Tensions Rise Between India and Pakistan Amid Kashmir Conflict
New Delhi – Recent events have taken a concerning turn in the long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan, particularly following a deadly terrorist attack in the Pahalgam region of Kashmir. The resurgence of violence has pushed both nuclear-armed nations closer to the brink of war.
Recent Clashes and Casualties
This past week, military hostilities have escalated, with both sides employing missiles and drones. This week’s clashes resulted in significant casualties, including a woman killed and four others wounded in Uri from alleged Pakistani shelling, as authorities placed major cities, including Delhi, on high alert.
Pakistan has accused India of launching a missile assault that it claims resulted in at least 36 deaths, terming it an “act of war.” In contrast, India asserts that its strikes were a calibrated response to the April terrorist attack, which led to the elimination of approximately 100 militants located in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Understanding the Kashmir Conflict
The dispute over Kashmir, a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, dates back to the partition of India in 1947. As India was divided into a predominantly Hindu nation and a Muslim-majority Pakistan, the princely state of Kashmir, ruled by a Hindu Maharaja, opted for independence.
However, following an invasion by tribesmen from Pakistan in October 1947, the Maharaja sought military assistance from India, which required him to accede to India as a condition for intervention. This led to the first India-Pakistan war over Kashmir, culminating in a ceasefire and a division of the territory.
Historical Wars and Ongoing Tensions
The enduring rivalry has witnessed three major wars and continuous military skirmishes. Despite the United Nations’ proposed plebiscite to determine Kashmir’s fate, the status remains unresolved. Both nations assert their claim over the territory, which is also partially administrated by China, adding another layer of complexity to the scenario.
Since the late 1980s, a violent pro-independence insurgency has taken root in Indian-administered Kashmir. While India has frequently accused Pakistan of supporting these insurgents, Pakistan denies any involvement.
The 2019 Autonomy Revocation
In 2019, following a surge in militant activity, India revoked Kashmir’s special status, erasing its autonomy and implementing strict restrictions on the populace, including communications blackouts and curfews. This move was met with widespread condemnation and increased regional tensions.
The Indian government argued that this action was essential for fostering peace and encouraging tourism, yet the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam has sharply revived concerns over security and stability in the area.