ABSTRACT
Ever since the 1920s, conflict in Kashmir has occurred at different levels; the nature and actors varying continuously. In 1947, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) was one of 550 princely states and was ruled by a Hindu King, Maharaja Hari Singh, descendant of Maharaja Gulab Singh. The principal actors in the armed conflict of J&K include both state actors — India and Pakistan — and armed non-state actors (NSAs). The state government is the third principal actor in the conflict. The successive state governments — formed by the National Conference, People’s Democratic Party and the Congress — have all been accused of misgovernance, corruption and lack of accountability. The armed NSAs are not homogeneous and are divided into various groups based on their objectives, orientation, beliefs and support — both internal and external. Broadly, these armed NSAs could be classified under two categories — militants and jihadis. The Hizbul Mujahideen is the main militant organisation, while Lashkar-e-Toiba the main jihadi group.
