Synopsis
Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the barbaric attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, expressing solidarity with India during this time of grief. The attack, which took innocent lives, has prompted international condemnation and significant diplomatic responses from India.Key Takeaways
- Rishi Sunak condemns the attack in Pahalgam.
- India takes robust diplomatic actions against Pakistan.
- Indus Waters Treaty suspended as a response.
- Closure of Attari Integrated Check Post announced.
- Pakistan nationals barred from the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme.
London, April 24 (NationPress) Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday expressed his condemnation of the despicable attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which, he noted, had robbed innocent individuals and families in search of happiness.
He stated, “Britain stands in solidarity with India during this period of grief and sorrow” and emphasized that “terror will never triumph”.
On the social media platform X, Sunak shared: “The despicable attack in Pahalgam has taken the lives of newlyweds, children, and families merely seeking joy. Our hearts ache for them. To those in mourning - understand that the UK is with you in sorrow and solidarity. Terror will never triumph. We mourn with India.”
The Peruvian Foreign Ministry also expressed its condemnation on X: “Peru strongly condemns the terrorist attack that occurred yesterday in the town of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 26 fatalities. It also extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims.”
Additionally, the ministry remarked: “Peru urges the international community to intensify efforts to combat and eradicate terrorism in all its forms and expresses its solidarity with the Indian government.”
Margareta Cederfelt, a Swedish politician affiliated with the Moderate Party, stated on X: “We, the Swedish-Indian Parliamentary Friendship Group, are profoundly saddened and vehemently condemn the brutal #TerroristAttack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Such atrocities cannot be justified. We convey our condolences to the families of the victims #India.”
In a decisive reaction to the lethal terror assault on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India has initiated a series of robust diplomatic actions to hold Pakistan accountable for its involvement in cross-border terrorism.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened on Wednesday evening to review the implications of the attack, which resulted in the deaths of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, with several others injured.
The CCS expressed profound condemnation of the attack and offered heartfelt condolences to the victims' families, wishing for the rapid recovery of the injured. This assault, which targeted tourists in a popular destination, was attributed to terror groups backed by Pakistan, according to sources.
India has also garnered strong expressions of support from governments globally, condemning the attack and reaffirming their commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism.
The meeting also acknowledged that the attack transpired against the backdrop of successful elections in Jammu and Kashmir and the ongoing progress toward economic development and stability in the region. These advancements are believed by India to be perceived as a threat by terrorist factions aiming to destabilize the region.
Recognizing the severity of this attack and its cross-border connections, the CCS implemented the following unprecedented measures:
Indus Waters Treaty Suspended – In one of its most significant decisions, India has placed the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 on hold with immediate effect. This historical action effectively halts decades of cooperation on water-sharing between India and Pakistan, remaining in place until Pakistan takes credible and irreversible steps to renounce its support for cross-border terrorism.
Closure of Attari Integrated Check Post – In direct response to the terrorist attack, India has declared the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari, a crucial border crossing between the two nations. Indian authorities have allowed Pakistani nationals with valid travel endorsements until May 1, 2025, to return to Pakistan through this route. After this deadline, all land travel between India and Pakistan will be entirely suspended.
Cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani Nationals – In another decisive action, India has resolved that Pakistani nationals will no longer be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES). Any SVES visas previously issued to Pakistani citizens have been annulled, and those currently in India under this scheme have been given 48 hours to leave the country.
Persona Non Grata Declaration for Pakistani Diplomats – In a sharp diplomatic maneuver, India has declared Pakistan’s Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata. These officials have been granted one week to exit India.
India also announced the withdrawal of its own Defence, Navy, and Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, with all such positions deemed annulled. Furthermore, five support staff of these service advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions.
Reduction in Diplomatic Staff – In further diplomatic escalation, India has opted to reduce the overall staffing of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi. The two embassies will be limited to a staff strength of 30, down from the current 55, with this reduction set to take effect by May 1, 2025.
The CCS also reviewed the overall security landscape and ordered all Indian forces to maintain the highest level of vigilance. India is committed to ensuring that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack are brought to justice, and that their sponsors will be held accountable. In line with its unwavering stance against terrorism, India reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing those responsible for terror attacks, referencing recent high-profile extraditions like Tahawwur Rana.
India's diplomatic initiatives indicate a shift toward complete isolation of Pakistan until it ceases its support for terrorism. These measures reflect the government's determination to counter Pakistan’s ongoing involvement in inciting violence on Indian territory while sending a clear message to the international community that terrorism will not be tolerated.
