New Delhi: In a decisive move following the horrific terrorist assault in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam — the deadliest since the 2019 Pulwama tragedy — India has announced the immediate closure of the Attari border crossing with Pakistan. The attack, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including a Nepali citizen and tourists from 14 Indian states, has triggered a sweeping response from New Delhi.
The closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post, situated in Punjab, will take effect tonight. According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, individuals who had legally crossed into Pakistan may return via Attari before May 1, 2025.
This move is part of a broader set of countermeasures approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Among them is the unprecedented suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a pivotal water-sharing agreement that channels crucial river flows into Pakistan. The suspension of this treaty marks a historic and severe escalation, viewed as just short of severing diplomatic ties.
In addition to sealing the border and halting water cooperation, India will also deny the issuance of SAARC visas, tightening its stance on regional diplomacy involving Pakistan.
Sources reveal that political parties will be formally briefed on these developments shortly.
The attack occurred around 2:30 PM yesterday, when terrorists ambushed a group of tourists in Baisaran Valley, opening fire as they rode ponies through the scenic meadows. Eyewitness accounts suggest the attackers ordered victims to recite Islamic verses before executing them with shots to the head. Harrowing images of survivors grieving beside lifeless bodies have flooded social media, sparking national outrage.
The Resistance Front (TRF) — widely believed to be a front for the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba — has taken responsibility for the massacre. The group’s involvement further implicates external actors in the planning and orchestration of the assault.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing the media earlier today, vowed a firm and measured retaliation. While refraining from naming Pakistan directly, he declared, “India will take every necessary and just step — not only to bring the perpetrators to justice but also to pursue those orchestrating such cowardly acts from the shadows.”
This marks a pivotal moment in India-Pakistan relations, as New Delhi signals that attacks on its soil will be met with uncompromising resolve.