The severe confrontation between India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed nations, has entangled many myths created over the years about each other’s capabilities and the economic viability of sustaining war. This conflict, with its potential to escalate into a full-scale war, has drawn the attention of the world, which held its breath and watched the aerial spectacle of missiles, drones, and fighter jets, mostly borrowed from other countries. It was a spectacle in the skies and a test of defence technology to demonstrate superiority. This display of power also generated profits in stocks and shares of the companies that passed the test. Bravo……

If Indian media had captured one-third of Pakistan, including its port in Karachi and military installations in Islamabad, the Pakistani media had dismantled the Rafael, SU-400, and aerial infrastructure of the rival country. In Jammu and Kashmir, we were mere and mute spectators of the show, counting bodies on the Line of Control.

Trolls who did not spare the Indian army spokesperson, Col Sophie Querashi, because of her religion. Even one of the BJP ministers called her a sister of Pakistan.

However, the aerial supremacy of Pakistan, according to international defence experts, was superb. Was it? I cannot comment, as I would face trolls who did not spare the Indian army spokesperson, Col Sophie Querashi, because of her religion. Even one of the BJP ministers called her a sister of Pakistan. Not only was she trolled, but she also had to shift her family from their residence, which, as per reports, was attacked by right-wingers. Another officer and spokesperson, Vikram Misri, though Hindu, received a barrage of abuse and threats. Being a Kashmiri Pandit and a competent officer, this was unexpected. The earlier attempts at politicising the institutions did not spare the officials working from briefings to the press about what was happening between the two countries. Perhaps, the BJP has raised hopes so high that every right-winger’s dreams of dismembering another nuclear power were dashed.  The invincibility factor left everybody in tears and tatters.

Right-wing media was transformed into a war room, projecting victory over the Islamic Nation

At the moment, right-wing media was transformed into a war room, projecting victory over the Islamic Nation, the BJP government was striving to present a secular image of the country, particularly through women officers from minority communities. However, this did not satisfy the hate of its supporters, who had been tasked with narrating the creation of Hindutva philosophy in every forum. It was unexpected.

The scenes of drones and fighter jets crossing paths were unbelievable to both sides of the radical right, primarily visible on the Indian side. The portrayal of secularism clashed with that of the BJP brigade. Nevertheless, India, like Pakistan, stood united and prayed for a victory that was claimed by Donald Trump when he took credit for the immediate ceasefire.

The colossal collapse was not in the aerial fight but in the war studios, which showed meek lamb faces the next day as the country, thousands of miles away, came to the rescue

Those experts in international forays who used to rescue India as a homogeneous and diverse country stayed back this time, giving the media a free hand to display their spectacle of jingoism filled with hate, hubris, and a false notion of invincibility. The colossal collapse was not in the aerial fight but in the war studios, which showed meek lamb faces the next day as the country, thousands of miles away, came to the rescue.

Meanwhile, the loss of Pakistan was felt in their heartbeats. Unbearable.

During this spectacle, I would receive calls from Kashmir and various parts of India to convey the truth about the conflict because, as usual, they were hearing only one side of the story. And, that was the media claiming to capture half of Pakistan, Asim Munir in a bunker and Shahbaz Sharief in the hospital. Meanwhile, the loss of Pakistan was felt in their heartbeats. Unbearable. Not because they wish to be part of Pakistan at the moment, but because they do not want this country to cede an inch to India. They harbour no ill will towards India, despite having long-standing political issues.

We feel like second-class citizens in our own country, given how our religion has become a target of vendetta

‘We want both countries to be strong with functional institutions, always moving forward. No matter whether we are part of it or not. A strong Pakistan has become a necessity and a lifeline for millions of Muslims in the subcontinent. That is what this Hindutva wave in India has taught us. We feel like second-class citizens in our own country, given how our religion has become a target of vendetta. We stayed in a secular India in 1947, but we are not treated equally to Hindus in this country any more. Yet, I stood for my country,’ says a journalist named Adil, who lives in Delhi (name changed due to security risk).

Kashmir possesses its own viewpoint beyond mere grievances.

Kashmir has distanced itself from Pakistan following the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A

Indeed, Kashmir has distanced itself from Pakistan following the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. The prevailing sentiment was that the Islamic nation, which claims to be a stakeholder in the conflict, failed to take a decisive stance and sought assistance from the international community regarding the severe violations endured by the besieged populace for months. This disheartened those who had longed to unite with Pakistan.

Following the ousting and imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Kashmiris ceased to mention Pakistan in their political dialogues. Many political analysts believe that the Kashmir narrative has reached its conclusion in the region, mainly due to the actions of the Pakistan establishment.

Indian policies in Kashmir have been harsh and deceitful, restricting the populace’s freedom

The majority of Kashmiris have always held Imran Khan in high regard as a cricketer, particularly for his advocacy for Kashmir, which favoured diplomatic solutions over military interventions. ‘Had the military and politicians collaborated on this issue, the circumstances might have been different, and both nations would not have been at odds even after seven decades. Moreover, Indian policies in Kashmir have been harsh and deceitful, restricting the populace’s freedom; it is the resilience of this nation that has allowed it to survive and maintain its sanity. Kashmir has now transformed into a territorial dispute rather than a struggle for the political rights of its people.’ Stated political scientist, Ashraf Majeed.

When Donald Trump mentioned the Kashmir dispute and suggested inviting the leaders of both countries to dinner, it was a refreshing change for Kashmiris, who, after five years of enforced silence, began to speak again

When Donald Trump mentioned the Kashmir dispute and suggested inviting the leaders of both countries to dinner, it was a refreshing change for Kashmiris, who, after five years of enforced silence, began to speak again. Those who celebrate the development or the influx of tourists as signs of normalcy fail to grasp the reality within the valley. Disempowered and devoid of hope, they were given a renewed sense of optimism for life and livelihood. India is confronting the truth that its militaristic approach has once again thrust Kashmir into the global spotlight. Simultaneously, Pakistan takes pride in its ability to bring Kashmir into international discussions. Yet, ultimately, it is Kashmir that has endured countless deaths and devastation along the borders during every confrontation.

A Kashmiri boy who took up arms in the 1990s to resist India switched sides in 2002 and entered mainstream politics, wearing a smirk while discussing the drones hovering above. When I inquired why he was unconcerned about the possibility of a drone striking his home, he replied, ‘Two nuclear powers are battling for me. This illustrates my significance. Why should I worry? The drones come from a friendly nation and know whom to target.’ He laughed heartily.

The question of who emerged victorious or defeated in this aerial skirmish is of little consequence. What truly matters now is that it has instilled hope in twenty million Kashmiris across the border, affirming that the narrative of Kashmir, once deemed resolved, is very much alive and that someone from another continent has acknowledged the dispute.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.