[Reader-list] Kashmir for Beginnners

[abir bazaz]

KASHMIR FOR BEGINNERS
Abir Bazaz

‘Kashmir problem’ is quite complex yet  not as vexed as experts would have us believe. What we need is a thorough critical, understanding of Kashmir before we hastily attempt any solutions.This attempt hopes to provide some historical background to the "Kashmir problem".  


What is this ‘Kashmir problem’ ?

Depends on whether you look at it from the POV of India ,Pakistan or Kashmiris. Very simply, the political problem that goes back to 1947 and Maharaja Hari Singh’s accession of the erstwhile Princely  State of Jammu and Kashmir to India. Ever since then both India and Pakistan have put forth claims to Muslim majority J&K which remains divided between India and Pakistan.

Is it true that some of J&K is with China ?

Yes. China occupied  Aksai Chin, the region that borders Ladakh in 1959. This territory was ceded to China by Pakistan under the Sino-Pakistan boundary agreement and includes a part of the beautiful Hunza valley.

Who is Maharaja Hari Singh ?

The Dogra ruler of the erstwhile Princely State. Maharaja desperately sought to preserve his autocratic power. All the Princely States of India were supposed to either join India or Pakistan. Faced with a democratic, popular Kashmiri uprising and the pressure to choose between India and Pakistan, the Maharaja vacillated long enough to precipitate the crisis.  Kashmir’s invasion by the tribes of Pakistan’s North West further complicated the situation.

Weren't Dogras the rulers of Kashmir ?

Yes. The Dogras had helped the British against the Sikh Empire. The British transferred Kashmir and adjoining areas of the Sikh Empire to the then Dogra ruler Gulab Singh for 75 lakh nanakshahi rupees under what came to be known as the Treaty of Amritsar on March 16, 1846.

Then the Sikhs ruled Kashmir ?