Terrorist attack in Kashmir leaves 26 dead: India and Pakistan suspend visas and close borders
The attack took place in Kashmir, a tourist area administered by India, and left 26 dead and 20 wounded. India accuses Pakistan of supporting terrorism and is taking diplomatic and strategic measures, while Pakistan denies the accusations.
The attack occurred on April 22 in the Baisaran Valley, in Kashmir, India, killing 26 people, 25 of them Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen, and also injuring 20. The armed terrorist group, the Resistance Front, affiliated with the Lashkar-eTaibia organization, claimed responsibility for the attack.
In response to the incident, India accused the Pakistani government of supporting cross-border terrorism, revoked all visas granted to Pakistanis, closed the border with that country, and scrapped the Indus Waters Treaty, an agreement that provides water supplies to the region. Pakistan, on the other hand, denies any involvement in the attack.
Diplomatic developments between India and Pakistan
Following the attack, diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan increased. Pakistan, for its part, responded in kind by expelling Indian diplomats, eliminating visas for Indian citizens, and closing air access to Indian airlines. The Pakistani Defense Minister declared that any retaliation that harms its citizens will be severely punished.
Both countries announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, which has been in force since 1960 and regulates the water in the rivers that cross both nations. Pakistan says that any attempt by India to divert water to its territory will be considered an "act of war."
Indians protest the killing of their countrymen by Pakistani terrorists. Photo: El Correo
Details of the attack and its impact on Kashmir
The attack occurred near Pahalgam, a mountainous and tourist area, especially for Hindu pilgrims. The attackers wore military uniforms and opened fire on people in the Baisaran Valley, five kilometers from the city. Witnesses say the victims were taken to hospitals by horse and off-road vehicles.
Pahalgam is one of the main departure points for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage, dedicated to the god Shiva. The attack is considered the deadliest against civilians since 2000, so locals are concerned about the safety of upcoming religious events there. Indian authorities have intensified operations to investigate and identify the perpetrators, who fled before the arrival of security forces.