Salimah Shivji, CBC's South Asia Bureau Chief based in Mumbai, provides critical insights into the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. She discusses the recent surge in violence sparked by a militant attack, highlighting contrasting narratives from both nations. The conversation delves into India's Operation Sindhuar and the serious repercussions of suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. Shivji emphasizes the historical complexity of the conflict and the urgent need for dialogue to avert a larger crisis in the region.
The militant attack in Kashmir has ignited intense nationalistic fervor in India, leading to calls for strong retaliatory measures against Pakistan.
This recent escalation in military tensions and retaliatory actions jeopardizes crucial agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty, risking further conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
Deep dives
Escalation of Violence in Kashmir
A significant escalation in violence has occurred in Kashmir following a militant attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 26 people, primarily targeting Hindu tourists. India attributes the attack to militants backed by Pakistan, leading to a series of retaliatory airstrikes on Pakistani territory, which have killed civilians, including children. This attack marks the deadliest action against civilians in Indian-controlled Kashmir in over two decades, stirring widespread anger across India, with calls for vengeance evident in public discourse and political rhetoric. The ongoing military actions and aerial strikes signal a worrying increase in hostilities between the two nuclear nations, raising fears of a potential larger conflict.
Political Reactions and National Sentiment
The militant attack has spurred visceral reactions within India, reflected in a charged national sentiment that seeks accountability and retribution against Pakistan. Prominent Indian politicians, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have condemned the attack vehemently, promising to track and punish those responsible, heightening the rhetoric of conflict. Public outcry has manifested in protests, the burning of Pakistani flags, and intensified hostility towards Pakistan as a perceived enemy. Survivors' heartbreaking accounts, notably those of widows, have become symbolic rallying points for both political and social outrage, adding to the narrative of national solidarity against perceived external threats.
International Concerns and Diplomatic Nuances
The ongoing crisis between India and Pakistan has drawn increased attention from the international community, which is urging both nations to de-escalate tensions and protect civilian lives. The Indus Waters Treaty, a crucial water-sharing agreement, has now been jeopardized as India announced its suspension, significantly impacting Pakistan's water supply and agriculture. Moreover, the potential withdrawal of Pakistan from the Shimla Agreement could exacerbate tensions, potentially leading to increased violence along the contested borders. The shifting diplomatic landscape complicates international mediation efforts, as traditional power dynamics in the region evolve and the role of the United States changes amid its growing alignment with India.
Dozens have died this week as military tensions escalate between India and Pakistan over the disputed region of Kashmir. India fired missiles into Pakistan-controlled territory in what it says is retaliation for a militant attack on a tourist town in Indian territory in April.
The Kashmir region has long been the source of violent conflict between India and Pakistan. But there are concerns that this latest flare-up could lead to a much bigger conflict between the two nuclear powers.
Salimah Shivji, CBC's South Asia bureau chief, explains what's been happening this week and where it could go next.
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