What is the reason for the conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir?

India and Pakistan have fought two wars over Kashmir. Now both are nuclear powers, and are once again on the brink of war following the Pulwama incident.

But what is the reason for this conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir?

History shows that the dispute over Kashmir began even before Pakistan and India gained independence in August 1947.

The plan for the partition of British India, called the 'Indian Independence Act', stated that Kashmir could join either country - India or Pakistan - as it wished.

The then Hindu Maharaja of Kashmir, Hari Singh, wanted to remain independent or join India. On the other hand, the Muslims of western Jammu and Gilgit-Baltistan wanted to join Pakistan.

In October 1947, Hari Singh, faced with attacks by Pakistani Pashtun tribal forces, signed a treaty of accession to India, and received military support from India. This eventually led to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, which lasted for almost two years.

India raised the Kashmir issue in the United Nations Security Council in 1948.

UN Resolution 47 called for a referendum in Kashmir, the withdrawal of Pakistani troops, and the reduction of India's military presence to a minimum.