India has officially downgraded diplomatic relations with Pakistan following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, including one Nepali national. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met today and announced a series of strong retaliatory measures.

Key Measures Announced:

• Diplomatic Staff Cut: Both countries will reduce their High Commission staff strength from 55 to 30 by May 1.
• Military Attaches Expelled: Defence, naval, and air advisors at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi have been declared Persona Non Grata and must leave within a week. India will also withdraw its military advisors from Islamabad.
• Attari Check Post Closed: The Integrated Check Post at Attari, the only land border crossing, has been shut down immediately. Valid travelers may return by May 1.
• Indus Waters Treaty Suspended: The landmark 1960 treaty is being suspended until Pakistan “credibly and irreversibly” ends support for cross-border terrorism.
• SAARC Visa Exemptions Cancelled: Pakistani nationals are barred from traveling to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme; existing visas stand canceled.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who addressed the media, stated that the attack had confirmed cross-border links and that India is committed to holding the perpetrators and their sponsors accountable. He highlighted India’s resolve to act against terrorism, referencing the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana.

Misri noted that the attack came at a time when Jammu and Kashmir was showing signs of political stability and economic progress, including successful elections.

The CCS expressed condolences to the victims’ families and appreciated the international community’s support and condemnation of the attack.

Pakistan’s Response: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will convene a National Security Committee meeting to determine Islamabad’s response to India’s diplomatic actions.

Jammu, April 23, 2025:
Prominent businessman and social activist Vishal Narania has strongly condemned the recent attack on a tourist in Pahalgam, calling it a cowardly and unfortunate incident that tarnishes the image of Kashmir as a peaceful and hospitable destination.

In a strongly worded statement, Mr. Narania said, “Such acts of violence are unacceptable and must be condemned by all. Kashmir has always been known for its hospitality and warmth. This incident not only damages our image but also affects the livelihoods of thousands who depend on tourism.”

He demanded immediate and exemplary action against those responsible, urging the administration and law enforcement agencies to identify and arrest the culprits without delay. “The safety and dignity of every guest visiting Kashmir must be a top priority. Justice must be swift so that such incidents are never repeated,” he emphasized.

Vishal Narania also appealed to the local community, especially the youth, to stand united against violence and work together to promote peace, harmony, and brotherhood.

Srinagar:
Amid public concern following the temporary closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, V.K. Bidhuri, has assured the people of adequate availability of essential commodities — including petrol, diesel, LPG, and food grains — across the Valley.

🍚 Food Supplies Stable for Over a Year

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Bidhuri emphasized that the administration has buffer stocks of food grains that can last for more than a year, ensuring that no shortage is anticipated.

“There is no need to worry. We are well-stocked with food grains, with strategic reserves in place,” he said.

🛢️ Fuel and LPG Supplies Sufficient

✅ LPG

Bidhuri confirmed that LPG supplies are in good shape, with seventeen days of stock currently available.

“People should not resort to panic-buying. We have sufficient LPG in advance,” he clarified.

✅ Diesel

The Valley consumes about 1,000 kilolitres of diesel daily, and currently holds 12,500 kilolitres — enough for 12–13 days, even with the highway temporarily shut.

✅ Petrol

On petrol availability, Bidhuri noted that Kashmir’s daily consumption is around 625 kilolitres, and the administration has secured nearly 10,000 kilolitres, ensuring stability for over 15 days.

“The situation is absolutely under control. There is no fuel crisis,” he said.

🚫 Appeal Against Panic Buying

The Divisional Commissioner made a direct appeal to the public, urging people to refrain from panic-buying or hoarding.

“There is no need to line up at petrol pumps. Let’s not create fear or inconvenience ourselves and others,” he said.

🗣️ Public Advisory
🔹 No hoarding
🔹 No unnecessary stocking
🔹 Cooperate with administration
🔹 Trust official updates, avoid rumors

Ramban/Jammu:
In the aftermath of the devastating flash floods and cloudbursts that ravaged Ramban district, former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) President, Dr Farooq Abdullah, on Monday called the tragedy a “national disaster” and pressed for urgent central assistance.

• “This is a very big disaster — it is actually a national disaster,” Dr. Abdullah stated while speaking to reporters at a local function.
• “Entire villages have been destroyed. Three people have died, and the full scale of the damage is still unfolding.”

The NC leader emphasized the need for the relocation and rehabilitation of families whose homes were obliterated by the calamity. He further revealed that another cloudburst occurred nearby, tragically claiming two more lives.

💬 “Fix Canals, Prevent Future Disasters”

Addressing the issue of recurring disasters in the region, Abdullah stressed the urgency of proper water management systems, including the repair of nullahs (canals) to ensure streamlined flow and minimize future risks.

• “The entire mountain has collapsed. People cannot live there anymore; they must be shifted to safer places,” he warned.

🚧 Jammu-Srinagar Highway in Crisis

Dr. Abdullah drew attention to the fragile condition of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only all-weather route connecting the Valley to the rest of India.

• “The highway has been badly impacted. Had the train been operational, people would have had a safer option,” he lamented, noting that poor weather even delayed the Prime Minister’s scheduled inauguration.

He strongly advocated for alternate routes and tunnel projects, including a tunnel through Doda and another on the Mughal Road, to decrease dependency on the existing highway

⚠️ Drug Menace: “A War We Must Win”

Raising alarms over the increasing drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah called it a grave threat to the region’s youth.

• “Drugs are destroying our children and pushing our future into darkness. We must fight a strong and uncompromising war against this menace,” he declared.

He also pointed to Pakistan’s alleged involvement in narco-terrorism, urging stringent action against those complicit in smuggling and distribution within the region.

• “We know there are insiders involved. They must be caught and punished severely,” he insisted.

🇮🇳 On Statehood & Party Unity

Remaining optimistic, the NC chief said he was confident that J&K’s statehood will be restored, citing Parliament’s commitment.

• “We will get our powers and statehood back. It has been promised, and it will come,” he affirmed.

Regarding internal party differences, particularly after recent remarks by Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Dr. Abdullah brushed off speculation, terming it an internal matter.

🎙️ “I Speak for India, Not for Pakistan”

When asked about comments made by the Pakistan Army Chief on Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah responded candidly:

• “I am not a Pakistani. Please ask the General himself. I speak for my people, not for them,” he remarked.