South Asians for Human Right (SAHR), a regional network of Human Rights Defenders vehemently condemns the terrorist attack against 26 tourists in Pahalgam in the Indian administered Kashmir on 22 April 2025.
As a result of the recent terror attack, the response of the government of India has been swift and critical: They include among others, the suspension of India’s participation of Indus Water Treaty of 1960, paving way to curtailing the water flow of the three western rivers of the Indus basin into Pakistan; immediate closure of Attari – Wagah border, the main border point of the two countries; and the cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) granted to Pakistani nationals . Pakistan also has set up countermeasures regarding the same. SAHR notes that all these actions upon the occurrence of the act of terrorism have severely deprived the rights and freedoms of the people of Pakistan and India and their effects inevitably spilled over to the region compromising the peace in South Asia.
SAHR resolutely advocates for thorough and impartial investigation into this incident to disclose the perpetrators. Consequently, it strongly urges the governments of India and Pakistan to act cautiously with prudence to diffuse the ongoing tension immediately; while keeping in mind their unwavering adherence to the international obligations to ensure the rights and freedoms of the people. As nations possessing nuclear power in the region, it is the duty of these two nations to make an untiring effort to maintain peace and harmony in the region.
On behalf of the members of South Asians for Human Rights
Dr. P. Saravanamuttu
Bureau Member
Sushil Pyakurel
Bureau Member