Kashmir Conflict: Gun Control - Essay Example

? KASHMIR CONFLICT Module Module no: The present paper aims to discuss the Kashmir problem our country has been undergoing as one of the most chronic and challenging issues at large in its sixty four years long history since1947. The paper will throw light on various aspects of the problem along with giving suggestions for its peaceful solution according to the UN resolutions passed time and again in favor of our country. The paper will also explore the root cause of this international dispute, which has given birth to four bloody but undecided wars with the neighboring country of India. The paper will also explain the negative impact of the dispute on the economy of both the countries i.e. Pakistan and India. The Paper Situated in the south Asian region between Pakistan and India, Jammu & Kashmir is one of the most beautiful geographical areas of the entire globe. Its superb environment, hygienic climate, captivating scenery, blue high hills, deep alluring valleys, swaying tall lush green trees, plenty of delicious fruits and extreme beauty the local people have been blessed with, make the valley as the heaven on the very face of the earth. Consequently, the tourists from pole-apart regions of the world arrive to visit the most bewitching territorial zone. Snow-capped peaks, invigorating atmosphere and wide range opportunities for trekking, skiing, fishing make it most attractive place for tourists. (Lala & Bhatt, 2008: 77) First ruled by the Hindu rulers and Muslim sultans, Jammu & Kashmir fell into the hands of the Sikh rulers by the beginning of 19th century. In 1820 Maharaja Ranjit Singh made over the territory of Jammu to Gulab Singh. In 1846 Kashmir was also made over to Gulab Singh under the Treaty of Amritsar against seven million rupees only. Ladakh was also annexed by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1830. (Raina, 2002:2) However, permanent hostilities and conflicts have turned the heaven into hell virtually, where the Indian forces remain engaged in killing, hurting and harming the poor and hapless Kashmiries just because of their emotional and sentimental affiliation with Pakistan. It has not only eclipsed the beauty of the valley, but also the tourism has also witnessed a remarkable decline in the territory. The valley has been the bone of contention between Pakistan and India since the independence day of both Pakistan and India on August 15 1947 from the British Imperialism. Actually the Indian people had been struggling hard against the British Rule over India for the last few decades from the platforms of Indian National Congress and All India Muslim League; apparently secular in nature and composition, the former political group was considered to be the representative of the Indian Hindus, while the latter served as the only representative of the Muslims of British India. Hence, the reason behind the conflict between both these largest parties of the united India was religious in nature, where both Hindus and Muslims could not become one single nation even after their living together for over a millennium. The reason behind such a strict and unconditional segregation was the religious background of both the communities, which forbids them to inter marry or inter dine even. Consequently, they remain in constant clash and conflict with one another particularly under the imperialistic rule in India from 1857 to 1947. The nature of their differences was so intense that both Hindus and Muslims launched their freedom movements separately, and did not join hands even under the most uneven circumstances. Twentieth century brought the message of liberty, self-reliance and freedom in the third world countries. It was particularly the case with Asian subjugated states, which started their struggle to break the shackles of slavery in the aftermath of WWI. The British rulers realized the need of the hour and introduced several reforms. However, WWII significantly weakened the British control in Asia and Africa. Beginning of World War II hastened the end of British rule in India. During World War II, Congress stated that if it wanted India's cooperation, it must give India the right of self-determination. The British refused and in 1939 Congress led provincial ministries resigned. (Mahajan, 2002: 345) Consequently, the Crown decided to set the third world free so that they could form the government of their person choice in their motherlands; the same was the case with the British India. Since the Hindus had displayed extreme level of loyalty and sincerity towards the British, the British were determined to reward them by providing them undue favor against the Muslims. Thus, they took complete advantage of the differences between the communities, and presented the notorious Red Cliff Award that carried the comprehensive blueprint of the partition of India plan. The Partition Plan was though apparently based upon the plebiscite as well as was performed on the discretion of the nawabs or chiefs of different states of the United India, Jammu & Kashmir was unjustly handed over to India, an overwhelming majority of which was Muslim and looked for getting affiliated with Pakistan. Since that very day, the Kashmiris are raising their voice in protest to the cruel and unjust British decision of annexing the territory with India. The Pakistani government protested against such an unfair act conducted on the part of the last British Viceroy to India Lord Mountbatten and the head of the Partition Plan Red Cliff, and demanded for the immediate plebiscite in the valley of Jammu & Kashmir. It infuriated India, which waged war against Pakistan in 1948, only after one year of her establishment. The Pakistani forces fought bravely against the foreign aggression sacrificed precious lives and set a part of the valley free from the awkward clutches of Indian control. As a result, India took the Kashmir issue to the United Nations, which passed a resolution that the Kashmiri people maintained every right to make decision about their fate. Passed on 20th January 1948, the UN Resolution 39 on Kashmir asked India to ensure plebiscite in the territory. According to the Resolution, “the Government of India should undertake to ensure that the Government of the State should invite the major political groups to designate responsible representatives to share equitably and fully in the conduct of the administration at the ministerial level, while the plebiscite is being prepared and carried out.” (UN Security Council) Though Indian government admitted the same, and displayed consent for acting upon the resolution passed in the UNO, she practically never showed slightest impression of acting upon the same at any cost. It is therefore the resolutions no. 38 and 47 were also passed to bind India for the plebiscite; however, India turned deaf ear to every resolution presented in the UNO. Pakistan laid stress upon the Indian government for solving the disputed issue through bilateral talk. However, India preferred to drag it to the UNO. The President of India proposed that it be registered with the United Nations, implying that such registration would give the Pact international validity in law and in morality which it would not otherwise possess. The contempt shown by the Government of India for the United Nations' resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir make us feel very skeptical about Indian assurances. (Bhutto, 1964:3) The same geographical conflict gave birth to two further wars in future in 1965 and 1971 respectively, where Pakistan had to bear the heavy losses both in men and material. Somehow, such painful losses could not mitigate the passion and ambitions of the Pakistani and Kashmiri people to get united. The prejudiced Hindus exercised every type of atrocities and cruelties upon Kashmiries. It is estimated that thousands of Kashmiri women were molested, raped and tortured along with the killing over seven million men and elderly. The Indian politician also offered many attractive packages too to the Kashmiri people. However, they did never display any inclination towards India altogether. Pakistan strongly upholds the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to self-determination in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. These resolutions of 1948 and 1949 provided for the holding of a free and impartial plebiscite for the determination of the future of the State by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has reiterated the need for immediate solution of the problem for the long lasting peace and stability of the entire region. (National Assembly of Pakistan) India and Pakistan have entered into debates and discussions and talks at premier, ministerial and secretary levels have been administered time and again for the peaceful solution of the dispute. However, the problem is still valid even after six and half years of the creation of Pakistan. Actually, the big powers apply veto power in favor of India, which serves as a great impediment on the way to the comprehensive and everlasting solution of this dispute of international worth. List of References Lala, Muhammad Farooq & Bhat, Anisa Manzoor. (2008) The Prospects of Developing Kashmir as an Adventure Tour Destination South Asian Journal of Tourism and Heritage Volume 1 No. 1 Panhwar, Sani. (1964) Foreign Policy of Pakistan: A Compendium of Speeches made in the National Assembly of Pakistan 1962-64 by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. Retrieved from http://www.bhutto.org/Acrobat/Foriegn%20Policy%20of%20Pakistan.pdf Raina, A. N. (2002) Geography of Jammu & Kashmir State Kashmir News Network Radha Krishan Anand & Co. Pacca Danga, Jammu The Security Council Resolution 47 (1948) On The India-Pakistan Question Submitted Jointly By The Representatives For Belgium, Canada, China, Columbia, The United Kingdom And United States of America And Adopted By The Security Council At Its 286th Meeting Held On 21 April, 1948. (Document No. S/726, Dated The 21st April, 1948). http://www.kashmiri-cc.ca/un/sc21apr48.htm National Assembly of Pakistan. Kashmir Issue in a Nutshell. Retrieved from http://www.na.gov.pk/s_kashmir_nutshell.html Read More