Love Delayed by Terror: Rajasthan Man Shaitan Singh’s Cross-Border Wedding Halted as India Shuts Attari Border After Pahalgam Attack

In a deeply emotional turn of events, a Rajasthani man named Shaitan Singh finds himself caught in the geopolitical crossfire after India abruptly closed the Attari Integrated Check Post in the wake of the devastating Pahalgam terror attack. The closure has forced Singh to postpone his much-anticipated cross-border wedding in Pakistan, laying bare how terrorism affects not just nations but everyday people and their dreams.

A Wedding Derailed by Terrorism

Shaitan Singh, a resident of Rajasthan, was scheduled to travel to Pakistan on April 24, 2025, to marry the love of his life. With his wedding preparations complete and emotions running high, Singh and his family were left heartbroken when news broke of the border shutdown. The Indian government’s move came swiftly after the Cabinet Committee on Security traced the Pahalgam attack — which claimed 26 lives, including that of a foreign national — to Pakistan-based militant outfits.

“What the terrorists have done is wrong… Now we are not being allowed to go as the border is closed,” Singh told ANI, visibly distressed. “Let us see what will happen now,” he added, holding back disappointment over a day that was supposed to mark a new beginning.

A Family Divided by Borders and Politics

Shaitan’s brother, Surinder Singh, was also preparing to travel to Pakistan for the wedding. He shared a poignant family history that illustrates the human cost of political tensions. “My grandmother and her four sons live in Pakistan. Only one son stays here in India,” he revealed. “I was going to Pakistan for my brother’s wedding, but now it has been postponed.”

Their story is a stark reminder of how political boundaries have divided families for generations, and how moments of happiness can be crushed in the blink of an eye due to acts of violence.

India’s Five-Point Action Plan Against Pakistan

In response to the Pahalgam attack, India has launched a firm and far-reaching Five-Point Action Plan aimed at holding Pakistan accountable for fostering cross-border militancy:

1. Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty – Marking a significant diplomatic shift, India has suspended the historic treaty that governs river water sharing between the two nations.
2. Closure of Attari-Wagah Border – The Attari Integrated Check Post has been shut for all movement, including goods and individuals. Those already in transit must return by May 1, 2025.
3. Cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption for Pakistanis – All visas under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals have been cancelled. Those present in India under this scheme have 48 hours to exit.
4. Expulsion of Pakistani Military Advisors – All Pakistani military, naval, and air advisors have been expelled from New Delhi and declared Persona Non Grata.
5. Reduction in Diplomatic Staff – India will scale down its diplomatic presence in Islamabad, reducing its High Commission staff from 55 to 30 by May 1, 2025.

These measures underline the growing strain in Indo-Pak relations and reflect India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism.

A Love Story on Hold

While governments debate and diplomats retreat, people like Shaitan Singh pay the emotional price. His love story — one that sought to bridge two nations — now stands frozen at a border gate that may not reopen anytime soon.

The heartbreak is palpable, but so is the resilience. Singh remains hopeful, though uncertain. “We don’t know what the future holds, but we pray that peace returns and our families can unite in celebration soon,” his brother said with a glimmer of hope.

When Terrorism Strikes the Heart

Terrorism doesn’t just claim lives — it steals dreams, love, and the promise of unity. Shaitan Singh’s story is a powerful testament to the personal losses suffered in the larger geopolitical chess game. His postponed wedding is a reminder that in the war against terror, the collateral damage often comes in the form of heartbreak, tears, and broken dreams.

As India and Pakistan reassess their diplomatic equations, one can only hope that love — someday — will be allowed to cross borders again.