What exactly is the stand of Pakistan and India respectively as far as Kashmir goes? I am sure that as time passes the issue will get more and more convoluted since the origins of the dispute will pass out of memory. Both Nations are wasting precious time resources and lives on maintaining a status quo that does no good to the people of Kashmir. I am sure that like myself most persons do not know the detail of the stand originally taken by India and Pakistan. Popular lore (word of mouth) as I recall states that at the time of Independence for Pakistan and India from British rule the province of J&K had a largely Muslim population and a Hindu ruler Maharaja Hari Singh. The ruler had the option to integrate his province with India or Pakistan or stay independent. Apparently he most favoured the third option that is independence. Reprentatives from the future Union of India were trying to impress upon Hari Singh the benefits of integration with India but he was wavering and had not yet made a decision. Sensing that the Maharaja's decision might go against Pakistan and to force the issue the Pakistan Army instigated some groups of tribals to invade the province. The tribals with dreams of easy loot agreed. As soon as the tribals with Pakistan Army support invaded J&K and started looting and pillaging the Maharaja whose security forces were overwhelmed sent an urgent message to the Government of India for help. The Indian Government asked the Maharaja to sign an Instrument of
