Sources in the Indian government were, however, dismissive of the Pakistan’s claims. File photo

Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 15

India-Pakistan ties today took a nosedive with both sides taking steps that are likely to raise tension. Pakistani media claimed three RAW agents were arrested from near Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) who had been allegedly assigned to disrupt activity on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project (CPEC).India, in a retaliatory measure, cancelled the maritime security dialogue with Pakistan scheduled to be held here on April 17. The delegation from Pakistan was due to arrive in the capital tomorrow. This would have been the second such talks after the Indus Water Commission meet in Pakistan recently.Indications from the government here are also that there will be a major cutting down of visas being granted to Pakistani visitors. Over the last one year,  tensions have in a way ensured that the passage of artists, actors and musicians from across the border was cut down. These measures are a direct fallout of the standoff over the death sentence Pakistan has awarded to Kulbhushan Jadhav. It remains firm that he is a spy, while India maintains he is innocent, though confirming his identity as a former Indian naval officer.Officially, India today maintained silence on Pakistan’s claim about the arrest of three RAW agents. Sources in the government were, however, dismissive of the claims.“We have arrested three terrorists — Khalil, Imtiaz and Rashid. All were paid agents of RAW,” Rawalkot DIG Sajjad Hussain said.