India wants Kashmir attackers brought to justice, foreign minister tells Rubio

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A recent terror attack in the picturesque region of Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Kashmir, has reopened deep wounds and sparked renewed tensions between India and Pakistan. The assault, which targeted a convoy of Hindu pilgrims heading toward a sacred site, left 26 people dead and dozens injured. As the country mourns, the Indian government has launched a diplomatic offensive, calling for justice and international support to hold the perpetrators accountable.

The attack came unexpectedly, shattering a period of relative calm in the region. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with explosions tearing through the convoy route and panicked screams echoing through the valleys. Local residents and security forces rushed to assist the victims, some of whom were severely wounded and had to be airlifted to hospitals in Srinagar. For the families of the victims, the incident has brought unimaginable grief — many of them had come to the region in search of spiritual peace, only to face tragedy.

Almost immediately, Indian intelligence agencies began investigations and, based on preliminary evidence, suggested the involvement of a known terror outfit believed to be operating from across the border in Pakistan. While no group officially claimed responsibility, intercepted communications, the pattern of the attack, and recovered materials from the site pointed to a cross-border operation.

India’s response was swift and stern. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with multiple foreign leaders, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to underline the seriousness of the incident and the need for international cooperation in counter-terrorism. In his statement, Jaishankar said, “This is not merely a domestic tragedy. It is a calculated attack against peace and stability in the region. The world must unite against terrorism in all forms.”

The Indian government also took concrete actions: suspending key provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty, expelling several Pakistani diplomats, and closing airspace to Pakistani aircraft. These steps, while diplomatic in nature, signaled a hardening stance. Reports also emerged that military units had been placed on high alert, with surveillance intensified along the Line of Control (LoC).

Unsurprisingly, Pakistan denied any involvement. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a press conference rejecting India’s claims as “baseless, politically motivated, and aimed at deflecting attention from internal unrest in Kashmir.” The Pakistani government warned against any military retaliation, stating that the country was ready to respond to any aggression. Simultaneously, Islamabad called for an impartial investigation, ideally conducted under international supervision — a proposal India has historically rejected.

Meanwhile, the situation on the ground has grown increasingly tense. Border skirmishes, which had seen a relative decline over the past year, have resumed. Small arms fire and mortar shelling have been reported from multiple sectors along the LoC. Although there have been no confirmed casualties yet, the rising frequency of these exchanges has raised fears among residents and officials alike.

Satellite imagery and ground reports indicate a buildup of troops and artillery on both sides. Indian forces have increased patrols and surveillance in key infiltration-prone areas, while Pakistani forces have reportedly reinforced their forward positions. In some villages near the border, civilian families have begun evacuating, fearing an escalation that might mirror past cross-border operations.

This is not the first time such an incident has brought the two nuclear-armed neighbors to the brink. In 2016 and again in 2019, major attacks in Kashmir triggered Indian military responses, including surgical strikes and airstrikes deep into Pakistani territory. Each time, the countries managed to pull back from full-blown conflict, but the cost — in terms of lives, trust, and regional stability — was immense.

International reactions to the Pahalgam attack have been measured but serious. The United States, United Nations, European Union, and several other global actors have condemned the violence and urged restraint. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, issued a statement saying, “There is no justification for such acts of terrorism. We call on all sides to show restraint and prioritize dialogue.”

China, which maintains strategic partnerships with both nations, called for calm and offered to play a constructive role in reducing tensions. Russia, too, expressed concern and emphasized the need for joint counter-terrorism mechanisms. While global powers have stopped short of taking sides, the underlying message is clear: another war in South Asia would have catastrophic consequences far beyond the region.

Within India, public sentiment is overwhelmingly emotional. In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, citizens took to the streets to protest, lighting candles for the victims and demanding a strong response from the government. On social media, hashtags calling for justice and retaliation trended for days, with many users urging the Indian army to act decisively.

The political discourse has also intensified. Opposition leaders have extended their support to the government but have asked for transparency and accountability in whatever steps are taken next. The ruling party, facing domestic pressure ahead of upcoming elections, finds itself in a delicate position — balancing public anger with the risk of a military conflict.

Across the border, Pakistani media has largely echoed the government's stance, accusing India of using the incident for political mileage. Analysts on television debates warned of the dangers of escalation and urged their leaders to prepare for all scenarios, including diplomatic isolation or potential economic repercussions.

Amid the rising tensions, the people of Kashmir — who have borne the brunt of conflict for decades — once again find themselves caught in the crossfire. Many locals express frustration that the cycle of violence continues, despite repeated promises of peace. “Every time there's hope, something like this happens,” said a shopkeeper in Anantnag. “And it is always the common people who suffer the most.”

As the situation develops, all eyes are on New Delhi and Islamabad. The next steps, whether diplomatic or military, will not only determine the future of bilateral ties but also the fragile peace of South Asia. While backchannel talks are reportedly ongoing, the risk of miscalculation remains high.

The coming days are likely to be crucial. Whether both nations can find a way to honor their citizens' grief without resorting to more bloodshed remains an open question — one that will test the political maturity, restraint, and vision of their leaders.

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