The Religious Dimension in the Kashmiri Conflict Presentation for B0B50a Capita Selecta. Current Issues (II) of Society, Law and Religion 2014-15 Student: Nathan Horne

Introduction The conflict over Kashmir is an interesting topic of discussion in relation to the themes studied in the Capita Selecta II course due to the fact that religion plays a central role in the disputes. This presentation will consider the background to the situation in Kashmir and how religion has had an important influence over the years. Some of the research carried out by the Berkley Centre for Religion, Peace & World Affairs, Georgetown University, (August 2013) will be considered.

The historical background of the situation in Kashmir

Background - The Separation Kashmir is a country in the north-western region of South Asia which borders Pakistan, India and China. To understand the conflict in Kashmir it is necessary to bear in mind the impact of colonialism on that region. In 1848 Kashmir was sold by the British Raj to Hindu Dogra kings. Although living in harmony until this point, a division between Hindus and Muslims began to emerge. Following the 1947 partition of India into a Muslim majority and a Hindu majority, a conflict began between Pakistan and India concerning the border region of Kashmir.

Background - Conflict Begins Due to its location Kashmir could have joined India or Pakistan. Maharaja Hari Singh, who was the ruler of Kashmir was himself Hindu, but most of his subjects were Muslim. As a result he decided to be neutral on the issue. In October 1947 Pakistan ordered Muslim tribesmen to enter the Kashmiri capital Srinagar. This forced Hari Singh to seek the assistance of India where he eventually signed the ‘Instrument of Accession’ handing Kashmir over to India. This resulted in the first of three wars.

Background - The Wars The three wars took place in the region during 1947, 1965 and 1971. The 1947 conflict was the first war. The dispute was handed over to the United Nations by India. A resolution led to the gradual removal of troops in both countries, although Pakistan continued to fight until a ceasefire in 1949. 65 per cent of Kashmir was now under the control of India, with the rest controlled by Pakistan. Another conflict started in 1965 which was ended when the leaders of the countries signed the Tashkent agreement. In 1971 a war began in the region over the independence of East Pakistan which became the new nation of Bangladesh. The conflict over Kashmir continues to this day.

Background - Map of the Region The borders of Kashmir extend into India, Pakistan and China. Pakistan controls two of these regions: Azad and the northern territories. India controls three regions: Ladakh, Jammu and the Kashmir valley. The Line of Control although not legally recognised, has remained the de facto boundary between Indian and Pakistani controlled areas since the Simla Agreement in 1972.

Religion in the Kashmiri Conflict Current Issues

Religion in Kashmir The religious element is one of a number of factors in the rise of violence and division in the region of Kashmir. According to recent statistics the Kashmir Valley, along with the capital Srinagar, is dominated by Muslims as they account for 95 percent of approximately six million people resident there. The region of Jammu is dominated by Hindus as they account for 67 percent of approximately 5 million people there, followed by Muslims at 30 percent. The division of Muslims according to ethnicity in Jammu and Kashmir has increased difficulties in the region. The Ladakh region has a mixture of both Buddhist and Shi’a Muslims. Source: Kashmir: Religious Diversity Becomes Religious Militancy, Berkley Centre for Religion, Peace & World Affairs (Georgetown University) Religion and Conflict Case Study Series, August 2013.

The Rise of Religious Actors In 1999, the religious conflict within Kashmir became more apparent, a year which gave rise to the Kargil conflict. This began after Pakistan moved a number of troops over the Line of Control into the Indian side. The conflict was distinctive due to the prevalence of religious actors on both sides of the dispute. Both India and Pakistan experienced religious revivalism and religious nationalism in the lead up to this conflict.

Division according to Religious Beliefs The leader in Pakistan, General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, was critical of what he saw as secular and Western influences on the country and so decided to introduce a program in which Islam would be promoted. As a result of this campaign, the differences between the two nations were highlighted more than ever before. Pakistan was seen as a the mainly Muslim nation which contrasted to India where Hinduism was more prevalent. Religious nationalists began to make themselves heard at the governmental level, and as they strove to gain advantage in Kashmir, the Kargil conflict erupted.

Religion as a Tool for Conflict Kashmir was known as a place where different religions were generally respected as people lived more often than not in harmony. This harmony was described as kashmiriyat (Kashmir amity). Since the 1980’s, sectarian violence began to grow in the region which has triggered the Kashmiri people to take sides, often according to their own religious beliefs. The role of the governments in using religion as a way to influence citizens, and thus bolster their policies in Kashmir, has also had a significant impact on the conflict.

Instances of Religious Extremism The destruction of the Babri Mosque by Hindu extremists in 1992 led to more tension in Kashmir. The Pakistani government has also shown elements of support towards religious extremists, such as Jihadists, in dealing with the conflict. Whilst religious harmony was to a greater degree a hallmark of life in Kashmir, the influence of governments and political leaders have succeeded, it seems, in using religion as a way to divide people rather than to unite them together.

Conclusion Looking to the future

Final Thoughts The longevity of this conflict and the fact that it remains unresolved is captured in this quotation by Li Peng:

Future Solutions In researching future solutions for Kashmir the BBC suggest the following possibilities for a peaceful resolution. However, each solution has positive and negative consequences for all concerned. A smaller independent Kashmir An Independent Kashmir Valley Kashmir divided along the line of the River Chenab which was proposed first in the 1960’s. Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/south_asia/03/kashmir_future/html/default.stm

Conclusion Whilst there is a religious element in the conflict in Kashmir, this is not a war over religious beliefs, but rather religious affiliations have caused (to some extent) partitions to form between the peoples and nations. This point is comparable to the situation in Ireland where Catholics and Protestants were divided not over their religious beliefs per se, but rather religion was used as a way to demarcate people into separate groups. This demarcation often results in growing sectarianism and consequently increased violence between competing factions. Any future resolution in Kashmir will always have to take into account the way in which religion has been employed (for better or for worse) in this conflict.