India on Wednesday vowed to bring to justice those responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack and hold their sponsors accountable, announcing a series of strong measures against Pakistan, which it accused of continuing to support terrorism in the Kashmir Valley.
Following a two-hour meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed the media and outlined several decisive steps taken in response to the attack. He said that these measures reflect the seriousness of the situation and India’s zero-tolerance approach to terrorism.
One of the most significant steps announced was the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960. India said the treaty would remain on hold until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.”
India also decided to close the Attari Integrated Checkpost—a key land crossing point between the two countries—effective immediately. However, Pakistani nationals who entered India with valid endorsements through this route will be allowed to return before May 1, Misri said.
In addition, Pakistani nationals will no longer be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC visa exemption scheme. All previously issued Specific Purpose Work Visas (SPES) to Pakistani citizens have been cancelled, and those currently in India under such visas must leave the country within 48 hours.
India also announced that defence, naval, and air advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared persona non grata and must leave the country within a week. In a reciprocal move, India will withdraw its own defence, naval, and air advisors from its High Commission in Islamabad. These posts will be annulled in both missions.
Further, five support staff associated with the defence advisors in both High Commissions will also be withdrawn. The total diplomatic strength of each High Commission will be reduced from 55 to 30 by May 1.
The CCS was briefed in detail about the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which killed 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national, and left several others injured. The Committee strongly condemned the attack and extended its deepest condolences to the families of the victims while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
It also appreciated the unity and sentiments expressed across the country in the aftermath of the attack, reflecting a collective zero-tolerance stance against terrorism.
Reviewing the broader security situation, the CCS directed all security forces to maintain high levels of vigilance. “The CCS resolved that the perpetrators of this attack will be brought to justice and their sponsors held to account,” said Misri.
He added that, as with the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana, India would remain relentless in its efforts to pursue individuals involved in terrorism or its planning.
-IANS
