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What is Simla Agreement of 1972: The Shimla Agreement was a historic agreement between India and Pakistan on 2 July 1972 in Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh.
What Is Simla Agreement Of 1972: In recent times, tension between India and Pakistan is once again in the headlines. This time the case is about the 1972 Shimla Agreement, which Pakistan has threatened to cancel. This threat came in response to the tough steps taken by India after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed. But what is the Shimla Agreement? Why is this important? And what can this threat of Pakistan mean? Come, let’s understand it in easy language.
What is the Shimla Agreement?
The Shimla Agreement was a historic agreement between India and Pakistan on 2 July 1972 in Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It was signed by the then Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi and the then President of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The agreement was reached after the 1971 India-Pakistan War, in which India won a decisive victory. In this war, India not only defeated Pakistan, but also helped to establish Bangladesh as an independent nation.
The main objective of the agreement was to reduce the tension arising after the war between the two countries and to create a structure to maintain peace in the future. Under this, many important points were fixed, which were binding for both countries.
Main point of shimla agreement
Bilateral solution: The most important point of the agreement was that India and Pakistan would solve all their disputes, especially issues related to Jammu and Kashmir through mutual negotiations. It agreed not to include third parties, such as the United Nations or any other country.
After the 1971 war, a temporary boundary line was formed between the two countries in Jammu and Kashmir, which was called the Line of Control. This LOC was recognized in the Shimla Agreement and the two countries promised to honor it
Promise not to fight: Both countries agreed that they would not take military action or war against each other. Instead, they will promote peace and cooperation.
Respect for regional integrity: India and Pakistan pledged to respect each other’s sovereignty and regional integrity. This meant that the two countries would not try to change each other’s boundaries.
As part of the agreement, India released 93,000 Pakistani prisoners and returned to Pakistan about 13,000 square kilometers, which was won in the war. This was a big step of peace and goodwill from India.
Why Pakistan’s threat?
Recently, terrorist attacks in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed, have made India-Pakistan relations more tense. India blamed Pakistan for this attack and took many tough steps, such as:
Suspend the Indus Water Treaty: Under this treaty of 1960, India and Pakistan distribute water of six rivers. India decided to suspend it, which could affect the water supply to Pakistan.
Diplomatic steps: India ordered the Navy and air advisors of the Pakistani High Commission to leave the country and withdrew their advisors in Islamabad.
In response to these steps, Pakistan has threatened to cancel the Shimla Agreement. Along with this, Pakistan has closed its airspace for Indian citizen flights. Some analysts believe that this threat is a “jackal bhabki”, as Pakistan will suffer more loss due to cancellation of the Shimla agreement.
What is the meaning of cancellation of Shimla Agreement?
The cancellation of the Shimla agreement would mean that the agreement between India and Pakistan in 1972 will end. It can have some possible results:
Internationalization of Kashmir issue: The Shimla agreement maintains Kashmir a bilateral issue. If it is canceled, Pakistan can take the issue to the United Nations or other international forums. However, India has always been insisting that Kashmir is its internal matter.
Line of control legitimacy: LoC was recognized under the Shimla Agreement. If the agreement is canceled, then questions can be raised on the legality of the LOC, which can further increase the stress on the border.
Military Tension: The agreement included the promise not to fight. Its cancellation can increase the possibility of military conflict between the two countries.
India’s position will be strong: Some experts believe that the cancellation of the agreement will allow India to implement its policies further firmly. For example, India can claim regions that were won in 1971 and were later returned.
Why will Pakistan suffer loss?
The cancellation of the Shimla agreement for Pakistan can be risky. First, this agreement maintains Kashmir a bilateral issue, which gives Pakistan a chance to negotiate with India. If it is canceled, the international community can consider Kashmir as an internal matter of India, which will weaken the situation in Pakistan.
Second, in 1971, India returned 93,000 warfare and 13,000 square kilometers from Pakistan. If the agreement is canceled, then India can claim these areas again, which will be a big shock for Pakistan.
Third, Pakistan is already in an economic and diplomatically weak position. Increasing tension with India can worsen its condition.
What can be India’s strategy?
India has always respected the Shimla Agreement and considered it the basis of peace. But it is clear from recent developments that India is now taking a tough stand against Pakistan. Steps such as suspending the Indus Water Treaty and closing the boundary are part of India’s new strategy. If the Pakistan cancels the agreement, India can use it in its favor.
Also read..The serious allegations against Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir on Pahalgam attack, ex -soldier disclosed
