On Tuesday, a controversial attack in the Kashmir region resulted in the deaths of 26 people, with India accusing Pakistan of being responsible for the attack, escalating tensions between the two countries. Pakistan, however, denied any involvement in the attack. On Thursday (April 24th), India and Pakistan mutually canceled visas for each other’s citizens. Pakistan also expressed dissatisfaction with India for suspending a crucial water resources sharing treaty between the two countries.
According to Reuters, India announced that all visas issued to Pakistani citizens will expire on Sunday, and all Pakistanis currently in India must depart before the visa expiration date based on the revised schedule. India also implemented other measures, including reducing the number of diplomatic personnel, closing the only land border crossing still in use between the two countries, and suspending a vital water resources sharing agreement.
In retaliation, Pakistan closed its airspace to all Indian-owned or operated airlines, and suspended all trade with India, including trade with any third countries.
The attack in Kashmir on Tuesday was one of the most severe in recent years and targeted civilians. This incident shocked and outraged the Indian people, who called for action against their arch-rival Pakistan.
The Indian government claimed that the attack had “cross-border” links to Pakistan but did not provide any public evidence. Pakistan denied any connection to the attack.
An armed organization previously unknown, self-proclaimed as the “Kashmir Resistance Group,” claimed responsibility for the attack.
Pakistan’s National Security Council condemned India’s “aggressive measures,” stating that while Pakistan is committed to peace, it will not allow anyone to “violate its sovereignty, security, dignity, and inalienable rights.”
Government ministers from both sides hinted at the conflict escalating into military action. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in an interview with the local news channel Dunya News, stated that “any tough measures taken by India will be met with equally tough responses.”
Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh promised on Wednesday to not only track down the attackers but also to pursue those who conspired to carry out this heinous act on Indian soil. He also hinted at the possibility of military strikes.
India and Pakistan each administer different parts of the Kashmir region but claim sovereignty over the entire area. India labels all armed activities in Kashmir as Pakistan-supported terrorism, a claim denied by Pakistan. Many Kashmiri Muslims view these militants as part of their indigenous struggle for freedom.
Prime Minister Modi declared at a rally on Thursday, “India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist, their handlers, and supporters.” He warned, “We will chase them to the ends of the earth.”
The Modi government also announced a series of diplomatic actions against Islamabad while hinting at taking further punitive measures.
Indian Foreign Minister Vikram Misri announced on Wednesday that Pakistan had requested multiple diplomats to leave New Delhi, while India had recalled some of its diplomats from Pakistan. Both countries’ diplomatic missions will reduce personnel from 55 to 30 individuals as of May 1st, and the only land border crossing still in use between the two countries will be shut down.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs advised Indian citizens not to travel to Pakistan and requested current Indian citizens in Pakistan to return.
India also suspended a landmark water resources sharing treaty, the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, which has been maintained between the two countries through two wars in 1965 and 1971 and a significant border conflict in 1999.
The Indus Water Treaty facilitated by the World Bank in 1960 allowed for the sharing of water resources from the river system, a lifeline for agriculture, especially in Pakistan.
Pakistan angrily responded, stating that it was not connected to the attack. Pakistan warned that any attempt by India to obstruct or divert water flow would be considered as “an act of war” and would be met with Pakistan’s full national strength to suppress.
In Pakistan, dozens of protesters gathered in various cities, including outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, protesting India’s suspension of the treaty and calling on the Pakistani government to retaliate.
The massacre event also shocked Kashmiri residents, where armed militants resisting Indian rule seldom target tourists but mainly launch attacks against the Indian military.
Kashmiri residents rarely display anger, but they participated in street protests and candlelight vigils to protest the massacre event. On Wednesday, markets, private schools, and businesses were closed as people feared the attacks might drive away tourists, damage the economy, and escalate the situation into turmoil.