In the tense region of Kashmir, Indian and Pakistani soldiers briefly exchanged gunfire along the heavily fortified frontier, escalating tensions between the two nations. This incident follows a devastating attack that took the lives of 26 people, mostly Indians, sparking accusations between the countries.
India has labeled the incident as a “terror attack,” accusing Pakistan of supporting it, a claim Pakistan vehemently denies. The attack near Pahalgam in India-administered Kashmir was attributed to a new militant organization, the Kashmir Resistance.
Amid the heightened atmosphere, three Indian Army officials, speaking anonymously, reported that Pakistani troops fired upon Indian positions in Kashmir late Thursday. The Indian forces responded, but no casualties were reported. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry declined to comment on the incident.
The fateful Tuesday attack represents the most severe assault on civilians in Kashmir in years, igniting fresh tension between the long-time adversaries. India and Pakistan have engaged in wars over Kashmir, a region divided but claimed in full by both nations.
In response to the attack, India took dramatic actions, including suspending a crucial water-sharing treaty and closing their only operational land border crossing. Additionally, India canceled all visas for Pakistani nationals, effective from Sunday, while Pakistan in turn revoked visas for Indians, closed its airspace to Indian airlines, and halted all trade with India. As a result, citizens of both nations began returning home via the Wagah border.
The stoppage of the water treaty has been declared by Pakistan as an “act of war,” especially concerning given parts of the country are facing drought. Furthermore, Pakistan warned of potentially withdrawing from the Simla Agreement, a significant treaty that established the Line of Control in Kashmir after the 1971 war.
The United Nations has appealed for calm from both countries, urging peaceful dialogue to resolve disputes rather than exacerbating the conflict. Meanwhile, India accuses Pakistani-backed terrorism of fueling militancy in Kashmir, a charge Pakistan rejects. Many Kashmiri Muslims view the militants as freedom fighters.
Indian authorities have reportedly taken aggressive measures following the attack, using explosives to damage homes belonging to suspected militants linked to the incident. This approach prompted criticism from local residents, who question the fairness of such actions.
Protests erupted across the region, with demonstrators in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, condemning the suspension of the water treaty and rallying against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Counter-rallies also took place in New Delhi, pressing for action against Pakistan and expressing a strong desire for retaliation.