Why is there a Kashmir problem?

The Kashmiri people had struggled for a long time and had many problems. I felt strongly that their voices must be heard, and this is why I decided myself to write this book. My contribution is only a small one compared to their struggles. I am not an experienced writer, and although I have had some articles published, this is my first attempt at a book and is written from my feelings and empathy with my fellow Kashmiris. I feel that I have the responsibility to honestly represent the plight of my people. I hope that my small contribution by writing this book will make the Kashmiri people more aware of our struggles. I am also hoping that this book will highlight the thirst for freedom not only in Kashmir but anywhere in the world where others have not found true freedom. The Kashmiri struggle for freedom mirrors so many other global problems. There have been many books and articles written already by outside observers from their own perspective, but I do not think that they represent the true feelings of Kashmiri people, and I hope that my book will show a more subjective view point, and redress the balance. Kashmiri people demand the same rights to freedom already afforded to Pakistan through their own freedom struggle headed by their founder ‘Mohammed Ali Jenna’. Kashmiri people also demand these rights to freedom gained by Mahatma Ghandi in India’s struggle for independence. I am not afraid to give an honest account of Kashmir’s situation, and unlike other authors on the subject, I am not to be influenced by external pressures. It was not easy to write this book. The contents are to be judged by Kashmiri people as to their authenticity. I realised when writing the book that I would have to face up to disquiet among some of my critics both in Kashmir, and further afield. There are those in Kashmir who do not wish to upset the status quo with our neighbours because of their own self-interests. The fight for freedom will always cause some animosity from those opposing it, and any freedom fighter must expect such opposition".