1. India-Pakistan and the Conflict over Kashmir

2.
2:33pm Oct. 13, 2009

3. wish to control Kashmir…
The Problem
Both
India and Pakistan
wish to control Kashmir…
WHY?

5. Geography is mostly rural
-fierce mountains, deserts, & valleys
Industry is undeveloped
Natural resources are undeveloped
- no significant oil, gold, silver discovered
…yet…

6. Why the Fuss?

7. Water Headwaters of the Indus River located in Kashmir
Indus begins in Kashmir, flows through Pakistan and then into India.
Kashmir is part of India and they could divert water and dry out Pakistan.

9. Religion Pakistan primarily Muslim India primarily Hindu
80% of people in Kashmir primarily Muslim
Sikhs (about 10% of the people in Kashmir) want to remain in India.

11. Strategic Location For India, Kashmir acts as a buffer
For Pakistan, Kashmir offers a fertile roadway into India for possible invasion

13. Who Controls Kashmir?
Kashmir’s Ruler placed Kashmir under India’s control in exchange for protection from Pakistani invasion (60 years ago)
NO vote was held

14. However, they do enjoy “benefits” from being part of India
Kashmir’s people have never recognized India’s control over the region.
However, they do enjoy “benefits” from being part of India
- excellent education, television, computer access

15. What has happened? India and Pakistan have fought 3 wars
India won all three with the help of militant Sikhs (in Kashmir)
Kashmir’s people would like the help of U.S. and UN, but they have NOT become involved
…WHY?

16. The U.S.
wants to be friends
with
BOTH
Pakistan and India

17. Pakistan
We have a Treaty with Pakistan saying we will come to their aid if they go to war with others and we will honor that.
Location: Pakistan borders Afghanistan and it is important in our “war on terrorism”

18. India Large trading partner
For the most part, India is a friend to the US

19. The U.S. tries NOT to get involved
So…
The U.S. tries NOT to get involved
or take sides.

20. First War cease-fire was declared
Line of Control (LOC) was drawn separating the two sides.
2/3rds of Kashmir now under Indian control (Jammu, one of the three regions in Kashmir, with 9 million people)
1/3rd of Kashmir now under Pakistani control called Azad or “Free Kashmir”.

22. should control Kashmir???
Who
should control Kashmir???