KASHMIR. PROBLEM

KASHMIR PROBLEM. Dogra Ruler Raja Gulab Singh paid the British Regime, Pounds 7.5 million, By Treaty of Amritsar signed in 1846 for forever possession of Kashmir state. Kashmir by virtue of the aforesaid Treaty: “Forever an Independent Possession to Maharaja Gulab Singh and Heirs made of his body of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The State of Jammu & Kashmir was the Princely Indian State prior to Independence 1947. 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.