(Image source from: Tv9telugu.com)
An extensive search operation was launched at Colombo's airport today following intelligence from India indicating that six individuals suspected of involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack had arrived in Sri Lanka on a flight from Chennai. The SriLankan Airlines flight UL122 underwent a thorough security inspection when it landed at Bandaranaike International Airport at 11:59 am. According to a police spokesperson, Indian officials informed Sri Lankan authorities that the six suspects were passengers on that flight. He noted that they were thought to have traveled to Colombo via SriLankan Airlines. Reports from local sources indicate that the search operation was a collaborative effort involving the Sri Lanka Police, Sri Lanka Air Force, and airport security teams. However, no suspects were located during the operation.
SriLankan Airlines mentioned receiving an alert from the Chennai Area Control Centre. After arriving in Chennai, the aircraft was meticulously checked and deemed fit for subsequent flights, as per the airline's statement. On April 22, terrorists with connections to Pakistan killed at least 26 civilians, including a Nepalese tourist and a pony ride operator, at the picturesque Baisaran meadow in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is India's leading counter-terrorism body, has been assigned to examine the incident.
In a rapid response to the situation, India took decisive action against Pakistan by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, which permits India to halt or redirect water from the Indus River system, significantly affecting Pakistan's main water supply. Additionally, India imposed a ban on imports and parcels arriving from Pakistan, prohibited Pakistani vessels from accessing Indian ports, and revoked visas issued to Pakistani citizens. Those residing in India were given a deadline to depart by Tuesday. In retaliation, Pakistan has threatened to terminate all agreements with India, including the Simla agreement. Moreover, both nations have closed the Wagah-Attari crossing and reduced their diplomatic relations.
