Pakistan’s Defense Minister stated on Monday that he anticipates an Indian incursion is “imminent” due to the heightened tensions following a militant attack in the Kashmir region of India last week, which resulted in 26 deaths, Reuters initially reported.
India, while not identifying any specific group responsible for the attack, suspects Pakistani involvement and has reportedly launched an extensive search to find those involved in the assault, marking the largest operation in two decades.
According to a BBC report, Indian authorities have used explosives to demolish properties allegedly linked to the suspects, detained numerous individuals for questioning, and engaged in exchanges of small arms fire across the border with Pakistani troops.
“We have increased preparedness because it is something which is imminent now. So in that situation, some strategic decisions have to be taken, so those decisions have been taken,” Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif informed Reuters from Islamabad on Monday.
Asif did not elaborate on the reasons for his belief in an imminent Indian incursion, but he mentioned that allies in the Gulf had been briefed, who in turn had apparently communicated the situation on the ground with officials in China and the U.S.
The New York Times also reported on Monday that India appeared to be preparing for potential military intervention, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been actively engaging in extensive diplomatic outreach, speaking with numerous world leaders about the situation.
The conflict between India and Pakistan predates last week’s attack by nearly 80 years, stemming from Britain’s decision to end its direct rule in the region after World War II and implement the 1947 Partition of British India, which divided modern-day India and Pakistan largely along religious lines, causing significant unrest and displacement.
The partition also granted the diverse Jammu and Kashmir region the option to join either of the newly formed nations.
Ultimately, the ongoing conflict originates from the previous monarch’s initial attempt to seek independence for the region, followed by his decision to join India in exchange for protection against invading tribesmen.
India and Pakistan have engaged in several wars and cross-border skirmishes in the years since.
While President Biden stated last week that resolving the long-standing conflict was the responsibility of New Delhi and Islamabad, the State Department indicated it was working with both countries to encourage a “responsible solution.”
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