New Delhi โ In a sharp escalation of tensions, India has announced a series of strong retaliatory actions against Pakistan following a deadly terrorist attack in the Pahalgam region of Indian-administered Kashmir. The attack, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals at a popular tourist destination in the Himalayas, is being described as one of the most severe incidents in recent memory in the conflict-prone territory.
Major Diplomatic and Security Measures
In immediate response, India has closed its primary land border crossing with Pakistan and suspended the historic Indus Waters Treaty, a pivotal agreement that has regulated water sharing between the two countries since 1960. Additionally, Indian authorities have expelled Pakistani diplomats, ordered some visa-holding Pakistani nationals to leave within 48 hours, and signaled further diplomatic expulsions in the coming days.
The Indian government accuses Pakistan of harboring and supporting terrorist groups that operate in Kashmir an allegation that Islamabad has consistently denied. In a post on social media, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, vowing that those responsible would face justice and asserting Indiaโs unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism.
“Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable,” Modi stated.
Kashmir: A Flashpoint of Tension
Kashmir remains a deeply disputed region, claimed in full by both India and Pakistan but controlled in parts by each. The two nuclear-armed neighbors have fought multiple wars over the territory since their independence from British rule in 1947. The Pahalgam attack threatens to reignite those long-standing hostilities.
Indian intelligence agencies have attributed the attack to a group calling itself the “Kashmir Resistance,” although independent verification is still pending. The attackers targeted civilians, including tourists and families visiting the scenic area often referred to as “heaven on earth.”
Victims and Eyewitness Accounts
The attack led to chaotic scenes, with tourists fleeing amidst gunfire. While most victims were reported to be Hindu men, a local Muslim man was also among the deceased. Eyewitnesses offered varying accounts, with some suggesting the shooters specifically targeted non-Muslims, while others described the attack as indiscriminate.
Hotel owner Akib Chaya, a member of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce, voiced shock and sorrow over the tragedy.
“This is unimaginable. Kashmir has always welcomed tourists, and something like this has never happened before,” he told BBCโs Newshour.
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Pakistan Responds
Pakistanโs Foreign Ministry expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and conveyed condolences to the victimsโ families, but strongly denied any involvement. The countryโs National Security Council is scheduled to meet to formulate an official response, as confirmed by Pakistanโs foreign minister.
Indiaโs Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, indicated that Indiaโs retaliation will extend beyond just those who carried out the assault.
โWe will go after not only the attackers but also those who masterminded this act from behind the scenes,โ Singh stated.
Global Reaction
The international community has condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with India. Leaders across the globe have urged both nations to exercise restraint and focus on de-escalation, though analysts fear this incident could push the two adversaries closer to confrontation.