The deadliest attack in Kashmir in two decades has sparked a diplomatic crisis between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan, with militant groups at the center of escalating regional tensions.

At a Glance

• Gunmen killed 26 tourists in Pahalgam, with The Resistance Front (TRF) claiming responsibility for the attack
• India suspended diplomatic ties with Pakistan and closed a key border crossing, while Pakistan denied involvement and called it a “false flag operation”
• Kashmir has been a contested region since 1947, with both India and Pakistan claiming it in full but controlling only parts
• Multiple militant groups operate in the region, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizbul Mujahideen, and Jaish-e-Mohammed
• India alleges these militant groups receive support from Pakistan’s military intelligence, a claim Pakistan denies

Recent Attack Triggers Diplomatic Crisis

Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir recently experienced its deadliest attack in two decades when gunmen killed 26 tourists in the popular resort town of Pahalgam. The Resistance Front (TRF), a relatively unknown militant group that emerged in 2019, claimed responsibility for the attack. Indian authorities consider TRF an offshoot of the better-established Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) organization, which has been active in the region since 1990 with the stated goal of ending Indian administration in Kashmir.

In response to the attack, India has taken severe diplomatic measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, summoning Pakistan’s diplomatic envoy, and closing a key border crossing. Pakistan’s defense minister rejected any involvement, stating “very strongly that it was a false flag operation” staged by India itself. Pakistan retaliated by canceling visas for Indian citizens and closing its airspace to Indian aircraft, further escalating tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

https://t.co/COck1tIqhg

— Jonathan Langdale (@langdaleca) April 24, 2025

The Complex Web of Militant Groups

The militant landscape in Kashmir is notoriously fluid, with several major organizations shaping the insurgency against Indian rule. Lashkar-e-Taiba, whose name translates to “Army of the Pure,” was founded in 1990 and remains one of the most prominent groups. Hizbul Mujahideen, established in 1989, was once the region’s dominant militant organization with its primarily Kashmiri membership. Jaish-e-Mohammed, founded in 2000, specifically aims to unite Kashmir with Pakistan and has been responsible for several high-profile attacks.

These groups frequently change identities, split into factions, and share fighters and resources. Al Badr, a splinter group that broke from Hizbul Mujahideen in the early 1990s, and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, established in 2017 as al-Qaeda’s Kashmir affiliate, further complicate the insurgent ecosystem. Indian authorities consistently allege these organizations receive support from Pakistan’s military intelligence service, a claim Pakistan steadfastly denies despite international pressure to crack down on terrorist financing.

Historical Context of the Kashmir Conflict

The conflict over Kashmir dates back to 1947 when India and Pakistan gained independence from British colonial rule. Both nations have fought two full-scale wars and one limited conflict over the territory, which remains heavily militarized on both sides. A United Nations-recommended plebiscite to determine Kashmir’s future was never implemented due to disagreements between the two countries, leaving the region’s status unresolved for over seven decades.

Relations deteriorated significantly in August 2019 when India revoked Kashmir’s special autonomous status under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. This move was met with strong criticism from Pakistan’s leadership and further fueled local resentment. High unemployment, allegations of human rights abuses, and the 2016 killing of militant leader Burhan Wani have contributed to sustained anti-India sentiment in the region, creating fertile ground for ongoing insurgency despite heavy security presence.

Regional and International Implications

The persistent militancy in Kashmir continues to obstruct peace efforts between India and Pakistan. Despite a ceasefire agreement in 2003 and occasional attempts at dialogue, relations have progressively worsened. The 2019 Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 Indian security personnel brought the countries to the brink of war, and the recent Pahalgam attack threatens to similarly escalate tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

International efforts to mediate have seen limited success. Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s offers to intervene were rejected by India, which maintains that Kashmir is an internal matter. Pakistan’s Prime Minister has sought to internationalize the issue through appeals to the United Nations and other international forums, but diplomatic solutions remain elusive as militant attacks continue to undermine prospects for peaceful resolution of this enduring territorial dispute.