Fatal attack in Kashmir: Is the war between India and Pakistan ahead?

Fatal attack in Kashmir: Is the war between India and Pakistan ahead?

Pahalgam, Indien - The political situation in the controversial Kaschmir region continues to come to a head. After a fatal attack on Indian tourists in Pahalgam, in which at least 26 people have lost their lives, the pressure on the Indian government is greater. The fatalities consisted of 24 Indians, a Nepalese and a local guide. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi then convened consultations with the security cabinet and granted the army "operational freedom" in Kashmir to react to the attacks. Vienna.at reports that Pakistan is responsible for the attack.

The tensions between the two nuclear neighbors reach a new highlight. Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that there were "credible intelligence information" that India is planning a military strike within 24 to 36 hours. This leads to increased rhetoric and mutual threats, while the Indian population demands retaliation measures and the government is criticized. ZDF emphasizes that the incident is reminiscent of the tensions in 2019 when the pulwama attack leads to air strikes in India on Pakistan.

border conflicts and military escalation

In the last few days, there have been several firing changes between the soldiers of both countries on the factual border between India and Pakistan. The recurring violence in the Leepa valley is particularly worried. Both sides accuse each other of having broken the ceasefire. These developments throw a threatening light on the already unstable situation in Kaschmir, a region that has been controversial since British India in 1947. ZDF reports that India controls the southern and eastern part, while Pakistan manages the northwestern area. China also has a small area within the region.

The geopolitical meaning of Kashmir cannot be underestimated. Experts warn of the risk of further escalation, especially in the event of a further terrorist attack or military retaliation. The 1972 Shimla Agreement obliges both countries to make disputes peacefully and to safeguard the Line of Control, but the status of the region remains controversial. Vienna.at also refers to an unclear Pakistani nuclearoctrin and the possibility of tests by India.

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