The Tristate's Indian and Pakistani communities are anxiously monitoring developments in the latest tensions between their homelands.

        “We are worried because this thing could escalate into a war that could prove devastating for both sides,” said M. Kaleem Ansari, president of the Pakistan Cultural Association in West Chester. “Neither India nor Pakistan can afford war. The two countries' populations are so poor that war doesn't make any sense. They both should concentrate on the good of their people instead of war.”

        This week, India and Pakistan, which both possess nuclear weapons, exchanged punitive sanctions. India banned Pakistani aircraft and confined diplomats to New Delhi, India's capital. Pakistan reacted similarly.

        Pakistan, an important U.S. ally in the war against the Taliban and Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida terrorist network in Afghanistan, must contend with Islamic militants among its population.

        New tensions with India rose after Pakistan-based terrorist groups allegedly attacked India's parliament Dec. 13. India claims Pakistan supports the terrorists and does too little to stop them. Pakistani officials have denounced the groups.

        As the situation worsens, Tristate people worry about what's next for the long-feuding neighbors.

        “Concern is definitely there,” said Jinad Rawal, a former president of Ankur Gujarati Samat, a regional social organization for Indian families.

        “But this has happened before. I don't believe there is a lot of worry locally, but there is some.”

        He estimates that 1,500 Indian families live in Greater Cincinnati. Mr. Ansari said about 1,000 Pakistani families live here.

        “Right now, there's a lot of rhetoric between the two countries,” Mr. Rawal said Friday.

        “I hope it stays that way. Nobody wants war.”

        Mr. Ansari said he believes the reaction from India has been too severe.

        “India should sit down with Pakistan and try to resolve this issue,” he said.

        Early Friday morning, Indian and Pakistani troops fired shells at each other in the disputed Kashmir region, which saddened Mr. Ansari.

        “You can only achieve peace through justice and neutrality,” he said. “You cannot impose peace.”

Year of violence: Killings up 52% in city
Ten children killed in 2001
UC, faculty reach deal, avert strike
Counselor answered call
Classes get hearing-impaired tools
Green Twp. zoning may change
Mariemont teen club gives forum for girl talk
Red tape slows green flow
Tristate A.M. Report
Tristaters monitor homelands
MCNUTT: Warren County
SAMPLES: Thankless task
THOMPSON: Faith Matters
Appeal presses execution effort
Lebanon studies water woes
Historical markers program gets boost
New law doesn't stop double-dip
Ohio torch carrier is cancer activist
Candidate funds own campaign
Gov.'s hopes lower in '02
Humans labor over penguin eggs
Kentucky News Briefs
Ky. waits for word on suspension of insurer
Marquee Theater restored, reopens
Pro soccer returning to N. Kentucky
With help, 2 teens survive fiery crash