When India gained independence from Great Britain in 1947, India’s Muslim leaders demanded the Muslims receive their own homeland, apart from India. This left Kashmir free to select either nation. Their leader, Maharaja Hari Singh, longed to make Kashmir an independent nation, but eventually settled for India when they guaranteed them military protection and a popular vote.
Both countries fought minor wars in 1947 and in 1965. The 1947 war lead to the creation of a cease-fire line and the division of Kashmir between Pakistan and India. However, most of the Muslims are on the India side of the line. This issue is what has lead to the modern day border disputes troubling both countries and the people of Kashmir.
Both countries fought minor wars in 1947 and in 1965. The 1947 war lead to the creation of a cease-fire line and the division of Kashmir between Pakistan and India. However, most of the Muslims are on the India side of the line. This issue is what has lead to the modern day border disputes troubling both countries and the people of Kashmir.
In 1999, Pakistan invaded India's Kargil region in Kashmir. This event began the 3rd war between the countries, known as the Kargil War. India and Pakistan fired back at each other for months forcing people to evacuate from their war torn towns and become refugees. India avoided invading Pakistan but instead bombed the border until the Pakistani forces retreated.