The Kashmir Conflict

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Kashmir has been in constant conflict for decades. The Kashmir conflict has been between India and Pakistan, with Kashmir in the middle. Kashmir is a disputed piece of land that came to be after Britain dismantled the Indian empire. As a result of this disputed land war broke out. Each country has territorial claims to Kashmir, and very different positions. If tensions continue, Kashmir could possibly enter the conflict for independence, from both nations; but the possibility of diplomatic solutions could present themselves.

To have a well rounded understanding, of the Kashmir conflict, one must look at all of the angles and positions. First of all, one must if only briefly understand what lead up to this conflict. The Kashmir conflict has been an ongoing conflict for multiple years. The conflict initially started when the British dismantled the Indian empire. “Ever since the partition of the sub-continent in 1947, when Britain dismantled its Indian empire, India and Pakistan have been arch rivals” (BBC). This dismantlement was just the tip of a falling ice berg, and lead up to the creation of what is now known as Pakistan. The creation of Pakistan split India essentially into two nations, and is partly the start of the Kashmir conflict. The India went to war with Pakistan, due to support, being given to an insurgency in Kashmir. When the war finally came to an end a ceasefire was put into effect and Kashmir remained disputed. “India and Pakistan first went to war in October 1947 after Pakistan supported a Muslim insurgency in Kashmir… The war ended on 1 January 1949, with the establishment of a ceasefire line… The status of the territory remained in dispute” (BBC). With rising tension in both countries, war broke out again, an...

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...iance to either side. Only 3% percent of the mainly Muslim inhabitants of the city think Kashmir should become part of Pakistan, and 7% prefer Indian rule”(Sujai). It is clear from this poll and all of the deaths in Kashmir that the people have finally had enough. Many want independence and it looks like some might be willing to fight for it. Only time and the people of Kashmir can determine what will happen in this region.

In conclusion, Kashmir is a long disputed territory. When the British dismantled the Indian empire, the Kashmir conflict essentially started. Both India and Pakistan lay claim to this region, and have fought for decades over it. The people of Kashmir might be willing to fight for independence and are tired of the countless deaths. In time the world may see Kashmir declare independence, possibly fight for it and ask for international support.

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