Violence in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam has reignited longstanding tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan with cross-border firing reported for the fourth consecutive day along the Line of Control (LoC).

April 22 terrorist attack, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, in the scenic Baisaran Meadow, has sparked outrage, diplomatic fallout, and international concern.

Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged small arms fire overnight along the 740-km LoC, with India reporting “unprovoked” attacks from Pakistan. No casualties were recorded, but the skirmishes mark a sharp escalation after years of relative calm. India accuses Pakistan of backing the Pahalgam attack, a charge Islamabad denies, calling for an impartial probe.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to “pursue terrorists and their backers to the ends of the earth,” signaling a robust response. India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, closed the Attari-Wagah border, and expelled Pakistani military advisors from New Delhi. Pakistan retaliated by banning Indian flights from its airspace and halting trade.

On Sunday, members of the Indian diaspora protested outside Pakistan’s High Commission in London, chanting anti-Pakistan slogans and demanding justice for the Pahalgam victims. The demonstration, initially peaceful, saw vandalism when saffron paint was thrown at the building’s walls. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar alleged Indian involvement, a claim India has not addressed.

The protest reflects growing anger in India, where nationwide demonstrations condemn Pakistan’s alleged role in supporting terrorism. The Resistance Front, linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack, though it later retracted the statement, citing a “cyber intrusion.”

United States urged both nations to exercise restraint and seek a “responsible solution” through dialogue. Meanwhile, China expressed support for Pakistan, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi advocating for a “swift and fair investigation” during a call with Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar. Beijing emphasized regional stability, aligning with Islamabad’s stance.

Iran offered to mediate, condemning the attack while calling for cooperation to ensure peace. The United Nations also appealed for “maximum restraint” to prevent further deterioration.

Pahalgam Rebounds Amid Tensions

Despite the tragedy, Jammu and Kashmir, often called “paradise on earth,” is witnessing a gradual return of tourists. In Pahalgam, markets remain open, and visitors report feeling safe under heightened security. “The army is here, and locals are cooperative. There’s no fear,” said a tourist. The region’s tourism, a lifeline for many, faces challenges but shows resilience.

Indian authorities have intensified operations, demolishing homes of suspected militants and identifying 14 local operatives linked to Pakistan-backed groups. National Investigation Agency is probing the attack, focusing on cross-border connections.

Pakistan’s Border Clashes with Militants

In a separate development, Pakistan’s military reported killing 54 armed militants attempting to infiltrate from Afghanistan in North Waziristan. The operation recovered weapons and explosives, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi claiming the group planned a “foreign-backed” terrorist plot. Pakistan’s military hinted at Indian involvement, though no evidence was provided.

Read more: India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate Over Indus Waters Treaty Suspension

As tensions simmer, the international community watches closely, hoping diplomacy can avert further escalation in a region scarred by decades of conflict.