Page 82 - MILITARY-STUDIES-1

Geo-Politics Module - III

Security and Geo-Strategy
• Fake Indian currency notes are also transferred in large quantities along the
border.
• Sharing of Teesta river water that flows through Sikkim and West Bengal and
finally into Bangladesh is still an unresolved issue.

8.4.2 Pakistan
Note
We share common historical, cultural, and linguistic ties with the people of Pakistan.
Yet Relations with Pakistan have not been cordial and smooth. Several issues have
hindered good neighbourly progress. Some of them are:

• Kashmir: This has been the most delicate issue between the two countries.
While there was a political agreement with the then ruler of Kashmir Maharaja
Hari Singh who signed the instrument of accession with India but was not accepted
by Pakistan which sent its invaders to destabilize and take the region by force.
The timely intervention of our armed forces prevented the hostile take over. Due
to certain political actions at the time, some parts of Kashmir continue to be
occupied by Pakistan, and remain under its control till today. Those areas are
called Pakistan Occupied Kashmir or POK. Since then India and Pakistan have
fought three major wars and one minor war at Kargil in 1999.
• Terrorism: This is another major political issue faced between the two countries.

Having failed in the hostile take over during 1947-48, Pakistan has used terrorism
as a instrument of state policy against India. Terrorists started infiltrating from
Pakistan and started terror attacks on armed forces and government
organisations. Separatist organisations were formed in Kashmir valley who started
helping the terrorists. Such an action by a country against another is called proxy
war. This is a major issue of concern affecting bilateral, political and economic
relationships between the two countries.
• Proxy wars: Pakistan has been waging proxy war with India trying to destabilize
India by way of supporting anti-Indian outfits in the country particularly in Kashmir
region. This has led to strained relationship both politically and militarily.

DO YOU KNOW

Proxy Wars means war instigated by a country without directly involving
its military and supporting hostile mercenaries, terrorists with weapons, training and
money.

75
MILITARY STUDIES 75