Among cataclysmic events that have shaped Indias post independence history, none compare with the conflict in and over the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir is truly unique as not only is it the nub of the Indo-Pak feud, but also with her other adversary China. Historically speaking, Kashmir has remained a frontline ever since the Great Game. In view of Chinas growing outreach and the fact that Kashmirs occupied territory link both Indias adversaries, it portends volatility in the India-Pakistan-China triangular relationship.
Brig Amar Cheemas wellresearched endeavour recounts the Kashmir imbroglio beyond episodic accounts but in continuum; in so doing, provides a broader perspective. The Crimson Chinar delivers a blow-by-blow account of the many wars, and continues the narrative through the phases of No War-No Peace, insurgency and limited war that have progressively ravaged the state. The context and geo-strategic environment has been re-created based on in-depth research and captured the rationale of the times. The important take away being; wherever and whenever India has responded pro-actively and with determination, results have been significantly different; 1965, 1971 and Siachen being prime examples.
With myriad external and internal dimensions, Kashmir continues to cast shadows on the progression of the sub-continent. Peace remains as elusive as it was in the forties; if anything, the adversaries both known and unknown, have grown stronger. While the reasons for the conflict may have changed with the times, the underlying causes remain as profound as they were decades ago.
Contents
Foreword Prologue Acknowledgments and Dedication Abbreviations and Acronyms
Kashmirs Tryst with History
1947 The First Kashmir War
Kashmir and the 1962 Sino-Indian War
1965 The Second Kashmir War
1971 and the War in Kashmir
War on the Frozen Frontiers of Siachen
Militancy and Proxy War 1989 to 1999
Indias Vijay at Kargil
Looking to the Future
Epilogue Bibliography Index
eBook Edition also available
Author: Brig Amar Cheema, VSM (Retd)
ISBN: 9788170623014
Pages: 620
Features: B/W Maps, HB |