In the aftermath of a horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 tourists earlier this year, former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has called for a complete break in ties with Pakistan. The attack, which triggered a wave of outrage across the country, has reignited conversations around the need for stronger retaliatory measures against persistent cross-border terrorism.
Speaking to the media in Kolkata, Ganguly did not mince his words. “100 per cent, this (breaking ties with Pakistan) should be done. Strict action is necessary. It is no joke that such things happen every year. Terrorism cannot be tolerated,” he said, stressing the urgency of concrete responses to repeated terrorist acts.
Even as diplomatic relations remain fraught, military tensions have escalated along the Line of Control. According to military sources, the Pakistan army initiated unprovoked firing on multiple Indian positions, prompting swift retaliation from Indian forces. This marked the second consecutive night of such exchanges, further heightening the strain between the two nations following the Pahalgam tragedy.
India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral cricket series on Pakistani soil since 2008, a reflection of the deepening mistrust between the two neighbours. While the two sides have occasionally met during international tournaments, full-scale sporting engagement has been on indefinite hold, mirroring the larger political freeze.
In response to the Pahalgam incident, New Delhi has already taken a series of strong diplomatic and logistical actions. Among them is the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a landmark agreement in place for 65 years. Additionally, India has ordered the closure of the Attari land-border crossing and expelled Pakistani military attaches from its diplomatic mission.
Further tightening the measures, the Indian government has instructed all Pakistani nationals who entered the country via the Attari border to exit Indian territory by May 1. Meanwhile, the Pakistan military has been placed on high alert following India’s declaration that it would pursue and eliminate those responsible for the terror strike.
As border tensions continue to simmer, voices like Sourav Ganguly’s reflect a broader national sentiment pushing for firmer, more decisive actions in the face of ongoing provocations.
