DefinePK

Abstract

Abstract
The relationship between Indian-held Kashmir and the Indian government has been tumultuous since the partition of the subcontinent. This hostile relationship has long been at the heart of a complex security dilemma rooted in India’s refusal to recognize the right of self-determination awarded to the people of Kashmir by several United Nations (UN) resolutions. On many occasions, India agreed to implement these resolutions and to grant this right to the Kashmiri people through a plebiscite. Contrary to its commitments, from the very beginning, India took steps to merge the Muslim majority state of Kashmir with India. This article discusses those actions which clearly indicate India’s dual policy vis-à-vis Kashmir in the historical perspective. The article will focus on how India’s coercive political, economic, and cultural policies in Kashmir paved the way for violence and pushed the people of Kashmir to continue their political struggle against Indian domination, a struggle that continues to this day.