World News: What's going on with India and Pakistan?
India and Pakistan have been
locked in a struggle over Kashmir
for more than 70 years and the
restive region is back in the news
again this month.
Tensions between nuclear powers India and Pakistan escalated last month following a suicide attack on an Indian paramilitary convoy, which killed 42 soldiers in Indian administered Kashmir. The suicide attack, one of the deadliest attacks to take place on armed forces since 1981, was claimed by the Pakistan based Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM). India accused Pakistan of playing a direct role in it, which was vehemently denied by Pakistan, resulting in severe tension between the South Asian countries.
On Feb. 26, 12 days after the JeM attack, The IAF (Indian Air Force) claimed to have carried out airstrikes on militant camps inside Pakistani territory, apparently eliminating many rebels belonging to the JeM. The Pakistani government denied any casualties in the Indian incursion, and said that their air force carried out strikes across the Line of Control (LoC), which is the de facto border between the Indian and Pakistani parts of Jammu and Kashmir. This exchange resulted in two Indian jets being shot down, and an Indian Pilot being captured, who was then released on March 1, as part of a “peace gesture” by Pakistan. The Indian Pilot returned home safely and in an interview since has said that he was taken care of was protected by the Army of Pakistan at all times.
Violence and deaths continue in Kashmir, the Himalayan region, by both powerhouses. These strikes caused a widespread concern of war between the South Asian countries, with the global community coming together to advise the countries to ‘exercise restraint' and avoid ‘escalation'.
While the countries have had a contentious equation since 1947, last month's stand-off reached heights that have not been seen in recent years. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has called for talks with India and hopes that the countries are able to settle this amicably and let “better sense” prevail to reduce tension between both countries, while his Indian counterpart, Mr. Narendra Modi is willing to do whatever it takes to keep India safe.
Tensions between nuclear powers India and Pakistan escalated last month following a suicide attack on an Indian paramilitary convoy, which killed 42 soldiers in Indian administered Kashmir. The suicide attack, one of the deadliest attacks to take place on armed forces since 1981, was claimed by the Pakistan based Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM). India accused Pakistan of playing a direct role in it, which was vehemently denied by Pakistan, resulting in severe tension between the South Asian countries.
On Feb. 26, 12 days after the JeM attack, The IAF (Indian Air Force) claimed to have carried out airstrikes on militant camps inside Pakistani territory, apparently eliminating many rebels belonging to the JeM. The Pakistani government denied any casualties in the Indian incursion, and said that their air force carried out strikes across the Line of Control (LoC), which is the de facto border between the Indian and Pakistani parts of Jammu and Kashmir. This exchange resulted in two Indian jets being shot down, and an Indian Pilot being captured, who was then released on March 1, as part of a “peace gesture” by Pakistan. The Indian Pilot returned home safely and in an interview since has said that he was taken care of was protected by the Army of Pakistan at all times.
Violence and deaths continue in Kashmir, the Himalayan region, by both powerhouses. These strikes caused a widespread concern of war between the South Asian countries, with the global community coming together to advise the countries to ‘exercise restraint' and avoid ‘escalation'.
While the countries have had a contentious equation since 1947, last month's stand-off reached heights that have not been seen in recent years. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has called for talks with India and hopes that the countries are able to settle this amicably and let “better sense” prevail to reduce tension between both countries, while his Indian counterpart, Mr. Narendra Modi is willing to do whatever it takes to keep India safe.
