Introduction
In August 2019, India revoked Article 370, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status — a move that reignited global interest in the long-forgotten United Nations Resolutions on Kashmir. But for many Kashmiris, the bigger story isn’t what changed in 2019. It’s what never changed since 1948. The UN promised a peaceful, democratic resolution. That promise still echoes in the mountains of Kashmir — unfulfilled and largely forgotten.
So what did the UN really promise? And how did those promises unravel? Let’s dig into the facts.
What Are the United Nations Resolutions on Kashmir?
Background and Timeline
The Kashmir conflict began in 1947, after British India’s partition. Both India and Pakistan laid claim to the region, resulting in the First Kashmir War. To resolve the dispute, India referred the matter to the United Nations.
Here’s how the resolutions unfolded:
- Resolution 38 (1948): Urged both nations to avoid escalating the conflict.
- Resolution 47 (1948): Called for Pakistan to withdraw its forces, followed by India, paving the way for a plebiscite(public vote).
- Resolutions 91 (1951) & 122 (1957): Reiterated the importance of self-determination for Kashmiris and rejected unilateral changes.
UN Security Council Archives — official documentation of all Kashmir-related resolutions.
What Did These Resolutions Promise?
Key Commitments of the UN Resolutions
The core ideas were simple yet powerful:
- A ceasefire between India and Pakistan
- Withdrawal of troops to create neutral conditions
- Holding a UN-supervised plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir
- Respect for the will of the people in determining their future
These resolutions aimed to safeguard self-determination — a founding principle of the United Nations Charter.
What Went Wrong? Promises Made, Promises Broken
1. Political Disagreements & Strategic Delays
- India insisted Pakistan withdraw completely first — Pakistan refused.
- India later labeled the matter an internal issue, especially after elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
2. Unilateral Moves by India
- The 1957 declaration of Jammu and Kashmir as a state of India defied Resolution 122.
- In August 2019, India revoked Article 370 — violating the spirit (if not the letter) of earlier UN agreements.
3. Lack of Global Willpower
- The UN Security Council never enforced the resolutions.
- Global powers prioritized strategic partnerships over justice.
“These resolutions remain valid on paper but are dead in spirit.” — Dr. A.G. Noorani, Constitutional Expert
Legal Status: Are These Resolutions Still Binding?
International law experts argue:
- The United Nations Resolutions on Kashmir were passed under Chapter VI (non-binding).
- However, they still carry moral and diplomatic weight, and their core principle — plebiscite — remains a legitimate expectation.
India’s position: The Instrument of Accession (signed in 1947) makes Kashmir an integral part of India.
Pakistan’s position: The agreement was conditional and meant to be temporary until a plebiscite.
Kashmir Today: A Divided Reality
Territorial Breakdown (Infographic)
- India-administered Kashmir (Jammu, Kashmir Valley, Ladakh)
- Pakistan-administered Kashmir (Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan)
- Aksai Chin (controlled by China, claimed by India)
Infographic Name: united-nations-resolutions-on-kashmir-map-2025.png
Alt Tag: United Nations Resolutions on Kashmir territorial dispute map 2025
Impact on the Ground
Civil Liberties, Rights & Everyday Life
According to Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch:
- Thousands have faced arbitrary detentions under laws like PSA and UAPA.
- Internet blackouts were frequent, particularly post-2019.
- Freedom of expression and peaceful assembly remain under threat.
Human Rights Watch Kashmir Reports
Voices of the Region
“We were promised a vote. All we got was silence.” — A resident of Srinagar, 2024 interview
“The world pledged neutrality. But neutrality in the face of injustice is complicity.” — Local journalist, Muzaffarabad
International Stance – A Shift in Tone
Global Reaction Then vs. Now
In the 1950s:
- The international community vocally supported a plebiscite.
- UN observer missions were active on the ground.
By 2025:
- Focus has shifted to counterterrorism and trade.
- Countries like the US and UK issue mild statements, but avoid concrete action.
Why the United Nations Resolutions on Kashmir Still Matter
A Moral and Legal Compass
- Serve as historical records of intent.
- Offer a framework for potential peaceful resolution.
- Symbolize international accountability.
Dismissing these resolutions sets a dangerous precedent for other regions seeking self-determination (e.g., Palestine, Western Sahara).
Visual Resource: Timeline Infographic
Infographic Name: united-nations-resolutions-on-kashmir-timeline.png
Alt Tag: United Nations Resolutions on Kashmir timeline infographic
Related Topics You Might Like (Internal Links)
- History of Article 370 and its Revocation
- China’s Role in the Kashmir Dispute
- UN Resolutions vs. Ground Reality in Palestine
Conclusion: A Legacy Left Unfulfilled
The United Nations Resolutions on Kashmir represent one of the clearest examples of international promises that were never kept. More than seven decades later, no plebiscite has been held, and the region remains divided, militarized, and in turmoil.
If international law is to mean anything, promises made must not become promises broken. As long as the people of Kashmir remain unheard, the world has unfinished business.
Share your thoughts. Should the UN revisit these resolutions — or is the world too late?
