intense Kashmir conflict resurfaces: causes, responses, and international reactions
origins
India accuses Pakistan of fresh aggression; Islamic Republic denies accusations - Pakistan Denies New Attack Allegations - India Asserts Evidence
The Kashmir conflict has a long history tracing back to the 1947 partition of British India and the emergence of India and Pakistan. Pieces of Kashmir claim sovereignty by both countries, rooted in its strategic and cultural significance. Recently, a violent terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in an area under Indian control, killed 26 Indian tourists and intensified tensions. Essentially, India places blame on Pakistan for being connected to the attack[1][2][3].
repercussions
- India's countermeasures: After the attack, India took decisive action, including halting a water-sharing agreement under the Indus Water Treaty, downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan, canceling visas for Pakistani citizens, and barring cross-border travel. Additionally, India launched military strikes against suspected terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-held Kashmir on May 7, 2025[1][2].
- Pakistan's actions: Pakistan ardently dismissed India's accusations, demanding an autonomous inquiry into the attack, and pulling back from the 1972 Simla Agreement, which aimed to resolve disputes diplomatically. In response to Indian military actions, Pakistan retaliated, shooting down Indian aircraft following missile attacks[1][3].
global opinion
- Calls for calm: Leaders worldwide, like U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, former U.S. President Donald Trump, and Chinese and Russian officials, have urged both countries to de-escalate aggression. The U.S. has backed Pakistan's plan for an unbiased investigation into the Pahalgam attack[1][2].
- Fears of nuclear conflict: Concerns rise, given that both India and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons. The absence of dependable bilateral crisis communication methods increases these worries[3].
The ongoing turmoil continues with military skirmishes between the countries and diplomatic tensions. Efforts to restore tranquility persist as nations cautiously monitor the broader regional and geopolitical impacts.
[1] "Kashmir Battle: Latest Updates as India and Pakistan Erupt in a New Post-Partition War," The Independent, 9 May 2025[2] "Kashmir Conflict: What Happened After India and Pakistan Attacked Each Other," BBC News, 10 May 2025[3] "Kashmir Conflict: The Nuclear Fears Sparking international Concerns," The Guardian, 11 May 2025
- Tarar, a renowned political analyst, expressed his concern about the Kashmir conflict, commenting on the baseless allegations and potential war-and-conflicts implications in his recent general-news article.
- Meanwhile, in a separate issue, The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, particularly in the operations of remote-controlled drones in Punjab industries.
- Amidst the escalating tension in Kashmir, unions in various Punjab factories announced a strike, demanding safer working conditions and proper equipment to combat risks associated with ionizing radiation.
- In Punjab politics, the debate on the application of the proposed directive on ionizing radiation protection in drone operations has become contentious, with some arguing it is unnecessary and burdensome for local industries.
