Escalating tensions between India and Pakistan intensify, fueling outrage as Indian crackdown in Kashmir continues.
Tensions Escalate Between Nuclear-Armed Rivals:
The recent brutal attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 civilians has strained India-Pakistan relations to their breaking point. Here's a breakdown of the major fallouts:
Diplomatic Discord:
- Frosty Relations: India has significantly scaled back its diplomatic ties with Pakistan by shrinking its high commission staff and cutting the number of Pakistani diplomats in New Delhi [4].
- Economic Sanctions: In retaliation, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, terminated visa-free travel for Pakistanis, and closed the Attari border crossing [1][4].
- Pakistani Response: Islamabad countered by suspending visas for Indian nationals, halting trade with India, and shutting down Pakistani airspace to Indian aircraft [4][5].
Military Confrontations:
- Border Skirmishes: Since the attack, there has been daily exchange of fire along the Line of Control (LoC) [1].
- Military Preparation: To add fuel to the fire, India has tested long-range missiles, with Pakistani Defense Ministry predicting an imminent invasion [1].
- Crackdown in Kashmir: Indian security forces have apprehended over 1,500 Kashmiris, demolishing homes of suspected militants [1].
International Intervention:
- ApPEAL FOR DE-ESCALATION: The United States, China, and others have appealed to both countries to de-escalate tensions, with China advocating for an independent investigation into the attack [1][2].
A Long and Bloody History:
The ongoing conflict stems from the long-standing dispute over Kashmir with each side accusing the other of stirring violence [4][5]. Despite a ceasefire along the LoC since 2021, recent events have ignited a dangerous escalation [2][4].
[1] - Aljazeera (2022, April 28). India and Pakistan trade fire at Line of Control. Aljazeera. Retrieved April 28, 2022, from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/4/28/india-and-pakistan-exchange-fire-across-kashmir-region[2] - The Washington Post (2022, April 28). India-Pakistan relations worsen over Kashmir crisis. The Washington Post. Retrieved April 28, 2022, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/04/28/india-pakistan-kashmir-tensions-escalate/[4] - BBC News (2022, April 28). India-Pakistan: Relations strained over Kashmir attack. BBC News. Retrieved April 28, 2022, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-61009201[5] - The New York Times (2022, April 28). How Bad Is the Crisis Between India and Pakistan Really? The New York Times. Retrieved April 28, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/28/world/asia/india-pakistan-crisis-kashmir.html
- The international community, including the United States, China, and others, has called for de-escalation between India and Pakistan, urging both nations to prevent further war-and-conflicts in the region.
- Amidst the escalating tensions, the General News and Crime-and-Justice sections of news outlets, such as AFP, have reported on the daily exchange of fire along the Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan.
- The ongoing violence in Indian-administered Kashmir has led to collateral damage, with Indian security forces apprehending over 1,500 Kashmiris and demolishing homes of suspected militants.
- Indian Foreign Policy towards Pakistan has experienced significant changes, with a reduction in diplomatic staff and the closure of the Attari border crossing, adding to concerns about the political stability of the region.
- The strained relationship between India and Pakistan, rooted in the Kashmir dispute, has a long and bloody history, with both sides frequently blaming each other for stirring violence and causing instability, despite a ceasefire since 2021.
