During the end of the British Rule, the empire decided to partition the subcontinent based on Muslim majority West Pakistan/East Pakistan and Hindu majority India. However, the State Kashmir was run by Hindu Government with Muslim Majority. With the Muslim Majority wanting to be part of West Pakistan – Pakistan decided to try and cede parts of Muslim Majority Kashmir which forced the Hindu-Government requesting help from India, sparking the first war of India-Pakistan.

After the first war between India and Pakistan over the disputed territory in 1947 – Both parties raised Kashmir in the UN Security Council in 1948, which resulted in 47 calls for a referendum and withdrawal of troops – However, both parties refused to.

On 1951 India announced a referendum is unnecessary after an election in the Indian-administered state of Jammu which is Hindu Majority which resulted in accession a state of Jammu and Kashmir to India. UN and Pakistan had said the referendum was unfair and needs to take account of the votes throughout the whole state.

Two years later Pro-Indian authorities dismissed and arrested the Sheikh Abdullah the Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. This was because Sheikh took a pro-referendum stance and delaying the process of the accession. This resulted in a new Jammu and Kashmir government ratifying the accession to India. Two years Jammu and Kashmir is part of India Constitution.

Note: During these conflicts, China slowly occupied provinces in east Kashmir (Aksai Chin) and some provinces were given by Pakistan-administered Kashmir because of religion majority Mahayana (Buddhism).

Why is Kashmir so important to the two countries?

Kashmir is Muslim-majority and the majority wants to be part of Pakistan why is India so reluctant over Kashmir? Other than the obvious national pride there is another very important reason why India/Pakistan needs Kashmir – Water.

India/Pakistan is known for having shortages of Water & Electricity and Kashmir serves as the main source of Water for both countries. With recent tensions over India planning to develop more Hydro facilities; Pakistan fears the ‘Indus Waters Treaty‘ is in danger with the water may be diverted which will cause Pakistan Water & Electricity shortages, impact agriculture of the country and harm the economy.

More info about this found here: BBC, The Diplomat, Al Jazeera, Daily Opinion