India should identify, track down and punish every terrorist and those who support them, says India's Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his first speech after the high-profile attack in Kashmir.
We will pursue them to the end of the world.
Shortly afterwards, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in New Delhi announced that Pakistani citizens must leave the country by April 29. This refers to the withdrawal of visa services for Pakistanis "in the wake of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam".
Closed Airspace
On the other side of the border, similar tones were heard.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif summoned the country's national security committee for a crisis meeting, something that very rarely happens. After that, it was announced that Indian threats to Pakistan's sovereignty would be met with "strong countermeasures in all areas".
A number of Indian diplomats are now declared persona non grata, visa services are cancelled, trade relations are put on hold, and border crossings are closed, according to a statement from Sharif's office. Pakistan is also closing its airspace to Indian airlines.
Terror Charges Against Pakistan
Tuesday's attack in the popular tourist resort of Pahalgam in Indian Kashmir took 26 lives and injured 17. It is said to be the deadliest attack in the region in 25 years. The perpetrators have been described as four militiamen, who thousands of police and soldiers are now hunting.
No one has taken responsibility for the deed, but India accuses its neighboring country of supporting "cross-border terrorism". New Delhi earlier this week downgraded diplomatic relations and closed an important border crossing.
Nuclear powers India and Pakistan control each part of the beautiful mountain region of Kashmir, but both claim the entire area.
Since 1989, mainly Muslim rebel groups – seeking independence or a merger with Pakistan – have fought against Indian rule. India repeatedly accuses Pakistan of supporting the rebel groups.
