Independent Kashmir: An Incomplete Aspiration

Many Kashmiris still want independence from India, despite a rare India-Pakistan agreement that says neither J&K nor any part of it can be independent. This book explores the complex history and geo-political rivalry in the region, and asks what independence might look like and how realistic it is.

Format: Hardback
Length: 456 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2021
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Many disillusioned Kashmiris continue to demand independence or freedom from India. Written by a leading authority on Kashmir's troubled past, this book revisits the topic of independence for the region (also known as Jammu and Kashmir, or J&K), and explores exactly why this aspiration has never been fulfilled. In a rare India-Pakistan agreement, they concur that neither J&K, nor any part of it, can be independent.

Charting a complex history and intense geo-political rivalry from Maharaja Hari Singh's leadership in the mid-1920s to the present, this book offers an essential insight into the disputes that have shaped the region. As tensions continue to rise following government-imposed COVID-19 lockdowns, Snedden asks a vital question: what might independence look like, and just how realistic is this aspiration?

The book explores the historical context of the region, including the partition of India in 1947 and the subsequent creation of two separate states, India and Pakistan. It examines the political and economic factors that have contributed to the conflict, including the role of the Indian government, the Pakistani military, and the local population.

Snedden also discusses the various peace initiatives that have been attempted over the years, including the Shimla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999. He analyzes the challenges that these initiatives faced and the reasons why they failed to bring lasting peace to the region.

The book also explores the human cost of the conflict, including the displacement of millions of people, the deaths of thousands of soldiers, and the suffering of the local population. It highlights the need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution that addresses the political, economic, and social needs of all the people of the region.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the understanding of Kashmir's troubled past and the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan. It offers an essential insight into the disputes that have shaped the region and the challenges that must be overcome to bring lasting peace to the people of Kashmir.

Weight: 858g
Dimension: 169 x 241 x 45 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526156143