What is the actual History behind the recent India-Pakistan Kashmir Conflict?

Ok, so this is very confusing. I've grown up in Canada my entire life so I don't know a whole lot about the India-Pakistan situation. My mothers ex-boyfriend is from Pakistan and she went to the country and said it was a nice place so it's hard for me to imagine that they would start a war over a disagreement. I'm currently living in Vancouver, Canada and there is a huge amount of Indians here. I've been to a few Indian restaurants and they're always nice and the food is good, so I can't imagine them seeking conflict either. <br><br>My mothers ex-boyfriend told her that he has family over there who may be in danger and he can't go back to Pakistan because of the situation. So it appears to be very serious. <br><br>I did a bit of reading up on the issue and from what I understand the conflict is over Kashmir? So a little background on this would be great. Is this a recent thing or has Kashmir been an issue for a long time? <br><br>If you live in Pakistan or India, is life going on as normal? Do you hear about any upcoming potential war or danger? <br><br>My girlfriend works at a restaurant and one of her coworkers is from India and he says there is a threat of war and if there is he will have to return home. But he says so far that life is going on as normal in India. <br><br>Is there any light that you guys can shed on the subject?<br><br>EDIT: Thanks guys for the information so far.