In a significant escalation of tensions, India accused Pakistan on Wednesday of orchestrating a militant assault in the contested region of Kashmir, resulting in the death of 26 individuals. As a consequence, India has decided to downgrade diplomatic engagements with Pakistan and suspend the vital water-sharing agreement, which remarkably endured two past wars between the nuclear-capable neighbors.
The attack targeted tourists in the picturesque, mountainous terrain on Tuesday, marking it as one of the deadliest civilian assaults the area has seen in recent years. Alongside the fatalities, 17 others sustained injuries from the attacker’s gunfire.
Vikram Misri, India’s foreign secretary, announced these diplomatic measures against Pakistan during a New Delhi press briefing on Wednesday evening. He stated that a special cabinet meeting, convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, concluded that the attack had “cross-border” elements linked to Pakistan, though no public evidence of this claim was provided.
Pakistan responded by indicating that it would issue a full reply to India’s actions. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad described India’s steps as an attempt to abandon a treaty that they have been seeking to avoid, under the guise of an “unfortunate incident of terrorism.”
India maintains that the militancy in Kashmir is supported by Pakistan, while Pakistan refutes this, with many Muslim Kashmiris viewing the militants as part of an internal struggle for freedom. Misri declared that the Indus Water Treaty would remain suspended until Pakistan firmly renounces its support for cross-border terrorism. Additionally, several Pakistani diplomats in New Delhi have been expelled, and Indian diplomats recalled, effectively reducing the diplomatic presence from 55 to 30 representatives each.
Misri further announced the closure of the main land border connecting the two nations. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed that an official response would be formulated following a high-level meeting under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday.
The World Bank-brokered Indus Water Treaty of 1960, which facilitates river system water sharing crucial to the agriculture of both nations, has notably survived two wars, one in 1965 and another in 1971, as well as a major confrontation in 1999.
Meanwhile, Indian authorities initiated a manhunt for the attackers on Wednesday. Vast police and military forces spread throughout the region, establishing additional checkpoints and utilizing helicopters to scour forested mountain areas. Former militants were also summoned for questioning, according to reports. In protest against the killings, many Kashmiri businesses closed.
The police termed the incident as a “terror attack,” blaming it on militants opposed to Indian governance. Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh vowed not only to trace the assailants but also those who conspired to execute such a “nefarious act” on Indian soil.
An unnamed militant faction, Kashmir Resistance, claimed responsibility via social media. They alleged that the targeted tourists were associated with Indian security services, although these claims could not be independently verified.
Early this month, local officials reported to their legislature that a significant number of Indians had been granted property rights in Kashmir over the past two years. The victims of the attack were largely tourists, with 24 being from India, one from Nepal, and another a local guide. Pakistan extended sympathies to the families of the victims.
Kashmir has been witnessing a spate of violence against Hindus, including migrant workers, subsequent to New Delhi’s stripping of the region’s semi-autonomous status in 2019, which also stifled dissent and curtailed civil liberties.
Despite ongoing violence, tourism in Kashmir has seen a surge, attracting millions seeking the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. However, security measures remain visible with frequent checkpoints, armored vehicles, and soldier patrols. The recent assault has resulted in a wave of panic among tourists, prompting many to depart the region.
Monojit Debnath, a tourist from Kolkata, expressed his concerns about safety while leaving Srinagar with his family.
Omar Abdullah, a prominent regional political figure, acknowledged the fear inciting tourists to leave following the attack, understanding their concerns.
India’s Home Minister, Amit Shah, attended a memorial for the victims and met with their families the day after the attack. Shah vowed severe consequences for those responsible for the attack. He later visited the site of the killings, near the popular tourist destination of Pahalgam.
Kashmir has old fault lines with both India and Pakistan claiming the region in full but administering parts separately, with militancy movements active since 1989, opposing Indian rule. Armed confrontations have often resulted in human rights organizations accusing India of excessive force.
In March 2000, an attack in a southern village occurred before then-U.S. President Bill Clinton’s visit, claiming 35 lives, and in 2019 militants orchestrated a car bombing that infiltrated the South district of Pulwama, nearly pushing the neighbors to war.
While the Kashmir Valley has seen violence decline, militant confrontations with government forces have become more prevalent in the remote Jammu regions where Indian forces endure persistent attacks.