In a huge diplomatic victory for India, China on Tuesday said that it supports the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-optimistic-masood-azhar-will-be-listed-as-an-international-terrorist-213730">listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar </a>as an international terrorist and that "positive progress" has been made on this front.

"At present, the relevant consultations are under way in the 1267 Committee (of United Nations Security Council). Within the framework. And positive progress has been made," said Geng Shuang, spokesperson of China's foreign ministry.

"We have stated our position many times. I won't go detail here. I just want to emphasise that, first, China supports the issue of listing, which should be resolved through political consultation within the framework of the 1267 Committee. I think that is also the consensus of the overwhelming majority of the members of the Council," the spokesperson further added.

WION had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-may-remove-hold-on-masood-azhars-terror-listing-at-un-sources-to-wion-214289">reported on Sunday</a> that China is willing to soften its stand on listing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-evidence-on-masood-azhar-jaish-shared-with-china-will-continue-to-pursue-all-avenues-india-212579">Masood Azhar</a> and could soon announce his listing. The remarks from China comes just few days after Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the country.

China had put a hold on the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist on March 13 at the 1267 sanctions committee of the UNSC.

Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was in China last Monday and gave evidence regarding involvement of Masood Azhar's Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) in terror attacks in India. During his visit, he met Chinese officials including Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi.

"We have shared with China all evidence of terrorist activities of JeM and its leader Masood Azhar. It is now for the 1267 Sanctions Committee and other authorized bodies of the UN to take a decision on the listing of Masood Azhar," India's external affairs ministry said.

Azhar's JeM was responsible for the February 14 Pulwama attack in which more than 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

The US, along with UK and France had proposed listing Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.

A United Nations Security Council resolution was also proposed by the US at UNSC after China's hold on listing in March. The listing of Azhar at UNSC will put travel, an arms embargo and freeze his assets which will impact his activities.

In a huge diplomatic victory for India, China on Tuesday said that it supports the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist and that "positive progress" has been made on this front.

In a huge diplomatic victory for India, China on Tuesday said that it supports the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist and that "positive progress" has been made on this front. "At present, the relevant consultations are under way in the 1267 Committee (of United Nations Security Council). Within the framework. And positive progress has been made," said Geng Shuang, spokesperson of China's foreign ministry. "We have stated our position many times. I won't go detail here. I just want to emphasise that, first, China supports the issue of listing, which should be resolved through political consultation within the framework of the 1267 Committee. I think that is also the consensus of the overwhelming majority of the members of the Council," the spokesperson further added. WION had reported on Sunday that China is willing to soften its stand on listing of Masood Azhar and could soon announce his listing. The remarks from China comes just few days after Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the country. China had put a hold on the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist on March 13 at the 1267 sanctions committee of the UNSC. Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was in China last Monday and gave evidence regarding involvement of Masood Azhar's Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) in terror attacks in India. During his visit, he met Chinese officials including Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. "We have shared with China all evidence of terrorist activities of JeM and its leader Masood Azhar. It is now for the 1267 Sanctions Committee and other authorized bodies of the UN to take a decision on the listing of Masood Azhar," India's external affairs ministry said. Azhar's JeM was responsible for the February 14 Pulwama attack in which more than 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The US, along with UK and France had proposed listing Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack. A United Nations Security Council resolution was also proposed by the US at UNSC after China's hold on listing in March. The listing of Azhar at UNSC will put travel, an arms embargo and freeze his assets which will impact his activities.

Masood Azhar's terror listing: Huge diplomatic win for India as China says positive progress made

China is expected to remove its hold on the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-evidence-on-masood-azhar-jaish-shared-with-china-will-continue-to-pursue-all-avenues-india-212579"> listing of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM)</a> chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in coming few weeks, multiple sources have confirmed to WION.

Though any timeframe hasn't been given, sources on condition of anonymity have said&nbsp;they are quite positive and hopeful.&nbsp;

China had put a hold on the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist on March 13th&nbsp;at the 1267 sanctions committee of the UNSC. Bejing has nine&nbsp;months still to decided and remove the hold after the March decision.&nbsp;

The development comes even as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-optimistic-masood-azhar-will-be-listed-as-an-international-terrorist-213730">UK last week expressed optimism</a> that JeM&nbsp;chief Masood Azhar will be soon be listed.

Speaking to reporters in Delhi, British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith on Friday said: "We are strong supporters of listing of Masood Azhar for a decade. So that we will get to that conclusion shortly. I do remain optimistic that it will be resolved and very much it will be."

Without taking China's name, he said, "We are waiting to see whether the country that is so far been resisting agreeing to its listing will lift that objection." Hoping, "that we will get to that conclusion" of listing Azhar, he added.

The Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was in China last Monday and gave&nbsp;evidence regarding JeM's involvement in terror attacks in India. During his visit, he met Chinese officials including Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi.

India's external affairs ministry after the visit said, "We have shared with China all evidence of terrorist activities of JeM&nbsp;and its leader Masood Azhar. It is now for the 1267 Sanctions Committee and other authorized bodies of the UN&nbsp;to take a decision on the listing of Masood Azhar. "

China has been also making positive comments on the listing of Azhar in last few weeks with China MOFA saying, "things are moving towards a settlement".&nbsp;

JeM was responsible for the February 14th Pulwama attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel.

The US, along with UK and France had proposed listing Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.

A United Nations Security Council resolution was also proposed by the US at UNSC after China's hold on listing in March. The listing of Azhar at UNSC will put travel, an arms embargo and freeze his assets which will impact his activities.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

China is expected to remove its hold on the listing of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in coming few weeks, multiple sources have confirmed to WION.

China is expected to remove its hold on the listing of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in coming few weeks, multiple sources have confirmed to WION. Though any timeframe hasn't been given, sources on condition of anonymity have said they are quite positive and hopeful. China had put a hold on the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist on March 13th at the 1267 sanctions committee of the UNSC. Bejing has nine months still to decided and remove the hold after the March decision. The development comes even as the UK last week expressed optimism that JeM chief Masood Azhar will be soon be listed. Speaking to reporters in Delhi, British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith on Friday said: "We are strong supporters of listing of Masood Azhar for a decade. So that we will get to that conclusion shortly. I do remain optimistic that it will be resolved and very much it will be." Without taking China's name, he said, "We are waiting to see whether the country that is so far been resisting agreeing to its listing will lift that objection." Hoping, "that we will get to that conclusion" of listing Azhar, he added. The Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale was in China last Monday and gave evidence regarding JeM's involvement in terror attacks in India. During his visit, he met Chinese officials including Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. India's external affairs ministry after the visit said, "We have shared with China all evidence of terrorist activities of JeM and its leader Masood Azhar. It is now for the 1267 Sanctions Committee and other authorized bodies of the UN to take a decision on the listing of Masood Azhar. " China has been also making positive comments on the listing of Azhar in last few weeks with China MOFA saying, "things are moving towards a settlement". JeM was responsible for the February 14th Pulwama attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel. The US, along with UK and France had proposed listing Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack. A United Nations Security Council resolution was also proposed by the US at UNSC after China's hold on listing in March. The listing of Azhar at UNSC will put travel, an arms embargo and freeze his assets which will impact his activities.

China may soon remove hold on Masood Azhar's terror listing at UN

US Special Representative for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-peace-if-taliban-do-not-adapt-us-envoy-zalmay-khalilzad-214206">Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad</a> is likely to visit India from May 6th to 7th. During his two-day visit, he will be meeting senior officials and leaders.

This will be his second visit to India this year. He was in India in early January when he met external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

Briefing the media during Zalmay's last visit to India, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, in January had said, "whether Pakistan’s role was discussed, you know there is something which I have articulated time and again about the destabilizing role, in a way, which Pakistan plays."

India will be raising the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and the continuation of the current political structure in the landlocked South Asian country which has arrived after 18 years.

He has already visited Pakistan and Afghanistan during his current visit to the region. Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale had met the US envoy in March in Washington and appraised him about India's view on the Afghan peace process.

India backs "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled" peace process. &nbsp;India has been engaging with regional countries - Iran, Russia, China and central Asian countries - &nbsp;regarding the Afghan peace process.&nbsp;

India last year had participated at an "unofficial level" at Moscow format talks by sending its former ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha and former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan.

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad is likely to visit India from May 6th to 7th. During his two-day visit, he will be meeting senior officials and leaders.

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad is likely to visit India from May 6th to 7th. During his two-day visit, he will be meeting senior officials and leaders. This will be his second visit to India this year. He was in India in early January when he met external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj. Briefing the media during Zalmay's last visit to India, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, in January had said, "whether Pakistan’s role was discussed, you know there is something which I have articulated time and again about the destabilizing role, in a way, which Pakistan plays." India will be raising the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and the continuation of the current political structure in the landlocked South Asian country which has arrived after 18 years. He has already visited Pakistan and Afghanistan during his current visit to the region. Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale had met the US envoy in March in Washington and appraised him about India's view on the Afghan peace process. India backs "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled" peace process. India has been engaging with regional countries - Iran, Russia, China and central Asian countries - regarding the Afghan peace process. India last year had participated at an "unofficial level" at Moscow format talks by sending its former ambassador to Afghanistan Amar Sinha and former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan TCA Raghavan.

US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad likely to visit India on May 6th

Several countries have issued warnings to&nbsp;their citizens in Sri Lanka even as the United States has not only asked family members of its diplomats to leave the country but also is working&nbsp;overtime to make sure it happens.&nbsp;

In a release, the US embassy in Sri Lanka said, "Department of State ordered the departure of all school-age family members of US government employees in Kindergarten through 12th grade."

The US State Department also authorized the "voluntary departure of non-emergency US government employees and family members."

Washington has warned that terror groups are plotting a possible attack in the Island country. The possible location could be "tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, hospitals"

France has issued an advisory to its citizens while Belgium has asked its citizen to "avoid gatherings, worship services and public places" and limit "movements and stay indoors where possible"

The United Kingdom has already updated its travel advisory to the country.

UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised "against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka" due to the situation in the aftermath of the terror attack which took place on Sunday in which over 250 people died.

Australia in its travel advisory to its citizens said, "Terrorists are likely to carry out further attacks in Sri Lanka." and these "attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.''

European Union diplomats are staying in the country and continuing their work supporting its citizens. In fact, several EU member states have sent reinforcements to Colombo to handle the situation.

Russia has asked its citizens to refrain from visiting Sri Lanka.

Indian mission hasn't issued an advisory but is making sure that all Indian citizens are safe in the island nation.

The mission has also facilitated Indians, who in the aftermath of the terror attack, wanted to leave the country. Security of the Indian mission has been beefed up as it was also on the target by the terrorist.

The neighbouring, Maldives advised its citizens in Colombo to cooperate with the police and army as they conduct the searches and remain indoors during curfew hours. It has asked them to stay away from gatherings.

Several countries have issued warnings to their citizens in Sri Lanka even as the United States has not only asked family members of its diplomats to leave the country but also is working overtime to make sure it happens.

Several countries have issued warnings to their citizens in Sri Lanka even as the United States has not only asked family members of its diplomats to leave the country but also is working overtime to make sure it happens. In a release, the US embassy in Sri Lanka said, "Department of State ordered the departure of all school-age family members of US government employees in Kindergarten through 12th grade." The US State Department also authorized the "voluntary departure of non-emergency US government employees and family members." Washington has warned that terror groups are plotting a possible attack in the Island country. The possible location could be "tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, hospitals" France has issued an advisory to its citizens while Belgium has asked its citizen to "avoid gatherings, worship services and public places" and limit "movements and stay indoors where possible" The United Kingdom has already updated its travel advisory to the country. UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised "against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka" due to the situation in the aftermath of the terror attack which took place on Sunday in which over 250 people died. Australia in its travel advisory to its citizens said, "Terrorists are likely to carry out further attacks in Sri Lanka." and these "attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.'' European Union diplomats are staying in the country and continuing their work supporting its citizens. In fact, several EU member states have sent reinforcements to Colombo to handle the situation. Russia has asked its citizens to refrain from visiting Sri Lanka. Indian mission hasn't issued an advisory but is making sure that all Indian citizens are safe in the island nation. The mission has also facilitated Indians, who in the aftermath of the terror attack, wanted to leave the country. Security of the Indian mission has been beefed up as it was also on the target by the terrorist. The neighbouring, Maldives advised its citizens in Colombo to cooperate with the police and army as they conduct the searches and remain indoors during curfew hours. It has asked them to stay away from gatherings.

Sri Lanka attacks: US asks family of diplomats to leave; other missions issue warning 

The UK has expressed optimism that Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar will soon be listed as an international terrorist at the United Nations.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith said, "We are strong supporters of listing of Masood Azhar for a decade. So that we will get to that conclusion shortly. I do remain optimistic that it will be resolved and very much it will be."

Without taking China's name he said, "We are waiting to see whether the country that is so far been resisting agreeing to its listing will lift that objection," hoping, "we will get to that conclusion of listing Azhar".

China had put a hold on the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist on March 13 at the 1267 sanctions committee of the UNSC. India has been pushing to declare Masood Azhar a global terrorist after his JeM took responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama attack that killed more than 40 personnel of India's paramilitary force, the CRPF.

The UK, along with the US and France, has put a proposal for listing of Azhar as an international terrorist in the aftermath of Pulwama. A resolution was also proposed by the US at UNSC but China put a hold in March.

China, in the past few weeks, has been reacting potitively on listing of Azhar. "Things are moving towards a settlement," China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently said in a statement. The Indian foreign secretary was in China on Monday and gave evidence regarding JeM's involvement in terror attacks in India during his meetings with Chinese officials including foreign minister Wang Yi.

A statement from India's external affairs ministry said, "We have shared with China all evidences of terrorist activities of Jaish-e-Mohammed and its leader Masood Azhar. It is now for the 1267 Sanctions Committee and other authorised bodies of the UN to take a decision on the listing of Masood Azhar."

'PAK MUST ACT ON TERROR'

Asked if the UK played a role in defusing tension between India Pakistan after Pulwama, the high commissioner said, "We were very actively involved. We were certainly talking to a variety of key actors in Pakistan to make it clear on what we expect in terms of Pakistani action against terrorist groups who are operating around the Line of Control."

Calling for a "verifiable" and "irreversible action" against terror groups, the British HC said, "Don't mistake natural British modesty with what we say in public with a lack of activity."

The UK has expressed optimism that Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar will soon be listed as an international terrorist at the United Nations. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith said, "We are strong supporters of listing of Masood Azhar for a decade.

The UK has expressed optimism that Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar will soon be listed as an international terrorist at the United Nations. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith said, "We are strong supporters of listing of Masood Azhar for a decade. So that we will get to that conclusion shortly. I do remain optimistic that it will be resolved and very much it will be." Without taking China's name he said, "We are waiting to see whether the country that is so far been resisting agreeing to its listing will lift that objection," hoping, "we will get to that conclusion of listing Azhar". China had put a hold on the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist on March 13 at the 1267 sanctions committee of the UNSC. India has been pushing to declare Masood Azhar a global terrorist after his JeM took responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama attack that killed more than 40 personnel of India's paramilitary force, the CRPF. The UK, along with the US and France, has put a proposal for listing of Azhar as an international terrorist in the aftermath of Pulwama. A resolution was also proposed by the US at UNSC but China put a hold in March. China, in the past few weeks, has been reacting potitively on listing of Azhar. "Things are moving towards a settlement," China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently said in a statement. The Indian foreign secretary was in China on Monday and gave evidence regarding JeM's involvement in terror attacks in India during his meetings with Chinese officials including foreign minister Wang Yi. A statement from India's external affairs ministry said, "We have shared with China all evidences of terrorist activities of Jaish-e-Mohammed and its leader Masood Azhar. It is now for the 1267 Sanctions Committee and other authorised bodies of the UN to take a decision on the listing of Masood Azhar." 'PAK MUST ACT ON TERROR' Asked if the UK played a role in defusing tension between India Pakistan after Pulwama, the high commissioner said, "We were very actively involved. We were certainly talking to a variety of key actors in Pakistan to make it clear on what we expect in terms of Pakistani action against terrorist groups who are operating around the Line of Control." Calling for a "verifiable" and "irreversible action" against terror groups, the British HC said, "Don't mistake natural British modesty with what we say in public with a lack of activity."

UK optimistic Masood Azhar will be listed as an international terrorist

India's aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya caught fire in Karwar, Karnataka on Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

The Navy said officer Lt Cdr DS Chauhan was killed in the fire.

The Navy has ordered a Board of Inquiry to probe the incident. The fire was controlled by its crew preventing any serious damage to the warship’s combat capability.

Lt Cdr DS Chauhan was leading the firefighting efforts in the affected compartment.

The defence ministry informed that whilst the fire was brought under control, the officer suffered loss of consciousness owing to the smoke and fumes during the firefighting efforts. He was immediately evacuated to the Naval hospital at Karwar, INHS Patanjali for medical attention.

However, the officer could not be revived.

This is the third incident reported on INS Vikramaditya since it was inducted in the Indian Navy in 2014. &nbsp;

In 2016, during a scheduled refit, due to the leak of toxic gas from the sweage treatment plant, two people had died. Another incident took place in 2017 when a MiG 29 aircraft made an emergency landing due to a hydraulic failure.&nbsp;

The ship, a 1987 Soviet aircraft carrier whose original name was Baku, was later named Admiral Gorshkov and sold to India in 2004.

India's aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya caught fire in Karwar, Karnataka on Friday afternoon. The Navy said officer Lt Cdr DS Chauhan was killed in the fire. The Navy has ordered a Board of Inquiry to probe the incident.

India's aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya caught fire in Karwar, Karnataka on Friday afternoon. The Navy said officer Lt Cdr DS Chauhan was killed in the fire. The Navy has ordered a Board of Inquiry to probe the incident. The fire was controlled by its crew preventing any serious damage to the warship’s combat capability. Lt Cdr DS Chauhan was leading the firefighting efforts in the affected compartment. The defence ministry informed that whilst the fire was brought under control, the officer suffered loss of consciousness owing to the smoke and fumes during the firefighting efforts. He was immediately evacuated to the Naval hospital at Karwar, INHS Patanjali for medical attention. However, the officer could not be revived. This is the third incident reported on INS Vikramaditya since it was inducted in the Indian Navy in 2014. In 2016, during a scheduled refit, due to the leak of toxic gas from the sweage treatment plant, two people had died. Another incident took place in 2017 when a MiG 29 aircraft made an emergency landing due to a hydraulic failure. The ship, a 1987 Soviet aircraft carrier whose original name was Baku, was later named Admiral Gorshkov and sold to India in 2004.

India's aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya catches fire; 1 officer dead

Sri Lanka and its capital <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-terror-attacks-defence-secretary-hemasiri-fernando-quits-213465">Colombo remained on edge</a> on Thursday as the day began with an explosion in Pugoda town, followed by a lockdown of the central bank amid fears of a possible explosive material and number of operations across the country to nab the suspects behind Sunday's terror attack.

The explosion that took place in Pugoda town, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/leader-of-the-group-committed-suicide-at-shangri-la-hotel-police-213412">40 km east of Colombo</a> was not a controlled explosion. A number of controlled explosions have taken place in Colombo in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday terror attack.

During the day, in the heart of Colombo, near the Parliament, a lockdown happened at the central bank over fears of a possible explosion. The alert was removed later.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cctv-footage-shows-suspected-sri-lanka-bomber-pacing-in-hotel-restaurant-213372/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Heavy police deployment was seen on the roads of Colombo with security checking vehicles as in response to the current threat level.

A countrywide manhunt has been launched, with the police arresting three&nbsp;people in connection with grenades in one of the operations.

Meanwhile, the police authorities released pictures of many suspects in connection with the attack and asked the public to approach them in case of information.&nbsp;

Thursday also saw political fallout of terror attack with Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando resigning.

Community leaders have urged restraint. All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama(ACJU), the apex body of Sri Lankan Muslims has advised not to wear Burqa as it comes in the way of national security forces to maintain security in the country.

In a statement, they said, "We advise that in the prevailing situation our sisters should not hinder the security forces in their efforts to maintain national security by wearing the face cover(Niqab)"

ACJU, in a press conference, said, the bodies of suicide bombers will not be buried in a mosque.

Curfew was imposed for the fifth&nbsp;night throughout the Island.

Sri Lanka and its capital Colombo remained on edge on Thursday as the day began with an explosion in Pugoda town, followed by a lockdown of the central bank amid fears of a possible explosive material and number of operations across the country to nab the suspects behind Sunday's terror attack.

Sri Lanka and its capital Colombo remained on edge on Thursday as the day began with an explosion in Pugoda town, followed by a lockdown of the central bank amid fears of a possible explosive material and number of operations across the country to nab the suspects behind Sunday's terror attack. The explosion that took place in Pugoda town, 40 km east of Colombo was not a controlled explosion. A number of controlled explosions have taken place in Colombo in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday terror attack. During the day, in the heart of Colombo, near the Parliament, a lockdown happened at the central bank over fears of a possible explosion. The alert was removed later. Heavy police deployment was seen on the roads of Colombo with security checking vehicles as in response to the current threat level. A countrywide manhunt has been launched, with the police arresting three people in connection with grenades in one of the operations. Meanwhile, the police authorities released pictures of many suspects in connection with the attack and asked the public to approach them in case of information. Thursday also saw political fallout of terror attack with Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando resigning. Community leaders have urged restraint. All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama(ACJU), the apex body of Sri Lankan Muslims has advised not to wear Burqa as it comes in the way of national security forces to maintain security in the country. In a statement, they said, "We advise that in the prevailing situation our sisters should not hinder the security forces in their efforts to maintain national security by wearing the face cover(Niqab)" ACJU, in a press conference, said, the bodies of suicide bombers will not be buried in a mosque. Curfew was imposed for the fifth night throughout the Island.

Days after terror strikes, Sri Lanka remains on edge

In the aftermath of the worst terror attack in Sri Lanka which targetted churches and hotels, the government is considering burqa ban.

A Sri Lankan government source told local newspaper Daily mirror that the authorities are considering burqa ban in consultations with Muslim community leaders.

The issue has been discussed with President Maithripala Sirisena.

The newspaper quoting Sri Lankan defence source said, several female accomplices involved in Dematagoda had escaped wearing burqas.&nbsp;

Several firearms were discovered in Dematagoda, a suburb of Colombo in the aftermath of Sunday's terror attack.

Meanwhile, a Member of Parliament of ruling United National Party (UNP), Ashu Marasinghe introduced a private member's motion in the Sri Lankan parliament calling for ban on burqa.

Ashu Marasinghe was quoted by local media as saying, "I propose that a ban be imposed on wearing of the burqa based on the national security requirement of the country."

While saying that Burqa was not a traditional Muslim costume recommended by Islam, Marasinghe said," Our move has the blessings of Islamic scholars.''

UNP MP Mujibur Rahman has said he would support the proposed ban.

He said, "My wife doesn't wear burqa and I don't plan to make my children wear it either. In the coming days, Muslim religious groups will make a statement on this.''

At least 359 people died in the serial blasts on Sunday. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the bombings.

In the aftermath of the worst terror attack in Sri Lanka which targetted churches and hotels, the government is considering burqa ban. A Sri Lankan government source told local newspaper Daily mirror that the authorities are considering burqa ban in consultations with Muslim community leaders.

In the aftermath of the worst terror attack in Sri Lanka which targetted churches and hotels, the government is considering burqa ban. A Sri Lankan government source told local newspaper Daily mirror that the authorities are considering burqa ban in consultations with Muslim community leaders. The issue has been discussed with President Maithripala Sirisena. The newspaper quoting Sri Lankan defence source said, several female accomplices involved in Dematagoda had escaped wearing burqas. Several firearms were discovered in Dematagoda, a suburb of Colombo in the aftermath of Sunday's terror attack. Meanwhile, a Member of Parliament of ruling United National Party (UNP), Ashu Marasinghe introduced a private member's motion in the Sri Lankan parliament calling for ban on burqa. Ashu Marasinghe was quoted by local media as saying, "I propose that a ban be imposed on wearing of the burqa based on the national security requirement of the country." While saying that Burqa was not a traditional Muslim costume recommended by Islam, Marasinghe said," Our move has the blessings of Islamic scholars.'' UNP MP Mujibur Rahman has said he would support the proposed ban. He said, "My wife doesn't wear burqa and I don't plan to make my children wear it either. In the coming days, Muslim religious groups will make a statement on this.'' At least 359 people died in the serial blasts on Sunday. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the bombings.

Sri Lanka government considering burqa ban after terror attacks

The Sri Lankan government for the first time given details of the terrorist involved in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cctv-footage-shows-suspected-suicide-bombers-behind-shangri-la-hotel-blasts-213232">Sunday's carnage that killed more</a> than 350 people. In all, there were nine suicide bombers, out of which eight died during the bombings while one, blew himself up when was about to be caught.

In all, out of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/new-bomb-found-in-downtown-colombo-no-casualties-reported-213219">nine suicide bombers</a>, one was a female, who blew herself before being caught in a hideout in Dematagoda, a suburb of Sri Lanka. The female was the wife of one of the suicide bomber.

The eight male bombers were from middle-class families and financially stable. Some of them had gone abroad for education, with one going to the UK to study law&nbsp;and later he went to Australia for a sports degree before returning back to Sri Lanka.

Right now many countries are helping the Sri Lankan government to probe the incident. These include US, UK, India, Australia with UAE ambassador to Sri Lanka calling Sri Lanka's Deputy defence minister Ruwan Wijewardene and offering help.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cctv-footage-of-suspected-suicide-bombers-behind-shangri-la-hotel-blast-213210/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

While lauding India, in an exclusive interview to WION, minister Wijewardene had said, "Indian government has been very helpful. From the beginning, they have given us the assistance we have been wanting to do the investigation we want. They are giving us information. They have been very helpful. And as always we look to our neighbour when a crisis happens in our country."

But he accepted there were lapses and said, "certain officials were notified about a possible attack but due to some lapse of security arrangements, most of the officials were not notified about the threats, that is including me and the prime minister. So, there has been a lapse on that regard."

The President has announced a probe into why lapses happened on transfer of information.

Currently, investigations are on, with 60 people being detained, of which 30 are with CID. The government will make further arrests in the next few days.&nbsp;

National Thowfeeth Jamath (NTJ), along with an unknown splinter group has been named responsible for the attack. However, the Islamic State terrorist organization(IS) has claimed responsibility for the attack, with the Sri Lankan government looking into funding to NTJ.&nbsp;

No foreigners have been arrested in connection with the terror attack and till now Sri Lankan nationals have been arrested.&nbsp;

According to Sri Lankan intelligence, individuals seem&nbsp;to be motivated by the Christchurch incident in which mosques were attacked in New Zeland last month. But no direct link has been found between Sri Lanka and the New Zealand terror attack.

Meanwhile, the opposition is up in arms over government inaction. Keheliya Rambukwella, opposition leader and former Information minister in the previous government told WION, "this is a deformed government, I knew they will come to this".

He said, the issue of Jehadi terrorism was warned earlier.

The Sri Lankan government for the first time given details of the terrorist involved in Sunday's carnage that killed more than 350 people. In all, there were nine suicide bombers, out of which eight died during the bombings while one, blew himself up when was about to be caught.

The Sri Lankan government for the first time given details of the terrorist involved in Sunday's carnage that killed more than 350 people. In all, there were nine suicide bombers, out of which eight died during the bombings while one, blew himself up when was about to be caught. In all, out of the nine suicide bombers, one was a female, who blew herself before being caught in a hideout in Dematagoda, a suburb of Sri Lanka. The female was the wife of one of the suicide bomber. The eight male bombers were from middle-class families and financially stable. Some of them had gone abroad for education, with one going to the UK to study law and later he went to Australia for a sports degree before returning back to Sri Lanka. Right now many countries are helping the Sri Lankan government to probe the incident. These include US, UK, India, Australia with UAE ambassador to Sri Lanka calling Sri Lanka's Deputy defence minister Ruwan Wijewardene and offering help. While lauding India, in an exclusive interview to WION, minister Wijewardene had said, "Indian government has been very helpful. From the beginning, they have given us the assistance we have been wanting to do the investigation we want. They are giving us information. They have been very helpful. And as always we look to our neighbour when a crisis happens in our country." But he accepted there were lapses and said, "certain officials were notified about a possible attack but due to some lapse of security arrangements, most of the officials were not notified about the threats, that is including me and the prime minister. So, there has been a lapse on that regard." The President has announced a probe into why lapses happened on transfer of information. Currently, investigations are on, with 60 people being detained, of which 30 are with CID. The government will make further arrests in the next few days. National Thowfeeth Jamath (NTJ), along with an unknown splinter group has been named responsible for the attack. However, the Islamic State terrorist organization(IS) has claimed responsibility for the attack, with the Sri Lankan government looking into funding to NTJ. No foreigners have been arrested in connection with the terror attack and till now Sri Lankan nationals have been arrested. According to Sri Lankan intelligence, individuals seem to be motivated by the Christchurch incident in which mosques were attacked in New Zeland last month. But no direct link has been found between Sri Lanka and the New Zealand terror attack. Meanwhile, the opposition is up in arms over government inaction. Keheliya Rambukwella, opposition leader and former Information minister in the previous government told WION, "this is a deformed government, I knew they will come to this". He said, the issue of Jehadi terrorism was warned earlier.

Middle class and foreign educated: Face of terror in Sri Lanka

Deputy Defence Minister of Sri Lanka, Ruwan Wijewardene has said people in Sri Lanka need to be more vigilant in the aftermath of the terror attack that killed around 359 people.&nbsp;

While speaking to WION, the minister appreciated India for its help.

WION: What is the current situation in your country?

Ruwan Wijewardene: All I can say is that citizen of this country has to stay alert, vigilant for the next few days. I believe we will have the situation under control in a couple of days until then our people have to be more vigilant.

WION: How India has helped you?

Ruwan Wijewardene: Indian government has been very helpful. From the beginning, they have given us the assistance we have been wanting to do the investigation we want. They are giving information. They have been very helpful. And as always we look to our neighbour when a crisis happens in our country.

WION: India had provided intelligence before the attack, &nbsp;what will you say on that?

Ruwan Wijewardene: Our intelligence agencies have links with intelligence agencies of other countries. So, I think, there has been information coming from many sources. Our intelligence had been briefed. And certain officials were notified about a possible attack but due to some lapse of security arrangements, most of the officials were not notified about the threats, that is including me and the prime minister. So, there has been a lapse on that regard but the president has promised an enquiry as to why the lapse happened.&nbsp;

WION: You said, there is a New Zealand link. Sri Lanka attacks was a retaliation to New Zealand attack?

Ruwan Wijewardene: From the assessment that is available by our intelligence services, they believe that it was definitely a motivational attack. A fact, for this group to conduct bombings on Easter Sunday. The group had started off by defacing Buddhist status but they never took up to this magnitude. So, to do on Easter Sunday, our intelligence services had input, it was definitely a motivational factor.

WION: How many countries have offered you help?

Ruwan Wijewardene: Right now we have assistance from the US, UK, India, Australia. UAE ambassador also called and offered us help.

WION: Number of people who died in the attack?

Ruwan Wijewardene: 359 people have died in the attack among which 39 were foreigners.&nbsp;

Deputy Defence Minister of Sri Lanka, Ruwan Wijewardene has said people in Sri Lanka need to be more vigilant in the aftermath of the terror attack that killed around 359 people.

Deputy Defence Minister of Sri Lanka, Ruwan Wijewardene has said people in Sri Lanka need to be more vigilant in the aftermath of the terror attack that killed around 359 people. While speaking to WION, the minister appreciated India for its help. WION: What is the current situation in your country? Ruwan Wijewardene: All I can say is that citizen of this country has to stay alert, vigilant for the next few days. I believe we will have the situation under control in a couple of days until then our people have to be more vigilant. WION: How India has helped you? Ruwan Wijewardene: Indian government has been very helpful. From the beginning, they have given us the assistance we have been wanting to do the investigation we want. They are giving information. They have been very helpful. And as always we look to our neighbour when a crisis happens in our country. WION: India had provided intelligence before the attack, what will you say on that? Ruwan Wijewardene: Our intelligence agencies have links with intelligence agencies of other countries. So, I think, there has been information coming from many sources. Our intelligence had been briefed. And certain officials were notified about a possible attack but due to some lapse of security arrangements, most of the officials were not notified about the threats, that is including me and the prime minister. So, there has been a lapse on that regard but the president has promised an enquiry as to why the lapse happened. WION: You said, there is a New Zealand link. Sri Lanka attacks was a retaliation to New Zealand attack? Ruwan Wijewardene: From the assessment that is available by our intelligence services, they believe that it was definitely a motivational attack. A fact, for this group to conduct bombings on Easter Sunday. The group had started off by defacing Buddhist status but they never took up to this magnitude. So, to do on Easter Sunday, our intelligence services had input, it was definitely a motivational factor. WION: How many countries have offered you help? Ruwan Wijewardene: Right now we have assistance from the US, UK, India, Australia. UAE ambassador also called and offered us help. WION: Number of people who died in the attack? Ruwan Wijewardene: 359 people have died in the attack among which 39 were foreigners.

Indian government has been very helpful: Sri Lanka's Deputy Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardene to WION

St Anthony’s church, Kochchikade, Sri Lanka is one of the targets of terrorist attack in Sri Lanka. Built in 1828 the church has historical significance. WION's Sidhant Sibal spoke to the head priest of the church Jude Fernando, who not only called for forgiveness but also spoke against seeking revenge.

Here are the excerpts from the interview:

WION: What will you say to people who committed the crime?

Fr Jude Fernando: We love peace. We forgive. Our God is the God of Peace and he is not the God of Revenge. We love each other, we forgive. I can't understand why this happened. We will build the church, but it can't bring back the lives of people who were killed.&nbsp;

WION: Church will be back again?

Fr Jude Fernando: We will do our best. Right now investigations are going on. Not planned anything, once the investigation is over we will do something. Certainly, we will build back the church.

WION: What happened on Sunday?

Fr Jude Fernando: It was Easter mass at 8am. I was in my office and at 8.45am the bast took place. I can’t even imagine the sound is like. With the help of rescuers and community, we sent all those who sustained injuries to the hospital as soon as possible. And now, investigations are on. Massive damage to the church. The whole roof is gone. It's unimaginable and unthinkable what really happened. My humble request is to maintain calm.&nbsp;

WION: Tell us the history of the church?

Fr Jude Fernando: The church goes back to the Dutch period. This church was built by a priest from India father Antonino. He came from Cochin. It's a place of peace and harmony. It's a house of prayer. It has sentimental value and close to the heart of the people here. Our message is, please forgive and pray for one another. Our God is not the God of Revenge and he is God of Peace. I appeal to everyone to be calm. 
&nbsp;

St Anthony’s church, Kochchikade, Sri Lanka is one of the targets of terrorist attack in Sri Lanka. Built in 1828 the church has historical significance. WION's Sidhant Sibal spoke to the head priest of the church Jude Fernando, who not only called for forgiveness but also spoke against seeking revenge.

St Anthony’s church, Kochchikade, Sri Lanka is one of the targets of terrorist attack in Sri Lanka. Built in 1828 the church has historical significance. WION's Sidhant Sibal spoke to the head priest of the church Jude Fernando, who not only called for forgiveness but also spoke against seeking revenge. Here are the excerpts from the interview: WION: What will you say to people who committed the crime? Fr Jude Fernando: We love peace. We forgive. Our God is the God of Peace and he is not the God of Revenge. We love each other, we forgive. I can't understand why this happened. We will build the church, but it can't bring back the lives of people who were killed. WION: Church will be back again? Fr Jude Fernando: We will do our best. Right now investigations are going on. Not planned anything, once the investigation is over we will do something. Certainly, we will build back the church. WION: What happened on Sunday? Fr Jude Fernando: It was Easter mass at 8am. I was in my office and at 8.45am the bast took place. I can’t even imagine the sound is like. With the help of rescuers and community, we sent all those who sustained injuries to the hospital as soon as possible. And now, investigations are on. Massive damage to the church. The whole roof is gone. It's unimaginable and unthinkable what really happened. My humble request is to maintain calm. WION: Tell us the history of the church? Fr Jude Fernando: The church goes back to the Dutch period. This church was built by a priest from India father Antonino. He came from Cochin. It's a place of peace and harmony. It's a house of prayer. It has sentimental value and close to the heart of the people here. Our message is, please forgive and pray for one another. Our God is not the God of Revenge and he is God of Peace. I appeal to everyone to be calm.

'We forgive perpetrators of church attack,' says head priest of Sri Lanka's St Anthony's church to WION  

Sri Lanka on Tuesday saw another day of dramatic developments in the aftermath of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cctv-video-shows-suspected-suicide-bomber-entering-sri-lankan-church-moments-before-blast-212866">Sunday's terror attack</a> that killed more than 300 people.&nbsp;

State Minister for Defence Ruwan Wijewardene confirmed in the Parliament that Islamist group National Thowfeeth Jamath (NTJ) was responsible for the worst terror attack in the island nation.&nbsp;

Speaking in the Special session of the Parliament, Wijewardene said, "National Thowfeeth Jamat group which carried out the attacks had close links with JMI, it has now been revealed"

He also said&nbsp;that the attacks were carried out in "retaliation" for the attacks on Mosques in New Zealand.

On Monday, Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne first confirmed that NTJ was linked to the attack.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/west-asia/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-sri-lanka-bombings-212899">the Islamic State has claimed</a> responsibility for the attacks via the group's Amaq news agency.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also speaking in the Parliament said&nbsp;his country is now facing a different conflict and the group responsible for it is part of the 'global terror network".

Earlier in the day, mass burials happened near the St Sebastian Church in Negambo, which is one hours drive from Capital Colombo. There have been heartbreaking scenes of families breaking down as they bury there loved ones who died in the terrorist attack. CCTV footage of the bomber in of the church was also given by the locals.

White flags and ribbons have been put up at shops, roadsides and other places in the country to mourn the loss. The country has marked the national day of morning on Tuesday with flags at half mast and a minute of silence observed at 8:30am.

Tuesday was the first day of the emergency in the country. Security has been beefed up across the country especially in hotels since a number of hotels were also targetted on Sunday, out of the three hotels which were targeted, two have been closed down.

The situation remains tense in Colombo with police issuing a high alert about a lorry suspected of carrying explosives.

On Monday, WION in Colombo was just a few meters away from St Anthony's church when an explosion took place when bomb disposal units of the Special task force was trying to diffuse a bomb.

The security forces had found the suspicious van outside the church.&nbsp;

The authorities have now issue an advisory, that if anyone parks a car on the road, they must put their mobile number on the windscreen.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.232.42.114/videos/cctv-video-shows-suspected-suicide-bomber-entering-sri-lankan-church-212861/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sri Lanka on Tuesday saw another day of dramatic developments in the aftermath of Sunday's terror attack that killed more than 300 people. State Minister for Defence Ruwan Wijewardene confirmed in the Parliament that Islamist group National Thowfeeth Jamath (NTJ) was responsible for the worst terror attack in the island nation.

Sri Lanka on Tuesday saw another day of dramatic developments in the aftermath of Sunday's terror attack that killed more than 300 people. State Minister for Defence Ruwan Wijewardene confirmed in the Parliament that Islamist group National Thowfeeth Jamath (NTJ) was responsible for the worst terror attack in the island nation. Speaking in the Special session of the Parliament, Wijewardene said, "National Thowfeeth Jamat group which carried out the attacks had close links with JMI, it has now been revealed" He also said that the attacks were carried out in "retaliation" for the attacks on Mosques in New Zealand. On Monday, Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne first confirmed that NTJ was linked to the attack. Meanwhile, the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attacks via the group's Amaq news agency. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also speaking in the Parliament said his country is now facing a different conflict and the group responsible for it is part of the 'global terror network". Earlier in the day, mass burials happened near the St Sebastian Church in Negambo, which is one hours drive from Capital Colombo. There have been heartbreaking scenes of families breaking down as they bury there loved ones who died in the terrorist attack. CCTV footage of the bomber in of the church was also given by the locals. White flags and ribbons have been put up at shops, roadsides and other places in the country to mourn the loss. The country has marked the national day of morning on Tuesday with flags at half mast and a minute of silence observed at 8:30am. Tuesday was the first day of the emergency in the country. Security has been beefed up across the country especially in hotels since a number of hotels were also targetted on Sunday, out of the three hotels which were targeted, two have been closed down. The situation remains tense in Colombo with police issuing a high alert about a lorry suspected of carrying explosives. On Monday, WION in Colombo was just a few meters away from St Anthony's church when an explosion took place when bomb disposal units of the Special task force was trying to diffuse a bomb. The security forces had found the suspicious van outside the church. The authorities have now issue an advisory, that if anyone parks a car on the road, they must put their mobile number on the windscreen.

Sri Lanka on high alert as mass burials take place in St Sebastian Church

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Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Siddhant Sibal

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