Tensions along the India-Pakistan border in Kashmir escalated after Indian forces responded to what they called “unprovoked” small arms fire from Pakistan for the fourth night in a row. The flare-up comes in the wake of a brutal April 22 militant assault in Pahalgam, where 26 Indian tourists were killed. Survivors say the attackers targeted Hindus by name before executing them. India blames Pakistani nationals for the massacre, but Islamabad denies involvement and has called for an impartial probe.

In retaliation, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and Pakistan has closed its airspace to Indian flights. China, observing from the sidelines, urged both nuclear-armed nations to de-escalate.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army has launched extensive operations across Kashmir, detaining nearly 500 people and searching over 1,000 homes and forested areas. Nine houses have been razed in the crackdown. Local leaders are cautioning against excesses, urging protection for innocent civilians.

In a twist, The Resistance Front, a group believed linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, has retracted an earlier claim of responsibility, citing a supposed cyberattack.

While military tensions brew, border residents on both sides display hardened resilience. “Fear doesn’t exist in our lexicon,” said a Pakistani resident near the LoC. Tourists continue visiting areas like Keran, insisting that the spirit of Kashmir endures.