The Kashmir Dispute, 1947-2012

Book excerpt: The Kashmir Dispute 1947-2012 traces the complex history of this long- standing issue, and the political discontent and dissent surrounding it - relating especially to the question of the accession of the state of Jammu and Kashmir to the Union of India. The book opens with a critical and insightful introduction based on recently published material, which illuminates the multitudinous issues and resolutions relating to Kashmir in a holistic manner. It then delves into the intricacies of the Kashmir problem with a collection of the author's articles published over the last five decades in various dailies, journals, and books, bringing to light many hitherto unknown or forgotten issues and facts relating to the troubled history of the state. The articles are divided thematically into three major headings, namely, The Indo-Pak Dispute, The US and Kashmir, and The Endgame. They provide a critical perspective on the issues that are raised. The book concludes with a selection ofboth archival and contemporary documents, which highlight some important episodes in the history of the formation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and provide a background to the current political reality.