Bhan Talks to Morning Wave in Bhusan and the WOZ About Rising Tensions Between India and Pakistan

May 23, 2025

Morning Wave in Busan,The WOZ

Mona Bhan

Anthropology Department

Program for the Advancement of Research on Conflict & Collaboration

South Asia Center

Conflict

Government

India

International Affairs

South Asia

Morning Wave in Busan

The WOZ

Mona Bhan

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated into armed conflict following a deadly terrorist attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir on April 22, which killed 26 people, mostly Hindo tourists. India blames Pakistan-based militants and has launched missile strikes on what it claims are terrorist infrastructures, while Pakistan denies involvement and vows retaliation, calling the Indian actions an “act of war.”

The situation is fueled by long-standing territorial disputes over Kashmir, rising nationalist rhetoric and domestic political pressures in both countries, with little hope for immediate de-escalation despite limited diplomatic efforts.

“People don't want to be held responsible for another outbreak of violence,” Mona Bhan, professor of anthropology and Ford-Maxwell Professor of South Asian Studies, tells the WOZ.

And yet, after the attack on April 22, the Kashmiris poured onto the streets in many cities to condemn the terrorist act and demand an independent investigation. Even a general strike was called. “When they hear the current battle cries, the people of Kashmir know very well that they will be the first to be in the line of fire,” she says.

“I don't think either the Indian or Pakistani governments actually want a war,” says Bhan. “But neither of them wants to appear weak under any circumstances.”

Bhan was also interviewed on Morning Wave in Busan about the Kashmir attack and the rising tensions between India and Pakistan. (starts at 1:22:44)