Pakistan carries out second missile trial; India prepares for civil defense exercises in response
Tensions between India and Pakistan have soared to a fever pitch following a brutal terrorist attack on tourists in Kashmir's Pahalgam last month. The incident, which claimed the lives of 26 primarily Hindu men, has sparked a series of heated exchanges, threats, and diplomatic standoffs.
Pakistan denies involvement in the attack and has fired nightly gunshots along the de facto border in Kashmir, also known as the Line of Control, since April 24, according to the Indian army. In response, UN Chief Antonio Guterres has issued a warning, stating, "Relations between Pakistan and India have reached a boiling point. Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink of war."
The Pakistani military recently conducted a surface-to-surface missile test with a range of 120 kilometers, citing the need to ensure military readiness, as Iran's top diplomat held talks with the Prime Minister of Pakistan. This missile test follows another previous test of a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometers that India claims could reach New Delhi.
Tensions in the Kashmir region, which is divided between the two countries but considered in its entirety by both, have escalated since 1989 when a rebellion for independence or merger with Pakistan commenced in the Indian-controlled area. India frequently accuses Pakistan of supporting the insurgency.
Hindu nationalist Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to "identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backer" responsible for the Pahalgam attack and has pledged to "pursue them to the ends of the Earth." Pakistan's government denies any involvement in the shooting and has threatened a "decisive response" to any act of aggression.
Neither group has taken responsibility for the attack, but Indian police are seeking several Pakistani citizens they believe are among the alleged gunmen. The international community has put pressure on both nations to de-escalate tensions and avoid further conflict.
Russia and the U.S. have called for both countries to reduce tensions, and the U.S. Vice President has urged that India's response does not lead to a broader regional conflict and for Pakistan to "hunt down and deal with" terrorists operating within its territory.
The manhunt for the gunmen in the Indian-run parts of Kashmir continues, while residents along the border are either moving further away or preparing bunkers. In Pakistan, emergency drills have been conducted on playing fields, residents have been advised to stockpile food and medicine, and religious schools have closed.
- In the midst of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Russia and the U.S. have called for both nations to reduce conflicts and de-escalate their standoff.
- Amidst these tensions, Pakistan denied any involvement in the brutal terrorist attack on tourists in Kashmir's Pahalgam last month, but Islamicabad has threatened a "decisive response" to any act of aggression.
- After the Pahalgam attack, the UN Chief Antonio Guterres issued a warning stating, "Relations between Pakistan and India have reached a boiling point. Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink of war."
- The Pakistani military conducted a surface-to-surface missile test with a range of 120 kilometers, citing the need to ensure military readiness, while India claims another test of a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometers could reach New Delhi.
- In a bid to prevent further conflict, the international community is putting pressure on both India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and keep the nuclear powers from going to war.
- As the manhunt for the gunmen in the Indian-run parts of Kashmir continues, Malaysia and various other countries are affected by the political standoffs, war-and-conflicts, and general news surrounding this international crisis.
