The Kashmir issue is an obstinate conflict between India and Pakistan since the Subcontinent was divided in 1947. Three wars have been fought in the years 1948, 1965, and 1999. These have been a desperate attempt to decide who gets to “keep” the land. The initial decision for the conflict rested on Kashmir’s geographical location and the inhabitant’s desires. However, it gained magnanimity when the Hindu Maharaja necessitated assistance from the Indian Military. Thereby, aggravating a skirmish that remains to date.
Since the vague lack of resolve over the matter, various prominent political figures have released their statements. These have been equivocal and often offensive contributions to the Kashmir issue.
Though India has prominently asserted rights over the region, the dispute still stands. The decisions are often against Kashmir’s interests, and the apprehensions of the residents have been conveniently overlooked. Despite several “efforts” to bring an end to the crisis, an objective viewpoint might also state that no progress has been made since the conflict began a little over 7 decades ago.
The Kashmir issue has been epitomized by military attacks and elections followed by protest, which causes a perpetual state of unrest. However, since 2014, the death toll has increased and the conflict worsened. The death toll increased up to 2000 by 2016. There is also a prominent ban on all available media in several parts of the region.
The Kashmir issue still stands unresolved today. The media only ever covers it when militants on both sides die after an extensive series of protests and unrest. Kashmir is either a conflict of convenience or distraction. Kashmir is a bait to either distract audiences on both sides. Or, to nudge and see how well both parts of the subcontinent still care. In 2017, Indian politician, Jitendra Singh even went on to say that there was no such thing as a ‘Kashmir issue’.
The word “Kashmir” has become such a matter of misfortune and woe that the word no longer resonates with the beauty it stands for.
The matter should be discussed more intently at an international stratum. The Kashmiris should have the right to self-determination. They should be given the integrity and respect to decide for themselves in order to coexist peacefully with the regions they share borders with. It is time to change the spirit of Kashmir. And to end this thought, Arundhati Roy epitomizes the tenor of Kashmiri with the following:
