Kashmir latest update: Why are India and Pakistan at war over Kashmir? Where is Kashmir?

The Indian government, headed by newly re-elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to usurp power from the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) government yesterday. The move was announced by Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, who said the government would scrap Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. The move effectively revoked near self-governance in Jammu and Kashmir – India’s only Muslim majority state. Self-governance in J&K is one part of a much wider conflict between India and Pakistan, who are vying for total control of the region.

Why are India and Pakistan at war over Kashmir?

The conflict between India an Pakistan is rooted in the British empire, which occupied India for much of the 20th century.

When the empire finally left the region in 1947, it forced a bloody partition which created two separate states.

These states are India and Pakistan, divided by religion between Muslim majority Pakistan and Hindu majority India.

READ MORE: Kashmir news today: What is happening in Kashmir right now?

One enduring issue of partition is the status of Kashmir, which is surrounded by India, Pakistan, and the People’s Republic of China.

The Indian Independence Act, which was drawn up by the British government, left the region free to align with either India or Pakistan in 1947.

Hari Singh, ruler of Kashmir in 1947, chose to join India, which ignited a bitter war from 1947 to 1949.

Following two more wars over the region in 1965 and 1999, three countries now lay claim to different parts of Kashmir.

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Where is Kashmir?

Kashmir is due north of India, north-east of Pakistan, and to the west of the People’s Republic of China.

Ownership of the region begrudgingly shared between these three countries.

Although thoroughly disputed, India occupies half of the territory, Pakistan controls one third, and the PRC controls the leftover portion.

READ MORE: Why India’s scrapping of Article 370 could spark Kashmir war

India’s section is named Jammu and Kashmir, located in the south of Kashmir.

Pakistan split its section into the states of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir in the west.

The PRC controls the eastern section, named Aksai Chin.

Beijing said the latest move from India to revoke J&K autonomy undermines its “territorial sovereignty”.

source: express.co.uk