India and Pakistan have canceled visas for each other’s citizens due to escalating tensions. India accuses Pakistan of a recent attack by gunmen in disputed Kashmir that resulted in the death of 26 people, mainly tourists.
Indian authorities have declared that all visas issued to Pakistani nationals will be revoked starting from Sunday. They have also instructed Pakistanis currently in India to leave before their visa expiry following a revised timeline. Additionally, India has taken other actions such as reducing diplomatic staff and shutting down the sole operational land border crossing between the two countries.
India’s military experts suggest that there is room for conventional action within the nuclear realm. This action may be limited, but it is deemed significant within the current context.
Praveen Donthi, senior analyst with the International Crisis Group, said framing the Kashmir conflict as a security crisis of Pakistan’s creation, “which can be resolved only through harsh talk and actions”, brings political dividends to Modi’s government but could also leave it with few options in times of crises.
“The immense public pressure on the Modi government to retaliate strongly and militarily is self-created. Soon, there will be no options left unless New Delhi starts looking to address the roots of political unrest in Kashmir,” Donthi said.
The killings shocked residents of Kashmir, where militants fighting against Indian rule have rarely targeted tourists and have mainly mounted their attacks against Indian forces.
In a rare show of public outrage, Kashmiris — many of whom have roiled under an intense crackdown by Indian forces and New Delhi’s highhanded rule — took part in street protests and candle light marches in protest against the killings. Markets, private schools and businesses were shut Wednesday amid an uneasy calm as people worried that the attacks could drive away tourists and hurt the region’s economy.
Funerals of several of those killed were also held across some Indian cities.
