India has said it has revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals following a deadly attack by gunmen in Kashmir that killed 26 people.
The victims were mostly Indian tourists who had been visiting Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in the Indian-held part of the territory, which both nuclear-armed nations claim as their own.
In response, India closed a border crossing, suspended a water-sharing treaty and downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan – whom it blames for the assault.
The Indian government did not publicly produce any evidence connecting the attack to its neighbour, but said it had “cross-border” links to Pakistan.
Pakistan has denied accusations it was behind the attack and a previously unknown militant group calling itself Kashmir Resistance has claimed responsibility.
On Thursday India’s foreign ministry said all visas issued to Pakistani nationals stand revoked with effect from Sunday. It also advised Indians citizens not to travel to Pakistan.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to pursue those responsible “to the ends of the Earth.”
Speaking on Thursday at a public meeting in the eastern state of Bihar, he said: “I say to the whole world, India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backers.
“We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth.
“India’s spirit will never be broken by terrorism. Terrorism will not go unpunished. Every effort will be made to ensure that justice is done.
“The entire nation is firm in this resolve. Everyone who believes in humanity is with us.
“I thank the people of various countries and their leaders who have stood with us in these times.”
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a rally in Madhubani in the eastern state of Bihar.
Pic: Reuters/Stringer
Also on Thursday, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was set to convene a National Security Committee meeting to respond to India’s measures.
Pakistan has denied accusations it was behind the attack and a previously unknown militant group calling itself Kashmir Resistance has claimed responsibility.
“India has taken irresponsible steps and levelled allegations,” Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar told a local news channel.
He added: “Any kinetic step by India will see a tit-to-tat kinetic response” from Pakistan, raising fears of a repeat of events of February 2019 when a car suicide bombing in Kashmir brought the two countries to the verge of war.
