10 books on the contemporary Kashmir conflict

The Kashmir conflict remains one of the most persistent and complex geopolitical disputes in South Asia. Originating in the aftermath of India’s partition in 1947, the dispute centers on the territorial status of Jammu and Kashmir, claimed by both India and Pakistan, and sought by many Kashmiris as an independent homeland.

Over the decades, the conflict has led to wars, insurgency, human rights abuses, and deep political divides. In the contemporary era, new players, global politics, and internal dynamics have further complicated the situation. If you’re looking to understand the modern Kashmir conflict, these 10 books on the contemporary Kashmir conflict offer diverse perspectives—from political analysis to personal narratives.

1. Kashmir: The Case for Freedom

Author: Arundhati Roy (Editor)
This provocative collection of essays by Arundhati Roy and others explores the legitimacy of Kashmir’s demand for autonomy. It provides a powerful critique of India’s policies in Kashmir and highlights the voices of dissent.

2. Kashmir: A Tale of Shame

Author: Wajahat Habibullah
Written by a former Indian civil servant, this book offers an insider’s view of policy failures, conflict mismanagement, and the bureaucratic complexities surrounding Kashmir. It blends administrative insight with empathy for the region’s people.

3. Kashmir in Conflict: India, Pakistan and the Unending War

Author: Victoria Schofield
An extensively researched work that chronicles the Kashmir conflict into the 21st century, this book analyzes the roles of militancy, diplomacy, and public sentiment in shaping the region’s present-day unrest.

4. Kashmir: The Untold Story

Author: Humra Quraishi
A journalist’s account of life in conflict-torn Kashmir, this book details the psychological and emotional toll of military presence, surveillance, and disappearances. It highlights the human cost often missing from geopolitical discourse.

5. Kashmir: The Vajpayee Years

Author: A.S. Dulat
Written by a former RAW intelligence chief, this memoir provides an unprecedented look at India’s back-channel diplomacy and peace initiatives during Prime Minister Vajpayee’s tenure. A must-read for those interested in internal political strategy.

6. Kashmir: The Disputed State

Author: Raja Mohammad Yusuf Khan
This book traces the historical roots of the conflict from colonial times to today, providing contextual analysis of the decisions and agreements that led to the current crisis.

7. Kashmir: The Other Side of the Story

Author: Zafar Meraj
Offering a local journalist’s perspective, this book presents on-the-ground realities and documents state violence, media narratives, and how the conflict has shaped Kashmiri identity.

8. Kashmir: A Problem in Search of a Solution

Author: Rajesh Kadian
A strategic and policy-focused analysis, this book evaluates past efforts at resolution and proposes viable frameworks for peace, taking into account India-Pakistan relations, international law, and Kashmiri aspirations.

9. Kashmir: The Unending War

Author: C. Raja Mohan
This book explores Kashmir in the context of regional power politics, especially focusing on the India-Pakistan-China triangle. It analyzes how broader strategic interests shape the seemingly unresolvable nature of the conflict.

10. Kashmir: The New Great Game

Author: Tariq Ali
Internationally acclaimed author Tariq Ali examines Kashmir through the lens of imperialism, global alliances, and local resistance. He argues that Kashmir is a geopolitical pawn in the modern “great game” between global powers.

These books offer diverse, sometimes opposing viewpoints on the contemporary Kashmir conflict. Whether you’re a student, journalist, policy analyst, or general reader, they will deepen your understanding of the realities on the ground, political narratives, and ongoing diplomatic complexities. By engaging with multiple sources, you gain a more balanced and comprehensive perspective on one of the world’s most enduring conflicts.