In a historic and severe diplomatic step, India has indefinitely suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. This drastic measure comes in response to the revelations of cross-border involvement in the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, including that of a foreign national.

The decision was announced after a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the apex body on national security affairs. Officials revealed that the move was prompted by “cross-border linkages” uncovered during the probe into the attack, marking a major escalation in India’s stance on terrorism originating from across the border.

Water flow from key rivers to Pakistan halted

As per the suspension, water from the Indus river and its major tributaries—Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Satluj—will no longer flow into Pakistan. These rivers are vital to Pakistan’s agrarian economy and supply water to tens of millions of its citizens. The halt could have significant humanitarian and geopolitical implications for the neighbouring country.

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed on September 19, 1960, under the mediation of the World Bank, has long stood as a rare symbol of cooperation between the two countries, enduring even during times of war in 1965, 1971, and 1999. However, the latest attack and its investigative fallout have pushed India to make a decision it had refrained from taking for over six decades.

On Wednesday, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi attributed the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, to a significant intelligence lapse, describing it as more devastating and alarming than the Uri and Pulwama attacks. He urged the Narendra Modi government to hold those responsible accountable for the failure.

Speaking to the media in Hyderabad, Owaisi condemned the attack, in which terrorists targeted innocent civilians after questioning their religion. “This brutal act demands the strongest condemnation. We expect the government to take decisive action against the perpetrators,” he said, expressing hope that swift justice would be delivered to the victims’ families.

He emphasized the need for the government to address the intelligence shortcomings that allowed the attack to occur.

Owaisi, representing Hyderabad in Parliament, extended AIMIM’s solidarity to the victims’ families and wished for the speedy recovery of those injured. Labeling the Pahalgam attack a “massacre,” he called for a thorough review of the government’s counter-terrorism strategies.

“The Modi administration must assess whether its deterrence policies are effective,” he stated, stressing the need for a robust response to prevent future incidents.

He further noted that the attackers, believed to have infiltrated from a neighboring country, aimed to sow fear and target innocent lives in India.

The assault, which took place on Tuesday in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam, claimed at least 26 lives, including two foreign nationals and two locals, while injuring several others. Owaisi’s remarks underscore the urgency of strengthening security measures and ensuring accountability to restore public confidence and deliver justice.

On Wednesday, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) informed a special NIA court that Tahawwur Hussain Rana, an accused in the Mumbai terror attacks, could potentially disclose critical details if permitted to communicate with his family. The NIA raised this concern while opposing Rana’s request to speak with his relatives, citing risks to the ongoing investigation and doubts about his well-being.

The agency emphasized that the case is at a pivotal stage. The judge, after hearing arguments in chambers, reserved the decision for April 24.

Rana, through his legal counsel, argued that speaking with his family is his fundamental right. The 64-year-old Canadian businessman of Pakistani origin was placed in 18-day custody on April 10.

The NIA alleged that Rana was deeply involved in the criminal conspiracy, claiming that David Coleman Headley, another key accused, had consulted him about the attack plans before traveling to India. The agency further stated that Headley emailed Rana details of his assets and belongings, anticipating potential issues.

According to the NIA, Headley also shared information with Rana about the roles of Pakistani nationals Ilyas Kashmiri and Abdur Rehman, both co-accused in the plot.

Rana, a close associate of Headley (also known as Daood Gilani), a U.S. citizen, was extradited to India after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected his appeal against extradition on April 4.

On November 26, 2008, ten Pakistani terrorists launched a coordinated assault in Mumbai, targeting a railway station, two luxury hotels, and a Jewish center after entering the city via the Arabian Sea. The attack, lasting nearly 60 hours, claimed 166 lives.