The Kashmir Conflict began in 1947, when British India was divided into two new nations—India and Pakistan. Both laid claim to Kashmir, a region with a Muslim majority but a Hindu ruler. The disagreement triggered war, and they’ve fought several more since.
Today, India controls the bulk of Jammu and Kashmir, while Pakistan holds a portion in the northwest. The two sides are separated by the Line of Control—a heavily militarized border. Ceasefires haven’t stopped the tension. Armed groups continue to operate. Trust, on both sides, is in short supply.
April 22: Bloodshed in Pahalgam
On a quiet afternoon in Pahalgam, a popular town in Indian-administered Kashmir, violence erupted. A bus carrying Hindu pilgrims came under sudden attack. Gunmen opened fire with automatic rifles. Twenty-six people died on the spot. Many others were left injured, some severely.
The Resistance Front later claimed responsibility. India links the group to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based militant organization. Indian officials accused Pakistan of giving support—indirect or not. Pakistan denied this, calling the allegations politically motivated.
Kashmir Conflict Sparks Diplomatic Breakdown
India’s response was immediate and firm. It suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a 1960 agreement brokered by the World Bank. The treaty had divided river usage rights between the two countries, allowing peaceful water sharing even during past wars. Scrapping it now was a serious signal. India also started building new hydroelectric projects without notifying Pakistan.
Then came diplomatic blows. Pakistani diplomats were expelled. Indian airspace was closed to Pakistani aircraft. Pakistan struck back. It froze the Shimla Agreement—a 1972 peace deal that committed both nations to resolving disputes bilaterally, without force. Pakistan also halted trade, closed its skies to Indian flights, and recalled its diplomats.
Amid all this, the military buildup grew. India conducted civil defense drills across several northern states. Pakistan test-launched the Abdali missile. Along the Line of Control, cross-border shelling and drone activity became near-daily events.
Tourism and Daily Life Disrupted
The violence has hit Kashmir’s economy hard. Spring is usually a busy tourist season, but hotels now sit empty. Local guides and shopkeepers say business has dried up.
Global airlines have adjusted as well. Lufthansa, Air France, and others rerouted to avoid Pakistani airspace. These detours mean higher costs and longer flights for passengers across Asia and Europe.
What Lies Ahead
International players are watching closely. The UN held a closed-door meeting. Iran sent its foreign minister to both capitals. The U.S., China, and Russia have all urged restraint.
Still, India and Pakistan remain on pause. No new talks are planned. With trust gone and anger fresh, things could escalate again. The danger isn’t just military—these tensions affect trade, travel, and the wider region’s stability.
International players are watching closely. The UN held a closed-door meeting. Iran sent its foreign minister to both capitals. The U.S., China, and Russia have all urged restraint.
Still, India and Pakistan remain on pause. No new talks are planned. With trust gone and anger fresh, things could escalate again. The Kashmir conflict shows no signs of cooling. The danger isn’t just military—these tensions affect trade, travel, and the wider region’s stability.
