Background Knowledge
This case study is taking place in the Pakistan, India, and Kashmir. It is mostly about whether Kashmir should be under Pakistan's control or India's control. The religious groups involved are the Muslims and Hindus.
The pivotal point in Kashmir’s modern history was the decision by the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, a Hindu, to join his Muslim-majority province to India, rather than Muslim-majority Pakistan. This caused Pakistani officials to believe that the Kashmir Hindus were being held captive by the Hindu India. This has caused Pakistan to start a war against India for control of Kashmir. A United Nations ceasefire left Kashmir divided on the Line of Control that is still observable (dashed line in picture). Two more wars broke out after this. There have been dozens of instances of militant attacks in Kashmir that have killed thousands of people. While casualty counts vary widely, it is generally agreed that at least 30,000 civilians have been killed (some Kashmiri groups say that number is as high as 100,000). |
Key Events
1947 - Partition and Indo-Pakistani War
1965 - Kashmir War
1971 - Indo-Pakistani War
1989 - Insurgency Erupts
1989 - Pandit Exodus
1999 - Indo-Pakistani War
2000–present - Confidence Building Measures
2005 - Earthquake
1965 - Kashmir War
1971 - Indo-Pakistani War
1989 - Insurgency Erupts
1989 - Pandit Exodus
1999 - Indo-Pakistani War
2000–present - Confidence Building Measures
2005 - Earthquake
Discussion Questions
1. What are the historical origins of the conflict over Kashmir?
These wars started because Pakistani officials thought that the Muslims in Kashmir were being held captive by Hindu India.
2. How are religious factors involved in the conflict?
The different religions are not fighting each other as much as they are being fought over. Both India and Pakistan want to control the Muslim majority Kashmir.
3. How important were international religious and political forces?
The United Nations have helped make ceasefires to stop the wars and save many lives.
4. What role do socioeconomic factors played?
Many civilians have joined different military groups. These wars have cost many lives and a ton of money from both countries, but neither country want to give because they think it is in their best interest and Kashmir's best interest to win the war.
5. How does religion intersect with these other factors in driving outcomes?
An individual's religion determines whether they will fight for Pakistan or India as well as if they live in the Indian or Pakistani part of Kashmir.
These wars started because Pakistani officials thought that the Muslims in Kashmir were being held captive by Hindu India.
2. How are religious factors involved in the conflict?
The different religions are not fighting each other as much as they are being fought over. Both India and Pakistan want to control the Muslim majority Kashmir.
3. How important were international religious and political forces?
The United Nations have helped make ceasefires to stop the wars and save many lives.
4. What role do socioeconomic factors played?
Many civilians have joined different military groups. These wars have cost many lives and a ton of money from both countries, but neither country want to give because they think it is in their best interest and Kashmir's best interest to win the war.
5. How does religion intersect with these other factors in driving outcomes?
An individual's religion determines whether they will fight for Pakistan or India as well as if they live in the Indian or Pakistani part of Kashmir.