India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate, Civilian Casualties Rise

The recent escalation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, including India's precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, has resulted in significant civilian casualties and destruction, particularly in Kashmir. Amnesty International and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have condemned attacks on civilians and called for the protection of non-combatants, emphasizing that neither side should target civilian populations or infrastructure. Indian officials maintain that their strikes were measured responses aimed solely at terror groups responsible for the Pahalgam attack and avoided civilian or military targets, while Pakistan denies involvement in the attack and reports casualties and injuries from retaliatory shelling. Both Indian political leaders and human rights groups stress that despite the tensions, no side desires an all-out war, with calls for restraint and accountability. Kashmiris on the ground, however, face severe consequences, including loss of life and property damage from intense shelling, highlighting the human cost of the dispute. Leaders warn Pakistan against further escalation, noting that conflict could have dire consequences, but recognize the complexity of the ongoing dispute and the need for adherence to international humanitarian law.