White over 7000 miles away from Waterford, CT, many students have family and connections to India and Pakistan.
Back in 1947, British India was split into two countries. Majority being Hindu in India and majority being Muslim in Pakistan, Leaving the Kashmir region undecided. Even though Kashmir was mostly Muslim, its Hindu ruler decided to join India after the attacks by Pakistani tribesmen, causing the first war between the two. A U.N. ceasefire ended that war and split Kashmir between India and Pakistan.
As of May, India and Pakistan are both saying they won after a recent serious military fight. The clash included airstrikes, drones, and missile attacks on military sites. Resulting in both civilians and soldiers dead.
India claims it attacked terrorist camps in Pakistan after a deadly attack in Kashmir, which it blames on Pakistan-supported militants. Going further, India says this shows it can fight back even with the risk of nuclear war.
Pakistan says it shot down five Indian jets, including a Rafale, and fired missiles into India. Officials called it a “historic victory” and said it showed strong defense power.
Jordyn Craig, a junior, said: “I think this war is not worth the millions of Pakistani and Indian lives that are going to be lost. The leaders of these countries need to find a better solution to this than going right into war.”
Some students shared how the conflict affects their families.
“Most of my family lives in India, so it’s devastating to hear about this,” said sophomore Mohisha Prasad. “My mom’s side lives in Kashmir, which is right where the fighting is happening. They’re scared, and it’s hard to live a normal life with the bombings going on.”
On May 12th, the U.S. stepped in when President Trump announced a ceasefire. Pakistan felt this was a win because it made both countries seem equal. India, however, was frustrated and denied making any secret deal. Pakistan celebrated the ceasefire as a big success.
Alizay Zubair, a sophomore, shared her thoughts: “For India and Pakistan to get along, they need to talk more instead of fighting all the time. They should work together to stop bad people causing violence, no matter which country they’re from. And their leaders need to stop blaming each other for every problem and actually try to make peace. People in both countries deserve to live in peace without fear.”
Mohisha further explained her stance by saying, “I think the main reason this keeps happening is because of religion. Hindu and Muslim beliefs are really different, and that causes people to clash. This time, the fighting started over sacred land being opened to the public, which Pakistan didn’t like, but India supported.”
Alizay added how the situation made her feel by explaining, “When the war started, I was really worried about my family and house back in Pakistan. I was scared it would get worse, but luckily it didn’t. Both countries agreed to stop, and things have calmed down for now.”
Even though the fighting has paused, the tension hasn’t gone away. Many people are hoping for peace, but the issues between India and Pakistan are still there