A peaceful resolution seems out of the question as more blood is spilled over a conflict spanning several decades
The ongoing territorial battle over Kashmir, in the north-western region of South Asia, has claimed the lives of up to five militants and two Indian soldiers.
The battle between India and Pakistan over the territorial dispute has been raging on since the partition of India in 1947. The largest mass migration in human history led to millions of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs having to up sticks and move, either to India, East Pakistan (present day Bangladesh) or West Pakistan (Pakistan). Over 500,000 people were killed in the rioting and the genocide that ensued between the religions.
To this day, tension remains rife between religions in certain regions in India and Pakistan.
After partition, fighting has continued over the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Indians claim the region as their own and currently hold control over approximately 43 per cent of the state. The Instrument of Accession introduced by the Government of India Act 1935 was signed by then Maharaja of the state, Hari Singh and executed in 1947, giving India control of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan also claim the state as their own. The country administers about 37 per cent of Kashmir and claims the state based on its large Muslim population that resides in the area.
Since the partition there have been three major wars over Kashmir. The Indo-Pakistan wars of 1947, 1965 and 1999. The 1999 Kargil War has claimed many lives of the soldiers from both countries, as well as those of militants and civilians caught in the crossfire. The conflict was thought to have died down over the years, but a recent bout of violence has led to the death of five militants and two Indian soldiers, killed in two separate gun battles in Kupwara and Sopore on the morning of Thursday the 3rd of September. One of the soldiers died in a suspected ambush and the other was killed in a prolonged gun battle.
The conflict has had a major effect on Kashmir’s economy, which relies heavily on tourism. The ceasefire agreed by the two countries in 2003 remains, but both sides have often been accused of violating the terms of the agreement.
The deaths occurred just weeks after security talks were called off by Pakistan after India banned the Pakistani Ambassador from meeting separatist leaders from Kashmir.
The territorial conflict over Kashmir has claimed thousands of lives since partition and is likely to rage on until a more long-term resolution can be made between India and Pakistan.
DISCLAIMER: The articles on our website are not endorsed by, or the opinions of Shout Out UK (SOUK), but exclusively the views of the author.
