India and Pakistan: A Timeline of Tensions Over Kashmir
TimeMAY 9
The Spin
Pro-India narrative
Even after 78 years, Pakistan remains tied to its irredentist claim regarding Jammu and Kashmir, fostering Islamic radicalism and supporting terrorist groups. New Delhi has only sought peace and has treated the people of the region with compassion, as they are part of India. Indeed, India, unlike Pakistan, is a multi-ethnic democracy that represents the interests of Muslims and Hindus as well as many others. Pakistan must stop stoking the fire of conflict in the region.
Pro-Pakistan narrative
India's occupation of Kashmir is just as brutal as Israel's occupation of Palestine. Kashmiris face arrests, torture, and killings, yet the world has remained largely silent regarding this oppression. Pakistan has worked to make peace with India and settle the Kashmir issue, yet it has only been met with intransigence. Furthermore, Pakistani officials have made clear that they have not and do not support terrorism against Indian civilians, and this is simply a baseless charge.
Narrative C
The conflict between India and Pakistan is inherently geopolitical as opposed to an ethno-religious one. Kashmir is a highly strategic territory for both sides, as the Indus River originates in Indian-controlled Kashmir and runs downstream into Pakistan, meaning that Pakistan is, in many cases, at India's mercy. Though a settlement between both countries is the most efficient solution, that will likely not happen anytime soon, as both sides believe they can gain from maneuvering against the other.