The attack in Pahalgam was not merely on tourists but a direct assault on India itself. This may be the first time such a major attack has been carried out by terrorists specifically targeting tourists—and that too after identifying their religion. Before killing a tourist, the terrorist clearly told his wife to “Go and tell Modi,” indicating that the intent behind the attack was to send a warning to the Indian government.
Now it becomes India’s responsibility to give a strong and fitting response. Although no terrorist organization has officially claimed responsibility yet, it is being observed that Pakistan is directly involved. On one hand, Pakistan extends a hand of friendship, and on the other, it stabs from behind. In the 2008 Mumbai attacks too, the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba was blamed, but later revelations pointed to Pakistan’s direct involvement.
This is the biggest attack since Pulwama—and this time, it targeted tourists, who were previously kept away from such violence, as the livelihoods of people in the valley heavily depend on tourism. Last year alone, 25 million tourists visited Kashmir. In such a situation, very few will now consider traveling to Kashmir. This terrorist attack has certainly widened the rift between India and Pakistan.
As soon as news of the attack came, India’s Home Minister Amit Shah immediately reached Pahalgam, and the Prime Minister cut short his foreign tour to return to India. A Cabinet Committee on Security meeting was convened, where important decisions were taken. Among them, the Indus Waters Treaty (1960) was suspended with immediate effect. The Attari Integrated Check Post was closed instantly. Under the SAARC visa exemption scheme, travel of Pakistani citizens to India has been banned. Pakistani nationals in India were asked to leave the country within 48 hours.
Defense, naval, and air advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi were ordered to leave within a week. Simultaneously, India will also recall its defense, naval, and air advisors from its High Commission in Islamabad.
Now, there is growing public pressure on the Indian government to respond to Pakistan in the same language. Such incidents will continue unless a strong response is delivered. India must now act firmly, and surely, many foreign nations will stand with India in the fight against terrorism.
