Kashmir issue: Get a solution through discussion, not war

A Pakistani Minister said on Friday that they will lodge a complaint of “eco-terrorism” against India after Mirage-2000 warplanes of Indian Air Force raided Pakistani territory this week and damaged dozens of trees. Islamabad would explore all appropriate international bodies including UN to raise the issue and lodge the protest. His statement came at a time when India claimed to have killed around 300 militants in Tuesday’s air strike carried out near Balakot in northwestern Pakistan. However, Pakistan categorically rejected the claim. Local residents reported only one person was injured, and there was no infrastructural damage. The only damage was done to the Billion Tree Tsunami, a massive reforestation project launched in 2014.
What we see that, after Balakot attack both the countries have started an undeclared war. Killing of trees or human beings, whatever it is, conducting air raid by latest model warplanes violating each other’s border is a clear sign of war. Pakistan has responded sending its F-16 aircrafts. Both countries have claimed that they had shot down each other’s warplanes. Pakistan also had captured an Indian pilot, who was handed back to India on Friday in a “peace gesture”.
The two country’s rivalry is nothing new. New Delhi in 2016 also had carried out a surgical strike inside Pakistan territory after the killing of 19 soldiers by Jaish-e-Mohammed. India has long been accusing Pakistan of backing militant groups, including the J-e-M, which claimed the suicide bombing in Indian Kashmir on February 14 killing 44 CRPF soldiers. The J-e-M is a Deobandi jihadist terrorist group active in Kashmir. Are the two countries heading towards a full-scale conventional war centring the Kashmir? In particular, the people of South Asian countries are now highly worried observing their aggressive mood.
Earlier, Pakistan and India had locked in war for three times since 1948 but failed to get a solution over Kashmir issue. We think, war cannot be a solution to any critical problem. Rather, it will destroy people and property of both countries. Moreover, the regional nations will also have to bear the brunt of the conflict for a long time. It would be wise, if New Delhi and Islamabad settle the issue through negotiation.