UN Security Council Resolution 47 on Kashmir

UN Security Council Resolution 47, adopted on 21 April 1948, recommended a staged process for ending the fighting and determining Jammu and Kashmir's accession through a free and impartial plebiscite. It did not envisage simultaneous withdrawals: Pakistan had prior withdrawal obligations, followed by a conditional reduction of Indian forces and the conduct of the plebiscite under UN-associated supervision.

Pakistan's prior obligations

The process began with action by the Government of Pakistan to secure the withdrawal from Jammu and Kashmir of tribesmen and Pakistani nationals not normally resident in the State who had entered for fighting.

• Pakistan was also to prevent further intrusion and the provision of material assistance to those fighting in the State.
• The next stage was triggered when the UN Commission for India and Pakistan was satisfied that the specified persons were withdrawing and arrangements for ending the fighting had become effective.

Conditional reduction of Indian forces

India was then to prepare, in consultation with the Commission, a plan for the staged withdrawal of Indian forces. The forces were to be reduced to the minimum strength required to support the civil authority in maintaining law and order.

• The withdrawal stages were to be publicly announced and completed progressively.
• The resolution therefore required a limited Indian security presence rather than the total evacuation of Indian forces.

Plebiscite arrangements

India was to ensure the establishment of a Plebiscite Administration in the State. Its administrator was to be nominated by the UN Secretary-General and formally appointed by the Jammu and Kashmir government.

• The plebiscite was to determine whether the State would accede to India or Pakistan.
• Political participation, freedom of speech and movement, refugee return and the release of political prisoners were among the safeguards intended to create conditions for a free and impartial plebiscite.
• The Commission was to certify whether the plebiscite had been free and impartial.