In the wake of a tragic attack that resulted in the loss of 26 lives—the deadliest civilian assault in nearly two decades—armed police and military personnel are actively conducting searches of homes and forests throughout Kashmir. This heightened security effort follows a visit from India’s army chief to assess the situation on the ground.
- Advertisement -
The public response to this militant attack has been one of profound outrage and sorrow across India, leading to renewed calls for decisive action against Pakistan. New Delhi has long accused its neighbor of supporting and fostering terrorism in Kashmir, a contentious region that both nations assert sovereignty over and have fought multiple conflicts to control.
In Srinagar, the capital of Indian-administered Kashmir, the army chief evaluated security measures while local authorities combed through Pahalgam, the picturesque locale where the attack unfolded. India’s defense officials assert that there were Pakistani elements associated with the assailants who opened fire on individuals in a meadow in Pahalgam.
In financial markets, the day started on a shaky note following the news, though the indices managed to recover some losses by the market’s close. The key stock indexes fell by 0.7% to 0.9%, with the Indian rupee also showing a slight decline of 0.2%. Meanwhile, the yield on the 10-year benchmark bond rose by four basis points.
As tensions continue to escalate, both nuclear-armed nations have implemented a series of retaliatory measures. Notably, India has suspended a critical treaty governing river water-sharing, while Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian flights. Additionally, the Indian Air Force and Navy conducted military drills, further stoking concerns.
Pakistan responded by expelling Indian diplomats and military personnel, canceling visas for all Indian nationals except Sikh pilgrims, and shutting down the primary border crossing on its side. They have also issued a stern warning that any attempt by India to impede the flow of water from the Indus River would be deemed an “act of war.”
In a bid to strengthen security arrangements, General Upendra Dwivedi visited Kashmir just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi proclaimed his commitment to pursuing those responsible “to the ends of the earth.” Modi conveyed his condolences, stating, “The innocent lives lost came from various parts of India,” as media coverage showed grieving families across the nation.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi also visited Srinagar, providing support to both victims and local officials during this tumultuous time. Adding to the complications, India’s major airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, announced that several international routes would face delays due to the airspace closures, affecting travel to the United States and Europe.
Calls for a military response persist, with some voices within Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party advocating for action against Pakistan. The two countries, which both claim Kashmir’s Muslim-majority region, have endured decades of strained relations, punctuated by accusations from India that Pakistan supports separatist entities. Pakistan rejects these claims outright.
In a show of force, Indian military personnel have destroyed the homes of suspected militants associated with the attack. Kashmir police have identified individuals believed to be linked to the violence and are seeking information on their whereabouts. A reward of two million rupees (approximately €20,737) is being offered for information leading to their capture.
United Nations officials have called for both countries to exercise “maximum restraint” amidst these escalated tensions, urging that “any issues between Pakistan and India can and should be resolved peacefully through meaningful mutual engagement,” as articulated by spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
In response to allegations connecting Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack, Islamabad dismissed them as “frivolous,” vowing to act decisively against any threats to its sovereignty.
Kashmir, divided between the two nations since 1947, remains a persistent flashpoint for conflict. Rebel groups seeking independence or union with Pakistan have been active in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 1989. The shift in violence towards civilian targets, as demonstrated by the recent attack, marks a concerning new chapter in this ongoing saga.
As Prime Minister Modi stated, “Whatever little land these terrorists have, it’s time to reduce it to dust,” reaffirming a call for stringent action. However, historical patterns suggest that responses to past attacks have often been calculated and measured, as seen following the devastating incident in Pulwama in 2019, which led to significant military engagement.
Tuesday’s assault unfolded amidst the serenity of Pahalgam, as tourists absorbed breathtaking mountain vistas. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the perpetrators specifically targeted men, sparing those who could recite the Islamic declaration of faith.
With a vast manhunt now underway for the attackers, many individuals have been detained as part of the ongoing investigation. This incident has incited ire among Hindu nationalist groups, while students from Kashmir studying across India report experiences of intimidation and harassment.
As tensions rise in the region, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes peace over further conflict.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
