The United Nations recommended a three-step process involving withdrawal of infiltrators, reducing Indian forces, and conducting a plebiscite to resolve the Kashmir issue.
Maharaja of Kashmir signed an 'Instrument of Accession' with the Government of India before seeking military assistance.
The period following India's independence saw significant political developments. In October 1947, Pakistan dispatched tribal infiltrators to capture Kashmir, prompting the Maharaja to seek Indian military assistance. Subsequently, India provided military support to repel the infiltrators from the Kashmir valley. This intervention occurred subsequent to the Maharaja's endorsement of an 'Instrument of Accession' with the Government of India.
However, a substantial portion of the state remained under Pakistan's control, leading to the issue being presented before the United Nations Organisation. The UN's resolution on April 21, 1948, recommended a three-step approach to address the matter. The first step demanded Pakistan to withdraw all its nationals who had entered Kashmir. The second step required India to progressively reduce its armed forces to ensure law and order. The third step advocated for a plebiscite conducted impartially to determine the future course. Unfortunately, progress under this resolution was limited.
During this period, Sheikh Abdullah assumed the role of Prime Minister in March 1948 within the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Simultaneously, India agreed to bestow provisional autonomy under Article 370. This provisional autonomy permitted the State a certain degree of self-governance. Consequently, the head of the State government came to be known as the Prime Minister. |
