Kashmir has been in a state of military tension and conflict since the creation of the Indian and Pakistan nations in 1947. Since that time, it has seen war, military rule, terrorism, and espionage involving three nuclear-armed nations. This unresolved situation has made the people of Kashmir long-standing victims of oppressive governance, of violence, and of human rights abuses. It has seen families divided by borders, and family members kidnapped, killed and assassinated. This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the situation and presents two case studies of transitional justice – between Timor-Leste and Indonesia and in South Africa – to provide inspiration for a potential roadmap to peace in Kashmir.

Via interviews with political leaders, as well as with numerous Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control, this book seeks to present all sides involved. It explores the respective geo-political perspectives of India, Pakistan, and China, but also emphasises the importance of giving voice to ordinary Kashmiris.

The aim of this book is to bring greater awareness to a conflict that, despite involving such prominent nations, is little known about in the wider world. It is hoped that by shedding light on Kashmir, this book might play a small part in bringing an end to the generational suffering that the Kashmiris have endured. In taking inspiration from examples of transitional justice, it is hoped that this book might contribute to finding ways in which this culturally rich and ethnically diverse region might again find its way back to peace and azaadi.