A day after the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, India has announced a series of tough retaliatory measures against Pakistan, citing cross-border linkages to the attack.
At a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government decided to:
- Suspend the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960
- Shut down the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari
- Expel Pakistani defence advisors
- Cancel existing SAARC visas for Pakistani nationals
- Reduce diplomatic staff strength in both countries’ High Commissions
“Enough is Enough,” Says India
At a late-night media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said,
“The Indus Waters Treaty will be held in abeyance with immediate effect until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures support for cross-border terrorism.”
He also announced that Indian defence advisors would be withdrawn from Islamabad, while their Pakistani counterparts in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and given a week to leave.
Attari Land Border Closed
India has shut the Attari border post, the only operational land route between the two countries. Pakistani nationals holding SAARC Visa Exemptions will no longer be allowed entry into India. All such visas are now deemed cancelled.
Those who have crossed the border with valid endorsements will be allowed to return before May 1.
Pursuit of Justice
The CCS resolved to bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice. Referring to the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, Misri emphasized India’s firm stance on global counter-terrorism cooperation.
Global Condemnation
The Pahalgam attack has drawn international condemnation, with several countries standing in solidarity with India and calling for zero tolerance against terrorism.
Tightened Security at Home
The government has directed security forces to maintain high vigilance across the country, especially in sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir.
“This attack came in the wake of successful elections and economic growth in J&K. Its timing is not a coincidence,” Misri stated.
