Tensions Escalate in Kashmir After Deadly Attack Sparks Cross-Border Fire

Troops from Pakistan and India exchanged fire overnight across the Line of Control (LoC) in disputed Kashmir, officials said Friday, following a deadly attack that has sent tensions soaring. Syed Ashfaq Gilani, a government official in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, said there was no firing on civilian populations. India’s army confirmed limited small arms fire “initiated by Pakistan” and said it had been “effectively responded to.”

The renewed hostilities come after the deadliest attack on civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir in 25 years, with 26 people killed in Pahalgam. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi blamed Pakistan, vowing in his first speech since the attack to “identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backer.” Two of the three fugitive gunmen were identified by Indian police as Pakistani nationals. Modi declared, “We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth.”

Pakistan has strongly denied involvement in the Pahalgam attack, calling attempts to link Islamabad “frivolous.” Following a rare National Security Committee meeting, Pakistan’s government warned that any threat to its sovereignty would be met with “firm reciprocal measures in all domains.” Pakistan also warned that any attempt by India to disrupt water flow from the Indus River would be considered an “act of war.”

In response to the attack, India suspended a long-standing water-sharing treaty, closed the main land border crossing, downgraded diplomatic ties, and revoked visas for Pakistani citizens. Pakistan retaliated by expelling Indian diplomats and military advisers, cancelling most visas for Indian nationals, and closing its side of the border crossing, exempting only Sikh pilgrims.

Pahalgam marks a shift in Kashmiri rebel tactics, which have traditionally targeted Indian security forces. Indian police have linked the gunmen to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba group, a UN-designated terrorist organisation. Authorities have offered a two million rupee ($23,500) bounty for each attacker. Survivors said the assailants opened fire on tourists but spared those able to recite the Islamic declaration of faith.

The United Nations has urged India and Pakistan to exercise “maximum restraint,” warning against escalation. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric emphasized that issues between the nuclear-armed neighbors “can be and should be resolved peacefully through meaningful mutual engagement.” Despite these calls, India’s air force and navy conducted military exercises on Thursday, raising concerns of further military action.

The attack has enraged Hindu nationalist groups in India, and students from Kashmir have reported harassment and intimidation across the country. Indian security forces have launched a massive manhunt, detaining large numbers of people. Experts warn that a military response may still be forthcoming, citing India’s past reactions—such as the 2019 air strikes following the Pulwama suicide bombing that killed 41 Indian troops and nearly led to war.