High up in the Himalayan Mountains lies a region called Kashmir. It is one of the most beautiful, yet fought-over places on Earth. For over 75 years, India and Pakistan have argued over who should control Kashmir. This conflict has led to wars, violence, and heartache for millions of people who live in the surrounding areas.
When India gained independence from British rule in 1947, the country was split into two different sides; India and Pakistan. Kashmir was given the choice to decide which country it would join, either India or Pakistan. The ruler of Kashmir chose to join India, but Pakistan disagreed. This led to the first war between India and Pakistan over the control of Kashmir. Since then, the two countries have fought multiple wars and smaller battles. Both countries now have control over different parts of Kashmir, and each believes that the entire region rightfully belongs to them.
Even as of today, the line that divides the Indian-controlled and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir is heavily guarded. The civilians of Kashmir live in constant fear of bombings and raids and the young children of Kashmir are forced to grow up with the sound of gunfire in the background. In April 2025 there was an escalation in this conflict with a deadly militant attack in an Indian town that killed 26 innocent civilians. The Indian government blamed Pakistan-based groups for the attack and launched missile strikes on targets in Pakistan and some parts of Kashmir. After 4 long days of fighting and an estimated 70 deaths, a ceasefire was arranged.
What makes this conflict even more complicated is that it is not just about land- it’s about identity and religion. India is mostly Hindu (80%) with other religions, while Pakistan is mostly Islamic (96%). Kashmir has a majority Muslim population, but it remains as a part of India. These religious differences have led to many political issues.
Of course, like all conflicts, there is no easy solution. But many people from both sides continue to dream and work towards peace. Activists, writers, and students of India and Pakistan are speaking out, and are asking for fairness and understanding between the two powers. The conflict in Kashmir is a reminder that borders are not just lines on a map, but they are real people with real lives. Maybe we will not be able to solve a decade-long conflict between India and Pakistan, but we may be able to take the first steps towards a better future for Kashmir.