NEW DELHI: Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has blocked access to the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Government of Pakistan. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology ordered the suspension, which was swiftly enforced by the platform. Users in India can no longer access the account.
This digital blackout is part of a broader crackdown by India on its neighbour after a group of armed terrorists, allegedly from across the border, ambushed civilians in Kashmir’s Baisaran meadow on Tuesday. Most victims were tourists, including nationals from the UAE and Nepal.
The Resistance Front (TRF), an affiliate of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. Eyewitnesses reported chaos as militants emerged from pine forests, firing at people enjoying the scenic spot.
In response, India has launched a series of countermeasures. Besides blocking Pakistan’s official account, India has expelled Pakistani military advisors, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, closed key land borders, and cancelled all SAARC Visa Exemptions for Pakistani citizens. Those already in India under this scheme must leave within 48 hours.
Diplomatic ties have been reduced to bare minimums, with both countries slashing embassy staff by nearly half.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the attack “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,” underlining the gravity of the assault.
On Tuesday afternoon, five to six terrorists attacked a group of tourists in Baisaran meadow, about 5 km from Pahalgam. Described by locals as “mini Switzerland,” the meadow is only accessible on foot or horseback. What was meant to be a peaceful retreat turned into one of the bloodiest civilian attacks in the region in recent memory.
