Synopsis
Antigua PM Gaston Browne expressed condolences to PM Modi over the tragic Pahalgam attack that claimed 27 civilian lives. The letter emphasized the need for global unity against terrorism and condemned violence against innocents. India responded with stringent measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus-Waters Treaty.Key Takeaways
- Antigua PM Gaston Browne offers condolences.
- 27 civilians killed in Pahalgam terror attack.
- Global condemnation of terrorism emphasized.
- India suspends Indus-Waters Treaty in response.
- Security measures against Pakistani nationals announced.
Saint John's, April 24 (NationPress) The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, penned a letter to India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, offering his sincere condolences for the tragic loss of 27 innocent civilians who fell victim to terrorists linked to Pakistan-based groups at the renowned tourist hotspot of Pahalgam in Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir.
In his letter, the Antigua Prime Minister expressed: "I convey the heartfelt sympathy of the people and government of Antigua and Barbuda for the lives lost in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, due to the heinous acts of terrorists who targeted defenseless men, women, and children. I have also learned that numerous other civilians were seriously injured in this attack, and I pray for their swift recovery."
The correspondence further stated: "Antigua and Barbuda stands with the global community in denouncing those who perpetrate violence against innocents to fulfill their narrow ambitions. Such barbarism has no place in a world where peace and justice are the goals of every nation. The suffering inflicted on innocent lives cannot be rationalized."
"The people and government of Antigua and Barbuda will always reject the actions taken by these violent groups; all civilized societies must continue to oppose violence against unarmed civilians for any reason."
"I take this opportunity to reaffirm to you, PM Narendra Modi, my highest respect and admiration."
In a stern reaction to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India announced a series of stringent measures against Pakistan on Wednesday, including the suspension of the Indus-Waters Treaty that regulates the sharing of the Indus River waters.
This decision followed a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Cabinet Committee on Security due to the deadly attack that resulted in the deaths of 25 Indians and one Nepalese national. This incident marked one of the deadliest attacks in the Valley since the Pulwama attack in 2019.
During a press briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that nationals from Pakistan would no longer be allowed to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). He added, "All SVES visas previously issued to Pakistani nationals are rendered invalid. Any Pakistani national currently in India under an SVES visa has 48 hours to exit the country."
The attack occurred at Baisaran, often referred to as 'mini Switzerland' due to its picturesque meadows, accessible solely by foot or pony, where a group of tourists was visiting on Tuesday morning.
The Resistance Front, an offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Toiba terror group, claimed responsibility for the attack. Security agencies have also released sketches of three suspects believed to be involved in the incident.
