New delhi: India-Pakistan border dispute Recent tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025 and India's "Operation Sindoor" thereafter, have further complicated the situation in Kashmir. The death of 26 tourists in the Pahalgam attack escalated tensions between the two countries, resulting in increased firing, drone attacks, and military actions along the Line of Control (LoC). In this article we analyze the current situation in Kashmir, its causes, and effects.
Current situation in Kashmir
Security has been tightened in Kashmir after the Pahalgam attack. 48 out of 87 tourist sites such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Dal Lake have been closed. The deployment of security forces has been increased in Srinagar and other sensitive areas. The death of four people in a drone attack on a gurdwara near the LoC in Poonch sector on May 7, 2025 created panic among the locals. An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in the Kulnar area of Bandipora on May 9, 2025, further increasing tension in the area.
India carried out attacks on nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7, 2025 under "Operation Sindoor", which India described as a decisive action against terrorism. On the other hand, Pakistan termed these attacks as provocations and warned of retaliation. The armies of both the countries are on high alert on the LoC, and the local people are living in an atmosphere of uncertainty.
Causes of tension
The Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan began with the partition of 1947, when Maharaja Hari Singh, the Hindu ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, decided to merge with India. Subsequent wars between the two countries were fought in 1947-48, 1965, 1971, and 1999, the main reason being Kashmir. Recent tensions arose from the Pahalgam attack, which India linked to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. India alleged that groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba were behind the attack, while Pakistan rejected these allegations.
There has also been a dispute over the sharing of water. In 1948, India blocked the water of Indus, Chenab, and other rivers, which led to the Indus Water Treaty in 1960. Recently India suspended this treaty, which further increased tensions. Border disputes and terrorism issues have also been a cause of hostility between the two countries.
Impact on Kashmir
- Economic losses: Tourism, the backbone of Kashmir's economy, has been badly affected. Local businesses have come to a standstill due to the closure of popular sites like Pahalgam and Gulmarg. Hotel, Shikara, and handicraft industries have suffered huge losses.
- Humanitarian crisis: People living near the LoC are living in fear. Reports of drone attacks in areas like Poonch and Rajouri have disrupted life.
- Security challenges: Increase in terrorist activities and firing on the LoC have increased the pressure on the security forces. The recent encounter in Bandipora is an example of this.
- Social tension: Locals are dissatisfied with the policies of both India and Pakistan. Some are demanding autonomy, while others are hoping for peace.
Global response
Countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar have appealed to both sides to exercise restraint and adopt a diplomatic solution. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on 30 April 2025 advocating peace. The United Nations Secretary-General has also offered to mediate. The US and Russia have asked both countries to reduce tensions.
Conclusion
India-Pakistan tensions have once again put Kashmir in crisis. Terror attacks, military actions, and firing on the LoC have brought the region to the brink of war. Locals are hoping for peace and stability, but the future of Kashmir depends on the policies of both countries and global diplomacy. Without dialogue and cooperation, this crisis in Kashmir can deepen.
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