The United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) has recently seen a change in leadership with the appointment of Rear Admiral Guillermo Pablo Rios from Argentina as the Head of Mission and Chief Military Observer by the U.N Secretary General. Established back in January 1949, UNMOGIP has been a prominent figure in overseeing the ceasefire and maintaining peace between the conflicted territories of India and Pakistan.
Origins of UNMOGIP
The inception of the UNMOGIP traces back to the aftermath of the first Kashmir war that spanned between 1947 and 1948. India took the issue to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which led to UNSC adopting Resolution 39 in January 1948. This resolution set up a three-member United Nations Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) intended to intervene and resolve the dispute. By April 1948, through Resolution 47, UNCIP was revamped into what we know today as UNMOGIP.
Role and Function of UNMOGIP
The crucial role of UNMOGIP came under the spotlight following the signing of the Karachi Agreement in July 1949. The agreement, signed after the 1st Indo-Pak armed conflict, was supervised by UNCIP representatives. Not only did it establish a Cease-Fire Line (CFL) in Kashmir, but it also permitted monitoring and observation by UN-level military observers. With four field stations in Indian-administered Kashmir and six in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, UNMOGIP ensures strict observance of the ceasefire.
Contention Surrounding UNMOGIP
However, following the Shimla Agreement in 1972, India’s stance on the UNMOGIP shifted, asserting that its role has been “overtaken”. In this agreement, both nations agreed to move the CFL to the Line of Control (LoC) and resolve disputes bilaterally without third-party interference. Consequently, India refrained from lodging complaints against Pakistan with UNMOGIP since 1972 and proposed shutting down its operations in Kashmir in 2014. Despite India’s stance, Pakistan continues to lodge allegations against India with UNMOGIP, causing tensions between the nations.
About United Nations Security Council Resolution 47
UNSC Resolution 47 dealt with the resolution of the Kashmir conflict by urging Pakistan to withdraw its nationals who entered the state for fighting purposes and prevent further intrusions. Once peace was restored, a plebiscite was to be held. The resolution also led to the reconstitution of the five-member UNMOGIP to supervise the CFL. While Pakistan objected the presence of Indian forces in Kashmir as per the resolution, India rejected it on the grounds that it ignored the military invasion by Pakistan and dismissed Islamabad’s aggression.
Funding and Finance of UNMOGIP
The operational expense of UNMOGIP is covered by the regular budget of the United Nations, ensuring that the mission has adequate resources to monitor and maintain the ceasefire and peace in the region.
Differing Points of View: India and Pakistan on Resolution 47
India’s stand on Resolution 47 was one of rejection, as it believed the resolution overlooked Pakistan’s military invasion and considered both countries on equal diplomatic ground, disregarding Pakistan’s act of hostility. In contrast, Pakistan’s stand was that it wanted a dominant party representation within Pakistani-held Kashmir, specifically the Muslim Conference, and objected to even minimal presence of Indian forces as per the resolution.