At least 26 tourists were killed in Indian-administered Kashmir region by a militant group in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 23 according to the BBC.
India responded with missile attacks on May 7 in Pakistan, targeting terrorist camps they believe were involved with the Pahalgam incident. On May 8 and 9, Pakistan answered with air strikes, targeting air bases. On May 10, United States President Donald J. Trump announced via X that “India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire.” On May 12, talks were held by the two countries accusing the other of violating the ceasefire.
The war, however, has not only affected the Asian subcontinent, but has had an effect on South Asians around the world, including the Niles West community. Senior Aymal Yousefzai, whose parents are from Pakistan, believes that the war will have a negative effect on the West community and will cause more division and hatred.
“[West has] tons of people from Pakistan, tons of people from India, but those people also have family in both Pakistan and India… it just brings unnecessary division. People taking sides, people don’t know which side to take, it leaves them in a very confused spot,” Yousefzai said.
Not all students believe that the war will have a negative effect on our community. Senior Maaz Rahman, whose parents are from India, believes that the war will bring people closer, as both sides want peace.
“This war affects [West] by strengthening our bond together in hopes of peace. We find common ground in wanting peace” Rahman said.
South Asian Student Association sponsor and business teacher Raj Patel mentioned the effect this war may have for students at West and the importance of staying informed on the war.
“It is going to impact some of the students who may have family in the area. I especially feel for our Punjabi and Kashmiri students; being informed is important. Check your sources and make sure what you are reading/watching is factual,” Patel said.
The conflict of India and Pakistan is one of many that have taken place throughout history, which is why Rahman believes it’s more important than ever to stay informed on what’s going on.
“We should learn from the mistakes of these countries in order for other countries to not go through what they’re going through, learn from their mistakes in order to evade war and be better,” Rahman said.
Yousefzai believes that it is important for people to remember that they were once one country, and they must stand united as one.
“I feel like people should stay aware of the fact that we were one before. People might think differently, but I feel like since Pakistan and India were one before, they should act like sister countries,” Yousefzai said.
