New Delhi, April 24: The Indian government on Tuesday announced a series of tough measures in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 people dead, including one Nepali national. Speaking to the media after a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri outlined a five-point response plan aimed at pressuring Pakistan diplomatically while ramping up internal security. Among the most significant steps is the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, a key water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan in place since 1960.
India also announced the closure of the Atari-Wagah border crossing, a major point of land transit and symbolic connection between the two countries. In addition, military advisors at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and will be expelled. The government has also revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals under the SAARC visa exemption scheme, and will reduce the staff strength at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad from 55 to 30.
“It was resolved that those responsible for the attack will be brought to justice, and their sponsors will be held accountable,” Misri said, adding that the government remains firm in its commitment to fighting cross-border terrorism. “Just as in the case of Tahawwur Rana, India will pursue all those involved in such acts, wherever they are.”
The attack took place on Sunday in the Baisaran meadow, about five kilometers from Pahalgam town in south Kashmir. The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-based group affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the assault. Security forces across the country have been placed on high alert. The government has not ruled out further actions in the coming days.
