The conflict about Kashmir is mainly between India and Pakistan. However, Indian-Chinese relations are also involved. All three states claim parts or the entire territory of Kashmir. Water is an important element in this conflict as many rivers have their origin in Kashmir. Pakistan fears that India, which controls the region where these rivers spring, will abuse its powers to control the flow of water to Pakistan.

Origin of the conflict
Kashmir was a British colony from 1846 to 1947. When it gained independence in 1947 it was allowed to choose whether it whished to adhere to either Pakistan or India, or to remain independent. Jammu and Kashmir had large Muslim populations. However, Kashmirs’ leader, the Dogra king, was Hindu. When this King (or Maharaja) remained indecisive, and rumour went that he would choose for India, Pakistani troops attacked Kashmir in order to free it from the Dogra king. As a response, the Maharaja turned to India for help. Yet Pakistan and India had signed a non-intervention treaty over Jammu and Kashmir, therefore it was illegal for India to intervene, as there was no official evidence of Pakistani intervention in Kashmir even though Pakistani tribes were fighting there. As it was illegal for India to intervene unless Jammu and Kashmir were part of the Union of India, the Maharaja saw himself forced to adhere to the Union.  

Actors involved
India: considers the treaties of adherence signed by Jammu and India entirely legal and considers these territories hers.
Pakistan: denies Indias claim as the Maharajas decision obviously lacked popular support. Furthermore, it was signed under force, which makes it unlawful. According to Pakistan, the uprisings among Kashmir people mean they wish to adhere to India or remain independent.
China: has had conflicts with India over several areas.
Separatists in Kashmir: fight for the independence in the area.

Chronological timeframe
There have been several Indian-Pakistani wars over Kashmir: 1947-1948: first Kashmirwar, 1965: second Kashmirwar, 1971: Indo-Pakistani war, 1984-1989: Siachen conflict, 1999: Kargil-war (or third Kashmir war).
China and India fought the Sino-Indian war in 1962 which led to the annexation of the Aksai Chin area by China. Since 1990 India has said to have had troubles with Kashmir separatist, including militants who were allegedly supported by Pakistan. This conflict has caused thousands of casualties.
Pakistan has lobbied for a UN led referendum, however in 2003 the Hurriyat conference, consisting of 26 political, social and religious organisations in Kashmir, announced that this was no longer an option. In 2005, after 80.000 people died in an earthquake in Kashmir, India and Pakistan finally finished negotiations on a transport route to Kashmir in order to be able to send disaster aid. In 2008 demonstrations took place as a response to India’s plans for a safe house for Hindu pilgrims; the military responded quickly to maintain order and over 40 unarmed protestors died.
The leader for an independent Kashmir has warned that India’s violent responses could turn peaceful protests into more violent ones. Also the UN has criticised India’s way of dealing with the situation.
 
Reaction of the International community
The UN has voiced her concerns about the violent repression of peaceful protests by India in Kashmir. Several international studies accuse India of serious human rights violations in Kashmir.