In the wake of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians including tourists, the Indian government has announced a series of strong diplomatic and strategic responses, including the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post at Attari. The move, while applauded as a firm stand against cross-border terrorism, is expected to impact local trade in border towns.
A businessman from Attari, speaking to the press, acknowledged the potential economic fallout but expressed solidarity with the national interest.
“The closure of the Attari border will definitely affect the business here… but the incident that has happened is also very wrong,” he said.
Another trader emphasized support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decisive leadership during such a crisis.
“The attack on tourists was wrong. We stand with the nation. Jis hisaab se Modi ji desh chala rahe hain, chalane do. We stand with the decisions of PM Modi.”
Security has been ramped up across sensitive regions, especially on the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway-144. Rajouri Traffic Police Officer Ahmed Din highlighted the coordinated effort:
“We are checking local cars and their licenses. Loaded trucks are not allowed to prevent jams. The police, army, and traffic forces are on 24/7 alert with multiple checkpoints.”
The government’s response comes after a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Modi, which outlined five major decisions aimed at pressuring Pakistan to cease its support for terrorism:
- Persona Non Grata Status for Pakistani Military Advisors: Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi must leave within a week.
- Withdrawal of Indian Military Advisors from Islamabad.
- Closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post.
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, effective immediately, until Pakistan irrevocably halts support for terrorism.
- Cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, with all existing visas revoked and current holders ordered to leave India within 48 hours.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri detailed these measures during a press briefing, calling the actions a direct response to the “seriousness” of the Pahalgam attack.
The terror strike at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam is considered one of the worst since the 2019 Pulwama attack, where 40 CRPF jawans were martyred. It has reignited global condemnation of terrorism, with both Indian citizens and international leaders demanding justice and unity in the fight against such atrocities.
As the nation grieves the loss of innocent lives, there is a growing call for resilience, unity, and unwavering action against those who seek to disrupt peace in the region.