A PERSISTENT THREAT of war continues to flare up between two nuclear powers, India and Pakistan. The problem is control of Kashmir, and it could be eased simply by letting the people of that disputed territory make a trip to the ballot box.

The majority of the American people do not understand why India and Pakistan are at war in Kashmir. The problem dates back to the end of the British empire.

The Indian Independence Act passed by the British Parliament on July 18, 1947 partitioned India into two sovereign nations — India and Pakistan. The act entitled the rulers of some 562 smaller states — called Princely States –within the borders of the two new countries to choose accession to either, but was mute on how that choice might be made.

The overwhelming majority opted for India without provoking dispute. But Kashmir, a border region with a Hindu ruler and an overwhelmingly Muslim population, proved different. Kashmir’s ruler, a Hindu presiding over a state with 90 percent Muslim majority, unilaterally opted for India on Oct. 26, 1947, in circumstances reeking with intrigue. Pakistan remonstrated, and there emerged a consensus for a plebiscite either to ratify or reverse the ruler.