Latest Events in Kashmir
According to reports in the national press, insurgents attacked a vehicle carrying Indian soldiers in the Machedi countryside of Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir with hand grenades and automatic weapons. As a result of the attack, 5 soldiers lost their lives and 6 were injured. An operation was launched to capture the insurgents who had escaped. On the same day, 2 soldiers lost their lives and 6 insurgents died in 2 separate clashes in Kulgam district.
The recent increase in attacks has drawn attention as they occurred during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Russia. Tension continues in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Historical Kashmir Issue
The Kashmir issue started with the withdrawal of Britain from India in 1947. Kashmir was a princely state at that time and was faced with the choice of either merging with India or Pakistan. The majority of the Kashmiri people are Muslims and preferred to join Pakistan, but the prince decided to merge with India. This situation caused disagreements among the Kashmiri people.
The conflicts began when Pakistan and India sent troops to the region, and the first war occurred in 1947. As a result of these conflicts, the region was divided into 45 percent of India, 35 percent of Pakistan, and 20 percent of China. The United Nations Security Council envisaged the demilitarization of Kashmir and the determination of its fate by referendum.
While India opposes the referendum, Pakistan advocates implementation of UNSC resolutions. On 5 August 2019, India abolished the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, dividing the region into two, while Pakistan granted autonomy to Kashmir.
