The Bloody Pahalgam Attack and Its Fallout
Conflict in Kashmir Illustrates Unresolved Divide Between India and Pakistan Following Incomplete Partition
In the heart of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region, a brutal assault on tourists in Pahalgam on April 22 claimed the lives of 26 people, including a Nepali citizen, with many more left wounded. This tragedy marked the deadliest civilian attack in India since the 2008 Mumbai atrocities.
Spurred by the incident, India retaliated with "Operation Sindoor," striking 9 alleged terrorist hideouts in Kashmir and Pakistani Punjab in the night of May 6-7. Tensions escalated to new heights with Pakistan declaring it an "act of war" and claiming to have shot down five Indian aircraft, including Rafales. After several nights of skirmishes, both countries stepped back and agreed on a ceasefire on May 10.
Jean-Luc Racine, an emeritus research director at CNRS and author of Cachemire. Au péril de la guerre (Autrement, 2002), delves into the roots of this prolonged crisis. Once again, the vicious cycle of violence stems from the dispute over this Himalayan territory, primarily Muslim, whose sovereignty remains contested.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, former US President Donald Trump remarked, "This conflict has raged for over a millennium..."
Updating the Timeline:Ensuing the attack, local authorities have intensified anti-terror operations across Anantnag district. Approximately 175 suspects have been detained for further investigations, and Mobile Vehicle Check Points (MVCPs) have been set up to monitor and block suspicious movements. Additionally, the houses of four terrorists were demolished in various districts of Kashmir as part of a crackdown on terrorism. In a drastic move, India suspended the Indus Water Treaty, highlighting the dire need for Pakistan to comprehend the ramifications of such terrorist acts.
International Response:While no explicit statement from former US President Donald Trump is found in the search results regarding the Pahalgam attack, international leaders from countries such as Singapore have unequivocally condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with India.
- The Pahalgam attack in Kashmir has drawn global attention, with international leaders such as those from Singapore strongly condemning the incident and expressing solidarity with India.
- The violent attack in Pahalgam, a heart of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region, has once again highlighted the ongoing conflict in this Himalayan territory, primarily Muslim, whose sovereignty remains contested.
- Former US President Donald Trump has cited the Pahalgam attack as an example of a conflict that has raged for over a millennium, reflecting on its persisting nature and the complexities involved in resolving it.
- In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, India has intensified anti-terror operations, implementing measures like detaining suspects, setting up Mobile Vehicle Check Points, and demolishing houses of terrorists as part of a crackdown on terrorism, while also suspending the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan in an escalation of tensions.
