Washington, DC [US], May 1 (ANI): Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed the United States’ unwavering support for India in its fight against terrorism, following the deadly April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday, Rubio extended his condolences for the lives lost in the “horrific terrorist attack” and encouraged India to work with Pakistan to “de-escalate tensions” and maintain peace in South Asia, according to US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
The attack, which claimed 26 lives—mostly tourists—and left many injured, has led to a sharp escalation in ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. India has accused Pakistan of sponsoring the attack, a charge Islamabad denies.
In response, India has implemented a series of measures aimed at countering cross-border terrorism. These include suspending the Indus Water Treaty, closing the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and reducing the strength of High Commissions. The Indian government has also granted its armed forces complete operational freedom to respond to the Pahalgam attack.
The Indian Army has swiftly retaliated against Pakistan Army’s unprovoked firing across the LoC. Officials reported effective responses to ceasefire violations on the nights of April 26-27 and April 27-28 in areas opposite Kupwara, Poonch, Tutmari Gali, and Rampur sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.
Security forces have intensified anti-terror operations in the Kashmir valley in the aftermath of the attack. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) convened a meeting to discuss the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack. The CCS noted that the attack occurred amidst Jammu and Kashmir’s steady progress toward economic growth and development following successful elections in the region.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that ensures peace and stability in South Asia.
