The Conflict in Kashmir

1
The Conflict in Kashmir

• An ongoing conflict

2
The main reasons for conflict

• In 1947 India gained independence from Britain
  but the country was divided up (partitioned)
  because of religious differences. The North West
  and the North East had mainly Muslims and became
  West Pakistan and East Pakistan. East Pakistan
  became independent in 1971 Bangladesh
• Kashmir had to decide whether to go with India or
  West Pakistan.

3

• The ruler of Kashmir was Hindu and although most
  of the population was Muslim, he decided to join
  India.
• Muslims in Kashmir want to join Pakistan and
  Pakistan believes Kashmir should be part of
  Pakistan
• There is a large minority of Hindus who want to
  stay with India.

4
The Indian Government

• India is keen to keep Kashmir as it is a buffer
  zone between India and Pakistan between China
  and India.
• India and Pakistan both have nuclear weapons.
• Border clashes between the armed forces of both
  countries have continued since 1947. Consequently
  the situation is tense and there are fears the
  situation will escalate into full scale war
  possibly nuclear.