each Princely state. In 1948, when Pakistan attempted to annex Kashmir,
the Hindu ruler of Kashmir signed up to accede with India to get India’s
protection. He was supported by Sheikh Abdullah, the Muslim leader of Kashmir’s
popular political party.
But if you ask any Kashmiri, he/she would say that the
future of Kashmir should be determined by Kashmiris. Not by India, not by
Pakistan. Some may want to remain in India, some may want to join Pakistan or
some may want to be independent.
Though in reality,
Both India and Pakistan are nuclear powers. It is not easy
for political super powers to adjudicate on this matter and force either India
or Pakistan to do what the political powers think is fair.
Public opinion in both India and Pakistan are so entrenched
that any politician who cedes Kashmir away will never get re-elected. Kashmir
can be taken away only by force. Such force against a nuclear power is not
easy; not available.
Therefore, the LOC is likely to remain a de- facto
international border splitting Kashmir unfortunately into two: one under
Pakistan control, one under India control.
Such a beautiful place and such a wonderful people caught in
such a milieu of politics!
- Mosam Acharya
This is an opinion piece written by the author who has been credited, and the views that are expressed are exclusively hers.
This is an opinion piece written by the author who has been credited, and the views that are expressed are exclusively hers.
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