The conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir is a decades-old issue rooted in the partition of British India in 1947. Kashmir, a region with a majority-Muslim population but ruled by a Hindu Maharaja, was given the option to join either India or Pakistan. The Maharaja initially hesitated, but eventually acceded to India following an invasion by tribesmen from Pakistan. This triggered the first Indo-Pakistani War.
Since then, Kashmir has been a source of constant friction. A second major war occurred in 1965, and a limited conflict took place in Kargil in 1999. Numerous skirmishes and periods of heightened tensions have punctuated the uneasy peace. Both countries claim the region in its entirety, although each controls only a portion of it.
India accuses Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism in Kashmir, while Pakistan denies these allegations, stating that it only provides moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiri separatists. The Line of Control (LoC), which serves as the de facto border between the two countries in Kashmir, is heavily militarized and frequently sees incidents of cross-border firing.
Recent events, including the strikes mentioned in the initial reports, represent another escalation in this long-standing conflict. Finding a lasting solution to the Kashmir dispute remains a significant challenge for both India and Pakistan, and for regional stability.
Kashmir Conflict: A History of India-Pakistan Tensions
Tensions between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir region have a long and complex history. Recent events, including strikes by India following a deadly incident in Kashmir, highlight the ongoing volatility. The dispute centers on territorial claims and has led to multiple wars and periods of heightened conflict. Understanding the timeline of events is crucial to grasping the current situation.