India, Pakistan Exchange Fire Amid Rising Kashmir Tensions

Tensions between India and Pakistan have flared once again as forces from both sides exchanged gunfire along the Line of Control (LoC) following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. The United Nations has urged both nations to exercise “maximum restraint” to avoid further escalation.

The violence stems from Tuesday’s attack at a resort in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where suspected militants killed at least 26 people — the deadliest attack in the region in 25 years. The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba group, claimed responsibility. In response, Indian authorities have offered a two-million-rupee ($23,500) reward for information leading to the capture of three suspects.

Both sides blame each other for initiating the latest exchange of fire, though reports confirm there was no targeting of civilians. Meanwhile, heightened security measures in Kashmir have led to mass detentions as India intensifies its crackdown.

Diplomatic relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors have deteriorated sharply. India withdrew from the Indus Waters Treaty, while Pakistan retaliated by pausing a major canal project and closing its airspace to Indian flights.

Pakistani officials have denied involvement in the Pahalgam attack, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticizing India’s accusations and affirming that Pakistan’s military is prepared to defend its sovereignty. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to pursue the attackers “to the ends of the Earth.”

As tensions continue to rise, both sides face growing international pressure to avoid a wider conflict.