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Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir, often denoted by the acronym J&K is an Indian state situated at the north of the country. J&K shares its borders with states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab in the south and countries like China and Pakistan, both of whom have occupied parts of the Kashmir and Ladakh regions illegally. The state is known for its eternal beauty, Himalayan Mountains a well as issues with Pakistan. The state has a special autonomy under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. Some parts of Jammu and Kashmir has under Pakistan control since 1947 and the Aksai Chin region has been under Chinese control since 1962. The state has a Muslim majority and the major tourist spots in the state include Ladakh, Kashmir Valley and Jammu where numerous shrines are visited by thousands of Hindu pilgrims every year. Jammu is the summer capital of the state and Srinagar is the winter capital.

The Kashmir Conflict: The history of the conflict in the state can be traced back to the pre-independence era when the state was an independent princely state. After Independence, Pakistan's army attacked the state in 1947. After the attack from Pakistan, the then king of the state Maharaja Hari Singh requested Indian government to help him. The Indian government offered to help if the state became an integral part of the India. He accepted the offer and Indian troops went to J&K and managed to defend Kashmir and drive away the Pakistani raiders from the state. However, a part of the state remained in Pakistan's control and the areas were difficult to reach as it was surrounded by tall mountains. This led to Pakistan to control a small part of Kashmir whereas a large part remained with India. The United Nations tried to mitigate the conflict but the region was never de-militarized. India has long held the point that the agreements made were not honoured. Pakistan on the other hand maintains that the Muslim majority of the region makes Kashmir a part of Pakistan as per the Two Nation theory.

The conflict continues and the two countries have fought wars in 1965, 1971 and in 1999 in Kargil where India proved to be victorious in both wars. The Simla Agreement was signed in 1972 and agreed for a Line of Control (LOC) between their regions with the view of committing a peaceful resolution of the dispute. However, tensions kept rising in the region. Apart from the western front, the eastern region of Kashmir also has been in disputes with China and despite the agreements of the borders being signed by Great Britain, Tibet, Afghanistan and Russia, China never accepted these agreements and their army had entered the north east portion of Ladakh. India claimed that Aksai Chin belonged to Kashmir whereas China said that it was a part of the Xinjiang and it was an important link to Tibet and Xinjiang. China's construction of a road led to conflict and later it became one of the reasons for the 1962 Sino-India war.

In the late 70s, things were largely peaceful and Kashmir was functioning smoothly. However, after the death of Sheikh Abdullah in 1982, there was a rise in the discontent in the valley. A further rigging in the 1987 assembly elections cascaded into a violent uprising in Kashmir. The region has been in a complete turmoil since then with Pakistan arming and training terrorists to target Indian forces and assets. During the Atal Bihari government from 1999-2004, things were getting back to normalcy and a discussion with the separatist as well as Pakistan was initiated. The talks however were discontinued during the Kargil conflict when Pakistan troops attacked the Kargil district and other areas of LOC. Though the attack was termed by Pakistan as an independent attack by groups of separatists, India provided evidence of involvement of the Pakistani army. The conflict ended with the victory of India as the army and the air force were able to drive out the insurgents from the affected areas.

The on-going conflict has adversely affected tourism in the state, which used to be a large contributor to the economy of the region. The constant threat of militant attacks, army enclosures has created a sense of doom over the valley which was once considered as one of the prettiest valleys in the world. Many poets had commented on the natural beauty of the region and the world community has tried to guide mediation. While there have been constant talks, the conflict continues to stay deep. India maintains that until Pakistan does not stop cross border support of terrorist activities in the region, no agreement was possible. The recent Uri Attacks has further worsened the situation in the region and given rise to concern as both the countries are possess nuclear bombs.

Photo by Monson126 / Wikimedia Commons.

Normalcy in J&K: Students Return to Schools, No Major Violence in Valley
India.com News Desk | August 21, 2019 8:02 PM IST
New Delhi: The Jammu and Kashmir authorities on Wednesday observed day-time relaxations on Wednesday...
Normalcy in J&K: Students Return to Schools, No Major Violence in Valley
indiacom
2019-08-21T09:02:48+00:00
2019-08-21T09:02:48+00:00
Jammu And Kashmir
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'Large Part of India's Share of Water Flows to Pakistan,' Says Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
India.com News Desk | August 21, 2019 6:23 PM IST
New Delhi: Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Wednesday highlighted the need to d...
'Large Part of India's Share of Water Flows to Pakistan,' Says Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
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2019-08-21T07:23:28+00:00
2019-08-21T07:23:28+00:00
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J&K Cop Martyred, 1 Terrorist Gunned Down in Baramulla Encounter
India.com News Desk | August 21, 2019 9:05 AM IST
New Delhi: One Special Police Officer lost his life and one terrorist was gunned down in an encounte...
J&K Cop Martyred, 1 Terrorist Gunned Down in Baramulla Encounter
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2019-08-20T22:05:46+00:00
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Jammu And Kashmir
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Why Pakistan Army Disowns Its Own Killed Soldiers | Opinion
Amit Bansal | August 20, 2019 5:23 PM IST
New Delhi: It was the sunny morning of a day in the second week of July 1999, when an Indian Army Pa...
Why Pakistan Army Disowns Its Own Killed Soldiers | Opinion
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2019-08-20T06:23:34+00:00
2019-08-20T06:23:34+00:00
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Jammu And Kashmir Government's Help Saves Srinagar BPO From Shutdown
IANS | August 20, 2019 4:09 PM IST
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has come to the rescue to Srinagar-based BPO AEGIS, which was a...
Jammu And Kashmir Government's Help Saves Srinagar BPO From Shutdown
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2019-08-20T05:09:02+00:00
2019-08-20T05:09:02+00:00
Jammu And Kashmir
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'Extreme Rhetoric' by Some Leaders Not Conducive For Peace: PM Modi to Donald Trump in 30-min Phone Call
India.com News Desk | August 19, 2019 8:44 PM IST
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the United States President Donald Trump had a 30-minute...
'Extreme Rhetoric' by Some Leaders Not Conducive For Peace: PM Modi to Donald Trump in 30-min Phone Call
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2019-08-19T09:44:37+00:00
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J&K Police Provides Control Room, Helpline Numbers to Inform About Rumour Mongers
India.com News Desk | August 19, 2019 10:36 PM IST
Srinagar: The zonal police headquarters of Jammu today appealed to the citizens to use the telephone...
J&K Police Provides Control Room, Helpline Numbers to Inform About Rumour Mongers
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2019-08-19T11:36:03+00:00
2019-08-19T11:36:03+00:00
Jammu And Kashmir
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Article 370: 'Won't be Any Negative Impact in J&K', Nepal Hopeful of Peace, Stability
India.com News Desk | August 19, 2019 8:11 PM IST
Kathmandu: Foreign Affairs Minister of Nepal Pradeep Kumar Gyawali today expressed optimism and hope...
Article 370: 'Won't be Any Negative Impact in J&K', Nepal Hopeful of Peace, Stability
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2019-08-19T09:11:46+00:00
2019-08-19T09:11:46+00:00
Jammu And Kashmir
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Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's Ex-Wife Reham Calls Him Weak, Incapable After J&K Developments
India.com News Desk | August 19, 2019 6:28 PM IST
Islamabad: Pakistani journalist and author Reham Khan slammed her ex-husband and Pakistan Prime Mini...
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's Ex-Wife Reham Calls Him Weak, Incapable After J&K Developments
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2019-08-19T07:28:17+00:00
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Jammu And Kashmir
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Irfan Pathan Looks Forward to Domestic Season 2019-20 After Jammu And Kashmir Cricket Association Pulls Out of Vizzy Trophy Following Lockdown in State
India.com Sports Desk | August 19, 2019 4:22 PM IST
Following unprecedented unrest in the valley, India's star all-rounder Irfan Pathan had to halt his ...
Irfan Pathan Looks Forward to Domestic Season 2019-20 After Jammu And Kashmir Cricket Association Pulls Out o
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2019-08-19T05:22:40+00:00
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Jammu And Kashmir
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Sonam Kapoor Lashes Out at Trolls Who Called Her 'Anti-National' And 'Dumb' For Speaking on Kashmir-Situation
India.com Buzz Desk | August 19, 2019 2:01 PM IST
Actor Sonam Kapoor has finally broken her silence on the entire trolling she was being subjected to ...
Sonam Kapoor Lashes Out at Trolls Who Called Her 'Anti-National' And 'Dumb' For Speaking on Kashmir-Situation
indiacom
2019-08-19T03:01:56+00:00
2019-08-19T03:01:56+00:00
Jammu And Kashmir
India.com
Jammu And Kashmir: Nearly 200 Schools Reopen Its Doors After Fortnight of Clampdown, Students Missing
India.com News Desk | August 19, 2019 1:26 PM IST
New Delhi: Despite assurance from Jammu and Kashmir administration that all necessary arrangements w...
Jammu And Kashmir: Nearly 200 Schools Reopen Its Doors After Fortnight of Clampdown, Students Missing
indiacom
2019-08-19T02:26:29+00:00
2019-08-19T02:43:11+00:00
Jammu And Kashmir
India.com
'Reckless, Unwarranted And Irresponsible', Afghanistan Lambasts Pakistan For Linking Kashmir With Its Peace Process
India.com News Desk | August 19, 2019 10:49 AM IST
New Delhi: Afghan ambassador to the US Roya Rahmani has lambasted Pakistan for linking the current s...
'Reckless, Unwarranted And Irresponsible', Afghanistan Lambasts Pakistan For Linking Kashmir With Its Peace P
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2019-08-18T23:49:35+00:00
2019-08-19T00:00:12+00:00
Jammu And Kashmir
India.com
Jammu And Kashmir: After Two Weeks of Lockdown, Over 190 Schools to Reopen Today; Curbs to be Eased Further
India.com News Desk | August 19, 2019 6:41 AM IST
New Delhi: After almost two weeks of lockdown, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has decided to r...
Jammu And Kashmir: After Two Weeks of Lockdown, Over 190 Schools to Reopen Today; Curbs to be Eased Further
indiacom
2019-08-18T19:41:00+00:00
2019-08-18T20:36:30+00:00
Jammu And Kashmir
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Plan to Reopen Over 190 Primary Schools in Srinagar From Monday: Principal Secretary Rohit Kansal
ANI | August 18, 2019 11:02 PM IST
The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday said that over 190 primary schools will re-open tomor...
Plan to Reopen Over 190 Primary Schools in Srinagar From Monday: Principal Secretary Rohit Kansal
indiacom
2019-08-18T12:02:53+00:00
2019-08-18T12:02:53+00:00
Jammu And Kashmir
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Movies, Gym And Books: How Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti Are Passing Their Time Under House Arrest
India.com News Desk | August 18, 2019 10:30 PM IST
New Delhi: As Kashmir limps back to normalcy, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Ministers who continue ...
Movies, Gym And Books: How Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti Are Passing Their Time Under House Arrest
indiacom
2019-08-18T11:30:43+00:00
2019-08-18T11:43:09+00:00
Jammu And Kashmir
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Minor Clashes at Places Where Restrictions Were Not Lifted: J&K Principal Secretary
India.com News Desk | August 18, 2019 8:07 PM IST
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Principal Secretary Rohit Kansal on Sunday said that no report of any un...
Minor Clashes at Places Where Restrictions Were Not Lifted: J&K Principal Secretary
indiacom
2019-08-18T09:07:02+00:00
2019-08-18T09:07:02+00:00
Jammu And Kashmir
India.com
J&K Police Focussed on Isolating Terrorists to Not Let Them Mislead General Public: DGP
PTI | August 18, 2019 6:47 PM IST
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir police is maintaining pressure on terrorists to isolate them so that...
J&K Police Focussed on Isolating Terrorists to Not Let Them Mislead General Public: DGP
indiacom
2019-08-18T07:47:29+00:00
2019-08-18T07:47:29+00:00
Jammu And Kashmir
India.com
Communication Shutdown Imposed to Avoid Misuse, Explains Jammu & Kashmir Guv's Advisor
India.com News Desk | August 18, 2019 6:12 PM IST
New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik's advisor K Vijay Kumar assured all on Sunday ...
Communication Shutdown Imposed to Avoid Misuse, Explains Jammu & Kashmir Guv's Advisor
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2019-08-18T07:12:22+00:00
2019-08-18T07:15:58+00:00
Jammu And Kashmir
India.com
J&K: Restrictions Reimposed; Mobile Internet Services Suspended in Jammu, 4 Other Districts
India.com News Desk | August 18, 2019 1:15 PM IST
New Delhi: A day after landline, 2G internet services were restored partially, restrictions were rep...
J&K: Restrictions Reimposed; Mobile Internet Services Suspended in Jammu, 4 Other Districts
indiacom
2019-08-18T02:15:32+00:00
2019-08-18T03:23:49+00:00
Jammu And Kashmir
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