Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged fire across the Line of Control (LOC) in Kashmir on Friday, escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors after a deadly attack that killed 26 people in the region. The gunfight follows a deadly shooting near the resort town of Pahalgam, which has worsened relations and prompted calls for restraint from the United Nations.
Pakistan and India are at their lowest point of diplomatic relations in years, with India accusing Pakistan of supporting “cross-border terrorism” following the worst attack on civilians in Kashmir in 25 years. The gunmen behind the massacre were believed to have links to Pakistan-based militants.
Syed Ashfaq Gilani, a Pakistani official, confirmed the exchange of fire but stated that no civilians were targeted. India’s army confirmed small arms fire was initiated by Pakistan and responded effectively. The two countries have long disputed Kashmir, which remains divided between them since their independence in 1947.
The attack in Pahalgam took place on Tuesday when gunmen ambushed tourists. Survivors said the attackers selectively targeted men while sparing those who could recite the Islamic declaration of faith. Indian authorities have since launched a massive manhunt for the attackers, offering a reward for information leading to their capture. Police have also named two Pakistani nationals as suspects.
In response to the attack, India suspended a water-sharing treaty with Pakistan, closed the main border crossing, downgraded diplomatic ties, and revoked visas for Pakistani nationals. Pakistan retaliated by expelling Indian diplomats, canceling visas for Indian nationals, and closing the border crossing on its side.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to punish those responsible for the attack, declaring that India would “pursue them to the ends of the Earth.” Meanwhile, Pakistan denied involvement and called India’s accusations “frivolous,” warning of firm retaliation if its sovereignty is threatened.
The attack has also sparked public anger in India, particularly among Hindu nationalist groups, with growing reports of harassment against Kashmiri students across the country. In a statement, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric urged both governments to exercise restraint and work toward a peaceful resolution of their longstanding issues.
The Kashmir dispute has seen violent insurgencies since 1989, with various rebel groups demanding either independence or integration with Pakistan. The recent escalation follows a similar pattern of violence, recalling the 2019 Pulwama attack, which brought India and Pakistan to the brink of war.