Military action against Pakistan is among India's options

Possible military action against terrorist hideouts in Pakistan is among options India is weighing even as it took several steps to downgrade diplomatic ties with Pakistan after the deadliest attack on civilians in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on Tuesday.

- VENKAT NARAYAN

Following a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) has been held in abeyance till Islamabad acts on terror organisations on its soil.

A number of other diplomatic steps were announced that include declaring the Pakistani army, navy and air attachés as persona non grata and reducing Pakistani High Commission strength from 55 to 30. Visas for Pakistani nationals have been cancelled and the WagahAttari border has been closed.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh vowed a resolute response to the attack that left at least 28 dead, after terrorists swarmed a popular tourist spot near Pahalgam town.

He said the civilians were targeted for their religion and a strong response will be delivered in the "near future," including to those involved in the conspiracy.

"India cannot be intimidated by such terrorist activities. The people responsible for such acts will get a resolute reply in the near future," the minister said.

Misri said the CCS reviewed the overall security situation and has directed the forces to maintain high vigil. "It resolved that the perpetrators of the attack will be brought to justice and their sponsors held to account," he said.

As with the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana, India will be unrelenting in the pursuit of those who have committed acts of terror, or conspired to make them possible, Misri added.