'Business will be affected, but we stand with PM Modi's decision': Punjab traders on closure of Attari border after Pahalgam attack

AMRITSAR: After the government ordered the immediate closure of the Attari Integrated checkpost, a businessman from the area said the move would undoubtedly impact trade. However, he acknowledged that the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam was also "wrong."

A businessman from Attari said, "The closure of the Attari border will definitely affect the business here... but the incident that has happened is also very wrong."

Another businessman stated that the attack on innocent people in Pulwama was deeply wrong.
"The attack on the tourist was wrong. We stand with the nation. Jis hisab se Modi ji desh chala rahe hain, chalane do. We stand with the decisions of PM Modi," he said.
Security forces have increased vigilance along National Highway-144, which connects Jammu, Rajouri and Poonch regions. The enhanced security measures are currently in effect across this vital transport corridor.
Rajouri traffic police officer, Ahmed Din, said, "We are checking local cars by checking their licenses. We are not allowing a loaded truck as it may create a jam. The traffic police are present, the District Police are present, and the Army is also supporting us. 24/7 nakas are there."
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced on Wednesday that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) implemented five crucial decisions in response to the gravity of the terrorist attack. The CCS acknowledged the severity of the situation and enacted specific measures accordingly.
"The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the PakistHigh Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions," Misri said.
He also noted that the Integrated Check Post at Attari would be closed with immediate effect.
The Cabinet Committee on Security has implemented immediate suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, which will remain in effect until Pakistan demonstrates genuine and permanent cessation of its backing for terrorism across borders.
Additionally, Misri confirmed that India has withdrawn permission for Pakistani citizens to enter the country using SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. "Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under an SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India."
The Foreign Secretary announced a reduction in High Commission personnel from 55 to 30, with the changes to be implemented by May 1, 2025.
Following the terrorist incident in Pahalgam, security forces initiated operations to neutralise terrorists throughout the Kashmir valley.
The brutal terrorist assault on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday resulted in 26 fatalities.
The terrorist strike at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on Tuesday ranks among the most severe incidents in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama attack that claimed 40 CRPF jawans. It stands as one of the most significant terrorist incidents in the region following the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.