*Darker colors represent higher concentrations
1. What are the historical origins of the conflict over Kashmir?
The conflict in Kashmir was ignited by internal political strife and the contentious relationship between Pakistan and India. Conflict spurned when Kashmir joined the Hindu-majority to India, rather than joining the Muslim-majority to Pakistan. War erupted between Pakistan and India because of the religious divide, leaving Kashmir in between the divided states, which in turn caused a second and a third world war. The religious revivalism and strict nationalism created tension, causing the series of wars and militant attacks because of the differing religious beliefs.
2. How are religious factors involved in the conflict?
Kashmir has been characterized by its religious diversity for a long time, but it has recently become a source of conflict in the region. Kashmir is home to Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists, but is primarily concentrated with Hindus and Muslims. Everything was peaceful until the end of British rule, which led to the the establishment of the states of Pakistan and India, creating Pakistan's negative stance toward India over Kashmir's religious diversity.Governments in both India and Pakistan used religious appeals to raise support for their campaign. This created a Line of Control, separating Kashmir strictly by ethnicity in religion, and spawning religious extremist groups willing to fight for their faith.
3. How important were international religious and political forces?
Politically, the conflict in Kashmir caused an uproar in the international community and worsened tourism from Europe and North America, even making it tense for Hindu pilgrims to reach Kashmir, a crucial international pilgrimage site. Religious groups, specifically Islamist groups, played a large role in the Kashmir conflict. Jihadists entered the region with support from the Pakistani government and challenged Indian control of Kashmir.This provoked the Indian military and in turn allowed the Pakistani army to gain distance in the fight. After the attack on September 11th, the Pakistan government has attempted to reel in the Islamic militants, but have not been successful. Afghanistan, which borders Kashmir, has now been dragged into the conflict and fears the Indian influence, while India not only fears the Pakistani military, but also the Islamist terrorism.
4. What role do socioeconomic factors played?
Ethnicity and religion are critical identity markers in Kashmir. Kashmir contains 5 provinces, divided by the Line of Control, and are mostly divided by religion. The Kashmir Valley is made up of 95% Muslims, while the Jammu region has a majority of Hindus, making up 67% of the population. This has resulted in internal fragmentation that further complicate negotiation efforts. The economy is struggling after the 2005 earthquake, primarily in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir and Islamist extremists have stepped in to help, creating concern for India and other international observers. Sunni curriculum is being opposed by local Shi'as, creating even more internal conflict within the Islamic community. The religious identity of Kashmir has created vast internal conflict that is weakening national security and economy.
5. How does religion intersect with these other factors in driving outcomes?
The distress in the country caused by the divide between Hindus and Muslims creates political tensions and a divided economy, allowing Islamist extremist into the country and creating an unsafe environment. In addition to the militant groups, the even further division of the Shi'a and Sunni sects create a deadly combination within communities, even over small matters such as school curriculum. The conflict of religious identity makes Kashmir divided, in economy and politics, and creates a less secure country, even gaining sympathy from international eyes. Though peace-making methods have been attempted, the fierce religious identity prevents Kashmir, even India and Pakistan, from uniting, and even brings neighboring countries, such as Afghanistan, into the conflict.