Saturday, March 29, 2025
Following the deadliest civilian attack in Kashmir in over two decades, India’s Prime Minister pledges a forceful response, fueling fresh tensions with Pakistan.
In a brutal late-night ambush, 26 people lost their lives in the scenic town of Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in the Kashmir Valley. It marks the worst civilian attack in the disputed region since 2000. The victims were reportedly rounded up and targeted by gunmen suspected to belong to a little-known militant outfit.
Addressing a massive crowd in Bihar just a day after the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed uncompromising retaliation. “We will find and punish every terrorist and their supporters. They will pay a price beyond imagination,” he declared.
Modi emphasized that the nation’s resolve was unwavering and that the strength of over a billion Indians would crush terrorism. His remarks also included a rare statement in English: “Terrorism will not go unpunished. Justice will be served.”
In the immediate aftermath, India blamed its neighbor for supporting “cross-border terrorism.” Diplomatic ties with Pakistan were further strained as India summoned Pakistan’s top envoy in Delhi and announced a reduction of staff at its mission in Islamabad.
Several strong measures were unveiled:
Closure of a key land border.
Suspension of a longstanding water-sharing treaty.
Termination of a visa-free entry arrangement for Pakistani citizens.
Declaration of Pakistani defence staff in Delhi as persona non grata.
Kashmir police identified three suspects, two of whom are believed to be Pakistani nationals. Rewards have been announced for any information leading to their arrest. Meanwhile, Indian security forces have launched a sweeping manhunt across the Kashmir Valley.
The incident has reignited concerns of escalated hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbors. In response, Pakistan’s government convened its national security committee to assess the situation.
Tensions have remained high since 2019, when India revoked the semi-autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting diplomatic fallout. The longstanding Indus Waters Treaty, once seen as a stabilizing pact, has now also been suspended.
A shadowy group calling itself “Kashmir Resistance” claimed responsibility for the attack. In a statement posted online, the group cited anger over demographic changes in the region due to the settlement of thousands of non-local citizens.
Modi has called for an all-party meeting to brief opposition leaders on the national response, signaling a desire for a united political front amid heightened security threats.
