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Title EVOLVING DYNAMICS OF THE KASHMIR CONFLICT: POLICY OPTIONS FOR PAKISTAN

Author(s) Nyla Kiyani

Abstract Abstract India and Pakistan's disputes stem from historical, territorial, and ideological differences, including the partition of British India in 1947, leading to the Kashmir conflict, competing claims over regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Siachen Glacier, and Sir Creek. Additionally, issues of water sharing, and divergent foreign policy priorities contribute to the ongoing tensions. These disputes are deeply rooted, aggravated by national identity, regional interests, and geopolitical factors, hampering efforts towards sustainable peace and cooperation between the two countries. The genesis of decades-long hostility between the of neighboring states can be traced in the Kashmir issue which has created uncompromising stances on the part of between India and Pakistan against each other. The Kashmir issue, which resulted from the partition of the subcontinent, has led the governments of both states to oppose each other in regional and extraregional affairs. it has resulted in a few wars and countless border skirmishes. This trend of IndiaPakistan conflict has left worse impact on the regional political order in South Asia. The role of third parties, as mediator and facilitator, and the performance of the United Nations remains ineffective in resolving the Kashmir issue between two major powers of South Asia. Additionally, the regional multilateral framework of South Asia under the SAARC also proved ineffective in addressing the inflexible standings of New Delhi and Islamabad on the Kashmir issue. The recent developments on the Kashmir issue can be identified by the constitutional changes in India regarding the autonomous status of Kashmir. The constitutional changes have marked a fundamental change I the character of Kashmir conflict. Therefore, the central theme of this research revolves around the position of Kashmir in the post-2019 scenario when the Indian government brought major changes in the form of the revocation of Articles 370 and 35-A. These constitutional changes compelled Pakistan to oppose the Indian Kashmir-specific changes in the Indian Constitution and led the government of Pakistan to highlight the Kashmir issue at international forums. This research tried to emphasize the nature of constitutional changes, the reasons behind New Delhi’s decision for changing the status of Kashmir, the evolving dynamics of Kashmir following the revocation, and the reaction of Pakistan. In this way, it is more appropriate to maintain that this research is an academic endeavor to comprehend the status of Kashmir between India and Pakistan in the post-2019 scenario in which Pakistan has been pushed at a disadvantageous position in regional politics. Drawn on neo-classical realism, this study finds that India has acted assertively and consistently to revoke Kashmir’s special status. Through constitutional changes, India aims to alter the socio-political order character of Jammu and Kashmir. On the other hand, Pakistan’s response remains inconsistence, reactive and event-based.

Type Thesis/Dissertation MS

Faculty Social Sciences

Department International Relations

Language English

Publication Date 2023-08-22

Subject International Relations

Publisher NA

Contributor(s) NA

Format 16 Edition Chicago Manual

Identifier NA

Source NA

Relation NA

Coverage NA

Rights NA

Category NA

Description