A terrorist attack in Kashmir, claimed by a Pakistan-based group, killed 26 tourists. India responded with a massive manhunt, missile strikes on Pakistani targets, and threatened to cut off water supplies from the Indus River, leading to further escalation.
Kashmir is claimed by India, Pakistan, and China. The region's Muslim-majority population desires self-determination, while India's actions in 2019 revoked Kashmir's autonomy, sparking further unrest. The article highlights competing claims and the complicated geopolitical dynamics of the region.
The article details the historical context, tracing back to the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan. The ambiguous status of Kashmir led to conflict, resulting in a ceasefire and the creation of the Line of Control. The article mentions unsuccessful diplomatic efforts, including the Dixon Plan.
The article highlights the risk of escalation to nuclear war, considering the nuclear arsenals of both India and Pakistan. While full-scale war is considered unlikely due to the destructive consequences of nuclear conflict, the situation is deemed serious and fraught with tension. The potential for mediation by China or other global powers is also discussed. The article concludes by emphasizing the need to address Kashmir's right to self-determination.