There are several articles on the history of Kashmir on this site.
This is just a summary of the chronology. We wish to give credit to contact pakistan for putting this together. We first define the geography of Kashmir and then discuss the chronoly of Kashmir.
The map of the Subcontinent on the eve of independence. Please notice more than 570 states in the Subcontinent. The content of the map and its historic authnticity makes up for the quality of the page.
The Geography of Kashmir:
The parts of Jammu and Kashmir
Siachin is Pakistani territory
Northern Areas are not part of Kashmir and are Pakistani territory
We will continue to keep this updated and linked to other events as well as other articles
http://www.contactpakistan.com/kashmir/kashmir.htm
A CHRONOLOGY OF THE KASHMIR DISPUTE
1846: Kashmir is sold: The British colonial rulers of India sold Kashmir, including its population, through a deed of sale called the Treaty of Amritsar, to a Hindu warlord who had no roots in the area. This warlord began calling himself the Maharajah of Jammu and Kashmir. His was a particularly brutal regime, memories of which persist to this day. Several mosques were occupied and shut down by his forces. The slaughtering of a cow was declared a crime punishable by death.1925 to 1947: discrimination against the Muslim majority:
Maharajah Hari Singh continued this policy of discrimination against the Kashmiri population, 94 percent of which is Muslim.
1857: The War of independence. 
The Subcontinent fractured into hundreds of states
1931: Kashmir’s first organized protest: The people of Kashmir hold their first organized protest against Maharajah Hari Singh’s cruelty. The 1931 protest led to the “Quit Kashmir” campaign against the Maharajah in 1946, and eventually to the Azad Kashmir movement which gained momentum a year later.
March 23, 1940: Pakistan Resolution passed: The Pakistan Resolution is passed at Iqbal Park, Lahore. The resolution demands the establishment of an independent state comprised of all regions in which Muslims are the majority. The letter “K” in the word “Pakistan” represents Kashmir.
July 26, 1946: Azad Kashmir comes into being: The Muslim Conference adopts the Azad Kashmir Resolution on July 26 1946 calling for the end of autocratic rule in the region. The resolution also claims for Kashmiris the right to elect their own constituent assembly.
June 3, 1947: British accept Pakistan plan: The British government announces its intention of accepting the demand of Muslims for the independent state of Pakistan. The new nation would be comprised of areas where Muslims are in the majority. All political parties, including the Muslim League (representing Muslims) and the Congress Party (representing Hindus), accept the plan.
August 1947: Kashmiri resistance encounters Maharajah’s troops: The first armed encounter between the Maharajah’s troops and insurgent forces occurred in August 1947. At this time, Britain was liquidating its empire in the subcontinent.
August 14th, 1947: British flag comes down 
August 14, 1947: Pakistan created: State of Pakistan comes into being
Northern Areas, or Gilgit, Skardu secede from Dogra rule. This secession is based on historic ties to the people of the NWFP and the fact that the Dogras had illegally occupied the Northern Areas which have never been part of Kashmir. Local British authorities defy Mountbatten and support the secession to Pakistan.
October 25, 1947: Maharajah flees to Jammu:Faced with a popular revolt against his rule, the Maharajah flees to Jammu on 25th October 1947. Once in Jammu, the Maharajah receives a commitment of military assistance from the Indian government in exchange for his signing the “Instrument of Accession” document.
There is a huge problem with the dates and the places and the actual signing of the article of accession. Several articles on this site list the discrepancies as listed by Stanley Wolpert, Alistair Lamb and others. India claims to have lost the original article of accession. It was never presented to the UN or to Pakistan leaving authorities like Alistair Lamb and other to believe that it never existed
Lord Mountbatten conditionally accepts the document on behalf of the British Crown and proceeds to outline the conditions for official acceptance in a letter dated 27th October 1947.
“In consistence with their policy that in the case of any (native) state where the issue of accession has been subject of dispute, the question of accession should be decided in accordance with the wishes of the people of the state, it is my government’s wish that as soon as law and order have been restored in Kashmir and her soil cleared of the invaders the question of state’s accession should be settled by a reference to the people.”
November 1, 1947: Kashmir’s accession to India is not “bona fide”: Jinnah: Governor General of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah meets Governor General of India, Mountbatten. Jinnah tells Mountbatten that Kashmir’s accession to India “was not a bona fide one since it rested on fraud and violence.”
November 2, 1947: Kashmiris have a right to determine future: Nehru: Indian Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in a speech aired on All-India Radio, reaffirmed the Indian Government’s commitment to the right of the Kashmiri people to determine their own future through a plebiscite:
“We have declared that the fate of Kashmir is ultimately to be decided by the people. That pledge we have given, and the Maharajah has supported it, not only to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, but also to the world. We will not and cannot back out of it. We are prepared when peace and law have been established to have a referendum held under international auspices like the United Nations. We want it to be a fair and just reference to the people and we shall accept their verdict.”
The Government of India accepted the “Instrument of accession” conditionally, promising the people of the state and the world at large that “accession” would be final only after the wishes of the people of the state were ascertained upon return of normalcy in the state.
Liaqat Ali Khan sends help to Kashmir. Following this, India moved her forces into Srinagar and a drawn-out fight between Indian forces and the forces of liberation ensued. The forces of Azad Kashmir successfully resisted India’s armed intervention and liberated one-third of the State.
January 1948: India brings Kashmir issue to UN Security Council: Realizing it could not quell the resistance, India brought the issue to the United Nations Security Council in January 1948. The rebel forces had been joined by volunteers from Pakistan and India charged Pakistan with having sent “armed raiders” into the state. It demanded that Pakistan be declared an aggressor in Kashmir. Furthermore, India demanded that Pakistan stop aiding freedom fighters, and allowing the transit of tribesmen into the state.
After acceptance of these demands, coupled with the assurance that all “raiders” were withdrawn, India would allow a plebiscite to be held under impartial auspices to decide Kashmir’s future status.
In reply, Pakistan charged India with maneuvering the Maharajah’s accession through “fraud and violence” and colluding with a “discredited” ruler in the repression of his people. Pakistan’s counter complaint was also coupled with the proposal of a plebiscite under the supervision and control of the United Nations to settle the dispute.
April 21, 1948: UN resolution envisages cease-fire, withdrawals: The Security Council discussed the question from January until April of 1948. It came to the conclusion that it would be impossible to determine responsibility for the fighting and futile to blame either side. Since both parties desired that the question of accession should be decided through an impartial plebiscite, the council developed proposals based on the common ground between them.
These were embodied in the resolution of 21st April 1948, envisaging a cease-fire, the withdrawal of all outside forces from the state, and a plebiscite under the control of an administrator who would be nominated by the Secretary General. For negotiating the details of the plan, the council constituted a five-member commission known as “United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan,” (UNCIP) to implement the resolution.
After the cease-fire, India began efforts to drag the issue down, and under various pretexts tried to stop the UN resolution from being implemented. To this day, India pursues the same plan, and the resolution of 1948 has yet to be realized.
1947 – 48: India, Pakistan at war over Kashmir: India and Pakistan went to war over Kashmir from 1947-48. All early UN Security Council Resolutions admonished both countries, demanded an immediate cease-fire, which would be followed by a UN-directed plebiscite.
January 24, 1957: UN Security Council reaffirms 1948 resolution: The Security Council, reaffirming its previous resolution, further declared that any action taken by the Constituent Assembly formed in Kashmir “would not constitute disposition of the state in accordance with the above principles.”
February 5, 1964: India fails to keep her promise: India reneges from her pledge. The Indian representative tells the Security Council, “I wish to make it clear on behalf of my government that in no circumstances we can agree to the holding of a plebiscite in Kashmir.” Defense Minister, Kirshnan Menon, gives the reason: “Kashmir would vote to join Pakistan and no Indian Government responsible for agreeing to plebiscite would survive.
March 1965: India claims Kashmir: The Indian Parliament passes a bill declaring Kashmir a province of India.
August 1965: Pakistan accused of sending infiltrators: India accuses Pakistan of sending infiltrators to Kashmir. Indian forces cross the cease-fire line in Kashmir.
September 6, 1965: India launches attack against Pakistan: India attacks Pakistan across the international border and tries to capture Pakistan’s second largest city, Lahore.
September 23, 1965: calls for an end to hostilities:The United Nations Security Council arranges a cease-fire.
January 10, 1966: Tashkent agreement signed: The Soviet Union arranges talks between Pakistan and India. The Tashkent Agreement is signed through the mediating efforts of the Soviet Prime Minister Alexi Kosygin. The agreement reaffirms that the dispute should be settled by peaceful means. The armies are to withdraw to their original positions.
November 1971: attack against East Pakistan: Indian Army attacks East Pakistan.
December 16, 1971-Bangladesh is established: Pakistan surrenders East Pakistan to India. India declares East Pakistan as “Bangladesh.”
July 2 1972: Simla Agreement signed: The Simla Agreement between Pakistan and India is signed. Both agree to make efforts toward establishing durable peace by seeking a solution to existing problems, including “a final settlement of Jammu and Kashmir.”
1987: a new Kashmiri resistance begins: The current uprising of the people of Kashmir starts out as a protest against inefficiency, corruption, religious discrimination and Hindu communalism.
January 19, 1990: Kashmir brought under Indian control: The Indian government brings Kashmir under its direct control. The state legislature is suspended, the government is removed and the former Director General of the Indian Secret Service, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Mr. Jagmohan is appointed governor.
January 20, 1990: hostilities increase: There are large-scale demonstrations and thirty people are killed by Indian security forces. A curfew is imposed in most cities.
February 25, 1990: support from civil servants: Government employees join demonstrations.
February 27, 1990: United Nations not allowed in Kashmir: India refuses to allow any United Nations official to visit Kashmir.
March 2, 1990: Kashmiris shot during Srinagar march: Forty people are killed when police open fire at a march of more than one million Kashmiris through the streets of Srinagar. Police are ordered to shoot at sight.
March 28, 1990: Refugees flee to Pakistan:
Refugees start pouring into Pakistan from occupied Kashmir.
April 10, 1990: India threatens war:
Prime Minister Singh of India threatens war and says, “we are not going to stop till we have achieved our objectives.”
April 14, 1990: military reinforcements in Kashmir:
Indian authorities send military reinforcements to Kashmir.
July 1990: Jammu and Kashmir Disputed Areas Act passed:
Under this act, India’s security forces personnel have extraordinary powers over anyone who is suspected of disturbing the peace or harboring militants or arms.
November 1992: Amnesty International not allowed into Kashmir:
Amnesty International is barred from going to the Kashmir valley.
January 1 – 3, 1994: another failure over Kashmir:
Pakistan and India’s foreign secretaries fail to narrow differences on Kashmir. Pakistan rules out more talks unless India ends alleged human rights violations in Kashmir.
January 9, 1995: India declares occupied Kashmir “backward”:
India declares occupied Jammu and Kashmir territory a “backward” state. It offers tax breaks and concessions to businesses in an attempt to get rid of the Kashmiri freedom movement.
January 14, 1995: Indian intelligence seeks to divide resistance movement:
Unable to crush the Kashmiri struggle for freedom, Indian intelligence agencies increase efforts to exploit sectarian differences among the Mujahideen (the Kashmiri resistance movement).
January 20, 1995: India doesn’t want third-party involvement in Kashmir:
India excludes the possibility of third-party involvement in the resolution of the Kashmir dispute. But it says it is prepared to hear from Pakistan directly about how much “elbow room” is necessary to commence talks between the two countries.
May 9, 1995: fire rages through Chrar Sharif:
Hundreds of homes are destroyed on Eid when a fire rages through Chrar Sharif. The Mujahedeen were under siege by the Indian army for two months in this town.
May 12, 1995: anti-India protest in the wake of Chrar Sharif fire:
Anti-India protests overwhelm the Kashmir Valley in the wake of the destruction of the 650-year-old mausoleum of Sheikh Nooruddin Wali (R.A.) and a mosque next to it. India accuses Pakistan of being behind the destruction of the shrine and issues a strong warning against interference in its internal affairs.
May 18, 1995: APHC rejects offer for talks on Kashmir with India:
The APHC rejects an offer for talks on Kashmir by New Delhi. The organization says it will not enter into any dialogue with New Delhi unless India admits Kashmir is a disputed territory.
July 20, 1995: journalists’ kidnapping in Kashmir a sign of media clampdown:
The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) says the kidnapping of four journalists in Kashmir is only one current example of a complete clampdown on any independent journalism in the area. In its report, On the Razor’s Edge, the CPJ also notes the Indian government harasses and intimidates reporters.
November 11, 1995: India launches anti-Pakistan propaganda campaign:
Upset about the media and human rights reports against its campaign of suppression and repression in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, India launches a multi-million dollar propaganda campaign against Pakistan. Pakistan is accused of aiding and abetting “terrorism” in Kashmir using money from the drug trade.
December 23, 1995: APHC seeks intervention of UN, OIC and others:
The APHC seeks the intervention of the United Nations, Organization of the Islamic Conference, Amnesty International and other worldwide human rights bodies to help stop India’s destruction of occupied Kashmir.
February 16, 1996: APHC calls for tripartite talks:
Kashmiri groups ask India and Pakistan to begin tripartite talks to end the six-year-old rebellion against New Delhi. The groups say most Muslims in the area support the proposal.
May 5, 1996: Indian Prime Minister makes his first visit to Kashmir:
Indian Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao makes his first visit to Kashmir. He says upcoming general elections in the region could not be foiled by what he described as Pakistani moves toward destabilization.
May 13, 1996: government employees boycott Indian elections:
Over 1.5 million government workers assigned to election duty by Indian authorities strike for 18 days to boycott the electoral process at the call of Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees Confederation.
June 8, 1996: APHC rejects greater autonomy:
The APHC rejects the Indian government’s offer of greater autonomy for occupied Kashmir. The organization says the problem cannot be resolved by remaining in India.
August 2, 1996: Gowda tries to sweeten the deal for Kashmir:
HD Deve Gowda, Prime Minister of India, reveals a package of economic benefits for Kashmir just before state elections scheduled for the following month. Gowda announces outstanding loans of up to Rs.50, 000 will be waived, Kashmir will receive special assistance of Rs.3.52 billion for developing infrastructure in the state.
September 14, 1996: APHC leadership arrested:
Prior to elections for the state assembly, Indian troops arrest the APHC’s entire leadership.
September 16, 1996: sham elections held in Kashmir:
Widespread coercion of voters by the Indian forces takes place during the second phase of the state assembly elections in occupied Kashmir.
A BBC correspondent, who saw many constituencies, said in some places the Indian army broadcast messages from mosques telling people to come out to vote. In other places, people complained they were coerced into voting.
Journalists also reported seeing buses and trucks commanded by the region’s paramilitary forces bringing out reluctant voters.
March 3, 1997: Mujahedeen reject carving up Kashmir:
Kashmiri Mujahedeen reject the carving up of Kashmir between India and Pakistan.
“The proposal for any kind of division of the state can never be accepted by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and we will always oppose it,” says Shabir Ahmed Shah, a Kashmiri leader.
March 28, 1997: India and Pakistan begin negotiations:
Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary, Shamshad Ahmed, and India’s Foreign Secretary, Salman Haider, meet at the negotiating table for the first time in three years. The issue of Kashmir is high on the agenda.
March 31, 1997: talks look hopeful:
Pakistan and India end four days of talks aimed at reducing tension and agree to meet again in Islamabad.
April 22, 1997: change in government elicits cautious reaction in Kashmir:
The people in Indian-occupied Jammu & Kashmir react cautiously over the change of government in India.
May 12, 1997: India and Pakistan meet again:
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Indian Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral agree to establish joint working groups to resolve all outstanding issues between the two countries since 1947.
June 22, 1997: India and Pakistan reach an agreement:
Pakistan and India agree to establish a mechanism for enduring dialogue on issues between the two countries.
June 23, 1997: Kashmir is one of eight major issues:
Pakistan and India pinpoint eight issues to be discussed in future talks including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. However, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif says the country maintains its stand on Kashmir.
June 25, 1997: India says Kashmir is not a “disputed territory”:
At the conclusion of a second round of talks in Islamabad, India rejects Pakistan’s assertion that Jammu and Kashmir is a “disputed territory.”
Indian Foreign Minister, Salman Haider, says India will not discuss the status of Indian-held Kashmir with Pakistan. He says if anything is to be discussed it will be “Pakistan-held” Kashmir and northern areas illegally annexed by Pakistan.
July 26, 1997: Indian Prime Minister Gujral warns army:
At the beginning of a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, India’s Prime Minister, Inder Kumar Gujral, warns Indian soldiers in occupied Kashmir against committing human rights abuses. He offers to hold unconditional talks with Kashmiri Mujahedeen groups to end seven long years of violence in the region.
July 27, 1997: Gujral does a turnaround:
In a turnaround from the previous day’s statement, Indian Prime Minister, Inder Kumar Gujral, says that Kashmir’s freedom fighters would have to surrender their arms before peace talks with the government could begin.
August 10, 1997: increase in reports of harassment of Kashmiri women:
Reports are coming through of Kashmiri women and girls being arrested, tortured and raped. The chairperson of the Indian Commission for Women, Dr. Mohini Giri, said Kashmiri women were being treated in the most inhumane way all over Kashmir.
September 27, 1997: India renews armed forces laws:
India directs the state government in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir to renew two special laws. These laws give a free hand and immunity to the armed forces. The Special Powers Act and the Disturbed Areas Act originally came into effect in 1990 and were to expire in early October.
October 12, 1997: rioting after Jami Mosque desecration:
Angry anti-India demonstrations are sparked by the desecration of the historic Jamia Mosque in Srinagar by Indian troops. They besieged the mosque, entered it wearing their boots and carried out an extensive search for three hours.
February 8, 1998: fear over “Kashaf commandos”:
The APHC’s executive committee expresses grave concern over the formation of a secret force, the “Kashaf commandos,” by Indian forces. The newly formed force creates dissension among the Kashmiri Mujahideen and fans the flames of communal violence by killing members of the Hindu minority in Muslim majority areas and then blaming the Mujahideen for the actions.
March 19, 1998: Governor confesses India’s human rights violations:
The governor of Jammu and Kashmir, KV Krishna Rao, confesses that Indian forces were responsible for massacre of Kashmiri people on several occasions and that he felt deeply for these human rights violations.
April 2, 1998: Pakistan accused of fomenting war in Kashmir:
India’s new Hindu nationalist government accuses Pakistan of helping Kashmiri separatists and warns it is ready to respond to the “proxy war” in Kashmir.
April 10, 1998: Pakistan and India should “go the extra mile”:
United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Bill Richardson, urges Pakistan and India to “go the extra mile” and hold a dialogue on Kashmir and other issues in order to stop the nuclear missile race in the area.
April 22, 1998: appointment of new Kashmir governor:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government appoints Girsh Saxena as Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. The appointment is resented by human rights activists and intellectuals who demanded a senior politician close to Kashmir be sent as governor.
May 24, 1998: major offensive against Mujahedeen:
Kashmir’s Chief Minister, Farooq Abdullah, says India will launch a major offensive against “foreign” fighters in the northern state of Kashmir and that the Indian government is ready to “flush” the Mujahedeen out of the state.
May 26, 1998: Indian troops and Mujahedeen clash:
In Indian-occupied Kashmir, Mujahedeen clash with Indian troops in the Keri, Rajauri area.
May 30, 1998: India responds to nuclear testing:
In response to Pakistan’s nuclear testing, India warns Islamabad about Kashmir. Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee says while India was ready to talk to Pakistan it should harbor no ambitions towards capturing Kashmir. Pakistan says it is prepared to have a non-aggression pact with India on the basis of just settlement of the Kashmir issue.
June 6, 1998: Pakistan proposes Kashmir resolution and a halt to nuclear arms buildup:
Pakistani Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, proposes talks between Islamabad and New Delhi to stop the South Asian arms race and urges the international community to help resolve the issue of Kashmir.
August 1, 1998: “massive” joint operations against Mujahedeen:
India’s Home Minister, L.K. Advani, says more forces are being sent to Indian-occupied Kashmir for “massive” joint operations. He said this is due to the fact that the Kashmiri Mujahedeen have intensified their efforts in the valley for the last many months.
August 19, 1998: Vajpayee wants new talks:
India’s Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, offers talks with Pakistan. However, he says the dialogue has to be comprehensive and not just focused on Kashmir.
August 26, 1998: India bans Britannica CD-ROM:
India bans importation of Encyclopedia Britannica on CD-ROM because it shows Kashmir as a disputed territory.
August 29, 1998: Nelson Mandela’s involvement in Kashmir issue urged:
The Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) calls on South African President, Nelson Mandela, to persuade Pakistani and Indian teams attending a Non-Aligned Movement meeting to solve the Kashmir issue in a peaceful, democratic and permanent manner.
September 2,1998: NAM calls for resolution of Kashmir dispute:
For the first time in history, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) calls for a peaceful resolution of the dispute over Jammu and Kashmir. Nelson Mandela, who chaired the 12th NAM summit, says everyone should hope the issue of Jammu and Kashmir is solved through peaceful negotiations and everyone should be willing to help resolve the matter.
Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee says “third parties” should stay out of the Kashmir dispute.
Kargil cannot be explained in one line or a paragraph. Let us look into the seeds of time, and decouple story from history and bring out the Pakistani narrative.
That the Siachen Glaciers were under de-facto control of Pakistan, was even recognised by the Indians and also by the International community, even after the Simla agreement, as they were taking Pakistan’s permission for their mountaineering expeditions. It is a long list, but some of the teams include:-
1. 1974- Japanese Kwoto university- Karakoram mission to conquer K-2 at the heights of 74680 meters.
2. 1975-UK North-West Karakoram Expedition- To conquer Sherbi Kangri at height of 23960 feet.
3. 1976- German KK Himalaya Expedition- For Salotre Kangri at 77060 Meters.
4. 1978- Japanese Kojo Alpine KK Expedition- Terim Glaciers at 6476 Meters.
5. 1980- Mr. Glen Roel-USA KK skating and tracking party-Lofound Glaciers.
6. 1984-Austrian Arex Expedition for K-12; were given permission effective for June , but Indians landed forces in April 1984.
Although Simla Agreement was signed, when the dice was heavily loaded against Pakistan, still it were the Indians who took lead to violate their own signatures. Two relevant clauses of the Simla agreement are:-
Article 1(ii) of the Simla Agreement states: Pending the final settlement of any problem between the two countries, neither side shall unilaterally alter the situation and both sides shall prevent organisation, assistance or encouragement of any acts detrimental to the maintenance of peaceful and harmonious relations.
Article 4(ii) states: The Line of Control shall be respected by both sides and both sides shall refrain from threats or use of force in violation of this line.
In 1972, soon after signing the Simla Agreement, India transgressed in the Chorbatal area. In 1984, it occupied the Siachin GlacierÕs in complete violation of the Simla Agreement. In 1988, the Qamar sector was seized. Since 1996, India is using the artillery fire to interdict the road running through the Neelam valley. In May 1999, the Indians made an abortive attempt to occupy the Shyock sector on the Pakistan side of the LoC.
September 23, 1998: Pakistan and India agree to resume Kashmir talks:
Pakistan and India agree to resume stalled dialogue on Kashmir and other security issues.
October 18, 1998: no agreement between India and Pakistan:
The first diplomatic talks between the two countries since nuclear testing was conducted by the two in May, end in Islamabad. There is no agreement on how to ease tensions in the area.
May 26, 1999: India launches air strikes against Mujahedeen in Kargil:
After three weeks of “intense skirmishes” between India and Pakistan, India launches air strikes to “flush out” Mujahedeen on its side of a Kashmir cease-fire line. India claims up to 680 “Afghan militants,” backed by Pakistan, have invaded high ridges and another 400 are waiting to cross over to the Indian side of the Line of Control. Pakistan calls the air strikes “very, very serious” and puts its troops on high alert. India and Pakistan agree to hold talks over Kashmir in the first sign that the two sides might be trying to defuse escalating tensions.
June 1999: Kashmir peace hope flounders:
As India promises to continue ground and air strikes against infiltrators, a senior Indian minister warns there is little point in peace talks with Pakistan. But after some time, talks on Kashmir are confirmed. Pakistan and India fix a date for their first significant attempt to defuse the tension over Kashmir.
However, India continues its assault on suspected infiltrators holed up in the Himalayas with fresh air strikes, ahead of talks with Pakistan. India and Pakistan end their talks on the fierce fighting in Kashmir without agreement on how to halt the conflict. India presses ahead with its military offensive a day after US President Clinton asks Pakistan to persuade them to pull out.
July 1999: Clinton urges India-Pakistan talks:
India announces it has taken the key Tiger Hill peak following an all-out assault. Mujahedeen fighters are reported to be leaving the mountains of Indian-occupied Kashmir as both Pakistan and India claim victory in the two-month conflict. As fighting in the territory dies down, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appeals for a permanent settlement of the Kashmir dispute.
February 2000: US President makes statement:
President Bill Clinton says he would be happy to mediate between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir conflict — if asked.
March 2000: killings in mosque:
Indian troops in kashmir kill three separatists in a mosque near the border town of Handwara. In the same month, 36 Sikhs are massacred in the village of Chattisinghpora.
July 2000: India celebrates Kargil “victory”:
India holds special ceremonies to mark the first anniversary of its “victory” in the Kargil conflict with Pakistan.
August 2000: more negotiations:
The Indian government and Mujahedeen commanders prepare for a round of peace talks.
November 2000: call for Muslim nations to cut ties with India:
A leading separatist, Syed Salahuddin, calls on Muslim nations to cut diplomatic and economic ties with India. At the same time, Kashmiri leaders call on India to recognize the territory as disputed and to hold talks with Pakistan and Kashmiri leaders.
June 2001: fresh talks:
A new round of talks are slated to begin between India and Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir.
July 2001: Agra Summit:
Indian Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, and Pakistani President, Pervez Musharraf, meet in Agra, India for a summit on relations between the two nations.
another chonology
An insight
|
It has happened |
because they are too stupid. And the clever shrug their shoulders because they are too cleaver. The young do not care because they are too young And the old do not care because they are too old. That is why nothing happens to stop it. And that is why it has happened And goes on happening And will happen again. |
| (English translation of a poem written by German poet Erich Fried) | |
|---|---|
History: The Roots
Considering only the present and forsaking the past is to take a very narrow view of the reality. For to be careful of the present without being informed of the past is to have a deceptive view of things. Cicero rightly observed, “Not to know what took place before you were born is to remain for ever a child.” Peeping into the history one gets account of the periods Kashmir has passed through. The book namely Rajatarangini (River of Kings) written by Khalana in 1148-50 A.D. provides insight to the entire period of ancient Kashmir. It gives a fairly accurate and exhaustive account of the events and social and economic conditions from the eighth century onwards. History of Kashmir can be understood by going through following periods:
Period of Hindu and Buddhist Kings.
Period of Muslim Sultans.
Period of Mughals.
Period of Afghans.
Period of Sikhs.
Period of Dogras.
Although Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh were separate provinces having no link with each another, all the three were joined during the Dogra period. Gulab Singh, the fonder of Dogra dynasty hailing from Jammu was taken into service by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Gulab Singh’s exemplary courage and loyalty towards Ranjit Singh credited him with the title of Raja and he was given the permission to raise his own force.
Gulab Singh included Ladakh in his own province in 1834 with the implied consent of Ranjit Singh and East India Company. Ladakh, the most strategic area having borders with China and Tibet were an independent Kingdom under the suzerainty of Grand Lamas of Tibet till then.
After the death of Ranjit Singh, Gulab Singh by virtue of his ability and good fortune entered into a deal with Britishers through Treaty of Amritsar (March 16, 1846). In this treaty the British government transferred for ever an independent possession of some of ceded areas, including Kashmir to Gulab Singh for his willingness to pay rupees 75 Lac out of the total amount of indemnity demanded by the British. With this the state of J&K comes into being.
The Dogra dynasty lasted for a period of over hundred years and saw four Maharajas – Gulab Singh (1846-57); Ranbir Singh (1857-85); Pratap Singh (1885-1925) and Hari Singh (1925-52).
At the time of commencement of Dogra rule, the conditions in Kashmir were deplorable. Baron Schonberg, who traveled the valley at that time, observed, “I have been in many lands but nowhere the conditions of human beings present a more saddening spectacle than in Kashmir. It vividly recalled the history of Israelites under the Egyptian rule, when they were flogged at their daily labour by their pitiless task masters.”
That was the time forced labour was prevalent and the wages of the artisans were very low. Most of the people lived on a small quantity of rice. Gulab Singh employed stern, often inhuman, measures to restore order.
The year 1931 requires a special mention for this was the time movement against Dogra rule (autocracy) started. For the first time in the history of Kashmir people openly opposed the oppression from the rulers. Same year July 13, twenty one (21) Kashmiri Muslims fell to the bullets of tyrannical soldiers outside Srinagar central jail. This year marks the saga of sacrifices and that go on continuing.
1932: Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah and Mirwaiz Mohammed Yosuf Shah form the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference.
1939: Muslim Conference is formally dissolved and Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah sets up the J&K National Conference (NC).
1946: National Conference launches the Quit Kashmir movement, directed at the abrogation of the Treaty of Amritsar. Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah is arrested. 1947: In August when Indian subcontinent became independent from Britain, all the rulers of 565 princely states had to decide which of the new dominions to join, India or Pakistan?
The ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, whose state was situated between the two new countries, could not decide which country to join. He was Hindu, his population was predominantly Muslim. He therefore did nothing and pretended an attack of colic, which had spared him the decision Lord Mountbatten, the then Governor-General had wanted him to take before August 14.
Instead he signed a “standstill” agreement with Pakistan in order that services such as trade, travel and communication would be uninterrupted. India did not sign a similar agreement.
Same year on October 22, Pashtun tribesmen from Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province invaded Kashmir, hearing communal violence against Muslims in the state and eager to precipitate its accession to Pakistan.
Lord Mountbatten believed the developing situation would be less explosive if the state were to accede to India, on the understanding that this would only be temporary prior to “a referendum, plebiscite, election.”
According to the terms of the Instrument of Accession, Indian’s jurisdiction was to extend to external affairs, defence and communication.
Exactly when did Hari Singh sign the Instrument of Accession, has been hotly debated for over 59 years. Official Indian accounts state that in the early hours of the morning of October 26, Hari Singh fled from Srinagar, arriving in Jammu later in the day, where he was met by V P Menon, representative of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and signed the Instrument of Accession. On the morning of October 27, Indian troops were airlifted in to Srinagar to repel Pakistani’s raiders.
However a research from British sources quoted by Victoria Schofield, author of Kashmir in Conflicthas indicated that Hari Singh did not reach Jammu until the evening of October 26 and that due to poor flying conditions, V P Menon was unable to get to Jammu until the morning of October 27, by which time Indian troops were already arriving in Srinagar.
Pakistan immediately contested the accession, suggesting that it was fraudulent, that the Maharaja acted under duress and that he had no right to sign an agreement with India, when “standstill” agreement with Pakistan was already in force.
Pakistani’s also argued that because Hari Singh fled from the valley of Kahmir, he was not in control of his state and therefore not in a position to take a decision on behalf of his people.
In the context of the Pakistan’s claim that there is a dispute over the State of Jammu and Kashmir, the accession issue forms a significant aspect of their agreement.
However Jagmon in his book My Frozen Turulence in Kashmirquotes gists of Maharaja Hari Singh’s letter of October 26, 1947 to Lord Mountbatten and latter’s reply to Maharaja on October 27, 1947, which reads as:
Maharaja Hari Singh said: “With the conditions obtaining at present in my State and the great emergency of situation as it exists, I have no option but to ask for help from Indian Dominion. Naturally they can not send the help asked for by me without my State acceding to the Dominion of India. I have accordingly decided to do so and I attach the Instrument of Accession for acceptance by your Government.”
Lord Mountbatten in reply to Maharaja’s letter writes: “In the special circumstances mentioned by Your Highness, my government has decided to accept the accession of Kashmir State to the Dominion of India. It is my government’s wish that as soon as law and order have been restored in Kashmir and her soil cleared of the invaders, the question of State’s accession should be settled by a reference to the people. Meanwhile, in response to Your Highness’s appeal for military aid, action has been taken today to send troops of the Indian Army to Kashmir to help your own forces to defend your territory and to protect the lives, property and honour of your people.”
On the basis of Maharaja’s “accession” India claims ownership of the entire State which includes the approximately one third of the territory currently administered by Pakistan.
The tribal raiders from North West Frontier Province descended on Baramullah, only 30 miles from Srinagar on October 24-26. Overtaken by their wild habits, they indulged in large scale looting, burning, raping and killing. All day, Monday October 27, while the Ist Sikhs of Indian troops secured their fragile hold on Kashmir’s only airport, the Pathan’s in Baramullah were giving vent to their ancient appetites for rape and pillage. They violated the nuns, massacred the patients in their little clinic, looted the convent chapel down to its last brass knob.
By the time Pathans resumed to their attack, it was too late. The raiders hardly realized that the time spent by them in committing their abominable crimes would turn out to be their punishment as it enabled the Indian forces to land at Srinagar airport on October 27 and ultimately push back the raiders inflicting heavy casualities on them. Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah is appointed head of the Emergency Administration.
November 6, 1947: Two Lac. Muslims were massacred in the city of temples (Jammu) and elsewhere in the region. More than one million people were forced to migrate to Pakistan. The carnage changed the demographic complexion of the region.
1948 : India takes the Kashmir problem to the United Nations Security Council on January 1 and offers to hold a plebiscite under UN supervision, after the raiders are moved back. On March 4, S M Abdullah was appointed Prime Minister of J&K with a Council of ministers. On August 13, a UN commission proposes that the State’s future be decided in accordance with the will of people. On December 20, Pakistan also accepts the UN resolution.
1949: A ceasefire between Indian and Pakistani forces leaves 84,000 sq.km under Pakistani control. On October 17, Indian constituent Assembly adopts Article 370 of the constitution, ensuring a special status for J&K.
1950: On March 14 UN Security Council decided to appoint a representative of the commission to carry out its work. Sir Owen Dixon was the first holder of this assignment. He formulated what is known as the ‘Dixon Plan’. The plan envisaged virtual partition of the state. Dixon held that the entire area of Jammu and Kashmir could be divided into three regions,
i) the region about which there was no doubt that it wished to accede to India
ii) the region about which there was no doubt that it wished to accede to Pakistan
iii) the region in respect of which there could be doubt about its wishes
He recommended that a plebiscite should be held only in regards the region falling in the third category. The ‘Dixon Plan’ was rejected both by India and Pakistan
1951: An interim constitution for the state comes into effect in November
1952: An agreement is arrived at on July 24 between Sheikh Abdullah and Government of India which provides for the states autonomy within India. This agreement made provision for the state like J&K to have its own flag. The year also saw acrimony growing between Sheikh Abdullah and India, with the former criticizing latter for communal nature and even on July 13, Sheikh declared that interference of New Delhi in affairs of the state wont be tolerated.
1953: The New York Times in its July 5 issue published a map hinting at the independent status of the valley. On July 13 Sheikh commented that, “It is not necessary that our state should become an appendage of either India or Pakistan.” On August 9, Sheikh Abdullah is dismissed and arrested. Bakshi Ghualm Mohammed becomes the Prime Minister. The governments of India and Pakistan agree to appoint a plebiscite administrator by the end of April 1954.
1955: Violence and demonstrations across the valley occur on December 27, when the holy relic is found missing from the Hazratbal Shrine
1964: The holy relic is recovered on January 4. Protest demonstration occur in Kashmir on December 21, against articles 356 and 357 of the Indian constitution being extended to the state.
1965: India and Pakistan go to war, after armed Pakistani infiltrators cross the ceasefire line on August 5, and the international border in Chamb in September. The war ends in a ceasefire on September 23. The denominations ‘Prime Minister’ and ‘Sadr e Riyasat’ are changed to ‘Chief Minister’ and ‘Governor’ respectively through an amendment of the J&K constitution with effect from May 30 1965. Prime Minister G M Sadiq becomes Chief Minister.
1966: Al Faleh comes into being with a call of Independent Kashmir. Tashkent declaration on Jan 10.
1975: Sheikh Abdullah sworn in as chief minister on Feb 25, with support of Congress Legistature Party.
1977: On June 30, elections in J&K are held. Authorities claim free and fair elections but critics like Prem Nath Bazaz call them manipulated
1981: Sheikh Abdullah nominates his son Farooq as his political heir
1982: Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah dies on Sept 8. Farooq Abdullah Sworn in as the chief minister. J & K grant of permit for Resettlement Act, 1982 given with the aim to provide for the resettlement of Nov 6, 1947 victims who migrated to PoK or Pakistan itself. On October 4 bill passed by the assembly for the second time with Farooq Adullah the Chief Minister.
1983: Congress starts campaign to discredit Farooq Abdullah and his victory in assembly elections in June. Relations with Farooq and Mrs Indira Gandhi worsened as former kept association with the opposition parties and invited them to a conclave in Srinagar within months of becoming chief minister. Three bomb explosions in Srinagar
1984: Indian authorities hang to death Maqbool Bhat, founder member of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) on February 11. He was charged for killing two intelligence officers besides indulging in anti-national activities.
1986: Shah government dismissed on March 7. By November Farooq is back in power after coming to an agreement with Rajiv Gandhi.
1987: The Muslim United Front comes into being in January when various organizations come together to oppose the National Conference-Congress electoral alliance. Farooq wins elections in March but faces allegations of rigging.
1988: Protests begin in valley along with anti India demonstrations. At least 10 people are killed and curfew is placed in the valley in August. On Aug 2 youth wing of National Conference submitted a memorandum to Governor Jagmohan to request President of India to accord assent to the resettlement bill which was paused by state legislature.
1989: JKLF emerges with the call of independence. Violence begins with bomb explosions rocking the city. Rubaiya Sayeed, daughter of home minister of India, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed kidnapped by JKLF.
On Dec 13, Rubaiya is released in exchange of 5 JKLF men, whose release from the prison results in victory celebrations in Srinagar. Two days later curfew is placed in the valley after 5 people are killed in police firing.
1990: Farooq Abdullah resigns. On Jan 20 around 100 people are killed (official figure 35) when protestors seeking freedom from Indian occupation are fired upon from both sides of Gawkadal bridge in Srinagar. In March mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits takes place.
1991: May 21, Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammed Farooq assassinated. The violence continues.
1992: Jan 26, BJP Ekta Yatra is allowed to hoist the Indian flag in Lal chowk, under total curfew and massive security. The violence continues, spreading to the areas of Jammu province like Doda. Jammu and Kashmir Hizbul Mujahideen (JKHM) which strives for merger of J&K with Pakistan increases its strength dramatically. Differences arise between JKHM and JKLF. Other militant organizations proliferate. Allegations of human rights violations by the Indian soldiers increase
1993: In Jan 40 people are killed in Sopore by Indian soldiers who burn down a section of the town after two of their men are killed. In April state policemen go on strike after a constable Riyaz Ahmed is killed in army custody. In October militants inside Hazratbal Shrine are surrounded by security forces. After several days of siege Indian soldiers open fire on protestors in Bijbehara on October 22 killing about 43 and injuring more than 100.
1994: Association of Parents of Disappeared comes into being to impress upon the government to disclose the whereabouts of persons subjected to enforced disappearances by Indian soldiers and to put an end to this practice.
1997 Indian and Pakistani leaders meet several times to discuss the diffusion of tension in Kashmir. 1997 Indian and Pakistani leaders meet several times to discuss the diffusion of tension in Kashmir.
1998 In May, India conducts underground nuclear tests near the Pakistani border which are met by international condemnation. Pakistan conducts similar tests three weeks later.
1999: The Indian Army patrols detect intruders on Kargil ridges in Kashmir and India fights to regain lost territory. Two months later Pakistani and Indian military officials agree to end the fighting in the region and disengage their forces.
2001: In May India ends a six-month military ceasefire against Islamic guerillas in Kashmir while also inviting Pakistani military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, to peace talks. Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee meet in Agra, in July for a three-day summit. The talks fail to produce a joint statement on Kashmir.
In October Militants attack the Kashmiri assembly in Srinagar, leaving 38 people dead. Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah urges the Indian government to launch a crackdown on militant training camps across the border in Pakistan.
On December 13, 2001 Unidentified men attack the Indian Parliament in New Delhi, leaving 14 dead, including the attackers.
2002: The row over the parliament attack triggers military build-up, diplomatic sanctions, and closure of transport links between the two nations. In May militants attack an army camp in Indian Kashmir, killing more than 30 people and ruining a new effort to ease the tension between India and Pakistan. India’s Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee visits the front lines. In a speech to soldiers on the border with Pakistan he says that the time is right for a decisive battle. In October four rounds of polls to choose a new governemnt conclude in Indian-controlled Kashmir. About 500 people are killed during the blood-soaked election campaign.
2003: Indian prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee offers “hand of friendship” to Pakistan in a landmark address in Indian-administered Kashmir. In May India announces the resumption of a bus service between Delhi and Lahore. Diplomatic links are resumed. Heavily armed militants attack the Chief Minister’s residence at high security zone of Lal Chowk in Srinagar. Several soldiers are killed but Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed not at home at the time of the attack. After years of refusing to talk to Kashmiri separatist groups, India announces it is prepared to hold negotiations with the All Parties Hurriyat Conference In November India agrees to a Pakistani offer of a cease-fire along their borders in the disputed region of Kashmir. The cease-fire goes into effect November 26.
2005: First passengers from either side of the Line of Control cross divided Kashmir on April 7 as the first Srinagar Muzaffarabad Bus Service is launched. On October 8 a massive earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale causes widespread devastation mostly in Pakistan admnistered Kashmir and parts under Indian control. Five points are opened along the line of control for exchange of relief material and cross over of quake survivors.
2008: Zardari sells out Kashmir
Wrong maps of Kashmir
Correct maps of Pakistan
Appendix A
LoC-Line of Control
Columnist Wing Comd (Retd) MUHAMMAD IRSHAD discusses the various aspects of the LoC dividing KASHMIR
Line of Control has always been the bone of contention between India and Pakistan. Some call it a geographical necessity. Some call it a political blunder. The entire stretch of the Line of Control between the Indian held Kashmir and the areas of the state under PakistanÕs controlÑ known as Azad Kashmir is a soldierÕs nightmare. The LoC in the Indian territory resembles thousands of ÔCheck Point CharlieÕ at the Berlin Wall during the Cold War. The 800-km curved line does not follow any well defined geographical feature and often a house has its courtyard in India and other rooms in Pakistan. For the last 50 years, the two armies have been in an eye ball to eye ball confrontation. In this situation, border skirmishes and firing are the order, and peace is a rare interlude. Since five decades the best brains and resources of both the countries have been kept engaged by this line which both the nations consider it to be only temporary. To understand the history and geography of this line, we must first talk of one of parting kick given by the British Lord Mountbatten from his long list of Òhate MuslimsÓ.
The British having ruled the sub-continent for so long, were naturally reluctant to pull out; but when they found it totally inevitable; they started playing against their own defined rules. One such victim was the town of
Gurdaspur, located near our Sialkot borders. As per the defined formula, and the later plebiscite, this town was to be the part of Pakistan. So when plebiscite results were declared Muslims also considered the valley of Kashmir (already having 77% Muslims but ruled by a Hindu) as to be a natural part of Pakistan. For Indians the occupation of this town was extremely important, because all road links with Kashmir were only through this town.
The future Indian Prime Minister Nehru, extremely cunning and famous for all kinds of treacheries, had other plans. His links with the British Lord MountbattenÕs wife were no secret, and his qualities of deception and double talk were equally famous. So the underground politics worked and only few days before the announcement of Independent Pakistan by Quaid-e-Azam, Mountbatten announced the accession of Gurdaspur with India, and only minutes later the Indian Army moved-in to capture the important posts of the town.
It was kept so secret that even Quaid-e-Azam was not aware of it till the time, Indians had actually taken full control of it. But the subsequent news certainly annoyed him. It was against the defined rules, it was against the ethics, and it was definitely a case of betrayal of the Muslim cause. (Andrew Roberts in his book entitled “Lord Mountbatten’s Deceit”) writes
Just as Ferozepur and Zira had gone to India despite their Muslim majority, so three out of the four tehsils of the Gurdaspur district north of Amritsar were also awarded to India, despite the fact that two of them had significant Muslim majorities. Ferozepur had an arsenal, but Gurdaspur had something just as valuable: the road from India to Kashmir. In this case the “other factor” was that only with Gurdaspur in India would there be a direct road between India and the land of NehruÕs birth.
. . . . . . .. . . . . .saw the Indian corridor to Kashmir via Muslim Gurdaspur as MountbattenÕs Ôparting kickÕ to Pakistan. Mountbatten well understood the strategic implications, and told the Nawab of Bhopal on 4 August, that Kashmir was Ôso placed geographically that it could join either Dominion, provided part of Gurdaspur were put into East Punjab by the Boundary Commission”. If gerrymandering took place in case of Ferozepur, it is not too hard to believe that Mountbatten also pressurised Radcliffe to ensure that Gurdaspur wound up in India. The circumstantial evidence is once again overwhelming. As Alaistar Lamb has stated, “The essential access for India along the road was made possible by the Award of the three tehsils to India despite the Muslim majorities.”
As per the plebiscite formula, Kashmir , with more than 77% Muslim population was to be the part of Pakistan. The Mahraja of Kashmir, Hari Singh Dogra, was initially trying to preserve the integrity of Kashmir, and therefore did not accede to either dominion. But immediately after the announcement of Gurdaspur, he physically positioned himself in the Indian capital.
Quaid-e-Azam, the kind of legal man he was, did try to talk much of the legality, but no one listened to him. The things in general, for the infant state of Pakistan were extremely bad. The British were bent upon giving every carrot to Mr. Nehru and every stick was reserved for Jinnah. The Hindu mentality (which just showed us some glimpses in the massacre of Babri Mosque and invasion of SikhsÕ Golden Temple) was at its worst. Thus the Hindus were doing everything possible on earth to make life miserable for Muslims as well as for the new state of Pakistan. Many Hindu leaders had openly expressed faith that the new state within days will be begging for joining them back. The Muslim areas of Ferozepur and Zira were forcibly occupied by Hindus, because they contained a big Army ammunition depot.
The Hindus not only raped and butchered every possible Pakistani, but also refused to give the PakistanÕs share of money and arms. Thus initially for many weeks, Pakistan had no money to even pay to its government employees, and even the army was consisting of some loyalist with negligible arms.
In those difficult times, Quaid-e-Azam, was given the news that Indian army has moved in Kashmir also. The fate of many areas occupied in a similar manner was very well-known to him.
“The key to understanding Mountbatten’s stance over Kashmir, which like Hyderabad had not acceded to either Dominion before Independence Day, was his anti-Pakistan bias. Ian Steven’s, editor of the English-language Indian paper The Statesman, dined with the Mountbatten on 26 October, 1947. A few days earlier Pathan tribesmen, believed to be supported by Pakistan, had attacked western Kashmir. At dinner with the Mountbatten, Steven’s was “startled by their one-sided verdict on affairs” and thought that they had both “become wholly pro-Hindu”
Mountbatten claimed India’s policy towards Kashmir was “impeccable”. In fact, it is now known that Indian troops had moved into Kashmir before the tribesmen had crossed the border. A full scale airborne Indian invasion was under way the morning after the dinner with Steven’s, and three million Muslims in a vital region were forced to become Indian citizens against their will. Four out of five Kashmiris were Muslim, and in permitting India to invade and subsequently annex Kashmir-albeit whilst promising plebiscites there at a later stage Ñ Mountbatten went back on the whole concept of his 3rd of June Plan of Partitioning the subcontinent into areas according to religion. The plebiscites were never held. ”
(Excerpts “Lord Mountbatten’s Deceit” by Andrew Roberts)
With negligible resources, but with a show of tremendous courage, Quaid-e-Azam, decided to take a decision, which only his foresight could foretell. He decided to send his troops in Kashmir to face the Indian army, and avoid what had happened in Ferozepur, Gurdaspur and at many other places. But the man who controlled the heart-beats of millions of Muslims, got his first shock, when his own appointed, the British Chief of Pakistan Army, General Messervy refused to attack, calling it “mere suicide”. But the very strong man inside the thin bone structure, did not stop there. He convinced the tribal leader to send the volunteers, who obliged and thus the tribal lashkar crossed over the bridge on river Jhelum on 22nd October 1947.
Indians had strong regular army with plenty of ammunition, they also moved in very fast (their British Commander-in- Chief of Indian Army Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck, did not refuse Nehru). On 26th October 1947, the Indian army halted the tribal lashkar outside Srinagar. This war with some gaps continued for about 14 months, and was stopped at the intervention of UN on January 1, 1949. Both, India and Pakistan signed the ceasefire pact in Karachi on 27th July 1949, and this pact came to be known as ÒKarachi PactÓ or ÒCeasefire PactÓ. This pact apart from other details of area occupation, for the first time defined this line as CFL (Ceasefire Line). This pact was signed by the military representatives of both the countries, and as a result UN observers were placed on both sides of the line.
In the demarcation of the CFL line, the extreme point to be considered was in Baltistan, valley of Shyok-river, point NJ 980420. From there on about a 75-Km stretch of snowy land leading up to the Chinese border was not demarcated for two reasons.
a) The area beyond the line consisted of glaciers, which were extremely difficult to map.
b) In the 14-month war, no fighting had taken place between the two countries in that area, and it was presumed that because of extreme weather, no fighting shall take place till the final settlement.
Following three paragraphs related to the CFL line, particularly need a mention.
Para 2(d): “Chotbatal(Pt 15700) Chulunka (on the Shyok river Khor) then north to the glaciers. This portion of the CFL shall be demarcated in detail on the basis of the factual position as of 27th July 1949 by the local commanders, assisted by UN military observers.”
Para 2(c): The CFL described above shall be drawn on a one inch map (where available) and then verified mutually on ground by the local commanders on each side with the assistance of the military observers, so as to eliminate any no man’s land. In the event that the local commanders are unable to reach an agreement, the matter shall be referred to the commissionÕs military advisers, whose decision shall be final. After this verification, the military advisers will issue to each high command a map on which will be marked the definite ceasefire line.
Para(6)-b(i): The basic document which determines the exact location of the CFL is the original map which was drawn during the demarcation of the line by opposing army representatives, and UN observers and approved by UNCIP’s Military advisers. This map is in the custody of the chief Military Observer.
Para(6)-b(ii): The descriptive narrative in the Karachi agreement serves only as a general guide when CFL positions are under considerations.
North of the line were Siachen Glaciers, which were traditionally always considered to be a part of Pakistan. This de-facto control of Pakistan was recognised internationally, and almost all the mountaineering teams which came to study the Siachen Glaciers and related areas took permission from Pakistan. Some of these teams included (Courtesy: Siachen Glacier By Col Muhammad Zakir):-
In 1957, the mountaineering team of Royal Imperial College, led by Mr. Eric Shipton, came to study the Siachen glaciers, Rimo glacier and K-12 peak.
Between 1961 and 1962, two Australian teams conquered the peaks of Sia-kangri.
Between 1961 and 1962, three Japenese teams went to Siachen glaciers, included in these teams was Pakistan-Japan Soltoro Expedition, for the very first time conquered the Soltoro Kangri peaks. Included in this expedition was Kyoto Alpine Club of Japan, with two Pakistanis, Raja Bashir and Pervez A Khan.
Because of Pakistan’s control over this area, on 2nd March 1963, Pakistan and China signed for adjustment and clear demarcation of their borders near the Siachen glaciers. Indians did lodge a protest in UN against this agreement, but nowhere they ever challenged the de-facto control of Pakistan over this area. An extract of the Indian words are reproduced below:-
“According to a communique issued by the government of Pakistan on 3rd May 1962, the Government of Pakistan and China have agreed to enter into negotiations to locate and mark the position of the boundary between India and China , west of Karakoram Pass which is presently under Pakistan’s unlawful occupation.” These words are confirming Pakistan’s control on area till Karakoram Pass which is much north of Siachen Glaciers.
During 1965 war, both countries occupied some areas of opposing countries, but in accordance with the “Tashkent Peace Accord”, returned almost to the pre-war positions, thus the Line of control virtually remained unchanged.
1971 was probably the worst year in Pakistan’s history. It was a year in which we faced a debacle of unimaginable proportion, matched by the total collapse of the political leadership. The massive blunders resulted in direct Indian landings to slice us into two parts, with India holding our 93,000 Pakistani Prisoners of War and a huge tract of land in the then known as West Pakistan. The nascent Pakistan economy was in a shambles and for all our self-righteous posturing in the global arena Pakistan stood cruelly isolated, its international prestige savaged. Under those circumstances, our Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto went to sign the peace agreement, now known as ÒSimla AgreementÓ.
India insisted on many changes along the Ceasefire Line and even its status was changed to what it is now called “The Line of Control”. With some changes, now this line of control is defined as “the east-west line demarcated through Kashmir where Indian and Pakistani troops were positioned when a ceasefire was called to end hostilities between India and Pakistan on December 17, 1971″.
When the Simla Agreement was signed on July 2, 1972, this line separated the one-third of Kashmir occupied by Pakistan from the two-thirds of Kashmir occupied by India. Field commanders from both sides, along with a UN representative, went through the actual ground positions of the two sets of troops with a fine-toothed comb and on December 11, 1972, a set of 25 maps were exchanged by both sides and signed to agree and ratify the Line of Control (LoC). However the defining posts at some places are many kilometers apart, creating a sort of “loosening” in demarcation, which is a major cause of regular flare-up between the two countries.
That the Siachen Glaciers were under de-facto control of Pakistan, was even recognised by the Indians and also by the International community, even after the Simla agreement, as they were taking Pakistan’s permission for their mountaineering expeditions. It is a long list, but some of the teams include:-
1. 1974- Japanese Kwoto university- Karakoram mission to conquer K-2 at the heights of 74680 meters.
2. 1975-UK North-West Karakoram Expedition- To conquer Sherbi Kangri at height of 23960 feet.
3. 1976- German KK Himalaya Expedition- For Salotre Kangri at 77060 Meters.
4. 1978- Japanese Kojo Alpine KK Expedition- Terim Glaciers at 6476 Meters.
5. 1980- Mr. Glen Roel-USA KK skating and tracking party-Lofound Glaciers.
6. 1984-Austrian Arex Expedition for K-12; were given permission effective for June , but Indians landed forces in April 1984.
Although Simla Agreement was signed, when the dice was heavily loaded against Pakistan, still it were the Indians who took lead to violate their own signatures. Two relevant clauses of the Simla agreement are:-
Article 1(ii) of the Simla Agreement states: Pending the final settlement of any problem between the two countries, neither side shall unilaterally alter the situation and both sides shall prevent organisation, assistance or encouragement of any acts detrimental to the maintenance of peaceful and harmonious relations.
Article 4(ii) states: The Line of Control shall be respected by both sides and both sides shall refrain from threats or use of force in violation of this line.
In 1972, soon after signing the Simla Agreement, India transgressed in the Chorbatal area. In 1984, it occupied the Siachin GlacierÕs in complete violation of the Simla Agreement. In 1988, the Qamar sector was seized. Since 1996, India is using the artillery fire to interdict the road running through the Neelam valley. In May 1999, the Indians made an abortive attempt to occupy the Shyock sector on the Pakistan side of the LoC.
The occupation of Siachen Glaciers need a mention here, because all recent Indo-Pak conflicts were caused by the Indian unlawful occupation of this land. It is undoubtly , the world’s highest and most difficult battlefield. Some glaciers are as high as 24,000 ft, and for miles around, there is no question of any human population. The people in India and Pakistan have heard a lot about Siachen but not many could feel the touch of it. When the winds blow at 22,000 ft, in perpetual frozen areas, the bite is killing. In these mountains live the soldiers, where one wrong step could make a difference between life and death. Such is the prize which India chose to win. They learnt bitter lessons soon after, but it became a matter of prestige , too difficult to stay and impossible to quit Ñ certainly very costly in terms of lives and resources. The logistics is so costly that Indians are spending about 3.5 crore rupees per day to supply provisions and ammunition to their soldiers. PakistanÕs expenditure is about one-fifth of this.
Pakistan and India have fought three wars in efforts to change this Line of Control. Many more wars, including the latest in Kargil have been avoided with a thin margin.
Although when it comes to occupation of lands or bothering the neighbours, India has an unprecendented record, all its efforts have resulted in a gradual decline in the living standard of the people of South Asia.
An analysis of the cost conflict gives substance to this statement. In 1990, India spent $30.2 billion on its military alone. Between 1989 and 1991, Indians rate of growth declined by 40% while its level of debtness increased by over 20%. PakistanÕs economy is in much more troubles. In 1992-1993 Pakistan spent $ 3 billion on defence. The defence expenditure ate up 70% of the government revenue, leaving very little for social development and economic prosperity. Apparently, there is no chance of a peaceful co-existence without a proper solution of this Line of Control, which ultimately would mean a decent and acceptable solution of Kashmir.
There shall be a bright day when Pakistan and India shall get rid of this Line of Control problem. People of South Asia and many more people of the world are anxiously waiting for that day. Every rising sun in Pakistan brings a message that the day of peace is getting closer. Hopefully we hear a similar message from the Indian side.
