Essay On Kashmir Conflict

Conflict in Kashmir, India and the Presence of Lashkar-e Tayyiba

The conflict in Kashmir, India has dated back to 1947 when India and Pakistan became independent countries from British rule. However, Maharaja Hari Singh ruled Kashmir and he had to choose to either join India or Pakistan. He chose to be independent, yet India made him sign the Instrument of Accession thus ceding Kashmir to India. Pakistan has been fighting for its right to the land since that decision (The Telegraph, 2001). Pakistan’s government has employed one particular Islam extremist group named LT to fight in Kashmir to gain Muslim support and traction for the accession. The local culture, religions, spoken languages, legal system, military, police, economic factors, communications system and transportation infrastructure all play a key role in the conflict overwhelming Kashmir. As the conflict deepens between Kashmir and Pakistan militants and support from ally countries may occur HUMINT missions could arise within Kashmir. HUMINT collectors face many obstacles; however, due to the strong Indian military presence in Kashmir, the obstacles can be overcome. LT is a well supported organization that the HUMINT collectors will likely need to vigorously educate themselves to counter the group within Kashmir.

Hazif Mohammad Saeed, the founder of LT, from a young age demonstrated religious prowess. Saeed received the title Hazif at the age of twelve for memorizing the Qur’an (Niazi, I., 2010). In the mid 1980s Hazif Saeed, a professor and a chairman for the Department of Islamic Studies at the University of Engineering and Technology in Lahore, Pakistan, formed a missionary group to introduce the Ahl-e-Hadith (AEH) interpretation of Islam in Pakistan name...

... middle of paper ...

...s they did previously, but the micro groups that were formed still have the ability to formulate spectacular attacks within Kashmir with backing by the Pakistani government. However, as previously described the modern military and police personnel who outnumber any militia group in Kashmir will continue to keep law and order against the Islam extremist groups in the future. HUMINT capabilities in the area could mitigate the work load and pressures received from extremist groups within Kashmir, which will build rapport in the local populace. HUMINT teams would more than likely have to abide by policies put in place by local and national leaders. Conclusively, no matter the agreements put in place, HUMINT collectors will do their job to collect intelligence, however, situations will dictate and possibly change how each aspect described will affect HUMINT mission.