Dar Yasin, Associated Press, India
Ever since India and Pakistan gained independence from Britain the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir has been at the center of conflict between the two nations. The nuclear rivals have fought several wars over the region, which both claim in its entirety. In 1989, a bloody insurgency erupted in Kashmir with militant outfits launching a violent campaign against Indian rule. Anti-India separatists have long demanded the Himalayan region be given independence or be merged with neighbouring Pakistan. India and Pakistan each administer a portion of Kashmir. Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in the uprising and the ensuing Indian military crackdown. India accuses Pakistan of arming and training the rebels, a charge Pakistan denies.
In Aug. 2019 India scrapped the disputed region’s special status, annulled its separate constitution, split the region into two federal territories. Despite all this violence has not died down. Death and Destruction has become the part of life in Kashmir.