The war started in October 1947 when it was feared by Pakistan that Maharaja of the princely state of Kashmir and Jammu might accede to India. Tribal forces trained by Pakistan attacked and occupied a large part of the princely state, resulting in Maharajah fleeing Srinagar and signing the accession of the princely state to India.
The infiltrators almost reached Srinagar, but for the airlifting of Indian soldiers, who repulsed their attacks, and the valley was saved from intruders. The war ended in December 1948 with the Line of Control dividing Kashmir into territories administered by Pakistan (northern and western areas) and India (southern, central and northeastern areas). Pakistan has given away most of the northern areas to China.