Conflict gives rise to nationalism

HOURS after New Delhi and Islamabad launched their worst conflict in nearly three decades, Indian businesses cashed in on a surge in nationalism with T-shirts and bags glorifying the military.

- 

After a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, New Delhi launched strikes deep into Pakistan’s territory as part of what it named “Operation Sindoor”.

India blamed Pakistan for backing the attackers who killed 26 civilians. Islamabad denied it and called for an independent probe.

A ceasefire was reached on May 10 after four tes of fighting, but a massive wave of nationalist support for the military operation continues unabated in India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist government used Sindoor, the Hindi word for the red powder which married Hindu women wear on their foreheads, as a sign that it was to avenge those widowed in the April 22 attack.