Kashmir Conflict Timeline: 7 Decades of Dispute (1947-2025)
A comprehensive chronology of key events in the world's most militarized territorial dispute between India and Pakistan, with documented human rights impacts on Kashmiri civilians.
October 1947: Partition & First Kashmir War
Maharaja Hari Singh signs controversial Instrument of Accession with India following tribal militias' invasion from Pakistan. This triggers the first India-Pakistan war over Kashmir.
- UN Security Council Resolution 47 calls for plebiscite (never held)
- Estimated 50,000-100,000 casualties in partition violence
- Ceasefire line established in 1949 (later becomes LoC)
August 1965: Second India-Pakistan War
Pakistan launches Operation Gibraltar to infiltrate Jammu & Kashmir, leading to full-scale war that ends with USSR-brokered Tashkent Declaration.
- 3,000+ soldiers killed on both sides
- Civilian displacement exceeds 100,000
- No territorial changes after conflict
March 1987: Rigged Elections Spark Insurgency
Widespread allegations of electoral fraud in Jammu & Kashmir state elections fuel armed rebellion against Indian rule.
- First major protests in Srinagar (15 killed)
- Emergence of JKLF and Hizbul Mujahideen
- Pakistan begins training/arming militants (ISI documents confirm)
January 1990: Kashmiri Pandit Exodus
Over 100,000 Kashmiri Hindus flee valley following militant threats and killings, creating one of modern South Asia's largest internal displacements.
- UN reports confirm 650+ Pandit killings (1989-2003)
- 400+ temples destroyed or damaged
- Only 808 Pandit families remain in valley (2025 data)
July 2008: Amarnath Land Transfer Protests
Massive civilian protests erupt over transfer of forest land to Hindu shrine board, leading to longest period of continuous curfew (65 days).
- 57 protesters killed by security forces
- First widespread use of pellet guns (500+ blinded)
- Economic losses exceed $5 billion
August 2019: Article 370 Revocation
Indian government strips Jammu & Kashmir of special status, splits state into two union territories amid complete communications blackout.
- 7,000+ arrests including political leaders (PSA detentions)
- 213-day internet shutdown (longest in democracy)
- UNHRC expresses "grave concern"
March 2025: Pahalgam Tourist Attack
Militant attack on tourist resort kills 26 civilians, including foreign nationals, marking deadliest incident since 2019 constitutional changes.
- Jaish-e-Mohammad claims responsibility
- India conducts cross-border strikes (unconfirmed)
- Tourism drops 80% in subsequent months