India has suspended the Industry Water Treaty with Pakistan in the aftermath of a deadly attack in Pahalgam, in India illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (iiojk), which killed 26 tourists and injured 17 others, according to the media.
The attack marks the deadliest assault against civilians in the region since 2000. On Tuesday, armed men opened fire on a group of visitors, arousing a general panic and a strong military response. Pahalgam, located 90 km from Srinagar, is a picturesque city that attracts thousands of tourists per year.
The deceased, mainly men from all over India and a Nepal, included a navy officer. The ambulances transported the bodies to Srinagar, while the military helicopters traveled the wooded hills for the attackers.
The Indian authorities have launched a massive research operation, deploying hundreds of security staff and summoning alleged sympathizers for interrogation.
The army said it killed two suspect fighters in a separate incident in the URI sector and said that the attackers’ research remains in progress.
According to Indian media, however, no official group has been checked as responsible.
In response to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned “the odious act”, promising that those responsible “will hear our loud and clear response”. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh echoes the threat, promising that planners “on our land” are also targeted.
The benefits have extended to diplomatic and security levels. Modi summoned a high -level security meeting with the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar. The Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman interrupted a tour abroad, while the Minister of the Interior Amit Shah went to the region to supervise the answer.
The suspension of the Industry Water Treaty, a water sharing agreement for several decades between India and Pakistan, marks a significant escalation. Although Indian media and social media accounts were not quick to blame Pakistan, no official declaration has directly accused Islamabad.
This story is updated.
