New Delhi, April 23: In a strong response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took decisive steps to counter terrorism.
The CCS meeting, which lasted over two-and-a-half hours, resulted in the following key outcomes:
The government has decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance until Pakistan stops supporting cross-border terrorism. The Integrated Check Post Attari will be closed immediately, allowing only those with valid endorsements to return before May 1, 2025. The government will take decisive action against terrorism, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assuring a strong response to the perpetrators. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will join local police in investigating the attack and tracking down the assailants. The government strongly condemned the terrorist attack and expressed deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
These decisions are expected to have a significant impact on Pakistan, particularly in the areas of trade and diplomacy. The closure of the Integrated Check Post Attari will likely disrupt trade and commerce between India and Pakistan, while the decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance could have far-reaching implications for Pakistan’s water security. The government’s strong stance against terrorism is also likely to send a strong message to Pakistan to take concrete actions against terrorist groups operating from its soil.
The move is seen as a significant escalation in India’s response to terrorism and is likely to have a major impact on India-Pakistan relations.