Description: Deadly terrorist attack unfolded in the Pahalgram tourist destination in the disputed Kashmir region leaving more than 26 tourists dead and multiple seriously injured. Little known terrorist organization called the Kashmir Resistance has claimed responsibility for the attack, citing reasons that more than 85,000 Indians have descended and gained citizen status in the disputed province. Sources from India have established a connection between the Kasmir Resistance and the Pakistani Lashkar e Taiba, shifting blame towards Pakistan regarding the deadly terrorist attack. Small scale protests have erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir region which so far has been a victim of a terrorist attack once in 2000. World leaders have condemned the attacks expressing solidarity with the Indian people, while police and military forces bolstered their presence in the Indian administered part of Kashmir.
Impact: The Kashmir region has been one of the largest bilateral disputes which left tens of thousands dead and still persists, 30 years later since the first anti – Indian insurgency in 1989. The terrorist attack and especially the responsible group’s ties to the Pakistani Laskar e Taiba raises concerns over reignition of tensions between India and Pakistan. The region has seen substantial reduction of violent attacks in recent years as both India and Pakistan have reached informal understanding over meddling in the disputed territory. Both countries are facing mounting economic turbulations with Pakistan also engaged in constant confrontation with the Baloch separatists. The terrorist attack could contribute to further deterioration of bilateral ties between the nuclear-powered adversaries, however, direct confrontation is not currently expected.