India Cuts Ties with Pakistan After Deadly Pahalgam Terror Attack
India has officially severed diplomatic relations with Pakistan following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The incident has sparked a wave of regional consequences, including the closure of border crossings, mass evacuations, and the suspension of long-standing international treaties.
India’s Swift and Strong Response
In the immediate aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian authorities have taken bold steps:
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Diplomatic ties with Pakistan have been cut. Embassies in both countries are being closed, and all official communication channels have been shut down.
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Pakistani nationals have been asked to leave India within seven days, affecting thousands of tourists, students, and residents scrambling to return home.
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The Atari-Wagah border crossing, a crucial land route between the two nations, is being shut down indefinitely.
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Most significantly, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a historic water-sharing agreement that has survived even through multiple wars.
These actions underscore New Delhi’s firm stance and the seriousness of the current geopolitical crisis.
Understanding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)
The Indus Waters Treaty is a landmark agreement signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, with the World Bank as a guarantor. It governs the use of water from the Indus River system, comprising six rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
Key Provisions:
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Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab): Allocated to Pakistan. India may use these for non-consumptive purposes such as hydroelectricity, navigation, and limited irrigation.
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Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej): Allocated to India, which has unrestricted rights to their usage.
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A Permanent Indus Commission oversees implementation and dispute resolution.
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Disputes can escalate from technical negotiations to neutral expert mediation, or ultimately to a Court of Arbitration.
Why the Treaty Matters:
The Indus Waters Treaty is regarded as one of the most successful international water-sharing agreements. It has ensured cooperation even amid conflict and is vital for water security and agricultural stability in both nations.
Tourism in Turmoil: Chaos Grips Jammu & Kashmir
The attack has sent shockwaves through Jammu & Kashmir’s already fragile tourism sector:
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Tourists are fleeing the valley, with Srinagar Airport witnessing chaotic scenes as thousands attempt to leave.
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Air India has launched emergency evacuation flights, while landslides have disrupted road connectivity, leaving air and rail travel as the only viable exit options.
Who Is Behind the Pahalgam Attack?
Indian intelligence agencies have blamed the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) for orchestrating the attack.
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The suspected mastermind is Saifullah Sajid Jat, also known as Saifullah Kasuri, a senior Lashkar commander from Punjab, Pakistan.
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Reports indicate he is operating out of Islamabad and maintains strong ties with Pakistan’s ISI and military.
Pakistan’s Denial and Counteraccusations
Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khwaja Asif, has denied involvement, stating that Pakistan “does not support terrorism.” In response, he accused India of interfering in Balochistan and claimed that internal unrest in India is the real cause of regional instability.
A Grim Echo from the Past
This attack brings back painful memories of the Chittisinghpura massacre during U.S. President Bill Clinton’s 2000 visit to India, when militants disguised as Indian Army soldiers killed 35 Sikh villagers in Anantnag district. That massacre, like the current tragedy, underscores the long-standing vulnerabilities in the region.
Conclusion
The Pahalgam terror attack has reignited hostilities between India and Pakistan, threatening regional peace and long-standing agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty. As both nations dig in their heels, the world watches closely—hoping the conflict doesn’t escalate into a larger crisis.
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