The attack has plunged relations between the nuclear-armed neighbours to their worst levels for several years, and some fear New Delhi’s diplomatic salvo may be only the first in a series of steps – with the potential risk still of military action.
India’s measures, including the suspension of a key water-sharing treaty and closure of the main land border crossing, come a day after gunmen opened fire on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The gunmen killed 26 men – all Indian except one Nepali – in the deadliest attack on civilians in the Himalayan region for a quarter of a century.
The killings have shocked New Delhi, as they marked a dramatic shift targeting civilians and the area’s vital tourism industry, rather than smaller-scale attacks against Indian security forces, which are more common.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged that those responsible for the “heinous act” will be brought to justice.
“Their evil agenda will never succeed,” Modi said in a statement shortly after the attack. “Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger.”
The attack on Tuesday took place as tourists enjoyed tranquil mountain views at the popular site at Pahalgam, when gunmen burst out of the forests and raked crowds with automatic weapons. (AFP)
