(Image source from: x.com/BJP4India)
The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed states to locate and deport all Pakistani nationals within their boundaries, as reported by sources to NDTV on Friday. It was noted that Home Minister Amit Shah has communicated with all chief ministers regarding this matter. On Wednesday, India announced the cancellation of all visas for Pakistani citizens as part of a five-pronged diplomatic response to the terror attack that took place in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Specifically, India indicated that the visa cancellations would take effect on April 27, while medical visas would remain valid for only an extra 48 hours. The Indian government has asserted that it possesses evidence of Pakistan's involvement in the attack's planning and execution. On Thursday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri presented this evidence to high-ranking diplomats from various nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany, Russia, and China.
The suspension of visas is one of five measures undertaken by India, which has also halted the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a significant agreement that regulates the sharing of water from the Indus River and its five tributaries: the Beas, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej. In response, Pakistan implemented similar actions and labeled the suspension of the IWT as "an act of war." Furthermore, Islamabad announced its intention to suspend the Simla Agreement and has restricted its airspace against flights operated by Indian airlines. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon in Baisaran Valley, resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including civilians and tourists. Disturbing footage posted on social media depicted five terrorists armed with automatic weapons targeting only men. One video showed a terrorist taunting a woman, telling her to "go inform (Prime Minister) Modi."
Among the casualties was a newly married Navy officer who was on a brief vacation with his spouse. The Pahalgam incident has been labeled the deadliest terrorist attack on Indian soil since February 2019, when 40 CRPF personnel were killed in Pulwama by the now-banned terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed. The attack is attributed to at least three terrorists, identified as members of a faction associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, another banned organization based in Pakistan. Despite a large-scale manhunt, all three perpetrators remain at large. Reports suggest that these terrorists may have been orchestrated directly by Hafeez Saeed, the leader of Lashkar, and his deputy Saifullah, both of whom are believed to be operating from within Pakistan.
On Thursday, the Prime Minister delivered a strong message to the international community, switching from Hindi to English at an event in Bihar to declare that "from the soil of Bihar, I am announcing to the world that India will track down and hold accountable every terrorist and their accomplices." Mr. Modi has promised retribution against those responsible for this act, affirming that his administration will thwart the aims of the terrorists. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reinforced this sentiment at a public gathering in Delhi, stating, "We will not only punish the perpetrators of this act of brutality and barbarism, but we will also target those who orchestrated this conspiracy from the shadows."
On Thursday, the government convened a meeting that included representatives from all political parties to provide them with updates. During this session, opposition members raised several critical inquiries, particularly regarding the lack of security personnel in Baisaran, the scenic meadow close to Pahalgam where the recent incident occurred. In response, the government assured that the region would be secured ahead of June's Amarnath Yatra, marking the official opening of the route.
