The Kashmir problem is in existence for 71 years now between India and Pakistan. Are the alleged mistakes by Nehru responsible for the issue remaining unresolved till today?

These days there is what appears to be an orchestrated campaign against India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The turf is the Whatsapp where in choicest words he is being blamed for  leaving behind problems which are bleeding the country today also.  The  main problem constantly refered to is the Kashmir problem.

As is well known the  princely state of Jammu & Kashmir chose to stay independent when Pakistan was created and India was liberated in August, 1947. This was a decision which Maharaja Hari Singh  took because as a Hindu king he did not want to join Pakistan but was hesistant to join India because Muslims where in a majority in his state kingdom. He wanted more time to arrive at a decision. He requested both the neighboring countries to guarantee his independent status.

Ironically it was Pakistan which signed a standstill agreement with the King and then proceeded to launch its tribals to create mayhem in Kashmir valley. As the tribals were   looting and killing they were soon joined by the Pakistani army. A full scale invasion was underway. The  king's  forces  were no match for the Pakistani onslaught and were rapidly marching towards the state capital Srinagar. The panic stricken King turned to India asking for help to combat the invaders. 

India advised him to first acceed to the Indian Union and then officially help can be provided. The hapless King signed the Instrument of Accession and that is how Jammu & Kashmir became a part of India. The Indian army entered the State and pushed back Pakistani troops to the present Line of Control between the two countries following cease fire by the two nations under the auspices of the United Nations. This resulted in division of the State with around 60% remaining with India and 40% is now in illegal occupation of Pakistan.

The premature announcement of ceasefire  and refering the issue to the UN are the two main grouses held against Nehru. It has till now not been satisfactorily explained as to why a ceasefire was announced when Indian troops were successfully pushing the invading Pakistani troops back into their own country. Also what was the need for Nehru to accept the advice of the then Governor General Lord Mountbatten to refer the matter to UN for resolution.

The loss if territory and the non resolution of the matter till date has kept the issue alive and it has now taken a totally different dimension.

Pakistan is now openly sponsoring and facilitating the intrusion of well trained terrorists into the Kashmir valley. Almost everyday there are gunfights between the terrorists and Indian security forces in which the former get eliminated. Security forces also suffer casualties. Pro Pakistan  elements  have also come together and are openly advocating separation of J&K  from India and joining Pakistan.

The situation in the Valley is tense from last many years. There are no talks between India and Pakistan to  resolve  the issue. Pakistan has successfully forced itself upon Kashmir by invading it. Also under the plea that it is a Muslim majority state is demanding that it should become part of Pakistan.

The issue is burning from last 71 years  taking a heavy  toll of thousands of human lives on both sides and huge financial expenditures and losses. 

If only Nehru had not committed the  two mistakes there would perhaps have been no Kashmir problem today. Or did he act in the best interests of the country in the circumstances as they must have prevailed then.

However the Whatsapp forums are going to continue coming hard on him. Right or wrong is the readers personal decision.

vks1000

Am a retired professional who is now into education of International Business and management topics. I enjoy writing and like reading on politics,economics,management and films. I take life as it comes and try to keep myself busy with a variety of activities.

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