Jammu and Kashmir Profile

Jammu and Kashmir remain at the heart of South Asia’s most protracted territorial dispute. For over 76 years, the region has witnessed wars, political upheavals, international interventions, and immense human suffering. This in-depth profile explores the past, present, and emerging realities of Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on historical context, administrative divisions, governance, security, and the lives of the 14 million+ residents caught between competing national claims.

Historical Background of Kashmir

The history of Kashmir is rooted in the 1846 Treaty of Amritsar, which marked the formation of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir under Dogra rule. Post-1947 partition of British India led to the first India-Pakistan war over Kashmir. The UN intervened in 1948, establishing the Line of Control (LoC), dividing the region into Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistani-administered Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Chinese-controlled Aksai Chin.

Political map of Jammu and Kashmir highlighting Indian-administered Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, and China-administered Aksai Chin; includes Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC) demarcations.[/caption]

Jammu Kashmir and the Territorial Dispute

Today, the Kashmir region is split among three nuclear-armed states:

• Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir: Revoked special status (Article 370) in 2019.

• Pakistan-administered areas: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan.

• China-administered: Aksai Chin and Trans-Karakoram Tract, with limited civilian presence.

Each side claims the region in full but governs only parts. The Kashmir conflict is not just a territorial issue but a humanitarian, political, and legal question affecting regional peace and the right to self-determination of its people.

Current Governance and Constitutional Status

The governance structure of Kashmir remains deeply fragmented, reflecting the region’s complex geopolitical realities and contested sovereignty. Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the political and constitutional status of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a significant transformation. Previously enjoying special autonomy under the Indian Constitution, the region was reorganized into two union territories — Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh — bringing it under the direct control of New Delhi.

The move was widely criticized by Kashmiri political parties and human rights groups, as it stripped the region of its legislative autonomy and land rights. The first legislative elections since the abrogation are anticipated in 2024, but they remain overshadowed by concerns over delimitation, voter list restructuring, and a weakened democratic setup. Critics argue that governance in Jammu and Kashmir is now largely bureaucratic and militarized, with limited space for dissent or meaningful political engagement.

In Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), governance is conducted under the 1974 Interim Constitution, granting the territory a semi-autonomous status. While AJK has its own legislative assembly and prime minister, key areas such as foreign affairs, defense, and currency remain under Islamabad’s direct control. Elections are held periodically, but questions persist about the independence of political processes.

Read Also: Jammu Kashmir Newspapers & Media

China-administered Aksai Chin, seized during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, is governed as part of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region. There is no civilian governance; the area is under tight military control due to its strategic importance.

Notably, there exists no unified representative body for the entire Kashmir region. The division between Indian, Pakistani, and Chinese-administered zones has effectively fragmented Kashmiri identity and political voice, leaving the indigenous population without a cohesive platform to advocate for their rights and aspirations on the global stage.

Security and Conflict Status

Kashmir continues to be recognized as one of the most militarized regions in the world. The ongoing territorial dispute between India and Pakistan — both nuclear-armed states — has created a sustained state of tension along the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border dividing Indian-administered and Pakistani-administered Kashmir.

In the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, an estimated 500,000 military and paramilitary personnel are deployed to manage both internal unrest and cross-border threats. The presence of such a large security force has turned daily life into a heavily monitored and often restricted environment for the local population. Checkpoints, surveillance operations, cordon-and-search actions, and frequent curfews are part of the security landscape.

The region witnessed 142 reported armed clashes in 2024, including encounters between militants and security forces, targeted killings, and improvised explosive device (IED) incidents. Alongside these, drone surveillance and attempted aerial intrusions along the LoC have become increasingly frequent, raising concerns about new technologies being deployed in the conflict zone.

In contrast, Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan have experienced relative peace, with significantly fewer military operations or civilian disturbances. However, these areas hold strategic importance due to their proximity to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) — a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project that passes through Gilgit-Baltistan and has added another layer of geopolitical interest to the region.

Read Also: Azad Kashmir Newspapers & Media

Despite the absence of active large-scale warfare, the Kashmir conflict remains volatile, with both state and non-state actors playing roles in shaping its security dynamics. For the people of Kashmir, the overarching presence of military forces, lack of political freedom, and enduring fear of conflict have normalized a life of uncertainty — making genuine peace and demilitarization an urgent yet elusive goal.

Socioeconomic Conditions

The prolonged conflict has severely impacted development and human security in Kashmir and Jammu Kashmir.

Key stats:

• Unemployment in Indian-administered J&K: 23%

• Tourism is slowly recovering with 1.8 million visitors in 2023

• Internet shutdowns, restrictions on movement, and censorship affect daily life and media freedom.

AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan face underdevelopment and infrastructure gaps, despite scenic tourism potential.

International Stance and the Right to Self-Determination

The United Nations recognizes Kashmir as a disputed territory and has passed resolutions advocating a free and fair plebiscite — which remains unfulfilled. Several human rights organizations have documented violations and suppression in both Indian- and Pakistan-administered regions.

Kashmiris across all territories continue to demand:

• Political autonomy or independence

• Demilitarization and peace

• International mediation and justice

Kashmir and Jammu Kashmir are more than a geopolitical flashpoint — they represent a people with a rich history, enduring identity, and ongoing struggle for justice. While powerful nations draw lines on maps, it is the people of Kashmir who continue to bear the consequences. A lasting resolution requires not only diplomacy but acknowledgment of the Kashmiri voice.

Why Kashmir Remains a Global Geopolitical Flashpoint

Kashmir is not only a regional issue between India, Pakistan, and China—it is a global concern that touches on human rights, international law, and regional stability in South Asia. For over seven decades, the Kashmir conflict has remained unresolved, affecting millions of lives and contributing to recurrent armed tensions between nuclear-armed states. Understanding the Kashmir issue requires a nuanced view of its historical roots, evolving administrative control, and the current challenges faced by its people.

The Strategic Significance of Kashmir

Kashmir’s location at the crossroads of South and Central Asia gives it immense strategic value. Bordered by three major powers—India, Pakistan, and China—the region’s mountains, rivers, and transport corridors make it geopolitically sensitive. It serves as a buffer zone and a contested frontier, drawing international attention whenever tensions escalate.

The People of Kashmir: Voices Beyond Borders

Often lost in state-centric narratives are the voices of Kashmiri people themselves. With a population of over 14 million, Kashmiris have endured decades of conflict, economic hardship, and political marginalization. From curfews and communication blackouts to restrictions on press freedom and civil liberties, the daily realities of life in Kashmir highlight the need for a solution that respects their rights and aspirations.

Kashmiris emphasize the need for genuine dialogue, international mediation, and recognition of the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination as outlined in several United Nations resolutions. An independent and peaceful Kashmir remains a hope shared by many, both within the region and in the global diaspora.

Media Freedom and the Need for Unbiased Reporting on Kashmir

In recent years, information from and about Kashmir has often been filtered through state-controlled narratives. Independent media outlets play a crucial role in shedding light on underreported issues such as human rights violations, political suppression, and environmental degradation. As an kashmir based independent news source, our goal is to provide credible, fact-based journalism that gives voice to the people of Kashmir and holds all sides accountable.

We aim to:

• Share verified updates on Kashmir’s political and social landscape

• Highlight grassroots movements and civil society efforts

• Analyze global diplomatic responses to the Kashmir conflict

• Promote peace, justice, and the right to identity for Kashmiris

What the Future Holds for Kashmir

The future of Kashmir remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: ignoring the aspirations of its people is not a sustainable solution. Any roadmap toward peace must include all stakeholders, especially the Kashmiris themselves. Whether it leads to autonomy, independence, or a new political arrangement, the solution must be inclusive, democratic, and peaceful.

As the world watches closely, Kashmir continues to be a test case for international commitment to human rights, justice, and equitable conflict resolution. Through responsible journalism, in-depth analysis, and community engagement, we aim to keep the Kashmir question alive in global discourse—not as a footnote in South Asian history, but as a central issue of our time.