The Legend of Kashmir

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Recommended: The beauty of Kashmir

"Who has not heard of the Vale of Cashemere," wrote the Irish poet Thomas Moore in 1817, "with its roses the brightest that earth ever gave.”

Kashmir, along with the region of Jammu, Ladakh and Gilgit forms the State of Jammu and Kashmir which is spread over an area of 222236 square kilometers. The state consists of three parts: Indian controlled Kashmir (IcK), Pakistan controlled Kashmir (PcK) and China controlled Kashmir (CcK). The geography of Kashmir is divided into three land masses: the foothill plains of Jammu, the Kashmir Valley and the mountains of Ladakh. The valley has River Jhelum along with its tributaries flowing through it. It is also home to several Himalayan glaciers. In addition, the place has remained a popular tourist attraction due to its immense beauty, topography and climate. The lush green valley of Kashmir is considered as paradise on earth. Its flora and fauna and scenic beauty is renowned throughout the world. It is a land of sparkling rivers and startling gardens. Due to its endless beauty, the place is well-known as the ‘Switzerland of the East’. The legend of Kashmir says that at one point there was a beautiful lake loved by the gods. The gods played happily by this lake till a demon began to haunt the land. The villagers sought the help of a holy man who drained the waters of the lake and thus created the valley of Kashmir. The beautiful valley is also widely known for its different kinds of agricultural products, fruit, vegetables, saffron, herbs, minerals, precious stones and finest kind of embroidery on clothes.

Kashmir is vital to both India and Pakistan. Apart from its breathtaking beauty, the geographical location of Kashmir is such that it is surrounded by a number of foreign countries which...

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...he people of Kashmir are struggling to keep the issue alive. They want to resolve it with the aid of Pakistan. Hence Pakistan should not retreat; rather, stand firmly in supporting the Kashmiris. Pakistan should keep urging India to grant Kashmiris their right of self determination. A plebiscite should be conducted under the supervision of the United Nations and the Kashmiris should be given the right to vote for the country they are determined to be a part of. Likewise, the UN should stand firmly implementing its resolutions on the plebiscite. In addition, the Kashmiris should be given the option to be declared as an independent state living peacefully, following their own laws and forming their own government. The issue is no less than a holocaust for the Kashmiris. Hence such measures are imperative to stop the bloodshed and create a better future for Kashmiris.

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