In the wake of escalating tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited Srinagar for the first time since assuming office to assess the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Upon his arrival, the Army Chief was received by the 15 Corps Commander, who provided a detailed briefing on the prevailing security environment. General Dwivedi also held strategic discussions with senior Army officers deployed in the Kashmir Valley and officials from other security and intelligence agencies.
During the review, General Dwivedi was updated on the counter-terror operations underway within Indian territory and the Pakistani Army’s recent attempts to breach the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC).
Earlier in the day, Pakistani troops initiated small arms fire at various locations along the LoC, prompting swift retaliation from the Indian Army. According to officials, no casualties were reported in the exchange.
The high-level visit follows the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where gunmen targeted tourists at Baisaran meadow, leaving 26 people dead, including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, and several others injured. The attack has triggered a wave of national outrage and calls for a strong response.
In response, the Indian government has taken a series of diplomatic and security measures, including:
- Immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari
- Suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals, with a 40-hour deadline to return to Pakistan
- Reduction of diplomatic presence, declaring Pakistan’s military advisors in New Delhi Persona Non Grata, and recalling Indian counterparts from Islamabad
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a major water-sharing agreement between the two nations
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized the gravity of the measures, stating that posts of military advisors in both High Commissions will be annulled, and five support staff members will also be withdrawn.
The Indian Army remains on high alert, conducting intensive search operations across Jammu and Kashmir to track and neutralize the terrorists behind the Pahalgam attack. The situation continues to be tense as the government weighs additional strategic options in the face of continued provocations from across the border.
