India to Recall Envoy, Cut Pakistan Transport

India said Friday that it would recall its ambassador from Pakistan and shut down rail and bus links between the South Asian nations in response to a suicide attack on Parliament that it blames on Pakistan-based militants.

In Islamabad, Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Aziz Ahmed Khan said his country regretted India’s decision and would maintain its ambassador in New Delhi. Pakistani officials also said the government would freeze the assets of two militant groups that India blames for the Dec. 13 attack.

Analysts said India’s decision to recall its envoy was prompted by a perception that Pakistan and the world had failed to take New Delhi’s complaints seriously.

“This is a symbolic protest,” said Kanti Bajpai, a professor of international affairs at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. “It won’t prevent a war--nor will it provoke a war.”

Pakistan’s response appeared aimed at braking the escalation of tension with India since the attack in New Delhi, in which at least 13 people died, including the five attackers. Both nations have put their armies on alert.

“Pakistan does not intend to respond in kind,” Khan said. “In the prevailing tense situation, it is all the more important to keep channels of communication open.”

India’s External Affairs Ministry spokeswoman, Nirupama Rao, told reporters the rail and bus suspensions will take effect Jan. 1. The delay was meant to allow citizens of both countries time to get home.

Rao reiterated India’s demand that Pakistan’s government shut down two Islamic groups, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, that New Delhi accuses of carrying out the attack on Parliament.

Both groups have denied involvement.