What the Maharajah is going on in Kashmir?

The conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir is one that has a serious impact on every person in the world; both of these countries have nuclear capacity, so a solution to this territorial dispute is critical to global stability.

The term Kashmir generally applies to an area comprised of 2 Pakistani-administered provinces (Azad Kashmir and the Northern Areas), the Indian-administered state of Jammu and Kashmir (comprised of the Kashmir valley, Jammu and Ladakh) and two large areas under Chinese jurisdiction (which are largely uninhabited). The problems that exist in this area are largely a result of British colonization, arbitrary boundaries and slight differences in culture and religion.

The early history of the region shows general peace between the Hindu and Muslim populations residing there, particularly under leaders such as the Mogul Emperor Akbar. Some leaders prior to the 19th century were, however, intolerant of one of the two major religions; despite periods of persecution for one party or the other, peace was often obtained following such a ruler’s end of power.

By the 19th century, Kashmir fell under the dominion of the Sikhs as the British, too, were expanding their territories closer to Kashmir. In 1845, the First Anglo-Sikh War resulted in a percentage of the territories falling under British rule.

Only twelve years later, after siding with Great Britain during India’s fight for independence, the princely state of Kashmir came under complete control of Great Britain. It remained in its semi-autonomous state until 1947, when England was ending its colonial rule over the region.

The colonies in the area were divided into two large countries (the Union of India, mostly Hindu, and the Dominion of Pakistan, mostly Muslim) with Kashmir stuck in between. The ruler (or Maharajah) of Kashmir, like several other leaders of small colonies, had the choice between joining India or Pakistan.

The latter, recognizing Kashmir’s predominantly Muslim population, assumed it would gain control of the territory. When no such decision occurred, Pakistan sent troops into Kashmir, who appealed to India for assistance. India’s requirement of the Maharajah for fighting off the invading forces was that his country join theirs.

Fighting between the two new nations occurred in this border region, and the United Nations was forced to intervene. The U.N., attempting to appease the local population, called for a vote of the populous to choose which country they truly wished to join. No such vote has taken place.

Despite the presence of U.N. troops, there have been two major wars over the region since 1947; the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 and the Kargil War of 1999. India still claims complete control because of the agreement signed in 1947; Pakistan claims that this decision was made under duress and is not binding; residents in Kashmir have chosen either of these sides or, in recent years, have called for their own separate nation.

The current situation is a stalemate between all sides. Both countries have administration over parts of the region, but neither will recognize the other’s control. Without any vote taking place, it is impossible to know which course of action the United Nations should take in resolving this conflict.

The purpose of this column is to inform people about global events. While one article is not enough to fully explain a conflict, it is enough to provide the reader with the basics. It is my hope that when you are finished reading, you can readily answer the question, “What the (blank) is going on in (blank?)”