Kashmir Tensions 2025: Bloodshed, Border Firings, and the Political Games Behind the Crisis

By Fazlullah for RAHAMATABAD.COM
Date: April 29, 2025

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Introduction

In April 2025, Kashmir once again plunged into deadly violence and border tensions after a brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam and a series of intense cross-border firings. But beyond the guns and diplomacy, there is also a political chessboard in motion — with both India and Pakistan using the crisis for internal gains.

The Pahalgam Massacre: The Flashpoint

On April 22, 2025, terrorists attacked Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, killing 26 people, including 25 tourists and one local pony operator.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers separated people based on religion, sparing only those who could prove Islamic identity.

The Resistance Front (TRF) initially claimed responsibility but later denied it, adding mystery and suspicion to the case.

The massacre, the deadliest on civilians in Kashmir in decades, has shaken India to its core.

Escalation at the Border

Following the attack:

• Small arms fire erupted across the Line of Control (LoC) for four straight nights.
• The Indian Army responded with heavy artillery strikes, causing casualties on both sides.

This marks the most dangerous flare-up since the 2021 ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, raising fears of full-scale war.

India’s Swift and Harsh Response

In response to the Pahalgam massacre and border firings, India has:

• Suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, threatening Pakistan’s water security.
• Expelled Pakistani diplomats and closed the Wagah border crossing.
• Cancelled visas of Pakistani nationals.
• Launched a mass counterterror crackdown in Kashmir, arresting over 1,500 suspects.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India would “never forget” the Pahalgam bloodshed and warned of “consequences” if Pakistan continued supporting terror networks.

Pakistan’s Reaction

Pakistan strongly denies any involvement in the massacre, and accuses India of “manufacturing evidence.”

In retaliation, Pakistan has:

• Suspended the Simla Agreement.
• Closed its airspace to Indian flights.
• Put its military on high alert.
• Appealed to the United Nations for international intervention.

Islamabad has warned that any attempts to divert Indus river waters would be considered an “act of war.”

The Political Chess Game Behind the Crisis

Beyond the battlefield, there is a deeper political game unfolding:

1. India’s Political Motives

• Facing economic pressures, farmer protests, and upcoming state elections, the Modi government sees Kashmir as a rallying point to unite voters with nationalism.
• Strong actions like water treaty suspension and military strikes strengthen Modi’s image as a tough leader protecting India’s honor.
• There is pressure to prove that the abrogation of Kashmir’s special status (Article 370) made India stronger, not weaker.

2. Pakistan’s Political Motives

• Pakistan’s civilian government is extremely weak due to economic collapse and IMF pressures.
• By focusing public attention on Kashmir, Pakistan’s leaders divert anger away from domestic failures.
• Pakistan’s military also uses the Kashmir card to justify its strong influence over civilian politics.

3. Other Players

• China benefits if India and Pakistan remain distracted and divided.
• Militant groups like LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammad could be trying to ignite a larger conflict to destabilize the region.

International Concern

Global powers are extremely worried:

• China has urged both nations to show restraint.
• The UN has called for “de-escalation” and “dialogue.”
• The United States is closely monitoring troop movements on both sides.

Analysts fear that if current tensions escalate, South Asia could face a disastrous war over not just Kashmir, but also critical water resources.

Situation on the Ground (As of April 29, 2025)

• Border villages are being evacuated.
• Artillery exchanges continue during the night.
• Indian security forces are conducting search operations across Kashmir.
• Pakistan’s military is reportedly reinforcing positions along the LoC.

Diplomatic talks have stalled, with no formal meetings scheduled yet.

Conclusion

Kashmir, long a disputed land soaked in blood and politics, is once again standing at the edge of a knife.
The Pahalgam massacre and cross-border firings have reignited deadly tensions. But behind the violence lies a dangerous political game — one that could push South Asia toward a catastrophe neither side may truly want, but may be unable to avoid.

The next few weeks will determine whether India and Pakistan can pull back from the brink — or if history is destined to repeat its darkest chapters once again.

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Sources:

• Reuters
• The Guardian
• The Times UK
• Wikipedia – 2025 Pahalgam Attack
• Anadolu Agency