Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 149

Which countries are still fighting over Kashmir today?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the historical and political context of the Kashmir dispute.

Correct Answer: B) India and Pakistan.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Banking Exams, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Kashmir conflict is a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan over the region of Kashmir. This conflict has been a significant issue in South Asian geopolitics since the partition of British India in 1947. The region of Kashmir, which is strategically and economically important, has been a source of tension and conflict between the two countries.

Historically, the conflict began when the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, which was ruled by a Hindu king, had a predominantly Muslim population. Upon the partition of India and Pakistan, the king of Jammu and Kashmir was given the choice to accede to either India or Pakistan. Initially, the king chose to remain independent, but due to a tribal invasion from Pakistan, he signed the Instrument of Accession to India in 1947. This led to the first Indo-Pakistani war over Kashmir, which ended with a UN-mandated ceasefire in 1949.

Since then, the conflict has continued with several wars and skirmishes, including the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 and the Kargil War in 1999. The region is divided between India and Pakistan, with India controlling the majority of the territory, including the Kashmir Valley, and Pakistan controlling the northern and western parts of the region, known as Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. China also controls a portion of the region, known as Aksai Chin.

The conflict is complex and involves various factors such as religious, cultural, and political differences. Both India and Pakistan claim the entire region of Kashmir, and the dispute has been a significant source of tension and conflict between the two countries. The issue has also been a subject of international concern and has been discussed in various forums, including the United Nations.

It is important to note that while other countries such as Bangladesh and Afghanistan are neighbors to India and Pakistan, they are not directly involved in the Kashmir conflict. The primary parties to the conflict are India and Pakistan, and the dispute remains a significant issue in South Asian geopolitics.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. Bangladesh is not involved in the Kashmir conflict. The conflict is primarily between India and Pakistan.
  • Option B: This option is correct. The Kashmir conflict is a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan, and both countries have been in conflict over the region since 1947.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Afghanistan is not involved in the Kashmir conflict. The conflict is primarily between India and Pakistan.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Bhutan is not involved in the Kashmir conflict. The conflict is primarily between India and Pakistan.

Mnemonic: Remember "IP" for India and Pakistan.

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