India closes Octroi border post in Jammu and Kashmir post Pahalgam terror strike
The Octroi post, a popular spot for tourists near the international border, has been sealed off to the public until further notice
PTC Web Desk: In a forceful response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 dead, India on Friday shut down civilian access to the Octroi Border Security Force (BSF) post along the India-Pakistan International Border in Jammu and Kashmir's RS Pura sector. This move comes as part of a broader set of diplomatic and security measures taken by New Delhi against Islamabad, following its accusation of Pakistan’s involvement in cross-border terrorism.
The Octroi post, a popular spot for tourists near the international border, has been sealed off to the public until further notice. This comes after the closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post, India’s primary land crossing with Pakistan, which has also suspended all bilateral movements. Only travellers who had previously crossed over and possess valid endorsements will be allowed re-entry until May 1.
Tuesday’s deadly attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir—claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a group affiliated with Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)—targeted a group of civilians in a meadow, mostly tourists, marking one of the deadliest terror incidents in the region in recent years.
As part of its diplomatic countermeasures, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, a landmark water-sharing agreement between the two nations. The move is expected to severely impact Pakistan’s agricultural sector, which heavily relies on the Indus river system.
Additionally, the Indian government has cancelled all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, including those under the SAARC visa regime. Pakistani visitors currently in India have been asked to leave, with exceptions granted only to those on medical grounds until April 29.
India has also scaled down ceremonial military activities at the Attari, Hussainiwala, and Sadki border points in Punjab. The diplomatic presence in each other’s countries will be reduced, with both nations agreeing to cut the strength of their high commissions from 55 to 30 officials. India has also expelled the Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors of Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi, declaring them persona non grata and giving them a week to exit the country.
