Diplomatic Fallout Follows Deadly Attack in Kashmir
In the aftermath of a brutal attack that claimed the lives of 26 tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, Pakistan has suspended visa issuance for Indian nationals under a previously agreed exemption scheme. This action came in retaliation to India’s sharp diplomatic rebuke and accusations linking Pakistan to the incident. In addition to freezing visa services, Islamabad has expelled several Indian diplomats, closed its airspace to Indian aircraft, and significantly reduced trade and diplomatic ties with its neighbor. Islamabad firmly rejected claims of its role in the assault and condemned India’s accusations, calling them baseless and lacking substantiated proof.
India Vows Retaliation as Investigation Unfolds
Indian authorities have identified three of the four alleged attackers, claiming two are Pakistani nationals and one is a local Kashmiri. Authorities claim the suspects are connected to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a banned extremist group based in Pakistan. A massive investigation is underway, with over 1,500 individuals reportedly detained for questioning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed a fierce response. He pledged to pursue the perpetrators relentlessly and hold them accountable for their actions. As part of its immediate response, India shut down the Attari-Wagah border and suspended its visa services for Pakistani citizens. Furthermore, Delhi withdrew from the Indus Water Treaty, a move Pakistan warns could escalate to direct conflict.
Aftermath and Regional Impact
The attack near Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination, has left India in mourning. Victims included an Indian naval officer celebrating his honeymoon, a local guide who supported his family, and a businessman vacationing with loved ones. The country has responded with grief, with mass tributes and funeral processions held across several states. Shops and educational institutions in Kashmir, which had closed following the incident, are gradually resuming normal operations. A reward of 2 million rupees has been announced for any information leading to the attackers’ arrest.
Reports of Backlash Against Kashmiris
Following the attack, troubling accounts have emerged of Kashmiri students being targeted and mistreated in different regions of India. Activists and student leaders say videos have emerged online showing students being threatened and pressured to leave educational institutions. Nasir Khuehami, head of the Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Association, shared footage allegedly showing a nationalist group in Uttarakhand warning Kashmiri Muslim students to leave. These reports have yet to be independently verified by Galaxy Tribune. Stay with Galaxy Tribune for updates as the situation develops.
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