Pahalgam, one year later: Context, claims & controversy
A year after the Pahalgam incident of April 2025 in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the Indian government has yet to provide a clear and convincing explanation of the attack to its own citizens or the international community. The episode not only intensified tensions in South Asia but also raised serious questions about the nature, intent and execution of such incidents in a highly militarized and sensitive region. The Pahalgam attack should not be viewed as an isolated act, rather, it was a carefully conceived and strategically executed operation by Modi Government with broader geopolitical objectives. Among the most significant developments following the incident was the decision taken by India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on April 23, 2025, to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty-1960, an agreement that had remarkably withstood multiple wars and crises between India and Pakistan. This step is widely interpreted as a major escalation, potentially paving the way for a long-term reconfiguration of water-sharing arrangement and undermining the Kashmir dispute.
Immediately, after this false flag attack, India accused Pakistan of orchestrating the attack, a claim Pakistan categorically rejected while calling for an impartial and independent investigation. The situation quickly escalated, prompting international concern. Diplomatic efforts were undertaken to de-escalate tensions, including engagement by the United States which held discussions with leadership in both countries and emphasized the need for restraint and dialogue. Despite such efforts, the regional........
