Kashmir is a source of conflict between India and Pakistan. The Indus River flows through the region of Kashmir, so whichever nation controls Kashmir will also control the source of irrigation water. Irrigation water is extremely important to both countries that need the water for farming and drinking water. Without enough water the farming industries would be hurt and food quantities would suffer, which is very important in such highly populated countries. In 1947, the rulers of India's princely states had to decide whether to become part of Pakistan or part of India. At first they tried to stay independent, but Muslims rebelled and Pakistan sent troops into Kashmir. In 1949 the United Nations had to step in and arrange a cease-fire. They divided Kashmir, one third went to Pakistan and the rest became part of India. No one was happy so clashes continued. Pakistan wanted a popular vote to let the people of Kashmir decide their future, but India was against a vote. Indian leaders still fear that the loss of Kashmir will encourage separatist groups in other parts of India. Kashmir is an ongoing conflict because it is a power struggle between the countries and between the religions in those countries. Neither of the countries wants to give up Kashmir because the countries are separated into two dominant religions. India is mostly Hindu and Pakistan is mostly Muslim. If either of the countries give up the fight on Kashmir it will be like saying that the other is not only a stronger country, but has the dominant religion.
             There are many religions in India. Hinduism is the chief religion in India. Hinduism has no founder or formal church. Hindu beliefs are recorded in sacred texts such as the Vedas and the Upanishads, which are the two most important texts. Hindus are polytheistic which means they worship many gods. Each god is part of a single supreme force called Brahman. Brahman is a nameless, faceless, and unlimited power. The ...