Tensions seem to have subsided between India and Pakistan, but one of the oldest international conflicts in modern history is far from over. To recap, on the 14th of February, a 20-year-old drove an SUV laden with explosives into a convoy of Indian paramilitaries, killing at least 40. Responsibility was claimed by Jai Sh. Ahmahamid, a militant group operating in Pakistan whose leader Masoud Azhar lives freely in the country. Kashmir is a territory claimed by India in its entirety, partly held by Pakistan and with a population that increasingly demands self-determination, which could mean independence from both. India responded to the attack with a quote, surgical airstrike that according to Reuters appeared to mainly damage some trees and rocks. It also sent 10,000 paramilitaries to the region, adding to the sum half a million who were already there. For all of this, the flames of anger were found by television news channels. Primetime news anchors in India engaged in hysterical shouting matches, rather than anything resembling actual news. Bollywood actors added to the jingoism on Twitter. Those calling for peace and dialogue, or even an investigation into the attack before any military action was taken, were vilified as anti-national. Pakistan in media too has also been banging the wardrobes. India and Pakistan are no strangers to saber-attling, and they usually pull back from the brink. But they have gone to war three times, and most importantly, both countries own nuclear weapons, and neither are signatories to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty or the comprehensive test band treaty, despite the UN asking them to do so. That's why peaceful diplomacy here is key, and it's already played a role in de-escalating the situation. After the India's air attacks, Pakistan shot down an Indian Air Force jet, but Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a self-declared peace gesture, swiftly released the captured Indian pilot. With India gearing up for general elections, this all presents an opportunity for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to play the role of strongman. State elections in December last year didn't go to plan, with his right-wing BJP party defeated in three strongholds. Disatisfaction with the economy is high, particularly in rural areas where wage growth has slowed and thousands of farmers have been driven to suicide. So Modi will ride this for all that it's worth. In Pakistan, Imran Khan is playing the conciliatory role, calling for peace. The nine that the Karbom had been planned on Pakistani soil, but also saying that he would be compelled to retaliate to any Indian aggression. That last bit plays very nicely with the Pakistani army, who are the ultimate king makers in the country. Meanwhile, those actually living in Kashmir are erased from view. Kashmiris has suffered occupation, state violence and extremism for decades. Their political interests and desires are always ignored, as the region remains a pawn between competing nationalisms.