By Zachary Danevicz

Recently independent countries Pakistan and India are disputing over the Kashmir Province. This geographic area is a key point within the Middle East that allows travel between countries.

England ceased their colonial practices and allowed previously controlled portions of the Indian subcontinent to become independent. The initial plan was to have this region be a connected country. Pakistan is majority Muslim and wants to keep that individuality, thus a decision was made to separate from the initial merging with India.

Kashmir falls between these Member States and is very valuable for economic and trade purposes. Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir ceded authority to India without a vote. This decision was not vetted by Pakistan, causing the deployment of Pakistani troops.

There is a current standstill. India says for a vote to occur, there needs to be a ceasefire. Pakistan disagrees, stating that the conflict began without a vote and only a vote will end the conflict. 

The United Nations Commission of Inquiry (COI) traveled to Kashmir on 19 April 1948 to discuss options to end this rivalry. Their goal is to facilitate a general popular vote on the matter.

News articles originating in Pakistan and India have been critical of this action. They both state their distaste with the COI’s process. If the COI were actively attempting to end this conflict they need to meet with the respective countries’ representatives.