<p>In a big development just before Pakistan goes to elections, US has raised its concerns with Pakistan on mainstreaming of terror. In an exclusive comment to WION, US state department has said, "We have repeatedly expressed our concerns to the Pakistani government about LeT, including the participation of LeT-affiliated individuals in the elections."</p>

<p>The development comes even as Pakistani military establishment has been trying to back terror elements in Pakistani political system. Pakistan goes to election on 25th of July. Hafiz Saeed had initially tried to contest elections via Milli Muslim League (MML) but the party wasn't granted registration by Pakitan's election commission.</p>

<p>In fact, US State dept reminded Pakitan, in its reply to WION about Pakistan's election commission's refusal to register MML for being in the list of Foreign Terrorist Organization.&nbsp;</p>

<p>State Department said, "We note that Pakistan’s own election commission rejected the registration of the LeT-affiliated Milli Muslim League (MML) in June, citing its linkages to an internationally-sanctioned terrorist organization.‎ The US State Department also amended its Foreign Terrorist Organization designation of LeT in April to add the MML as an alias of the group."</p>

<p>Hafiz Saeed has also been listed by the UN Security Council 1267 al-Qaida Sanctions Committee for targeted sanctions due to his affiliation with the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Tayiba (LeT).&nbsp;</p>

<p>But that hasn't deterred Saeed. More than 200 of his supporters are contesting the elections via another little-known party, Allah O Akbar Tehreek with "Chair" as the symbol. This includes Hafiz Saeed's son Hafiz Talha Saeed and Son in law Khalid Waleed.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Pakistan's elections seem to be in pressure with former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif and her daughter in jail, PPP in a disarray under novice Bilawal Bhutto and terror attacks targetting election rallies.</p>

<p>The terror attack that stuck election rally in Balochistan killed more than 100 people. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Three tragic terrorist attacks hit Pakistan last week killing more than 150 people. Even so-called arch-rival India came out and condemned the attacks and said, "These attacks took place in election rallies, essential to the democratic process. India has always condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.''</p>


The development comes even as Pakistani military establishment has been trying to back terror elements in Pakistani political system

In a big development just before Pakistan goes to elections, US has raised its concerns with Pakistan on mainstreaming of terror. In an exclusive comment to WION, US state department has said, "We have repeatedly expressed our concerns to the Pakistani government about LeT, including the participation of LeT-affiliated individuals in the elections." The development comes even as Pakistani military establishment has been trying to back terror elements in Pakistani political system. Pakistan goes to election on 25th of July. Hafiz Saeed had initially tried to contest elections via Milli Muslim League (MML) but the party wasn't granted registration by Pakitan's election commission. In fact, US State dept reminded Pakitan, in its reply to WION about Pakistan's election commission's refusal to register MML for being in the list of Foreign Terrorist Organization. State Department said, "We note that Pakistan’s own election commission rejected the registration of the LeT-affiliated Milli Muslim League (MML) in June, citing its linkages to an internationally-sanctioned terrorist organization.‎ The US State Department also amended its Foreign Terrorist Organization designation of LeT in April to add the MML as an alias of the group." Hafiz Saeed has also been listed by the UN Security Council 1267 al-Qaida Sanctions Committee for targeted sanctions due to his affiliation with the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Tayiba (LeT). But that hasn't deterred Saeed. More than 200 of his supporters are contesting the elections via another little-known party, Allah O Akbar Tehreek with "Chair" as the symbol. This includes Hafiz Saeed's son Hafiz Talha Saeed and Son in law Khalid Waleed. Meanwhile, Pakistan's elections seem to be in pressure with former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif and her daughter in jail, PPP in a disarray under novice Bilawal Bhutto and terror attacks targetting election rallies. The terror attack that stuck election rally in Balochistan killed more than 100 people. Three tragic terrorist attacks hit Pakistan last week killing more than 150 people. Even so-called arch-rival India came out and condemned the attacks and said, "These attacks took place in election rallies, essential to the democratic process. India has always condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.''

US raps Pakistan again, hints it isn't doing much to combat mainstreaming of terrorism

<p>When on the morning of July 9, I reached Chiang Rai, little could have prepared me for what is next. Withing 4 hours of my landing, we were on road to Tham Luang caves.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The caves, the city of Chaing Rai are at the trijunction of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. A remote area in northern Thailand, the area is covered under thick forest. We reached the caves by 1 pm local time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>By that time the area had a full-fledged media centre, even though it was a temporary one. You name the country and it's media was present. From Canada to Germany to Australia. We even met a bunch while in the plane to Chiang Rai. It was a story that had caught the global attention.</p>

<p>A story of the human will to fight against all odds and come out successfully. &nbsp;Biggest issue and challenge was heavy monsoon rains. Thailand is under the cover monsoon and heavy rains can inundate the caves.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Monsoon clouds over Chaing Rai city in Northern Thailand wr the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThamLuang?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThamLuang</a> caves are located. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThailandCaveRescue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThailandCaveRescue</a> <a href="https://t.co/Aehr39nCe9">pic.twitter.com/Aehr39nCe9</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1016137627542552578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The first four boys from a soccer team in Thailand were rescued from the cave on Sunday, July 8.</p>

<p>The rescue team re-entered the cave on July 9. Four more boys are rescued over nine hours.</p>

<p>On July 10, the rescue operation started early at 10 am local time. The international media and the world was waiting with bated breath. That day it rained twice.&nbsp;Something nobody wanted.</p>

<p>Will the boys be saved? Everyone waited. Then around 5 pm local time, News broke.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Breaking: All 12 out <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThaiCaveRescue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThaiCaveRescue</a> <a href="https://t.co/hTg7LZVh06">pic.twitter.com/hTg7LZVh06</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1016651407947022336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The story apparently, will soon become a story. But for media and people present on the ground. It was a life-changing experience. I have covered summits, bilateral summits. All are choreographed events. Events in which everything is pre-decided.</p>

<p>This was different. This was people cutting across nationalities, barriers of languages and burying the differences to come together. In a world full of negative stories, of wars and civil wars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Of people fighting with each other, there was a story of people coming together to help each other. A stellar achievement, this story will be remembered as an impressive example of international cooperation.</p>


A stellar achievement, this story will be remembered as an impressive example of international cooperation.

When on the morning of July 9, I reached Chiang Rai, little could have prepared me for what is next. Withing 4 hours of my landing, we were on road to Tham Luang caves. The caves, the city of Chaing Rai are at the trijunction of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. A remote area in northern Thailand, the area is covered under thick forest. We reached the caves by 1 pm local time. By that time the area had a full-fledged media centre, even though it was a temporary one. You name the country and it's media was present. From Canada to Germany to Australia. We even met a bunch while in the plane to Chiang Rai. It was a story that had caught the global attention. A story of the human will to fight against all odds and come out successfully. Biggest issue and challenge was heavy monsoon rains. Thailand is under the cover monsoon and heavy rains can inundate the caves. Monsoon clouds over Chaing Rai city in Northern Thailand wr the #ThamLuang caves are located. #ThailandCaveRescue pic.twitter.com/Aehr39nCe9 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 9, 2018 × The first four boys from a soccer team in Thailand were rescued from the cave on Sunday, July 8. The rescue team re-entered the cave on July 9. Four more boys are rescued over nine hours. On July 10, the rescue operation started early at 10 am local time. The international media and the world was waiting with bated breath. That day it rained twice. Something nobody wanted. Will the boys be saved? Everyone waited. Then around 5 pm local time, News broke. Breaking: All 12 out #ThaiCaveRescue pic.twitter.com/hTg7LZVh06 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 10, 2018 × The story apparently, will soon become a story. But for media and people present on the ground. It was a life-changing experience. I have covered summits, bilateral summits. All are choreographed events. Events in which everything is pre-decided. This was different. This was people cutting across nationalities, barriers of languages and burying the differences to come together. In a world full of negative stories, of wars and civil wars. Of people fighting with each other, there was a story of people coming together to help each other. A stellar achievement, this story will be remembered as an impressive example of international cooperation.

Blog: Thailand cave rescue — my personal experience

<p>Smiles have returned to Chiang Rai, a city in northern Thailand which was the centre of world media attention when 12 boys and their 25-year-old coach got stuck in a cave. A daring rescue operation had&nbsp;started on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WION Exclusive On <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThaiCaveRescue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThaiCaveRescue</a> | WION's <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sidhant</a> spoke to Captain Jessica Tait. She was invited by Thai government to assist the rescue ops. Listen in! <a href="https://twitter.com/usairforce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usairforce</a> <a href="https://t.co/SKavUNoDGg">pic.twitter.com/SKavUNoDGg</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1016893167365337088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Celebrations broke out in Chiang Rai the moment the locals heard that all the children and their football coach have been freed. Hope and the hustle bustle is back in the city after 2 weeks of tension and anxiety. The city is breathing a sigh of relief. The main market in the city has music back on its streets. Locals can be seen going about their daily routine while enjoying the music of local singer Mai Muang.&nbsp;</p>

<p>People who were waiting on the streets and at the city hospital too cheered and celebrated when ambulances arrived. Heavy clouds still hover over the city. But this time they are welcomed. The heavy rain clouds could have hampered the rescue operations by inundating the cave.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Foreign media camping infront of the hospital <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThailandCaveRescue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThailandCaveRescue</a> <a href="https://t.co/IvfKm2CBm0">pic.twitter.com/IvfKm2CBm0</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1016931485469720576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>As the Thai navy seals on facebook said: “We are not sure if this is a miracle, a science, or what.”. Maybe prayer.. cause it was not just people in Thailand who were praying but across the world.</p>

<p>The Thailand rescue mission was a story of grit and determination of fighting all odds. A success made only possible due to cooperation by everyone, as they say, success is a collective effort. In team Thailand were-- The authorities, the rescuing teams, the media and the volunteers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The volunteers who descended from all across Thailand were making sure no one faces any issue when it came to food, clothing or even medicine. Many volunteers translated into English what Thailand doctors wanted to convey to media. &nbsp;</p>


The hustle bustle is back in the city after 2 weeks of tension and anxiety

Smiles have returned to Chiang Rai, a city in northern Thailand which was the centre of world media attention when 12 boys and their 25-year-old coach got stuck in a cave. A daring rescue operation had started on Sunday. WION Exclusive On #ThaiCaveRescue | WION's @Sidhant spoke to Captain Jessica Tait. She was invited by Thai government to assist the rescue ops. Listen in! @usairforce pic.twitter.com/SKavUNoDGg — WION (@WIONews) July 11, 2018 × Celebrations broke out in Chiang Rai the moment the locals heard that all the children and their football coach have been freed. Hope and the hustle bustle is back in the city after 2 weeks of tension and anxiety. The city is breathing a sigh of relief. The main market in the city has music back on its streets. Locals can be seen going about their daily routine while enjoying the music of local singer Mai Muang. People who were waiting on the streets and at the city hospital too cheered and celebrated when ambulances arrived. Heavy clouds still hover over the city. But this time they are welcomed. The heavy rain clouds could have hampered the rescue operations by inundating the cave. Foreign media camping infront of the hospital #ThailandCaveRescue pic.twitter.com/IvfKm2CBm0 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 11, 2018 × As the Thai navy seals on facebook said: “We are not sure if this is a miracle, a science, or what.”. Maybe prayer.. cause it was not just people in Thailand who were praying but across the world. The Thailand rescue mission was a story of grit and determination of fighting all odds. A success made only possible due to cooperation by everyone, as they say, success is a collective effort. In team Thailand were-- The authorities, the rescuing teams, the media and the volunteers. The volunteers who descended from all across Thailand were making sure no one faces any issue when it came to food, clothing or even medicine. Many volunteers translated into English what Thailand doctors wanted to convey to media.

Smiles return to northern Thailand city Chiang Rai after 12 boys, coach rescued

<p>The coach of the Thai soccer team that has been trapped in a cave for 12 days taught the players how to meditate in order to stay calm and conserve energy while awaiting rescue.</p>

<p>The boys were first found by a team of British divers 9 days after they disappeared into the Tham Luang Nang Non cave complex.</p>

<p>When the English divers found them, the boys were meditating.</p>

<p>Rescuers discovered the team huddled on an embankment inside the cave&nbsp;after 9 days of extensive searches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The students told the rescuers that coach taught them how to do meditation to preserve the ­energy in their bodies.</p>

<p>The team had gone into the cave after soccer practice on June 23 but were caught inside due to rising flood waters.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/ninth-boys-rescued-from-thai-cave-four-more-remaining--150403">Ninth boy rescued from Thai cave, four more remaining</a></p>

<p>The 25-year-old coach, Ekkapol Chantawong but referred to as Coach Ake, was sent to a Buddhist monastery following the death of his parents and brother as a child.</p>

<p>Ekapol went to live in a monastery at age 12 after he was orphaned.</p>

<p>He is trained to be a monk for 10 years at a monastery in Mae Sai, Thailand.</p>

<p>According to sources, the coach told the boy to meditate in the cave, keep calm and preserve their energy during the two-week-long ordeal.</p>


When the English divers found them, the boys were meditating.

The coach of the Thai soccer team that has been trapped in a cave for 12 days taught the players how to meditate in order to stay calm and conserve energy while awaiting rescue. The boys were first found by a team of British divers 9 days after they disappeared into the Tham Luang Nang Non cave complex. When the English divers found them, the boys were meditating. Rescuers discovered the team huddled on an embankment inside the cave after 9 days of extensive searches. The students told the rescuers that coach taught them how to do meditation to preserve the energy in their bodies. The team had gone into the cave after soccer practice on June 23 but were caught inside due to rising flood waters. Also read: Ninth boy rescued from Thai cave, four more remaining The 25-year-old coach, Ekkapol Chantawong but referred to as Coach Ake, was sent to a Buddhist monastery following the death of his parents and brother as a child. Ekapol went to live in a monastery at age 12 after he was orphaned. He is trained to be a monk for 10 years at a monastery in Mae Sai, Thailand. According to sources, the coach told the boy to meditate in the cave, keep calm and preserve their energy during the two-week-long ordeal.

Thailand cave rescue: When first found, boys were meditating

<p>As the Thai Navy SEAL pulled out 4 boys out of the cave on the sixteenth day, officials said they will try to pull everyone out on Tuesday with the monsoon imminent.</p>

<p>In a mammoth effort, the Thai commandos rescued four boys from the&nbsp;Tham Luang&nbsp;cave on Monday afternoon. Four boys were taken out on Sunday in a daring rescue attempt.</p>

<p>"<a href="http://wionews.com/world/fifth-boy-rescued-from-thai-cave-150187">As of now, eight people have left the cave</a>," a rescue official told Reuters.</p>

<p>The junior soccer team "Wild Boars" including the 25-year-old coach have been trapped in the cave since June 23rd while they were trying to escape the rains.</p>

<p>The boys were found by British divers several kilometres inside the cave.</p>

<p>Thirteen foreign divers and five members of Thailand's elite navy SEAL unit make up the main team guiding the boys to safety through narrow, submerged passageways that claimed the life of a former Thai navy diver on Friday.</p>

<p>Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda told reporters the four boys rescued on Sunday were in good health in hospital, the Thai prime minister &nbsp;Prayuth Chan-ocha had visited the site earlier.</p>

<p>Somboon Sompiangjai the father of one of the trapped boys, said parents were told by rescuers ahead of Sunday's operation the "strongest children" would be brought out first.</p>


As of now, eight people have left the cave," a rescue official said.

As the Thai Navy SEAL pulled out 4 boys out of the cave on the sixteenth day, officials said they will try to pull everyone out on Tuesday with the monsoon imminent. In a mammoth effort, the Thai commandos rescued four boys from the Tham Luang cave on Monday afternoon. Four boys were taken out on Sunday in a daring rescue attempt. "As of now, eight people have left the cave," a rescue official told Reuters. The junior soccer team "Wild Boars" including the 25-year-old coach have been trapped in the cave since June 23rd while they were trying to escape the rains. The boys were found by British divers several kilometres inside the cave. Thirteen foreign divers and five members of Thailand's elite navy SEAL unit make up the main team guiding the boys to safety through narrow, submerged passageways that claimed the life of a former Thai navy diver on Friday. Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda told reporters the four boys rescued on Sunday were in good health in hospital, the Thai prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha had visited the site earlier. Somboon Sompiangjai the father of one of the trapped boys, said parents were told by rescuers ahead of Sunday's operation the "strongest children" would be brought out first.

Thai commandos to pull out remaining boys from cave on Tuesday

<p>In his first ever trip to India, South Korean president Moon Jae-In will be visiting India between July 8 and 11.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both the countries will be holding dialogues on a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues. The President will be accompanied by a large delegation including his wife.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the main engagement with Modi government in Delhi will by July 10, the Indian PM and South Korean president will visit Gandhi Smriti and Samsung plant in Noida. Indian PM Modi had visited South Korea in May 2015.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The visit is expected to open new avenues of partnership, particularly in the economic domain. Korean brands like Samsung, Hyundai, LG are household names in India. They are contributor and partner of Indian govt's flagship programmes like digital India, Skill India, Make in India. The bilateral trade between the two countries passed $20 billion in 2017. &nbsp;</p>

<p>But the long shadow of North Korean Denuclearization, US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and India's engagement with North Korea will be on top of the mind of South Korean President Moon-Jae In and Indian PM Narendra Modi. Speaking exclusively to WION, Deputy Foreign Minister of South Korea Enna Park welcomed India-North Korea engagement and said India can play an influential role.</p>

<p><strong>North Korea Issue</strong></p>

<p>Recently India had sent junior minister in its foreign ministry, Gen VK Singh to North Korea. This was the first Ministerial-level visit from India to DPRK after a gap of almost 20 years. South Korean Ambassador to India Amb. Shin Bongkil has welcomed India's engagement with North Korea saying India can help the reclusive country to "come out" and its presence is important in Pyongyang. When it comes to North Korea, New Delhi has always highlighted the threat from nuclear proliferation, in particular, India’s concerns in the context of the proliferation linkages with India’s neighbourhood. The Islamabad-Pyongyang link has been troubling for India especially on Nuclear Front, after all, AQ Khan's nuclear black market is Islamabad's worst kept secret.</p>

<p>India and South Korea have a special strategic partnership. Relationship with Korea is a logical extension of Act East policy. South Korea has a new southern strategy. Ther is a convergence and the convergence is especially important when the global political order is changing fast.</p>


While the main engagement with Modi government in Delhi will by July 10, the Indian PM and South Korean president will visit Gandhi Smriti and Samsung plant in Noida. Indian PM Modi had visited South Korea in May 2015.

In his first ever trip to India, South Korean president Moon Jae-In will be visiting India between July 8 and 11. Both the countries will be holding dialogues on a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues. The President will be accompanied by a large delegation including his wife. While the main engagement with Modi government in Delhi will by July 10, the Indian PM and South Korean president will visit Gandhi Smriti and Samsung plant in Noida. Indian PM Modi had visited South Korea in May 2015. The visit is expected to open new avenues of partnership, particularly in the economic domain. Korean brands like Samsung, Hyundai, LG are household names in India. They are contributor and partner of Indian govt's flagship programmes like digital India, Skill India, Make in India. The bilateral trade between the two countries passed $20 billion in 2017. But the long shadow of North Korean Denuclearization, US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and India's engagement with North Korea will be on top of the mind of South Korean President Moon-Jae In and Indian PM Narendra Modi. Speaking exclusively to WION, Deputy Foreign Minister of South Korea Enna Park welcomed India-North Korea engagement and said India can play an influential role. North Korea Issue Recently India had sent junior minister in its foreign ministry, Gen VK Singh to North Korea. This was the first Ministerial-level visit from India to DPRK after a gap of almost 20 years. South Korean Ambassador to India Amb. Shin Bongkil has welcomed India's engagement with North Korea saying India can help the reclusive country to "come out" and its presence is important in Pyongyang. When it comes to North Korea, New Delhi has always highlighted the threat from nuclear proliferation, in particular, India’s concerns in the context of the proliferation linkages with India’s neighbourhood. The Islamabad-Pyongyang link has been troubling for India especially on Nuclear Front, after all, AQ Khan's nuclear black market is Islamabad's worst kept secret. India and South Korea have a special strategic partnership. Relationship with Korea is a logical extension of Act East policy. South Korea has a new southern strategy. Ther is a convergence and the convergence is especially important when the global political order is changing fast.

South Korea's Moon Jae-In's visit to India to cement bilateral ties between two nations

<p>In an unprecedented show of support and solidarity, Afghan President <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/delhi-afghan-diplomats-reach-out-to-sikhs-protesting-jalalabad-terror-attack-148806">Mohammad Ashraf Ghani today</a> reached out the Sikh community in the country.</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-attack-on-sikhs-hindus-in-jalalabad-148598">Read:&nbsp;Islamic State claims responsibility for </a><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-attack-on-sikhs-hindus-in-jalalabad-148598">attack</a><a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-attack-on-sikhs-hindus-in-jalalabad-148598"> on Sikhs, Hindus in Jalalabad</a></p>

<p>On Wednesday night, the Afghan president visited a Gurudwara in Kart-e-Parwan area of Kabul and offered his condolences to the Afghan Sikh community.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes following the deadly terror attack on the community in Jalalabad on Sunday that killed many Sikhs including Avtar Singh. Avtar Singh was the only Sikh candidate in the upcoming polls in Afghanistan. The country goes to elections on October 20th.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Calling incident unfortunate, the Afghan president assured his govt will punish all the perpetrators. Narinder Singh, son of Avtar Singh was named as representative of Afghan Sikh and Hindu community.</p>

<p>But it's not only the Afghan President but other members of Afghanistan's political system have been&nbsp;supporting the Sikh and the Hindu community.</p>

<p>Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, CEO Abdullah Abdullah and Afghan ambassador to Delhi, Shaida Mohammad Abdali went to various Gurudwaras to pay their homage.</p>

<p>The Afghan ambassador&nbsp;had gone to a Gurudwara in Delhi earlier where&nbsp;a lot of Afghan Sikhs live. The Afghan civil society and journalists have also come out and condemned the attack.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, Sikhs protested against the Jalalabad massacre in Delhi. It was then Afghan diplomats came out and met the protestors and assured them of all possible help. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Afghan Sikhs and Sikhs world over are in a state of shock since the terror attack took place.</p>

<p>The Delhi Gurudwara committee and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee have announced RS 1 lakh each for the next of the kin of the victims. Sikh community leaders also met foreign minister Sushma Swaraj who assured them of all possible help.</p>

<p>On Sunday, Islamic State(IS) suicide bomber attacked a group of Sikhs and Hindus who were set to meet the Afghan president in Jalalabad. The attacker was in a convoy which blew up close to where the Sikhs and Hindus were present resulting in multiple casualties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At least 17 Sikhs were among those killed in the suicide attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the death of Sikh politician Avtar Singh Khalsa, Abdali had said he was a "patriotic Afghan", asserting that Afghan Sikh & Hindus were "more patriotic than common Afghans".</p>


At least 17 Sikhs were among those killed in the suicide attack.

In an unprecedented show of support and solidarity, Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani today reached out the Sikh community in the country. Read: Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on Sikhs, Hindus in Jalalabad On Wednesday night, the Afghan president visited a Gurudwara in Kart-e-Parwan area of Kabul and offered his condolences to the Afghan Sikh community. This comes following the deadly terror attack on the community in Jalalabad on Sunday that killed many Sikhs including Avtar Singh. Avtar Singh was the only Sikh candidate in the upcoming polls in Afghanistan. The country goes to elections on October 20th. Calling incident unfortunate, the Afghan president assured his govt will punish all the perpetrators. Narinder Singh, son of Avtar Singh was named as representative of Afghan Sikh and Hindu community. But it's not only the Afghan President but other members of Afghanistan's political system have been supporting the Sikh and the Hindu community. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, CEO Abdullah Abdullah and Afghan ambassador to Delhi, Shaida Mohammad Abdali went to various Gurudwaras to pay their homage. The Afghan ambassador had gone to a Gurudwara in Delhi earlier where a lot of Afghan Sikhs live. The Afghan civil society and journalists have also come out and condemned the attack. Earlier this week, Sikhs protested against the Jalalabad massacre in Delhi. It was then Afghan diplomats came out and met the protestors and assured them of all possible help. Afghan Sikhs and Sikhs world over are in a state of shock since the terror attack took place. The Delhi Gurudwara committee and Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee have announced RS 1 lakh each for the next of the kin of the victims. Sikh community leaders also met foreign minister Sushma Swaraj who assured them of all possible help. On Sunday, Islamic State(IS) suicide bomber attacked a group of Sikhs and Hindus who were set to meet the Afghan president in Jalalabad. The attacker was in a convoy which blew up close to where the Sikhs and Hindus were present resulting in multiple casualties. At least 17 Sikhs were among those killed in the suicide attack. On the death of Sikh politician Avtar Singh Khalsa, Abdali had said he was a "patriotic Afghan", asserting that Afghan Sikh & Hindus were "more patriotic than common Afghans".

Afghan president Ashraf Ghani visits gurudwara to pay homage to Jalalabad attack victims

<p>With the US government eager to stop countries from engaging with Iran, Indian government sources have told WION that top officials have been engaging with the US administration over the issue.</p>

<p>The government sources have said New Delhi will act in "national interest". The Commerce Ministry will send a delegation shortly to the US for talks over trade with Iran, sources said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Trump administration had pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal last month and had told other countries not to trade with Iran on oil, asserting "zero tolerance" on countries who traded with the Rohani government in an attempt to shut out Iran.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India had earlier conveyed to Iran it will read the sanctions but had made no "categorical assurance" that it would act. Iran is India's third-biggest oil importer.</p>

<p>US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley during her three-day visit to India last week had conveyed to Indian government officials that the US thinks of "Iran as&nbsp;the next North Korea". Haley had told the Indian government that despite sanctions Iran continued to violate UN resoultions.</p>

<p>Haley reportedly told the Indian government to "rethink" its ties with Iran.</p>

<p>India and Iran have been cooperating on bringing up the strategically important Chabahar port which is due to open next year. Indian government sources said US "understands" India's concerns on Chabahar. The port allows India a foothold in Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan and a key trade route to West Asia.</p>

<p>The Indian government sources confirmed to WION that 2+2 dialogue between Indian and the US was postponed due to US secretary of state Pompeo's current engagement with North Korea and not for any other reason..</p>


Indian government sources have told WION that top officials have been engaging with the US administration over the issue.

With the US government eager to stop countries from engaging with Iran, Indian government sources have told WION that top officials have been engaging with the US administration over the issue. The government sources have said New Delhi will act in "national interest". The Commerce Ministry will send a delegation shortly to the US for talks over trade with Iran, sources said. The Trump administration had pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal last month and had told other countries not to trade with Iran on oil, asserting "zero tolerance" on countries who traded with the Rohani government in an attempt to shut out Iran. India had earlier conveyed to Iran it will read the sanctions but had made no "categorical assurance" that it would act. Iran is India's third-biggest oil importer. US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley during her three-day visit to India last week had conveyed to Indian government officials that the US thinks of "Iran as the next North Korea". Haley had told the Indian government that despite sanctions Iran continued to violate UN resoultions. Haley reportedly told the Indian government to "rethink" its ties with Iran. India and Iran have been cooperating on bringing up the strategically important Chabahar port which is due to open next year. Indian government sources said US "understands" India's concerns on Chabahar. The port allows India a foothold in Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan and a key trade route to West Asia. The Indian government sources confirmed to WION that 2+2 dialogue between Indian and the US was postponed due to US secretary of state Pompeo's current engagement with North Korea and not for any other reason..

India to act in 'national interest' as Iran-US tussle intensifies, government sources to WION

<p>In consonance with the vision of the Prime Minister <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-xis-chai-pe-charcha-on-wuhan-lake-133368">Narendra Modi and the Chinese President Xi</a> Jinping during the Wuhan summit, where both leaders reaffirmed the need to strengthen bilateral ties, a high-level Chinese Army delegation led by Lt Gen Liu Xiaowu, Deputy Commander of Western Theatre Command arrived in Sukna, West Bengal today.&nbsp</p>

<p><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/post-wuhan-india-china-decide-to-set-up-militaryhotline-report-134118">Also Read: Post-Wuhan, India, China </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/post-wuhan-india-china-decide-to-set-up-militaryhotline-report-134118">decide</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/post-wuhan-india-china-decide-to-set-up-militaryhotline-report-134118"> to set up military 'hotline'</a>&nbsp</p>

<p>This visit is seen as a major initiative to strengthen the relationship between the militaries of the two nations.&nbsp</p>

<p>The delegation comprising ten senior military officials from China will interact with their military counterparts at HQ 33 Corps. The delegation, before arriving at Sukna, visited Delhi and Agra.&nbsp</p>

<p>India and China had endorsed the need to resume military ties when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Chinese President Xi Jinping for an "informal summit" at Wuhan in China in April this year.&nbsp</p>

<p>The visit by the military delegation to local military headquarters is a significant step forward towards increasing interactions at military commander's level and implementation of various agreements to maintain peace and tranquility on the border.</p>

<p>During their stay at Sukna, the visiting dignitaries will hold delegation-level talks, besides interaction at various levels for better understanding of each other and exchange of ideas. &nbsp</p>

<p>The Indian delegation will be led by Lt Gen Pradeep M Bali, GOC Trishakti Corps. &nbspThe delegation-level talks will be followed by a cultural programme showcasing Indian traditional dances and a banquet in the honour of visiting delegation.&nbsp</p>

<p>The PLA delegation will depart on July, 5th for their onward visit to Kolkata.</p>


This visit is seen as a major initiative to strengthen the relationship between the militaries of the two nations.

In consonance with the vision of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Wuhan summit, where both leaders reaffirmed the need to strengthen bilateral ties, a high-level Chinese Army delegation led by Lt Gen Liu Xiaowu, Deputy Commander of Western Theatre Command arrived in Sukna, West Bengal today. Also Read: Post-Wuhan, India, China decide to set up military 'hotline' This visit is seen as a major initiative to strengthen the relationship between the militaries of the two nations. The delegation comprising ten senior military officials from China will interact with their military counterparts at HQ 33 Corps. The delegation, before arriving at Sukna, visited Delhi and Agra. India and China had endorsed the need to resume military ties when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Chinese President Xi Jinping for an "informal summit" at Wuhan in China in April this year. The visit by the military delegation to local military headquarters is a significant step forward towards increasing interactions at military commander's level and implementation of various agreements to maintain peace and tranquility on the border. During their stay at Sukna, the visiting dignitaries will hold delegation-level talks, besides interaction at various levels for better understanding of each other and exchange of ideas. The Indian delegation will be led by Lt Gen Pradeep M Bali, GOC Trishakti Corps. &nbspThe delegation-level talks will be followed by a cultural programme showcasing Indian traditional dances and a banquet in the honour of visiting delegation. The PLA delegation will depart on July, 5th for their onward visit to Kolkata.

As Xi-Modi talk peace, Chinese Army delegation arrives in West Bengal

<p>A friend in need is a friend indeed. India has offered to help in the&nbsp;rescue of the boys stranded in a cave in Thailand's Chiang Rai province.</p>

<p>The 12 boys and their football coach, in a story&nbsp;that has gripped the world, were found after a nine-day search.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The boys and their&nbsp;coach, who found themselves stuck in the cave because of monsoon rains, have not yet been rescued. They are still in the cave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And they may be stuck there for as much as another four months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a letter accessed by WION, India said, "Would be ready to offer technical expertise in the ongoing rescue of the young footballers and their coach, through an Indian company, Messr&nbsp;Kirloskar Brothers Limited which has a subsidiary in Thailand". The letter was later tweeted by the Thai Ambassador to India Sam Chutintorn who thanked India for its generous help.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">थाईलैंड की एक गुफ़ा में नौ दिन लापता रहे 12 लड़के और उनके फ़ुटबॉल कोच को तलाश लिया गया है। अब चुनौती इन सभी को सुरक्षित बाहर निकालने की है। <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCHindi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCHindi</a> <a href="https://t.co/ModmLGUggf">https://t.co/ModmLGUggf</a></p>
— Bhagwant Bishnoi (@AmbBishnoi) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbBishnoi/status/1013858286280400897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In an exclusive conversation with WION, India's high commissioner to Thailand&nbsp;Bhagwant Bishnoi said India is ready to do whatever is need to help and that the people of India are one with the people of Thailand.</p>

<p>Kirloskar has worked with the govt of Thailand in projects such as Bangkok Metropolitan Admin--Khlong Bang Sue Drainage Project, and Vertical Mixed flow for flood water and raw water transfer with the department of water resources--Bung Borapet, Nakorn Sawan.&nbsp;The company was also involved in pumping out water during floods in Bangkok in the year 2011.</p>

<p>India’s kind offer has already been conveyed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Thai Ministry of Interior. The Thai government will write to thank all governments/entities that have generously offered such assistance/cooperation.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you Ambassador Bishnoi. Thank you India. <a href="https://t.co/udTmpUYebb">pic.twitter.com/udTmpUYebb</a></p>
— Ambassador Sam (@Chutintorn_Sam) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chutintorn_Sam/status/1013961350341677056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>12 Thai boys and their football coach were recently found. They had gone missing in a cave. The boys are still to be rescued and taken out of the cave. It is a story that has gripped the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India and Thailand, located in each other’s extended neighbourhood, share a maritime&nbsp;boundary in the Andaman Sea.&nbsp;On November 10, 2016, Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi visited Bangkok to pay his&nbsp;tributes to the departed King of Thailand, HRH Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Indian offer can be seen as a part of increasingly proactive diplomacy by India. India has&nbsp;been trying to engage with East Asia as part of Act east policy. A policy that aims to increase bilateral and multilateral ties with Asean and rest of East Asia.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India offers help to rescue boys stranded in a cave in Thailand. India's amb to Thailand <a href="https://twitter.com/AmbBishnoi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmbBishnoi</a> says people of India are one with the people of thailand. I report. <a href="https://t.co/xlQ6oWepIy">https://t.co/xlQ6oWepIy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainThailand?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainThailand</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Chutintorn_Sam?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Chutintorn_Sam</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1014455322189103104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The 12 boys and their football coach were found after a nine-day search. The boys — who found themselves stuck because of monsoon rains — may be stuck in the cave for as much as another four months

A friend in need is a friend indeed. India has offered to help in the rescue of the boys stranded in a cave in Thailand's Chiang Rai province. The 12 boys and their football coach, in a story that has gripped the world, were found after a nine-day search. The boys and their coach, who found themselves stuck in the cave because of monsoon rains, have not yet been rescued. They are still in the cave. And they may be stuck there for as much as another four months. In a letter accessed by WION, India said, "Would be ready to offer technical expertise in the ongoing rescue of the young footballers and their coach, through an Indian company, Messr Kirloskar Brothers Limited which has a subsidiary in Thailand". The letter was later tweeted by the Thai Ambassador to India Sam Chutintorn who thanked India for its generous help. थाईलैंड की एक गुफ़ा में नौ दिन लापता रहे 12 लड़के और उनके फ़ुटबॉल कोच को तलाश लिया गया है। अब चुनौती इन सभी को सुरक्षित बाहर निकालने की है। @BBCHindi https://t.co/ModmLGUggf — Bhagwant Bishnoi (@AmbBishnoi) July 2, 2018 × In an exclusive conversation with WION, India's high commissioner to Thailand Bhagwant Bishnoi said India is ready to do whatever is need to help and that the people of India are one with the people of Thailand. Kirloskar has worked with the govt of Thailand in projects such as Bangkok Metropolitan Admin--Khlong Bang Sue Drainage Project, and Vertical Mixed flow for flood water and raw water transfer with the department of water resources--Bung Borapet, Nakorn Sawan. The company was also involved in pumping out water during floods in Bangkok in the year 2011. India’s kind offer has already been conveyed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Thai Ministry of Interior. The Thai government will write to thank all governments/entities that have generously offered such assistance/cooperation. Thank you Ambassador Bishnoi. Thank you India. pic.twitter.com/udTmpUYebb — Ambassador Sam (@Chutintorn_Sam) July 3, 2018 × 12 Thai boys and their football coach were recently found. They had gone missing in a cave. The boys are still to be rescued and taken out of the cave. It is a story that has gripped the world. India and Thailand, located in each other’s extended neighbourhood, share a maritime boundary in the Andaman Sea. On November 10, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bangkok to pay his tributes to the departed King of Thailand, HRH Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Indian offer can be seen as a part of increasingly proactive diplomacy by India. India has been trying to engage with East Asia as part of Act east policy. A policy that aims to increase bilateral and multilateral ties with Asean and rest of East Asia. India offers help to rescue boys stranded in a cave in Thailand. India's amb to Thailand @AmbBishnoi says people of India are one with the people of thailand. I report. https://t.co/xlQ6oWepIy @IndiainThailand @Chutintorn_Sam — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 4, 2018 ×

India offers to help rescue Thai boys stuck in cave

<p>As top <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/as-xi-modi-talk-peace-chinese-army-delegation-arrives-in-west-bengal-148878">Chinese Army officials visit West Bengal</a> today, Indian government sources&nbsp;have told WION that they are set to&nbsp;have a&nbsp; maritime dialogue with China.</p>

<p>The country's defence minister Wei Fenghe is set to visit India soon. The dates for Wei Fenghe's visit are yet to be decided, officials said.</p>

<p>Indian government officials have said not just China, India may soon also have a&nbsp;maritime dialogue with Russia. In order to smoothen ties with China, the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has issued a license to Bank of China to open a branch in Mumbai, the sources revealed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have not been critical of Chinese posture. We just want rule-based order in the Indian Ocean," sources told WION.</p>

<p>On Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui comments on "trilateral dialogue" between India, Pakistan and China to resolve bilateral issues, the officials said the Zhaohui statement was made in personal capacity.</p>

<p>India does not want "intervention of any third party", the officials added.</p>


China's defence minister Wei Fenghe is set to visit India soon

As top Chinese Army officials visit West Bengal today, Indian government sources have told WION that they are set to have a maritime dialogue with China. The country's defence minister Wei Fenghe is set to visit India soon. The dates for Wei Fenghe's visit are yet to be decided, officials said. Indian government officials have said not just China, India may soon also have a maritime dialogue with Russia. In order to smoothen ties with China, the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has issued a license to Bank of China to open a branch in Mumbai, the sources revealed. "We have not been critical of Chinese posture. We just want rule-based order in the Indian Ocean," sources told WION. On Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui comments on "trilateral dialogue" between India, Pakistan and China to resolve bilateral issues, the officials said the Zhaohui statement was made in personal capacity. India does not want "intervention of any third party", the officials added.

India to have 'maritime dialogue' with China, Russia: Government sources to WION

<p>In an unprecedented show of solidarity, Afghan diplomats today joined protesting Sikhs in India's capital Delhi. Delhi's Sikhs and a number of Afghan Sikhs had been protesting against the Jalalabad terror attack in Delhi's diplomatic area.</p>

<p>The protesters had wanted to march to the Afghan embassy and protest in front of it but were stopped midway. It was then that the Afghan diplomats walked out to meet the protersters and calm them down.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The diplomats assured the protesters of support and discussed the terror challenge Afghanistan is facing.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Unprecedented show of solidarity! Afghan embassy officials reach out to protesting sikhs in Delhi meet the protestors, assure them all support <a href="https://t.co/cE4IkXx2h1">pic.twitter.com/cE4IkXx2h1</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1014081870399791104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The protesting Sikhs had been carrying placards which said "Sikhs have always helped people in distress without discrimination. Is this how you repay them", and waving back flags.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Security was also tight in the area but despite the protests, the Sikhs made certain the public did not suffer. All litter was removed and a langar was organised after the protest.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sikh protest in delhi against killings in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jalalabad?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jalalabad</a> <a href="https://t.co/v901XDlor1">pic.twitter.com/v901XDlor1</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1014036021128957952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>A palpable anger can be felt in Delhi's Sikh community. Ardas or prayers have been held in memory of the Jalalabad terror attack victims.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ardas being done in a Delhi Afghan Sikh Gurudwara for the Sikhs martyred in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jalalabad?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jalalabad</a> terror attack. <a href="https://t.co/eVQ8h0Lhl2">pic.twitter.com/eVQ8h0Lhl2</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1013787610442027010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee have announced Rs 1 lakh rupees each in compensation to the victims' next of kin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met the relatives of the Sikhs killed in the Jalalabad attack on Monday and assured them all help. India's High Commissioner to Pakistan AJay Bisaria and India's HIgh Commissioner to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar were both present at the meet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned the attack.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We strongly condemn the terror attacks in Afghanistan yesterday. They are an attack on Afghanistan's multicultural fabric. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon. India stands ready to assist the Afghanistan government in this sad hour.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1013610293514170369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>A massive terror attack in Afghanistan's eastern city of Jalalabad killed 13 Afghan Sikhs on Sunday. The dead included Avtar Singh, the man who was to represent the minority Sikh and Hindu community in Afghanistan's parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The terror attack wiped out Afghanistan's Sikh political leadership. Afghanistan goes to the polls on October 20.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Monday, in an exclusive conversation with WION, Afghanistan's ambassador to India Shaida Abdali lauded Avtar Singh, calling him a true patriot. Abdali said that the attack was a blow to Afghanistan's diversity.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Afghanistan's ambassador to India <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaidaAbdali?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShaidaAbdali</a> spoke exclusively to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WION?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WION</a>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sidhant</a> on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JalalabadAttack?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JalalabadAttack</a> saying the attack was very "tragic". <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbKabul?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianEmbKabul</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianConsHerat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianConsHerat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AfghanistanInIN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AfghanistanInIN</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ashrafghani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashrafghani</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> <a href="https://t.co/mKjt7Hpu1u">pic.twitter.com/mKjt7Hpu1u</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1013724633202229250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Avtar Singh had been in touch with WION and was to give us an interview ahead of the Afghan elections. His last words to me were "(I am) standing on behalf of all Sikh and Hindu community who lives in Afghanistan. Minorities are in bad conditions. We haven't got any help from anyone. We want to ask our rights from the government."</p>

<p>The local Muslim community has joined in the grieving. The governor of Nangarhar province met members of the Sikh community in Jalalabad. He offered condolences from President Ghani.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nangarhar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nangarhar</a> governor met Sikh community members in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jalalabad?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jalalabad</a> and offered condolence from Pres <a href="https://twitter.com/ashrafghani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashrafghani</a> and the government. <a href="https://t.co/aqNALTxqlZ">pic.twitter.com/aqNALTxqlZ</a></p>
— Pajhwok Afghan News (@pajhwok) <a href="https://twitter.com/pajhwok/status/1014002836231815168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Only recently, a delegation of Afghan Sikhs led by Avtar Singh had India's ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar to discuss the issues the community was facing.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I took this photograph about 2 weeks back and little did I know that such fine people would leave us soon.Saddened, heartbroken and gutted at the loss of such fine people from the Afghan Sikh & Hindu Community in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jalalabad?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jalalabad</a> today. <a href="https://t.co/CTEdKhfRru">pic.twitter.com/CTEdKhfRru</a></p>
— Vasudev Ravi (@vasudev_ravi) <a href="https://twitter.com/vasudev_ravi/status/1013488872217567233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ever since the terror attack, both Afghanistan and India have been pointing fingers at Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Afghan ambassador in Delhi said the terror attacks came from across the border. In a strongly-worded statement, the Indian mission in Kabul said "the attack again underlines the need for a united global fight against international terrorism without discrimination and accountability of those who support terrorists in any manner".</p>

<p>The situation in Afghanisatn remains precarious for minority Sikhs and Hindus. Once a thriving community, their population has declined to just 1,000. Many have returned to India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India has become a home away from home. But a love for Afghanistan remains, as does a flicker of hope that stability will return one day to the land which once was home.</p>


The attack wiped out Afghanistan's Sikh political leadership. Thirteen Sikhs and a total of 19 people were killed in the attack

In an unprecedented show of solidarity, Afghan diplomats today joined protesting Sikhs in India's capital Delhi. Delhi's Sikhs and a number of Afghan Sikhs had been protesting against the Jalalabad terror attack in Delhi's diplomatic area. The protesters had wanted to march to the Afghan embassy and protest in front of it but were stopped midway. It was then that the Afghan diplomats walked out to meet the protersters and calm them down. The diplomats assured the protesters of support and discussed the terror challenge Afghanistan is facing. Unprecedented show of solidarity! Afghan embassy officials reach out to protesting sikhs in Delhi meet the protestors, assure them all support pic.twitter.com/cE4IkXx2h1 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 3, 2018 × The protesting Sikhs had been carrying placards which said "Sikhs have always helped people in distress without discrimination. Is this how you repay them", and waving back flags. Security was also tight in the area but despite the protests, the Sikhs made certain the public did not suffer. All litter was removed and a langar was organised after the protest. Sikh protest in delhi against killings in #Jalalabad pic.twitter.com/v901XDlor1 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 3, 2018 × A palpable anger can be felt in Delhi's Sikh community. Ardas or prayers have been held in memory of the Jalalabad terror attack victims. Ardas being done in a Delhi Afghan Sikh Gurudwara for the Sikhs martyred in the #Jalalabad terror attack. pic.twitter.com/eVQ8h0Lhl2 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 2, 2018 × The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee have announced Rs 1 lakh rupees each in compensation to the victims' next of kin. India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met the relatives of the Sikhs killed in the Jalalabad attack on Monday and assured them all help. India's High Commissioner to Pakistan AJay Bisaria and India's HIgh Commissioner to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar were both present at the meet. Both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned the attack. We strongly condemn the terror attacks in Afghanistan yesterday. They are an attack on Afghanistan's multicultural fabric. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon. India stands ready to assist the Afghanistan government in this sad hour. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 2, 2018 × A massive terror attack in Afghanistan's eastern city of Jalalabad killed 13 Afghan Sikhs on Sunday. The dead included Avtar Singh, the man who was to represent the minority Sikh and Hindu community in Afghanistan's parliament. The terror attack wiped out Afghanistan's Sikh political leadership. Afghanistan goes to the polls on October 20. On Monday, in an exclusive conversation with WION, Afghanistan's ambassador to India Shaida Abdali lauded Avtar Singh, calling him a true patriot. Abdali said that the attack was a blow to Afghanistan's diversity. Afghanistan's ambassador to India @ShaidaAbdali spoke exclusively to #WION's @sidhant on the #JalalabadAttack saying the attack was very "tragic". @IndianEmbKabul @IndianConsHerat @AfghanistanInIN @ashrafghani @PMOIndia @MEAIndia @SushmaSwaraj pic.twitter.com/mKjt7Hpu1u — WION (@WIONews) July 2, 2018 × Avtar Singh had been in touch with WION and was to give us an interview ahead of the Afghan elections. His last words to me were "(I am) standing on behalf of all Sikh and Hindu community who lives in Afghanistan. Minorities are in bad conditions. We haven't got any help from anyone. We want to ask our rights from the government." The local Muslim community has joined in the grieving. The governor of Nangarhar province met members of the Sikh community in Jalalabad. He offered condolences from President Ghani. #Nangarhar governor met Sikh community members in #Jalalabad and offered condolence from Pres @ashrafghani and the government. pic.twitter.com/aqNALTxqlZ — Pajhwok Afghan News (@pajhwok) July 3, 2018 × Only recently, a delegation of Afghan Sikhs led by Avtar Singh had India's ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar to discuss the issues the community was facing. I took this photograph about 2 weeks back and little did I know that such fine people would leave us soon.Saddened, heartbroken and gutted at the loss of such fine people from the Afghan Sikh & Hindu Community in #Jalalabad today. pic.twitter.com/CTEdKhfRru — Vasudev Ravi (@vasudev_ravi) July 1, 2018 × Ever since the terror attack, both Afghanistan and India have been pointing fingers at Pakistan. The Afghan ambassador in Delhi said the terror attacks came from across the border. In a strongly-worded statement, the Indian mission in Kabul said "the attack again underlines the need for a united global fight against international terrorism without discrimination and accountability of those who support terrorists in any manner". The situation in Afghanisatn remains precarious for minority Sikhs and Hindus. Once a thriving community, their population has declined to just 1,000. Many have returned to India. India has become a home away from home. But a love for Afghanistan remains, as does a flicker of hope that stability will return one day to the land which once was home.

Delhi: Afghan diplomats reach out to Sikhs protesting Jalalabad terror attack

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Siddhant Sibal

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