Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) held a high-level meeting and announced several major decisions. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed a press conference to share the details. He stated that the CCS meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reviewed the tragic incident that occurred on Tuesday, in which 25 Indian and one Nepali tourist were killed, with several others injured. The committee strongly condemned the attack, expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Key Decisions Taken by CCS:
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (1960): The treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan permanently and verifiably stops supporting cross-border terrorism.
- Closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post: This will take immediate effect. People who have crossed the border legally will be allowed to return via this route only until May 1, 2025.
- Cancellation of Pakistani Visas: Pakistani citizens will no longer be allowed to visit India under the SAARC visa exemption scheme. All previously issued SPES visas are now considered cancelled. Pakistani nationals currently in India under SPES visas must leave the country within 48 hours.
- Expulsion of Military Advisors from Pakistani High Commission: India has declared Pakistan’s defence, military, naval, and air advisors posted in New Delhi as persona non grata. They have been given one week to leave the country.
- Withdrawal of Indian Military Advisors from Islamabad: India will recall its defence, naval, and air advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These positions will now stand dissolved.
Foreign Secretary Misri added that CCS also reviewed the overall security situation and instructed all security forces to remain on high alert. The government is committed to bringing the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice, just like in the recent extradition case of Tahawwur Rana. India will continue its efforts to track down those involved in planning or supporting terrorist activities.
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2.5-Hour High-Level CCS Meeting
The CCS meeting, chaired by PM Modi, was held at his residence. Top officials including Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval were present. The meeting lasted two and a half hours.
26 Killed in Pahalgam Terror Attack
On Tuesday, a terrorist attack in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam led to the deaths of 26 tourists and injuries to 17 others. The terrorists opened fire on the tourists, and since then, the Indian Army, NIA, police, and other agencies have been on high alert. Surveillance has been intensified using drones and helicopters, and a massive manhunt is underway. A high alert has been issued from Jammu & Kashmir to Delhi.
Identities of Terrorists Revealed
Two local terrorists involved in the attack have been identified—Adil Ahmad Thakur and Ashif Sheikh. Two Pakistani terrorists have also been named. The attackers reportedly used AK-47s for about 20 minutes during the strike. Adil is believed to be associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and is from Guri, Bijbehara. Ashif is linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and hails from Monghama, Mir Mohalla (Tral). Reports suggest that some of the attackers were wearing body cameras and recorded the entire attack.
On Wednesday, the bodies of the deceased were brought to Srinagar. A floral tribute was held at the Police Control Room. Home Minister Amit Shah, who arrived in Srinagar late Wednesday, paid tribute to the victims during the ceremony.