"Who has not heard of the Vale of Cashemere," wrote the Irish poet Thomas Moore in 1817, "with its brightest roses that the earth ever gave." Kashmir, together with the entire region of Jammu, Ladakh and Gilgit forms the State of Jammu and Kashmir which extends over an area of ​​222236 square kilometres. The state consists of three parts: Indian-controlled Kashmir (IcK), Pakistan-controlled Kashmir (PcK) and China-controlled Kashmir (CcK). The geography of Kashmir is divided into three land masses: the foothill plains of Jammu, the Kashmir Valley and the Ladakh mountains. The valley is crossed by the Jhelum River and its tributaries. It is also home to several Himalayan glaciers. Furthermore, the place has remained a popular tourist attraction due to its immense beauty, topography and climate. The lush green valley of Kashmir is considered a paradise on earth. Its flora, fauna and scenic beauty are world renowned land of sparkling rivers and astonishing gardens. Due to its infinite beauty, the place is known as the "Switzerland of the East". Kashmiri legend tells that at one point there existed a beautiful lake loved by the gods. The gods played happily on the shore of this lake until a demon began to haunt the land. The villagers sought the help of a holy man who dried up the waters of the lake and thus created the Kashmir valley. The beautiful valley is also widely known for its different types of agricultural products, fruits, vegetables, saffron, herbs, minerals, precious stones and the finest embroidery on clothes. Kashmir is vital to both India and Pakistan. Apart from its breathtaking beauty, Kashmir's geographical location is such that it is surrounded by a number of foreign countries that... middle of paper... the people of Kashmir are struggling to keep the issue alive. They want to solve it with Pakistan's help. So Pakistan should not withdraw; rather, stand firm in supporting Kashmiris. Pakistan should continue to urge India to grant Kashmiris the right to self-determination. A plebiscite should be conducted under the supervision of the United Nations and Kashmiris should be given the right to vote for the country they are determined to be a part of. Likewise, the UN should be firmly committed to the implementation of its plebiscite resolutions. Furthermore, Kashmiris should be given the opportunity to be declared an independent state living peacefully, following their own laws and forming their own government. The issue is nothing but a holocaust for Kashmiris. Therefore such measures are essential to stop the bloodshed and create a better future for the people of Kashmir.