Kashmir is the northernmost geographical region of the Indian subcontinent. It denotes a large area that includes areas administered by India, Pakistan and China.

Conflict in Kashmir has been long-standing, it began after the partition of India in 1947 as a dispute over the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. This conflict worsened into three wars between India and Pakistan and several other armed clashes. China has also been involved in the conflict in a third-party role.

However, the conflict in Kashmir is often characterised as a matter between India and Pakistan. It is framed around the issues of the legitimacy of Kashmir’s accession to India at independence.

The land of Kashmir is considered valuable to the three nations both strategically and politically. It also provides valuable resources, thus it remains the biggest unresolved issue facing the Indian sub-continent.

On the 5th of August 2019, India’s Minster Amit Shah announced the ruling that stripped away the autonomy of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The decree involving the Muslim-majority Himalayan region was signed by the president and the effects came into force.

From 1947 to date, the conflict in Kashmir has caused 3,400 disappearance cases and the death of more than 47,000 people.

In Kashmir’s long history of oppression and conflict, August the 5th 2019, will be remembered as just another chapter. Unfortunately, this recent incident will mark the start of an age of unprecedented resistance and struggle towards freedom for the Kashmiris.