Thousands have died, Indians, Pakistanis, and Kashmiris, over the much disputed area of Kashmir, which sits between China, India and Pakistan. The conflict over this mountainous region between two nuclear powers has been ongoing for half a century.

Ever since the partition of the sub-continent in 1947, when Britain dismantled its Indian empire, India and Pakistan have been arch rivals. The animosity has its roots in religion and history, and is epitomised by the long-running conflict over the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This has recently escalated into a dangerous nuclear arms race.

And the human rights abuses associated with this conflict are manifold. A breakthrough occured in 2006 in response to the India/Pakistan earthquake, when relief workers were allowed to build a road through Kashmir to access devastated regions. There was lingering hope that progress could be made. India and Pakistan began peace talks that cover the long-standing dispute over the territory of Kashmir in early 2004.

No concrete resolutions have been reached. And the well-being of millions of lives are at risk while this area continues to simmer with conflict.

• 04/12/2007 10:41
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