NEW DELHI: Following the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 28 lives — including 26 Indian nationals and two foreign tourists — India on Wednesday summoned Pakistan’s senior diplomat, Saad Ahmad Warraich, and issued a Persona non grata notice against Pakistan’s military attachés. The move signals a significant diplomatic escalation, according to ANI sources.
Cross-Border Link Confirmed
Indian authorities have found credible evidence of cross-border involvement in the attack, which occurred amidst peaceful elections in Jammu & Kashmir and ongoing economic development in the region. The terror strike is widely seen as an attempt to destabilize the Union Territory’s progress.
India’s Immediate Measures
In a series of swift and firm responses, the Indian government has:
- Suspended the 1960 Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan,
- Shut down the Integrated Check Post at Attari with immediate effect,
- Revoked SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) access for Pakistani nationals, requiring them to leave India within 48 hours if already in the country,
- Capped diplomatic mission strength to 30 personnel each by May 1, down from the current 55.
These measures were implemented following the claim of responsibility by The Resistance Front (TRF) — a known proxy of the banned Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba.
National Security Response
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured the country of a strong and decisive response, stating that not only the attackers but also those behind them will be hunted down. The government convened a meeting of the National Security Committee, indicating the high level of concern and urgency surrounding the situation.
Details of the Attack
The attack took place around 1:30 PM in Baisaran meadow, a scenic area about 7 km from the tourist hub of Pahalgam. According to eyewitnesses, six foreign terrorists disguised in Indian Army fatigues asked people to identify themselves by name and recite Islamic verses before opening fire at close range. Most victims were civilians enjoying the popular tourist spot.
Despite existing checkpoints and a robust security setup in the area, the terrorists managed to breach defenses, causing widespread panic. The incident is being described as the deadliest assault in the region since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.
Ongoing Military Action
A large-scale search operation is underway in and around Pahalgam, led by the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps. The army also reported an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control in Baramulla on April 23. Troops engaged 2–3 suspected terrorists in a firefight near the Uri Nala area. The operation is still in progress.
India’s multi-pronged strategy — combining diplomatic isolation, internal security upgrades, and active military operations — underscores its determination to respond comprehensively to acts of terrorism and maintain peace and stability in the region.
