Kashmir conflict

Lore & Background

Following a rebellion in the western districts, Pakistani tribal militias invaded, leading the Hindu ruler of Jammu and Kashmir to join India. The resulting Indo-Pakistani War ended with a UN-mediated ceasefire along a line later named the Line of Control.

Reader's Guide

The Kashmir conflict has had profound significance, involving three nuclear-armed states and causing tens of thousands of casualties. The insurgency led to widespread human rights abuses by all sides: Indian security forces committed extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances; Pakistan committed abuses in its administered areas and sponsored militant groups; insurgents carried out massacres, abductions, and terrorist attacks. The conflict has also caused the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus and ongoing civil unrest. The OHCHR has released reports on human rights in both Indian- and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The dispute remains unresolved, with India controlling about 55% of the region, Pakistan 30%, and China 15%.

Did You Know?

• India controls approximately 55% of the land area of Kashmir, including Jammu, the Kashmir Valley, most of Ladakh, and the Siachen Glacier.
• Pakistan controls approximately 30% of the land area, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
• China controls the remaining 15%, including the Aksai Chin region and the Trans-Karakoram Tract.
• The conflict escalated into three wars between India and Pakistan, and several other armed skirmishes.