Kashmir is perhaps one of the most controversial issues of today. But it is
still difficult to locate the people who possess the elementary knowledge about the region.
In my own opinion, the one curious about Kashmir must note the
following points, before discussing anything further about it :
1. What we call ‘Kashmir’
is merely a region within the large state of Jammu and Kashmir. Apart from
Kashmir, two more regions exist in the state – Jammu and Ladakh.
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| Kashmir Region within the state of Jammu and Kashmir |
2.The map of
Jammu and Kashmir shown in India, is actually occupied by three countries,
India, Pakistan and China.
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| Pakistan occupied Kashmir is shown in green and the Chinese occupation in pink. The rest is left with India. |
3. Along with
the Tricolour of India, Jammu and Kashmir has its own flag.
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| The Flag of Jammu and Kashmir |
4. Jammu and
Kashmir has a separate constitution of its own.
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| The separate constitution of Jammu and Kashmir |
5. Before the
issue of accession of Jammu and Kashmir got settled, Pakistan invaded the
territory in 1947 and named it ‘Operation Gulmarg’. Although, Pakistan was the
real aggressor, the erstwhile Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh, was
equally responsible for the crisis.
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| The accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India, 1947 |
Barring these five
points, there are three big questions which one should come across while going
through the whole issue.
The first one, how did
the current borders and the map of the state come into existence? It was not an
overnight adventure, but a gradual acquisition of various territories and their
cohesion. It is a story spanning some
three decades. This is discussed in detail in the video.
The second question is
that of the legitimacy of the claims. How can a country claim a piece of land as
its own, its prerogative? There are
certain parameters upon which the validity of claims for Kashmir rest. This has been discussed systematically and in detail in the video.
The third question, who
will decide who is the ‘true’ claimant of Kashmir? Truth is a coin with two
facets, different perspectives. But usually, the explanation of the one who
dominates is widely accepted.
In addition to the five elementary
facts previously mentioned, I have answered these three questions through my
video, as clearly as possible. To know these answers, please watch the video
and leave a comment.
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