In the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, India has taken decisive action by holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, with all gates of the Salal and Baglihar Dams on the Chenab River now shut. Latest visuals from the Reasi and Ramban regions of Jammu and Kashmir confirm the closure of both critical infrastructure points.
The move has been widely welcomed by local residents, who strongly condemned Pakistan’s continued provocation and cross-border terrorism.
“Bad days are coming for Pakistan because they are not understanding what they are doing,” said a local resident, warning of the consequences if Pakistan continues its current trajectory. “It seems like they need to be taught a lesson again… if they continue like this, war will happen. How much will India tolerate?”
Another local echoed similar sentiments, calling the government’s response “a very good step to teach them a lesson” after the brutal attack on civilians.
This development follows a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 23, where it was decided that the Indus Waters Treaty (1960) would be suspended until Pakistan credibly abjures cross-border terrorism and closes the Attari Integrated Check Post.
In addition to water restrictions, India has taken sweeping diplomatic measures, including:
- Declaring Pakistani High Commission officials persona non grata and ordering their departure within a week.
- Cancelling all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas issued to Pakistani nationals.
- Suspending visa services for Pakistanis.
- Giving Pakistan’s diplomatic staff 48 hours to exit the country.
In Islamabad, the impact is already being felt. Pakistan’s Indus River System Authority (IRSA) on Monday reported a drastic drop in water inflows in the Chenab at Marala, falling from 35,000 cusecs to 3,100 cusecs, potentially triggering a 21% water shortage during the early Kharif season.
Pakistan’s alarm is growing as India leverages both diplomatic and hydrological pressure following the escalation in Kashmir, while international observers closely monitor the rapidly unfolding situation.