The Crimson Chinar: The Kashmir Conflict: A Politico Military Perspective

Brig Amar Cheema, VSM

mar 2015 · Lancer Publishers

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 Among cataclysmic events that have shaped India’s 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 China’s growing outreach and the fact that Kashmir’s occupied territory link both India’s adversaries, it portends volatility in the India-Pakistan-China triangular relationship.

Brig Amar Cheema’s well–researched endeavour recounts the Kashmir imbroglio beyond episodic accounts but by providing the record in continuum; 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.

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 A third generation officer, Brigadier Amar Cheema has spent a substantial part of his military career in Kashmir. His interest in the conflict goes back half a century when his father took part in the first Kashmir war. Having participated in Operations Trident, Vijay and Parakaram, the author has first hand experience of Kashmir’s external and internal dynamics and myriad dimensions. A former instructor at the Defence Services Staff College, he is a recipient of the Chief and Army Commander’s Commendation Cards and the Vishisht Sewa Medal. Having a M Phil in Defence and Strategic Studies, the author has had an exposure of China’s strategic potential at the National Defence University at Taiwan. Having interacted with internationally renowned experts and scholars, he has authored papers on geo-strategic issues and on matters military. ‘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.