Clashes on the Line of Control between India and Pakistan, tensions increase after the Pahalgam attack
India and Pakistan forces exchanged fire along the Line of Control (LOC) , with the United Nations appealing for “maximum restraint” from both countries. The incident comes after a recent deadly attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam area that killed at least 26 people.
Pahalgam attack and rising tension
Suspected militants attacked a recreational area in the tourist area of Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir on Tuesday, killing dozens of people , in what is being described as the deadliest attack in the region in 25 years.
A militant group called The Resistance Front (TRF) has claimed responsibility for the attack. Indian officials say the group is allegedly linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.
India has announced a reward of Rs 2 million for the arrest of the attackers .
Border firing and allegations
The Indian army said on Friday that the firing was initiated by the Pakistani side, while Pakistani officials confirmed that shots were fired from both sides, but did not clarify who initiated it.
Syed Ashfaq Gilani, a government official in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, said:
“There was no shooting at civilians.”
According to Al Jazeera correspondent Omar Mehraj, two people were also injured in a separate clash in Bandipora .
Diplomatic dispute between the two countries
Following the attack, India announced its withdrawal from the Indus Waters Treaty , while Pakistan suspended the canal project and closed its airspace to Indian aircraft . The response has taken relations between the two countries to a new low after many years.
Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif rejected the Indian allegations, saying:
“Blaming Pakistan will not solve the problem. Due to strict surveillance along the Line of Control, infiltration of armed men is not possible.”
Military and security measures
Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited Pahalgam and reviewed security arrangements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to hunt down the attackers “to the ends of the earth”.
According to Al Jazeera, security has been tightened, a crackdown on the media is underway, and hundreds of people have been detained for questioning.
Pakistan’s response
Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said:
“Pakistan’s army is ready to respond to any kind of aggression.”
He added:
“We seek peace, but will not compromise on our sovereignty, dignity, and security.”
Conclusion
Relations between the two nuclear powers of South Asia have been strained since the Pahalgam attack . Experts and the international community are appealing to both countries for restraint and dialogue to maintain peace in the region.
