Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply increased after India launched deadly missile strikes on Pakistani territory. According to Pakistan, at least eight people were killed in the attack. In response, Pakistan said it has begun retaliating, leading to a serious rise in conflict between the two South Asian nations.
The situation escalated following a deadly attack on civilians in Kashmir on April 22, which left 26 people dead. India has blamed Pakistan for supporting the attackers. Pakistan has denied the accusation. Since then, both sides have fired across the Line of Control (LoC), expelled each other’s citizens, and closed border crossings.
The LoC divides Indian-controlled and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir and is one of the most heavily militarized borders in the world.
India and Pakistan have a long and violent history dating back to their independence in 1947. Here is a timeline of major conflicts between them:
1947 – Partition and First War
India and Pakistan were created after British colonial rule ended in 1947. The partition led to widespread violence, killing over a million people and displacing about 15 million. Kashmir’s ruler delayed choosing between the two nations. When fighting broke out, a full-scale war followed. A UN-supported ceasefire in 1949 created a temporary border called the Line of Control.
1965 – Second War Over Kashmir
In August 1965, Pakistan launched an offensive into Kashmir. A month-long war ended after thousands of deaths, with a ceasefire brokered by the United States and the Soviet Union.
1971 – Bangladesh War
In 1971, Pakistan tried to stop an independence movement in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The conflict led to an estimated three million deaths and the creation of Bangladesh. Millions fled to India, which became involved in the war.
1989-1990 – Kashmir Insurgency
An armed uprising began in Indian-controlled Kashmir in 1989. The violence lasted for decades and resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. India accused Pakistan of training and supporting the rebels.
1999 – Kargil Conflict
Pakistan-backed fighters took control of Indian military positions in the Kargil region. After 10 weeks of fighting and more than 1,000 deaths, Pakistan pulled back under international pressure, especially from the United States.
2019 – Pulwama Attack and Air Strikes
A suicide bombing in Pulwama killed 40 Indian paramilitary troops. India responded by launching air strikes on what it said was a terrorist training camp in Pakistan. Pakistan shot down an Indian jet and captured the pilot, who was later returned.
Current Crisis – 2024
Following the April 2024 attack in Kashmir, India accused Pakistan of involvement. After launching missile strikes into Pakistani territory, at least eight deaths were reported. Pakistan began to retaliate, and both countries are once again in a high-risk situation.
The current crisis highlights the deep-rooted hostility between the two nations. As history has shown, any escalation has the potential to spiral into a larger and more dangerous conflict.
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