Kashmir Conflict: The Nationalistic Perspective (A Pre-Partition Phenomenon)

Abstract

This paper argues with the changing narrative of Kashmir conflict in international arena, which is generally taken as an inter-state conflict between India and Pakistan. While this conflict must be viewed as an indigenous struggle for economic and social justice with its roots tracing back to 1846. This is also an effort to delink Kashmir from being merely an inter-state conflict to the conflict being a local Kashmiri struggle to preserve their identity based on distinct ethnicity. To understand the nature of conflict in true sense, Kashmir conflict is divided into two phases -prepartition and post partition period. Many proposals are put forward by various stake holders to resolve the conflict in Kashmir, but rigidity in attitudes at both sides India and Pakistan has made the situation worse. All concerned parties are having different perspective over Kashmir as per their specific interests. Peace process dynamics are weak with least attention from United States and other major powers to resolve the issue. The paper ends with the certain recommendations to resolve the issue.