Tense Times for India and Pakistan

By Ritu Uphadhyay

Kashmir, a region located high in the mountains between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both countries.

Kirat Chand lives in one of the most tense spots on the globe: Kashmir, a land that both India and Pakistan claim as their own. Life is never peaceful in his village. A few weeks ago, a bomb landed in Chand's front yard but didn't explode. "If that thing had burst," he says, "nothing would have survived." Last week, many Kashmiris fled their homes for safety. India and Pakistan, both U.S. allies in the war against terrorism, are on the brink of war.

India and Pakistan have long been at odds over Kashmir. Since 1949, each country has ruled part of Kashmir. But India accuses Pakistan of aiding terrorists who are trying to take control of the Indian-ruled portion. India refuses to hold talks with Pakistan until Pakistan denounces terrorism in the region.

The recent troubles flared on December 13 when a terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament killed 14 people. India blames groups supported by Pakistan.

Vajpayee, left, and Musharraf greet each other at a meeting in Nepal on January 6.

President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan denied involvement but promises to crack down on extremists. India is demanding more concrete action. Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee (Baj-pie) wants Musharraf to hand over 20 terrorist suspects.

Both countries have sent troops to the border.

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell will visit the area this week. The U.S. wants to prevent war between the two nations, both of which have nuclear weapons. The U.S. also wants to keep the region focused on finding terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden, who may be in Pakistan. "We want to resolve this in a peaceful manner," said Powell.