New Delhi: India on Sunday announced a series of strong diplomatic and military measures in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 civilians dead. The announcements were made during a joint press conference by the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) at the National Media Centre.
In the wake of what was termed as “unprecedented brutality,” the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved firm steps, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 until Pakistan halts its support for cross-border terrorism.
Diplomatic Measures: • India will close the Integrated Check Post at Attari immediately.
* Pakistani nationals will no longer be allowed to travel under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme.
* Defence and military advisers in the Pakistani High Commission have been declared persona non grata.
* The High Commission’s staff strength will be reduced to 30 by May 1.
Military Action – Operation Sindoor: Launched to dismantle terror infrastructure, Operation Sindoor targeted nine confirmed terror camps based on multi-agency intelligence. The camps included sites in Bhawalpur and Muridke.
* Over 100 terrorists were neutralized.
* Eleven Pakistani air bases were destroyed.
* Key figures including Yusuf Azhar, Abdul Malik Rauf, and Mudassir Ahmad—linked to the IC-814 hijack and Pulwama attack—were eliminated.
India also struck radar installations in Lahore and near Gurjanwala, delivering what officials described as a “calibrated but decisive” response.
Ceasefire Understanding: Following the massive retaliation, Pakistan’s DGMO contacted his Indian counterpart, leading to a mutual agreement to halt military actions across land, air, and sea from 1700 hrs IST on May 10.
Post-Ceasefire Intrusions: Despite the ceasefire, Indian forces intercepted several UAV and drone intrusions into both civilian and military areas. Field commanders have been granted full authority to respond decisively to any ceasefire violations.
The DGMOs reiterated India’s commitment to peace but underlined that any threat to national security would be met with firm and proportional retaliation. (JKNS)