History Of Kashmir

History of Kashmir

In August 1947, the British government decided in the subcontinent as the Independent two countries, Pakistan and India. Pakistan is having a Muslim majority, while India has a Hindu majority. At partition, Lord Mountbatten had told the leader of 462 princely states that they would not be granted independence. He feared that if they did become Independent, their future would be uncertain and could lead to war. Consequently, they were given the right to choose between India and Pakistan. For most princes, their location or their religion made a choice a straightforward one. 

 In 1947 most of the 4 million inhabitants of Kashmir were Muslim, but the Maharaj (ruler) was s Hindu. It was believed that he was trying to win independence for his state and so he delayed joining either Pakistan or India. The Maharaj, Hari Singh, did not treat the Muslim population well.

 In September 1947, he started a campaign to drive Muslims out of Kashmir, in a large amount of Muslims fled to Pakistan, and finally, the Muslim rose in rebellion. The Maharaj was forced to turn to India for help to crush the Muslims . Pakistan could not accept this, so troops sent to help Kashmir, to promote the Muslims. The Pakistan government was convinced that the Indians had always planned to seize Kashmir. 

In January 1948, India and Pakistan were strong enough for a long war, so the matter was referred to the UNO. In UNO Indian Prime Minister, Nehru agreed that a referendum would be held in Kashmir to determine the wishes of the people of Kashmir, whether they want to be part of Pakistan or India. This referendum has not been held, and the Kashmir issue remains a significant source of discontent between the two countries today.