اردو افسانہ اور کشمیر میں ہونے والی ناانصافیاں

الملخص

The Kashmir issue did not originate after the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947; rather, it was a premeditated problem deliberately sustained by colonial powers to maintain discord between India and Pakistan. The roots of the conflict trace back to the Treaty of Lahore in 1846, under which the British sold the region of Kashmir to the Hindu Dogra ruler, Gulab Singh, for 7.5 million rupees. Under Dogra rule, Kashmiri Muslims faced extreme oppression—socially, politically, economically, and religiously. Excessive taxation, denial of educational and religious freedoms, and systemic discrimination forced many Muslims to migrate or live under severe hardship.

The 20th century saw the emergence of political awareness among Kashmiris, fueled by the efforts of leaders like Allama Iqbal and various local movements. Significant events such as the 1931 protests and the formation of the All India Kashmir Committee marked the rise of the Kashmiri freedom movement. Despite brief unity under the All Jammu and Kashmir Conference, political divisions emerged, particularly between Sheikh Abdullah’s National Conference and Chaudhry Ghulam Abbas's revived Muslim Conference.

In 1946, widespread rebellion broke out against the Dogra regime, with several areas being liberated by local fighters. As the British announced the partition of India, Muslim-majority regions were to join Pakistan. However, Maharaja Hari Singh, the ruler of Kashmir, delayed accession, fearing the state's likely integration into Pakistan. Although Pakistan agreed to a standstill agreement, India did not respond and allegedly plotted Kashmir’s annexation. These historical events set the foundation for the unresolved Kashmir dispute, which continues to affect regional peace and stability to this day.