India, Pakistan exchange missiles’ strikes

India fired missiles across the border into Pakistani-controlled territory in at least three locations early Wednesday, killing at a child and wounding two other people, Pakistani security officials said.

India said it was striking infrastructure used by militants.

Diaspora Digital Media gathered that Pakistan, on the other hand, retaliated by striking positions in India.

The strikes came amid soaring tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors over last month’s militant attack on tourists in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir.

India has blamed Pakistan for backing the militant attack, which Islamabad has denied.

The missiles early Wednesday struck locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and in the country’s eastern Punjab province, according to three Pakistani security officials.

One of them struck a mosque in the city of Bahawalpur in Punjab, where a child was killed, and a woman and man were injured, one official said.

The officials said Pakistan had launched retaliatory strikes, without providing any details. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media on the record.

The Pakistani army spokesman, Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif, told ARY News that the missiles were launched from within Indian territory and that no Indian aircraft had entered Pakistani airspace.

“This was a cowardly attack targeting innocent civilians under the cover of darkness,” Sharif told the broadcaster.

India’s Defense Ministry said in a statement Wednesday that at least nine sites were targeted “where terrorist attacks against India have been planned.”

“Our actions have been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistan military facilities have been targeted,” the statement said, adding that “India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution.”

“We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable,” the statement said.

UN condemns attack

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

“I understand the raw feeling following the Pahalgam attack on 22 April. I once again strongly condemn the attack and extend my condolences to the families of the victims,” Guterres said.

He went to emphasize that those responsible for the attack must be brought to justice through lawful means.

Guterres pointed out that the tensions between India and Pakistan are “highest” in recent years. “It pains me to see India-Pakistan relations reaching a boiling point,” Guterres said.

“I deeply respect and am profoundly grateful to the governments and people of both countries and their significant contributions to the work of the United Nations, not least UN peacekeeping. And so it pains me to see relations reaching a boiling point,” he said.

He also said that both nations should pull back from the “brink” and said the UN stands to support initiatives that promote de-escalation.

“Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution. And I offer my good offices to both governments in the service of peace. The United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace,” he further added.

Background of the conflict

The India-Pakistan conflict is a complex and multifaceted issue with deep historical roots. The conflict dates back to the partition of British India in 1947, when the Indian subcontinent was divided into two separate nations: India, with a Hindu majority, and Pakistan, with a Muslim majority.

This partition led to one of the largest mass migrations in history, resulting in widespread violence and loss of life.

The region of Kashmir has been a major point of contention between India and Pakistan, with both countries claiming sovereignty over the region. This has led to several wars, insurgencies, and diplomatic crises. Territorial disputes, particularly along the Line of Control in Kashmir, also contribute to the ongoing tensions between the two nations.

Pakistan’s support for militant groups in Kashmir and India’s accusations of Pakistan-based terrorism have further strained relations.

Both India and Pakistan are nuclear-armed states, adding a layer of complexity and concern to their conflict.

The conflict remains ongoing, with periodic escalations and diplomatic efforts to resolve the issues. Skirmishes and ceasefire violations along the Line of Control continue, with both sides accusing each other of aggression. Despite attempts at diplomatic engagement, including talks between Indian and Pakistani leaders, progress has been limited.

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