Difference between Indian Kashmir and Pakistan Administered Kashmir
Kashmir has always been a popular tourist destination due to its climate and natural beauty. It’s in the north-western region of the Indian subcontinent. Formerly Kashmir was used to denote the valley between the Himalayas and the Pir Panjal range, but currently it is used to denote the Indian Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, POK (Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan) and the Aksai Chin and Karakoram Tract administered by China. Agriculture is the main source of income in Kashmir. The valley is famous for its fruits and the superior quality of apples, pears, peaches and cherries which are cultivated there.
History
During the partition of India in 1947, the princely states were given an option to join either the Republic of India or the dominion of Pakistan. The then ruler of Kashmir (Maharaja) wanted independence but the Muslim revolution in the western region and the Khyber tribesmen incursion caused him to ask for help from India. They nearly reached Srinagar when the Indian army stopped them. Pakistan never approved the merger of Kashmir into India and was able to occupy some of that region. Despite UN intervention, Pakistan never withdrew its forces from Kashmir. The area under the supervision of Pakistan since then is called Pakistan occupied Kashmir or Pakistan administered Kashmir.
Political Divisions
The region is mainly divided into three parts between India, Pakistan and China. Northern areas also called Azad Kashmir and the Gilgit-Baltistan are occupied by Pakistan. Most of the Siachen Glacier is under Indian control. The exact distribution of the disputed state is as follows: 39,127 sq mi under Indian Territory, 33,145 sq mi under Pakistan, and 14,500 sq mi under the Chinese administration. Neither India nor Pakistan formally recognises the accession of the regions claimed by the other. Several wars have been fought including that of 1965 and 1971 and most recently in the Kargil region.
Population
Indian Kashmir has a total approximate population of 7.25 million, 4 million in the valley, three in the region of Jammu and 0.25 in Ladakh. Region under Pakistan is a house to 3.6 million people most of them are Muslims. The Kashmir valley in India has a majority of Muslims (95%). Jammu has majority of Hindus (66%) whereas Ladakh has 50% Muslims and 46% Buddhists.
Similarities and Differences
- In 1947 partition the princely states were given an option to join either India or Pakistan.
- Maharaja of Kashmir asked for Indian assistance to fight against Khyber tribesman.
- Pakistan never approved the merger of Kashmir to India.
- The area under the supervision of Pakistan since then is called Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
- The region is mainly divided in three parts among India, Pakistan and China.
- Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh in India; Gilgit-Baltistan and northern areas in Pakistan; and Aksai Chin, Karakoram tract in China.
- Neither India nor Pakistan formally recognises the accession of the regions claimed by the other.
- There are 3.6 million people in POK and 99% of these are Muslims.
- Indian Kashmir has a total approximate population of 7.25 million.
