2020 Structuring sustainability Secretary-General’s Address Dear Delegates,

Thank you for taking the first step on your journey into the most underrated aspect of MUN: research.

Given below are the background guides, starting points for learning about your agendas, and briefs on the basic information that is pertinent to the UN regarding them. These guides serve mainly as a launch pad to explore your topic in detail, and not an end to your research.

ADMUN has only one agenda per committee, while most MUNs have 2 to 3. The reason for this is simple: we want a highly qualitative, serious, in-depth discussion on the agenda, and that means we expect a relevant amount of research. For the coming conference, I’d like to give a short list of the most important areas of knowledge regarding an MUN agenda, and I’d highly recommend that you prepare a research binder containing this information.

Firstly, understand the background of your issue, and be able to cut it up into small, specific problems to solve. The issue, for example, pertains to terrorism, legality, and peace between the relevant countries.

Secondly, understand the role your country plays in this issue. Regardless of whether you are in the WTO, look at your major trading partners, allies, rivals, and understand what your country wants from this issue.

Thirdly, understand what the UN wants to accomplish, and what has already been tried. Past resolutions, private sector initiatives, and even military methods are all often relevant. Check why they worked - or didn’t.

Finally, find out what exactly the innovative solutions for this issue are. This can be ideas you have come up with yourself, siphoned from opinions of academics and politicians, or it can be detailed policy proposals from think tanks like Demos.

Remember to genuinely try to take an interest in what’s going on, as these issues could affect you directly the next time you try to get a visa for a trip, or even explain why the job market for specific fields is booming (or stagnating). Remember that you can always mail your chairs at their given email IDs if you have any doubts on research, and that you will do the vast majority of your work in committee with other delegates in person.

Our chairs have worked very hard on these guides, and they are of the utmost quality in terms of content, and they are invested in these topics both academically and personally. Please look over them with the care they deserve. I hope to see you all well prepared and sharp on the days of the conference. Have fun researching! :D

Regards, Shaurya Chandravanshi Deputy Secretary General Program Director’s Welcome Dear Delegates and Faculty Advisors, On behalf of the Secretariat, I would like to welcome all of you ADMUN 2.0. With ADMUN ’19 being a huge success, we hope to see the same amount of enthusiasm among all those who are involved in this year’s ADMUN. This year’s background has been tailored in a way that delegates gain enough knowledge regarding their agendas but at the same time are asked questions which require them think critically. To start with, the chairs have written a letter to the delegates, outlining what is expected from the committee, followed by a brief summary of what the committee does. After this, a few key terms are discussed, and the agenda is introduced. The background of the issue is described along with its current situation and to conclude the major parties involved and problems the resolution must address have been given. A few starter links have also been provided by your chairs to make it easier to research your topic further. Do keep in mind that the issue goes far beyond what has been discussed in the background guides and delegates must research more than what has been given. The theme for ADMUN 2.0 is Structuring Sustainability. The need for sustainability is growing each year and as we move closer to 2030, it is important that we start acting on the Sustainable Development Goals. To conclude, a big thank you to all those who were involved in making and researching for the background guides. I am sure that these background guides will help you see what really needs to be discussed regarding your agendas. All the best! Veena Madhu Program Director ADMUN 2.0 United Nations Security Council

Agenda: The situation in Kashmir Letter to Delegates

Dear delegates and faculty advisors, On behalf of the Executive board and the organizers, we welcome you to ADMUN 2020. This year, the Security Council looks forward to a fruitful debate, with cooperation, interaction and thorough research fueled with the rage of inspiring resolutions which provide a framework for structuring sustainability. The objective is to draft realistic and meticulous resolutions which will aid member states as well as non-state actors to overcoming conflict. You should consider your country’s capabilities and must abide by their foreign policy. Moreover, due to the topic being extremely controversial, make sure that you have researched every aspect of it. You would also need to check how your country has voted for this topic in the past. However, we primarily believe that each delegate should be equipped with not only the skills of diplomacy but an insight on how to solve international issues using this diplomacy - and have a great time doing it. We urge every delegate to participate in the conference and enjoy your time doing it! Sincerely, The UNSC chairs About the Committee

As peace and security was of utmost importance to the members of the United Nations, an executive organism was founded to deal with the world’s growing threats to peace and security. The ratification of the United Nations Security Council occurred on the 24th of October 1945 as one of the six principal organs of the United Nations to maintain International Peace and Security following World War II and the failures of the late peacekeeping international body the League of Nations. In the event of a threat to peace, a breach of peace, or an act of aggression, the UNSC may decide on measures such as the imposition of economic sanctions, severance of diplomatic relations, and deployment of United Nations Peacekeepers to which the Members of the UN must comply in accordance to the UN Charter, making it the most powerful and the only binding committee across the UN bodies. The United Nations Security Council comprises of 5 permanent members and 10 non-permanent members, elected on a regional basis to serve a term of two years. The veto wielding members include China, France, Russia, U.K, and the USA while the bi-annual members are Belgium, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Indonesia, Kuwait, Peru, Poland, and South Africa. Chapter V https://www.un.org/en/sections/un-charter/chapter-v/index.html Chapter VII https://www.un.org/en/sections/un-charter/chapter-vii/index.html

Key Terms o Article 370 An article acknowledging the special status of Jammu and Kashmir as an autonomous state, having ability to formulate its own laws for its residents o Plebiscite “A vote by which the people of an entire country or district express an opinion for or against a proposal especially on a choice of government or ruler” o Shimla Agreement An agreement to put an end to conflict and improve relations

 A mutual commitment to the peaceful resolution of all issues through direct bilateral approaches.  To build the foundations of a cooperative relationship with special focus on people to people contacts.  To uphold the inviolability of the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, which is a most important CBM between and Pakistan, and a key to durable peace.” o Princely State A princely state, also called native state (legally, under the British) or Indian state (for those states on the subcontinent), was a vassal state under a local or regional ruler in a subsidiary alliance with the British Raj. o United Nations Security Council Resolution 47 (1948) A resolution recommending the demilitarization of troops by Pakistan and India in Kashmir; an appointment of a plebiscite administrator nominated by the UN to conduct a plebiscite in the state. o Union Territory An administrative division in the Republic of India; (in this case) a division associated with territorial claim Introduction

Over the course of 70 years, Kashmir has been a battleground for three wars, fought between two massive armies. Along with the 14.53 Million (Estimates - 2019) inhabitants of Jammu and Kashmir, are the half a million Indian troops and the countless Pakistan-based and other non- state actors residing in the 222,236 square kilometers of land which has been a source of conflict for the two nuclear armed rivals. Rehan, a 23-year-old woman who was born and brought up in Kashmir had this to say when she was asked about the situation, “I was born in this conflict, and I have to die in this conflict. We are the pawns in the hands of both nuclear giants, and anyone can die at any time.” As you might have already figured out, the issue of Kashmir is a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan, along with China coming into play from time to time. As of 2010, India claims 43% of the region which includes Jammu, the Kashmir Valley, Ladakh and the Siachen Glacier while Pakistan controls 37% which include and Gilgit Baltistan. China currently administers the remaining 20% (mostly uninhabited areas), the Shaksgam Valley, and the Aksai Chin region.

Background

The Kashmir issue dates to 1947, when the Indian subcontinent was still under British rule. From 1858, Kashmir existed as a part of India, however, when British rule in the Indian subcontinent ended the creation of the following new states succeeded British India: The Dominion of Pakistan and the Union of India. The British Paramountcy over the 562 Indian princely states thus ended. Following this, the states had to choose whether to join either of the states or to remain an independent one. Although many princes wanted to be "independent" (which would have meant hereditary monarchies and no hope for democracy), they had to succumb to their people's protests, which turned violent in many provinces. Similarly, the princely state of Kashmir had to choose which state it would join. However, this was not as simple as it sounds due to the monarch, Maharaja Hari Singh was Hindu while much of the population in Kashmir were Muslim. The Maharaja decided to stay neutral and therefore an independent state. However, his hopes of remaining independent were dashed in October 1947, as Pashtun tribesmen, backed by the Pakistani government came knocking down the gates of , intending to force the Maharaja to agree with the incorporation of his princely state into Pakistan. Maharaja requested the Indian government for support and fled to India for his safety, where he signed the Instrument of Accession ceding Kashmir to India. Indian and Pakistani forces fought their first war over Kashmir in 1947-48. India referred the dispute to the United Nations, seeking resolution of the issue by the UN Security Council. Following the set-up of the United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP), the UN Security Council passed Resolution 47 in 1948 demanding an immediate cease-fire and asking the Government of Pakistan “to secure the withdrawal from the state of Jammu and Kashmir of tribesmen and Pakistani nationals not normally resident therein who have entered the state for the purpose of fighting”. It also requested that the Government of India to reduce its forces to the minimum strength, after which a plebiscite on whether Jammu and Kashmir should belong to India or Pakistan should take place. India, having taken the issue to the UN, was confident of being favored by the plebiscite, since the most influential Kashmiri mass leader, Sheikh Abdullah, was firmly on its side. An emergency government was formed in 1948 with Sheikh Abdullah as the Prime Minister. Pakistan however ignored the UN mandate and continued fighting, holding on to the portion of Kashmir under its control. In 1949, a ceasefire was agreed, with 65 per cent of the territory under Indian and the remainder under Pakistani control. Despite that, both India and Pakistan failed to arrive at a truce agreement due to differences over interpretation of the procedure and the extent of demilitarization. The ceasefire was intended to be temporary, but the Line of Control remains the de facto border between the two countries to this day. After the failure of UNCIP in 1949, Sir Owen Dixon was appointed to demilitarize the state of Jammu and Kashmir and implement a statewide plebiscite. Dixon's efforts for a statewide plebiscite came to naught due to India's constant rejection of the various alternative demilitarization proposals, for which Dixon rebuked India harshly. Dixon then offered an alternative proposal, widely known as the Dixon plan. Dixon understood that the people of the state were divided. While the one’s in Ladakh and Jammu wanted to join India, the people of Azad Kashmir and Northern areas were in favor of Pakistan. This led to Dixon proposing a plebiscite that was restricted to the valley and this left the Kashmir Valley and the area in an unpolitical setting. Nevertheless, Pakistan did not accept this plan because it believed that India's commitment to a plebiscite for the whole state should not be abandoned. In 1957, Kashmir was formally incorporated into the Indian Union. It was granted a special status under Article 370 of India's constitution, which ensures, among other things, that non-Kashmiri Indians cannot buy property there. There is one major substantive underlying the Kashmir issue – The Indus river. Pakistan and India, both use the Indus for agriculture and to generate hydroelectric power. Over half the population of Pakistan is employed in the agricultural sector and Punjab is known as the ‘bread- basket’ of India, the issue of the Indus is one which will have drastic economic effects on both nations. If the Line of Control was promoted to be an international border, Pakistan would permanently become the lower riparian of the Indus river, leaving its only source of river system - which supports the arid as well as semi-arid lands – in the hands India. India would then control the upper riparian of the river and leaving both of their river systems in their firm control. Therefore, in 1960, the Indus Waters Treaty was ratified by both nations. This was supervised by the World bank and it gave control to the three eastern tributaries (Ravi, Sutlej and Beas) to India and the three western tributaries (Jhelum, Chenab and Indus) to Pakistan. Regardless of this being considered as one of the world’s best working water-sharing treaties, it needs to be replaced with a newer version. Global warming has contributed to supply alterations and landscapes over the 59 years making it crucial for an update to the Indus Waters Treaty. The period from 1962 to 1980 was where the turnaround of international and Kashmiri Opinion occurred. In 1962, the Chinese came into play and annexed land from the Indian occupied Kashmir leading to the formation of the Aksai Chin. Pakistan, motivated by India’s defeated, attacked yet again in 1965, but this also reached a ceasefire thanks to the efforts of Lal Bhadur Shastri and M. Ayub Khan. In 1971, yet another war broke out between the two nations, but the result of this one was quite different – the formation of Bangladesh. Following that, in 1972, the Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi and her Pakistani counter-part Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto signed the Shimla agreement which reiterated the points of Tashkent Declaration of 1966. However, Bhutto was overthrown and then hanged while Gandhi lost the general elections of 1978. In April of 1999, both countries tested out their nuclear missiles and the issue of Kashmir transformed into a conflict between the two nuclear armed nations. This followed with the catastrophic war of Kargil which entailed 30,000 casualties on both sides. This resulted in a victory for India and the regain of the district of Kargil. Current Situation

According to Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society, there have been a total of 4059 people killed in violence which involved separatist groups from 2008 to 2018 with over a fourth of the total being civilians. As of 2019, the death toll is predicted to rise, and the conflict foreseen to escalate. “I fear there will be a massacre and things will start to go out of control” says the Pakistani Prime Minister. The crossfires between Indian and Pakistani troops and their continuous deployment to the region have raised concerns over neighboring country China. A spokesperson for the Chinese government stated that “The relevant sides need to exercise restraint and act prudently. They should refrain from taking actions that will unilaterally change the status quo and escalate tensions. We call on both India and Pakistan to peacefully resolve the relevant disputes through dialogue and consultation and safeguard peace and stability in the region.” On August 5, 2019, the Prime Minister of India announced the revocation of article 370 of the Indian Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir, which Modi argued to have spawned “separatism, corruption, terrorism, and family rule.” This was followed by a curfew in the Himalayan region, a cut on all internet and telecommunication, and arrests of political leaders. The political move was the most powerful in 70 years since the separation of India and Pakistan, heightening ensuing tensions between civilians, political parties, military, and militant groups. While the revocation of Article 370 is not in its entirety, the majority, however, is a nullification of its laws and the abolition of the state flag. Partnered with the repeal of the Article, the Jammu and Kashmir Bill was also passed by the Parliament of India which separated the state into two Union Territories namely, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Ultimately, the state no longer has independency giving the government based in New Delhi the authority. The bill faced opposition not only by Pakistan but also by China, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry states, "China always opposes India's inclusion of Chinese territory in the western section of the China-India boundary under its administrative jurisdiction. This position is firm and consistent and has never changed. The recent unilateral revision of domestic laws by the Indian side continues to undermine China's territorial sovereignty, which is unacceptable and will not have any effect.” In a meeting held by the Pakistani government on August 8, 2019, the following key actions were planned to be observed:

- Downgrading diplomatic ties with India - Suspension of economic bilateral trade

- Revision of bilateral arrangements

- Bringing the matter to the United Nations and the United Nations Security Council

- Observing ‘solidarity with brave and their just struggle for their right to self- determination’ on the 14th of August; having 15th August as ‘Black Day’

Since the catalytic month of August, India and Pakistan had been in a continuous exchange of politically and/or violently motivated power plays that display authority and rebellion. On 18th of September, the Pakistani government had denied Prime Minister Modi of access to airspace for a German-bound flight. The Foreign Minister of Pakistan said in a media statement "Keeping in mind the situation in occupied Kashmir, India's attitude, and the ongoing oppression, tyranny and the violations of rights in the region, we have decided not to grant this request." On the other hand of polar protests and politics, India had seen multiple Kashmiri arrests including 200 politicians, including two former chief ministers amongst many others. The arrests are being made under the Public Security Act, a law that permits detention of arrested individuals for up to two years without trial. Human Rights advocates speculate that over 20, 000 Kashmiris have been detained under the PSA law to date since its effect in 1978. The ongoing issues had gotten major international attention, even attracting the likes of US President Donald Trump, who offers to mediate in the Kashmir Crisis in a meeting with the Pakistani Prime Minister at the UN General Assembly in New York on September 24. However, Trump said he will only begin the attempts to peaceful reconciliations if both countries decide to accept the offer. Shortly after, the keen interest of the US shows greater colors "We hope to see rapid action, the lifting of the restrictions and the release of those who have been detained," says Alice Wells, a top official from the U.S for South Asia. The official also added that "The United States is concerned by widespread detentions, including those of politicians and business leaders, and the restrictions on the residents of Jammu and Kashmir." Chinese President Xi Jinping had also expressed his concerns over J&K who said that it would have China's support over key issues and that the matter should be met with peaceful dialogue. The offer and comments by US weren’t greeted with warm welcomes based on an ongoing pattern by the Indian government of discouraging outside roles. Not only had the Indian government cornered and jailed protesting officials and civilians but had also greatly outnumbered them. The deployment of 900 000 troops to the state are seen to patrol streets, administer curfews, and combat violent protesters. Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed his strong opposition to the Indian Government's attempts to deploy for "the prosperity of Kashmir" and feared the outcome of extended violence calling it 'a bloodbath'. After a hectic and gruesome 2 months after the repeal of Article 370, the shellings and attacks continue to unravel. Six Indian Paramilitary personnel were injured by a grenade attack in Srinagar by armed rebels which sparked an extensive search operation. This was a week after an Indian trucker was killed which encouraged the Indian government to cut SMS services in retaliation. As expected, most of the actions and decision from both parties had been met with major retaliation and violence. This re-occurring scenario depicts a current situation that should also be expected to continue unless careful resolutions are brought-forward to prevent further- escalation.

Major Parties Involved

 India  Pakistan  China  USA

(Refer to Background History and Current Situation)

Political Parties: The Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP): founded in 1999 which supports Jammu and Kashmir’s self-ruling. The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC): founded in 1993 as a religious, political, and social alliance by various organizations to eliminate Indian control over the Kashmir region and that it be handed over to Pakistan. The Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP): founded in 1998 by Shabir Shah and Hashim Qureshi, the JKDFP is a separatist group that supports Jammu and Kashmir’s independence. The Indian National Congress (INC): a major left-wing political party in India The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): a major right-wing political party in India and is considered the second largest in the country. The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Party (NCP): founded by Sheikh Abdullah in 1939 and acted as Jammu and Kashmir’s leader in self-rule and autonomy. It is now led by Omar Abdullah, his grandson.

Militant Groups: Jaish-e-Mohammed: a Pakistani based militant organization that operates in Kashmir with an aim to gain power over Indian ruled regions in Kashmir and to uphold an instate Islamic governance. The leader of the group is currently imprisoned in Pakistan, but the group continues to operate. Hizb-ul-Mujahideen: a militant organization in Kashmir considered to be the most popular and widely supported Lashkar-e-Taiba: the most active militant group. They take responsibility for several violent cross-country attacks.

Problems a Resolution must address o To what extent should past plebiscites be considered by this summit? o Should the UN continue to use plebiscites? o Should the border established by the Line of Control be modified? In what way? o How can the acceptance of the actions by non-represented parties be ensured once the committee is over? o Should external parties (other UN organs, foreign nations, TPAs) intervene? In what way? o How can the UNSC ensure that all parties’ interests are respected? o How can the UNSC assure the security of civilians on the disputed territory? Should the UN intervene? o How can the UNSC ensure the acceptance of a Peace Treaty between the parties involved? What should be established in the treaty?

Bibliography

Borger, Julian. “Imran Khan Warns UN of Potential Nuclear War in Kashmir.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 26 Sept. 2019, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/26/imran-khan-warns-un-of-potential-nuclear-war- in-kashmir.

“Hua Chunying Speaks on Kashmir Issue.” Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Remarks on the Current Situation in Jammu Kashmir, Hua Chunying, https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2535_665405/t1686548.shtml.

“MEA: Statements : In Focus Articles.” Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, https://mea.gov.in/in-focus-article.htm?19005/Simla+Agreement+July+2+1972.

“Newfoundland [2f/6].” 1969, doi:10.4095/124316. “Plebiscite.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam- webster.com/dictionary/plebiscite.

Sampathkumar, Mythili. “What Is Article 370? The Kashmir Crisis Explained.” Fortune, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2019, https://fortune.com/2019/08/08/what-is-article-370-kashmir-india/.

“United Nations Security Council Resolution 47.” UNSC, United Nations, 21 Apr. 1948, http://unscr.com/en/resolutions/doc/47.

Times Now Digital. “Pakistan Sends Back Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria, Suspends Bilateral Trade.” Latest News by Times Now News, 7 Aug. 2019, https://www.timesnownews.com/international/article/pakistan-downscales-diplomatic- relationship-suspends-bilateral-trade-with-india/465213.

ET Bureau. “Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill: What It Means for the Two New Union Territories.” The Economic Times, Economic Times, 6 Aug. 2019, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/et-explains/jammu-and-kashmir-reorganisation-bill- what-it-means-for-the-two-new-union-territories/articleshow/70545729.cms.