THE KASHMIR ISSUE.

Kashmir. The Dogra Ruler Raja Goolab Singh purchased Kashmir and paid British Government Pounds 7.5 million, By Treaty of Amritsar signed in 1846 between the Maharaja of Kashmir and the Viceroy of India.. Kashmir by virtue of the aforesaid Treaty: “Forever an Independent Possession to Maharaja Gulab Singh and Heirs became undisputed Rulers of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The State of Jammu & Kashmir was the Princely Indian State prior to Independence 1947 recognised by the English Rulers and entitled to 21 Gun Salute.. Its status was second after state of Hyderabad. The Maharajah was titled “His Highness.” He was Ex-Officio Major General of the British Indian Army. When paying a visit to New Delhi, he was honoured with a 21 Gun- Salute. Only Five States in India were entitled to 21 Gun Salute. In 1857 Maharaja RanBeer Singh succeeded Gulab Singh. In 1885 Maharaja Partap Singh succeeded RanBeer Singh. In 1925 Maharaja HariSingh succeeded Partap Singh. In 1931 the Maharaja Hari Singh formed a National Government in Kashmir with proper representation given to Muslims but all Main Powers were in the hands of Maharaja. In 1947, 999 princely states were given option as per principles of Merger with option to join the divided India or Pakistan. They were required to file a declaration of merger with Mount Batten GGOI. In 1948 Maharaja Hari Singh filed with Governor General Mount Batten Declaration of merger opting to join with India as acknowledged by the Governor General. Therefore the accession of Kashmir to the Union of India is final as per the annexation formulae applicable to all other States including Kashmir. In 1948 Pakistan in the name of freedom fighters to free Kashmir from India attacked and illegally occupies about one half of the present Kashmir. The India Government remained passive silent spectators to this aggression. They were expected to free the occupied portion from Pakistan. Instead India approached the UNO. USA England and other countries supported Pakistan and the annexed portion remained with Pakistan. A peace keeping force was formed under the supervision of the UNO to guard the line of control. Kashmir issue has remained a burning issue between the two countries for the last 67 years. Thousands of people have given their life during this period.