All Party Meet Likely Tomorrow: Sources
New Delhi, Apr 23 (JKNS): In a sweeping and decisive response to the terror attack in Pahalgam that left 27 civilians dead, India on Wednesday suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and initiated a series of high-impact diplomatic and security measures against Pakistan.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met in the aftermath of the carnage and approved what officials described as “non-negotiable steps to safeguard national security.”
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, while briefing the press, as per news agency JKNS confirmed that the historic 1960 Indus Waters Treaty would be held in abeyance until Pakistan “credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.” The decision marks the first time India has officially suspended obligations under the treaty, which governs the sharing of river waters between the two nations.
In another major move, India has shut down the Integrated Checkpost at Attari with immediate effect. While those who entered through the post with valid permissions may return before May 1, no further crossings will be allowed.
India also revoked all SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) privileges for Pakistani nationals. All SVES visas previously issued stand cancelled, and Pakistani nationals currently in India under the scheme have been given 48 hours to leave the country.
In a direct diplomatic offensive, India declared all defence, naval, air, and military advisors posted at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi persona non grata and gave them a one-week deadline to exit. Simultaneously, India will also withdraw its own defence attaches from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, effectively downgrading military-diplomatic channels between the two countries.
All-Party Meet Called As Government Tightens Security Stance
Sources in the Home Ministry told JKNS that an all-party meeting is likely to be convened tomorrow to brief political stakeholders on the situation and to build consensus on India’s security roadmap. Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are said to be personally contacting party leaders as the government looks to present a united national front.
The decisions come amid rising public anger and grief over the Pahalgam terror attack, which targeted civilians in the tourist belt of Kashmir. The government’s sharp pivot signals a hardening of India’s posture both diplomatically and strategically. (JKNS)
