Background on the Disputed Region of Kashmir
Kashmir is a predominantly Muslim region divided between India and Pakistan, both of which claim it since their independence from Britain in 1947. This dispute has been a significant source of tension between the two nations.
Recent Escalation: India’s Airstrikes on Pakistan
On the early morning of Wednesday, India conducted airstrikes on various regions within Pakistan, as confirmed by both countries. The attacks resulted in at least three reported fatalities according to Islamabad, who vowed to “respond.” This escalation comes in the wake of a terrorist attack on April 22 in Indian Kashmir, which left 26 people dead.
Indian Military Operation “Sindoor”
The Indian military launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, which they claimed had been organizing and directing attacks against India. The Pakistani military, however, stated that New Delhi had attacked three regions in Pakistan, including the main city of Muzaffarabad in Pakistani Kashmir and another city in the Punjab region bordering India.
Pakistani Response
Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, reported that the airstrikes resulted in at least “three civilian deaths, including a child.” Pakistan will convene its National Security Committee at 05:00 GMT on Wednesday, comprising civilian and military officials, announced the Information Minister, Ataullah Tarar.
Context: Water Dispute and Nuclear Tensions
Prior to the airstrikes, the U.S. Department of State urged India and Pakistan to find a “responsible resolution” to their dispute. India had threatened to cut water from several rivers originating in its territory and flowing through Pakistan as retaliation for the April 22 attack.
- Question: India suspended its participation in a 1960 treaty with Pakistan, which required both nations to share control of the Kashmir river basin that feeds into the Indus River in Pakistan.
- Question: Pakistan reported reduced water flow in the Chenab River, suggesting India had started to restrict water supply.
Fears of a Wider Conflict
Experts are concerned about the possibility of an open military confrontation between these nuclear-armed nations. For over ten nights, Indian and Pakistani soldiers have exchanged light fire across the border. Although no casualties have been reported yet, the situation remains highly volatile.
International Involvement
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope that the tensions between India and Pakistan would “end soon.” Meanwhile, one of the targeted locations by India’s airstrikes is the Subhan Mosque in Bahawalpur, allegedly linked by Indian intelligence to groups close to the Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based militant organization suspected of orchestrating attacks in Mumbai in 2008 that left 166 people dead.
India’s Balanced Response
The Indian government stated that their actions were “specific, balanced, and aimed at preventing any escalation,” emphasizing that no military installations in Pakistan were targeted. They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring those responsible for the April attack face consequences.
