The Pahalgam terror attack
The Pahalgam terror attack occurred on April 22, 2025, in the Baisaran Valley of Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. Here's what happened:
Attack Details - Five militants, dressed in army fatigues and armed with AK-47s and M4 carbines, targeted Hindu tourists, killing 26 people and injuring over 20 others. The attackers asked victims for their names and religions before shooting them, with some being forced to recite the Islamic verse of kalima.
Victims - The victims included people from various Indian states, such as Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, as well as a foreign tourist from Nepal and three Indian government officials.
Claim of Responsibility - The Resistance Front (TRF), a militant group linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility for the attack, citing demographic changes in Kashmir due to non-local settlement. However, they later retracted their claim, accusing Indian intelligence operatives of involvement.
Aftermath - The Indian government suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and closed borders. Pakistan denied India's accusations and retaliated by suspending the Simla Agreement, restricting trade, and closing airspace and border crossings.
Investigation - The National Investigation Agency initiated an investigation, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police released sketches of three suspected militants linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Response - Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia, and Home Minister Amit Shah visited Jammu and Kashmir to assess the situation. The incident drew widespread condemnation from political leaders and international communities
The Indian government has taken several steps following the Pahalgam terror attack
Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty - The government suspended the treaty with Pakistan, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and closed borders.
Investigation - The National Investigation Agency initiated an investigation into the attack.
Security Measures - The government has taken measures to ensure the safety of citizens and tourists in Jammu and Kashmir.
Condemnation - The attack was widely condemned by political leaders and international communities.
The government's response was led by:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi - Cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and closely monitored the situation.
Home Minister Amit Shah - Visited Jammu and Kashmir to assess the situation.
Pakistan has taken several retaliatory measures in response to India's actions following the Pahalgam terror attack:
Closure of Airspace - Pakistan has closed its airspace for Indian airlines, restricting flight operations between the two countries.
Trade Suspension - All trade with India has been suspended, including routes through third countries, impacting economic ties between the nations.
Expulsion of Indian Diplomats - Pakistan has declared Indian Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in Islamabad persona non grata, directing them to leave the country immediately.
Restriction on Border Crossings - The Wagah border crossing has been closed, further limiting movement and interaction between the two nations.
Condemnation of India's Actions - Pakistan has condemned India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as an "Act of War" and warned that any threat to its sovereignty would be met with "firm reciprocal measures".
These measures reflect the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, with both countries taking strong stances in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
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