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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-tensions-at-the-border-india-summons-pakistan-deputy-high-commissioner-200067">Amid tensions at the border, India summons Pakistan deputy High Commissioner</a>

India on Wednesday summoned Pakistan's deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah after Pakistan Air Force jets entered Indian airspace in Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir, a day after the Indian Air Force(IAF) carried out air strikes in Balakot across the Line of Control(LoC).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-meets-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-in-hanoi-as-second-summit-begins-200070">Trump meets North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Hanoi as </a><a class="gr-progress" href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-meets-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-in-hanoi-as-second-summit-begins-200070">second</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-meets-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-in-hanoi-as-second-summit-begins-200070"> summit begins</a>

US President Trump and North Korea leader Kim Jong-un opened the&nbsp;second summit&nbsp;in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi on Wednesday. Kim and Trump shook hands and smiled briefly in front of a row of their countries' flags at the Metropole hotel in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/if-india-wants-talks-on-terrorism-we-are-ready-pakistan-pm-imran-in-address-to-the-nation-200057">If India wants talks on terrorism, we are ready: Pakistan PM Imran in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/if-india-wants-talks-on-terrorism-we-are-ready-pakistan-pm-imran-in-address-to-the-nation-200057">address</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/if-india-wants-talks-on-terrorism-we-are-ready-pakistan-pm-imran-in-address-to-the-nation-200057"> to the nation</a>

A day after Indian Air Force carried out air strikes&nbsp;across the Line of Control(LoC), Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in a televised address to the nation said that "if a war happens it won't be in my&nbsp;control nor in PM Modi's control."&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/shot-down-one-pakistan-air-force-plane-1-mig-21-aircraft-lost-pilot-missing-in-action-india-200042">Shot down one Pakistan Air Force plane; 1 MiG-21 aircraft lost, pilot 'Missing in Action': Ministry of External Affairs</a>

External affairs ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said&nbsp;Indian forces shot down one aircraft&nbsp;belonging to the Pakistan Air Force(PAF) as it sought to target Indian installations. The spokesman added that&nbsp;India&nbsp;lost one MiG-21 aircraft today and the pilot is missing in action.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-indian-air-strike-destroys-jem-terror-camps-in-pakistan-200014">Live: Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah reaches South Block</a>

Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan was summoned this afternoon by MEA to lodge a strong protest at the unprovoked act of aggression by Pakistan against India earlier today, including violation of the Indian air space by Pakistan Air Force &amp; &nbsp;targeting of Indian military posts.

&nbsp;

Amid tensions at the border, India summons Pakistan deputy High Commissioner India on Wednesday summoned Pakistan's deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah after Pakistan Air Force jets entered Indian airspace in Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir, a day after the Indian Air Force(IAF) carried out air strikes in Balakot across the Line of Control(LoC).

Amid tensions at the border, India summons Pakistan deputy High Commissioner India on Wednesday summoned Pakistan's deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah after Pakistan Air Force jets entered Indian airspace in Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir, a day after the Indian Air Force(IAF) carried out air strikes in Balakot across the Line of Control(LoC). Trump meets North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Hanoi as second summit begins US President Trump and North Korea leader Kim Jong-un opened the second summit in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi on Wednesday. Kim and Trump shook hands and smiled briefly in front of a row of their countries' flags at the Metropole hotel in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi. If India wants talks on terrorism, we are ready: Pakistan PM Imran in address to the nation A day after Indian Air Force carried out air strikes across the Line of Control(LoC), Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in a televised address to the nation said that "if a war happens it won't be in my control nor in PM Modi's control." Shot down one Pakistan Air Force plane; 1 MiG-21 aircraft lost, pilot 'Missing in Action': Ministry of External Affairs External affairs ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said Indian forces shot down one aircraft belonging to the Pakistan Air Force(PAF) as it sought to target Indian installations. The spokesman added that India lost one MiG-21 aircraft today and the pilot is missing in action. Live: Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah reaches South Block Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan was summoned this afternoon by MEA to lodge a strong protest at the unprovoked act of aggression by Pakistan against India earlier today, including violation of the Indian air space by Pakistan Air Force & targeting of Indian military posts.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Supreme Court Wednesday directed the CBI Director to file an affidavit giving details about the alleged contempt committed by West Bengal police and the then Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar in connection with Saradha chit fund scam cases.&nbsp;

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna asked the CBI Director to provide information in support of the allegations of tampering and destruction of call data records by Kumar who was then heading the West Bengal SIT.

The bench said the affidavit has to be filed within two weeks and posted the matter for further hearing on March 26. The apex court said the allegations made by the CBI were serious enough and it was the obligation on part of the agency to disclose full details of the alleged contempt committed by the then police commissioner.

The Supreme Court Wednesday directed the CBI Director to file an affidavit giving details about the alleged contempt committed by West Bengal police and the then Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar in connection with Saradha chit fund scam cases.

The Supreme Court Wednesday directed the CBI Director to file an affidavit giving details about the alleged contempt committed by West Bengal police and the then Kolkata police chief Rajeev Kumar in connection with Saradha chit fund scam cases. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna asked the CBI Director to provide information in support of the allegations of tampering and destruction of call data records by Kumar who was then heading the West Bengal SIT. The bench said the affidavit has to be filed within two weeks and posted the matter for further hearing on March 26. The apex court said the allegations made by the CBI were serious enough and it was the obligation on part of the agency to disclose full details of the alleged contempt committed by the then police commissioner.

Saradha chit fund probe: SC directs CBI to file affidavit detailing contempt by Bengal cops

India on Wednesday summoned Pakistan's deputy <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/shot-down-one-pakistan-air-force-plane-1-mig-21-aircraft-lost-pilot-missing-in-action-india-200042">High Commissioner Syed Haider </a>Shah after Pakistan Air Force jets entered Indian airspace in Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir, a day after the Indian Air Force(IAF) carried out air strikes in Balakot across the Line of Control(LoC).

India's external affairs ministry spokesman<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-fighter-planes-enter-indian-airspace-in-jk-pushed-back-by-indian-jets-199993"> Raveesh Kumar at a press conference had</a> informed earlier that an Indian Air Force MiG-21 was lost and the pilot was "missing in action".

Kumar added that Indian forces had shot down an PAF fighter jet earlier on Wednesday morning.

Sources said India was likely to share evidence of Pulwama attack.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ATO9mYlhFRw" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

"Pakistan has responded this morning by using its Air Force to target military installations on the Indian side. Due to our high state of readiness and alertness, Pakistan's attempts were foiled successfully," Kumar &nbsp;said. Report had earlier said India had shot down Pakistan Air Force's F-16 fighter jet in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera sector.

&nbsp;

Indian Air Force Mirage 2000 jets had conducted predawn attack on several Pakistani terror facilities across the LoC in Balakot on Tuesday.

After the attacks, on Wednesday in a televised address to the nation, Pakistan&nbsp;PM Imran Khan said: "I ask India: with the weapons you have and the weapons we have, can we really afford a miscalculation? If this (situation) escalates, it will no longer be in my control or in (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi's."&nbsp;

"Let's sit together and settle this with talks," he added.

Meanwhile, the US firmly asked Pakistan to take "meaningful action" against terrorist groups operating on its soil after India's counter-terrorism action against it and asked the two neighbours to exercise restraint and avoid escalation at any cost.&nbsp;

India on Wednesday summoned Pakistan's deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah after Pakistan Air Force jets entered Indian airspace in Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir, a day after the Indian Air Force(IAF) carried out air strikes in Balakot across the Line of Control(LoC).

India on Wednesday summoned Pakistan's deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah after Pakistan Air Force jets entered Indian airspace in Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir, a day after the Indian Air Force(IAF) carried out air strikes in Balakot across the Line of Control(LoC). India's external affairs ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar at a press conference had informed earlier that an Indian Air Force MiG-21 was lost and the pilot was "missing in action". Kumar added that Indian forces had shot down an PAF fighter jet earlier on Wednesday morning. Sources said India was likely to share evidence of Pulwama attack. "Pakistan has responded this morning by using its Air Force to target military installations on the Indian side. Due to our high state of readiness and alertness, Pakistan's attempts were foiled successfully," Kumar said. Report had earlier said India had shot down Pakistan Air Force's F-16 fighter jet in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera sector. Indian Air Force Mirage 2000 jets had conducted predawn attack on several Pakistani terror facilities across the LoC in Balakot on Tuesday. After the attacks, on Wednesday in a televised address to the nation, Pakistan PM Imran Khan said: "I ask India: with the weapons you have and the weapons we have, can we really afford a miscalculation? If this (situation) escalates, it will no longer be in my control or in (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi's." "Let's sit together and settle this with talks," he added. Meanwhile, the US firmly asked Pakistan to take "meaningful action" against terrorist groups operating on its soil after India's counter-terrorism action against it and asked the two neighbours to exercise restraint and avoid escalation at any cost.

Amid tensions at the border, India summons Pakistan deputy High Commissioner

External affairs ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-fighter-planes-enter-indian-airspace-in-jk-pushed-back-by-indian-jets-199993">Indian forces shot down one aircraft </a>belonging to the Pakistan Air Force(PAF) as it sought to target Indian instillations.

The spokesman added that&nbsp;India&nbsp;lost one MiG-21 aircraft today and the pilot is missing in action.

Raveesh Kumar said yesterday's air strikes was based on "credible inputs".

"Pakistan has responded this morning by using its Air Force to target military installations on the Indian side. Due to our high state of readiness and alertness, Pakistan's attempts were foiled successfully," Kumar said.

He said PAF&nbsp;was detected and the Indian Air Force responded instantly.&nbsp;

"In that aerial engagement, one Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft was shot down by a MiG 21 Bison of the Indian Air Force. The Pakistani aircraft was seen by ground forces falling from the sky on the Pakistan side."&nbsp;

"In this engagement, we have unfortunately lost one MiG 21. The pilot is missing in action. Pakistan has claimed that he is in their custody. We are ascertaining the facts," he said.&nbsp;

ANI news agency had earlier reported that India had shot down Pakistan Air Force's F-16 fighter jet in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera sector.

The fighter jet was one of the three planes which violated Indian airspace and reached Nowshera on Tuesday morning. As tensions escalated, Indian authorities closed airports in Leh, Jammu, Srinagar and Amritsar for civilian traffic. The Pathankot airport was put high alert.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and avoid escalation at any cost.

On Monday, India's Mirage 2000 fighter jets carried out air strikes across the Line of Control(LoC) in Balakot in retaliation against the terror attack on CRPF personnel on February 14th. 
&nbsp;

External affairs ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said Indian forces shot down one aircraft belonging to the Pakistan Air Force(PAF) as it sought to target Indian instillations.

External affairs ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said Indian forces shot down one aircraft belonging to the Pakistan Air Force(PAF) as it sought to target Indian instillations. The spokesman added that India lost one MiG-21 aircraft today and the pilot is missing in action. Raveesh Kumar said yesterday's air strikes was based on "credible inputs". "Pakistan has responded this morning by using its Air Force to target military installations on the Indian side. Due to our high state of readiness and alertness, Pakistan's attempts were foiled successfully," Kumar said. He said PAF was detected and the Indian Air Force responded instantly. "In that aerial engagement, one Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft was shot down by a MiG 21 Bison of the Indian Air Force. The Pakistani aircraft was seen by ground forces falling from the sky on the Pakistan side." "In this engagement, we have unfortunately lost one MiG 21. The pilot is missing in action. Pakistan has claimed that he is in their custody. We are ascertaining the facts," he said. ANI news agency had earlier reported that India had shot down Pakistan Air Force's F-16 fighter jet in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera sector. The fighter jet was one of the three planes which violated Indian airspace and reached Nowshera on Tuesday morning. As tensions escalated, Indian authorities closed airports in Leh, Jammu, Srinagar and Amritsar for civilian traffic. The Pathankot airport was put high alert. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and avoid escalation at any cost. On Monday, India's Mirage 2000 fighter jets carried out air strikes across the Line of Control(LoC) in Balakot in retaliation against the terror attack on CRPF personnel on February 14th.

Shot down one Pakistan Air Force plane; 1 MiG-21 aircraft lost, pilot 'Missing in Action': Ministry of External Affairs

An Indian student has been arrested after being charged with intentionally causing damage to over 50 protected computers owned by a college in New York state capital Albany, officials said on Wednesday.

Vishwanath Akuthota, 26 was arrested on February 22 in North Carolina after being charged with intentionally causing damage to protected computers owned by The College of Saint Rose in Albany, US Attorney Grant Jaquith said.

According to a criminal complaint, on February 14, Akuthota entered numerous locations around the Saint Rose campus and inserted a device into more than 50 computers used by students.&nbsp;

The device, which resembles a normal USB memory stick, sends a rapid series of power surges into a computer's electrical hardware, rendering it inoperable. The damage exceeds $50,000.

Akuthota, an Indian citizen, is residing in the US on a student visa. He appeared in the federal court in Raleigh, North Carolina, where a US Magistrate Judge ordered him detained and transported to the Northern District of New York.

The charge filed against Akuthota carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years.

An Indian student has been arrested after being charged with intentionally causing damage to over 50 protected computers owned by a college in New York state capital Albany, officials said on Wednesday.

An Indian student has been arrested after being charged with intentionally causing damage to over 50 protected computers owned by a college in New York state capital Albany, officials said on Wednesday. Vishwanath Akuthota, 26 was arrested on February 22 in North Carolina after being charged with intentionally causing damage to protected computers owned by The College of Saint Rose in Albany, US Attorney Grant Jaquith said. According to a criminal complaint, on February 14, Akuthota entered numerous locations around the Saint Rose campus and inserted a device into more than 50 computers used by students. The device, which resembles a normal USB memory stick, sends a rapid series of power surges into a computer's electrical hardware, rendering it inoperable. The damage exceeds $50,000. Akuthota, an Indian citizen, is residing in the US on a student visa. He appeared in the federal court in Raleigh, North Carolina, where a US Magistrate Judge ordered him detained and transported to the Northern District of New York. The charge filed against Akuthota carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years.

Indian student charged with using 'USB killer device' to destroy dozens of computers in New York college

The Army and BSF have been put on the highest degree of alertness along the border here after air space violations by the neighbouring country and the night-long heavy firing and shelling by Pakistani troops on forward and civilians areas across the LoC which stopped on Wednesday.

Authorities have ordered temporary closure of educational institutions in a 5-km radius along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri and Poonch districts on Wednesday amid mounting tensions between the two countries, following the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 and an Indian air strike on Jaish-e-Mohammed camp inside Pakistan on Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-fighter-planes-enter-indian-airspace-in-jk-pushed-back-by-indian-jets-199993">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan fighter planes enter Indian airspace in J&amp;K; one reportedly shot down, others drop bombs when pushed back</a>

All residents of the border areas have been asked to remain inside their homes and not venture outside.

"There was night long-heavy firing and mortar shelling along the LoC in most of areas in Jammu, Rajouri and Poonch districts. However there was no firing and shelling from across the border on Wednesday," officials said.

"Army and BSF troops have been put on highest alert along the LoC and International Border (IB) in view of the high degree of tension in wake of air space violations," they said.

According to some reports, panic gripped the residents of border areas and some locals have left their homes and moved to safer areas.

Pakistan on Wednesday said that its jets crossed the Line of Control to undertake strikes in India for "self defence".

Indian officials said Pakistani fighter jets on Wednesday violated Indian air space in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Nowshera sectors but were pushed back by Indian aircraft.

On Tuesday night, the Indian Army destroyed five Pakistani posts along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir in a befitting retaliation to firing from across the border, resulting in a "number of casualties" to Pak troops,&nbsp; 
a defence official had said.

"The Indian Army retaliated for effect and our focused fire resulted in severe destruction to five posts and number of casualties to Pak army (along LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts)," a defence PRO said.

From 6:30 pm Tuesday, the Pakistani Army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by shelling with heavy calibre weaponry along the LoC out of frustration, he said.

The Pakistani troops were also seen firing mortars and missiles from civilian houses, using villagers as human shields.

However, the Indian Army targeted the Pakistani posts away from civilian areas, the PRO said, adding that this resulted in a "number of casualties" to Pak troopers.

In exchange of fire, five soldiers of the Indian Army suffered minor injuries, out of which two of them were shifted to a military hospital for medical treatment. They are stable.

The Army and BSF have been put on the highest degree of alertness along the border here after air space violations by the neighbouring country and the night-long heavy firing and shelling by Pakistani troops on forward and civilians areas across the LoC which stopped on Wednesday.

The Army and BSF have been put on the highest degree of alertness along the border here after air space violations by the neighbouring country and the night-long heavy firing and shelling by Pakistani troops on forward and civilians areas across the LoC which stopped on Wednesday. Authorities have ordered temporary closure of educational institutions in a 5-km radius along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri and Poonch districts on Wednesday amid mounting tensions between the two countries, following the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 and an Indian air strike on Jaish-e-Mohammed camp inside Pakistan on Tuesday. Also read: Pakistan fighter planes enter Indian airspace in J&K; one reportedly shot down, others drop bombs when pushed back All residents of the border areas have been asked to remain inside their homes and not venture outside. "There was night long-heavy firing and mortar shelling along the LoC in most of areas in Jammu, Rajouri and Poonch districts. However there was no firing and shelling from across the border on Wednesday," officials said. "Army and BSF troops have been put on highest alert along the LoC and International Border (IB) in view of the high degree of tension in wake of air space violations," they said. According to some reports, panic gripped the residents of border areas and some locals have left their homes and moved to safer areas. Pakistan on Wednesday said that its jets crossed the Line of Control to undertake strikes in India for "self defence". Indian officials said Pakistani fighter jets on Wednesday violated Indian air space in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Nowshera sectors but were pushed back by Indian aircraft. On Tuesday night, the Indian Army destroyed five Pakistani posts along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir in a befitting retaliation to firing from across the border, resulting in a "number of casualties" to Pak troops, a defence official had said. "The Indian Army retaliated for effect and our focused fire resulted in severe destruction to five posts and number of casualties to Pak army (along LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts)," a defence PRO said. From 6:30 pm Tuesday, the Pakistani Army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by shelling with heavy calibre weaponry along the LoC out of frustration, he said. The Pakistani troops were also seen firing mortars and missiles from civilian houses, using villagers as human shields. However, the Indian Army targeted the Pakistani posts away from civilian areas, the PRO said, adding that this resulted in a "number of casualties" to Pak troopers. In exchange of fire, five soldiers of the Indian Army suffered minor injuries, out of which two of them were shifted to a military hospital for medical treatment. They are stable.

Army, Border Security Force troops along International border, LoC put on highest degree of alertness: Officials

Pakistan on Tuesday violated ceasefire as they resorted to heavy shelling at around 12 to 15 places along the Line of Control (LoC), leaving five Indian Army personnel injured.

The shelling began hours after the Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes targeting terror launch pads in Pakistan's Balakot and eliminating a “large number” of&nbsp;terrorists, including top commanders of the&nbsp;terror&nbsp;group which attacked the CRPF convoy in Pulwama 12 days back.

As per the Indian Army, retaliatory firing resulted in severe destruction and a number of casualties to Pakistan Army personnel.

Pakistani troops were seen firing mortars and missiles from civilian houses, using villagers as human shields. However, the Indian Army targeted Pakistani posts away from civilian localities, the Army said.

Among the five soldiers who suffered injuries, two of them were evacuated to Military Hospital for medical treatment. Their condition is said to be stable.

In a swift operation launched at around 3.30 am on Tuesday and completed within minutes, 12 Mirage-2000 fighter jets pounded the training centre, housing around 300&nbsp;terrorists, in Balakot area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province with six bombs, while SU-30 combat aircraft maintained air superiority to ward off any retaliation by the Pakistan Air Force, sources said.

The camp, located in a forest area atop a hill, was headed by Jaish-e-Mohammed chief&nbsp;Masood Azhar’s brother-in-law Yusuf Azhar alias Ustad Gauri, who was involved in the 1999 hijack of Indian Airlines plane IC-814 and was on Interpol lookout notice since 2000.

A large number of JeM&nbsp;terrorists, including top commanders, trainers and those&nbsp;terrorists who were to be the ‘fidayeen’ (suicide attackers) were eliminated in the “non-military” air strike, India's Foreign Secretary&nbsp;Vijay Gokhale&nbsp;told media while officially disclosing information about the air strike, hours after the action.

Sources said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and&nbsp;IAF&nbsp;Chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa kept a watch on the operations throughout the night till all the jets returned safely.&nbsp;

Later, the Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) which took stock of the situation arising out of the action.

Intelligence sources said the&nbsp;IAF&nbsp;demolished the entire terror set up at the suicide bombing training centre in Balakot and over 300 terrorists were targeted.

Among the targets were Maulana Ammar, who is associated with Afghanistan and Kashmir operations, and Maulana Talha Saif, brother of Maulana Masood Azhar and head of&nbsp;suicide bomber preparation&nbsp;wing, the intelligence sources said.&nbsp;

Mufti Azhar Khan Kashmiri, head of Kashmir operations, and Ibrahim Azhar, elder brother of Masood Azhar were also targetted, the sources added.

Pictures provided by the Intelligence sources showed flags of the United States, United Kingdom, and Israel painted on staircases at the camp.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Tuesday violated ceasefire as they resorted to heavy shelling at around 12 to 15 places along the Line of Control (LoC), leaving five Indian Army personnel injured.

Pakistan on Tuesday violated ceasefire as they resorted to heavy shelling at around 12 to 15 places along the Line of Control (LoC), leaving five Indian Army personnel injured. The shelling began hours after the Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes targeting terror launch pads in Pakistan's Balakot and eliminating a “large number” of terrorists, including top commanders of the terror group which attacked the CRPF convoy in Pulwama 12 days back. As per the Indian Army, retaliatory firing resulted in severe destruction and a number of casualties to Pakistan Army personnel. Pakistani troops were seen firing mortars and missiles from civilian houses, using villagers as human shields. However, the Indian Army targeted Pakistani posts away from civilian localities, the Army said. Among the five soldiers who suffered injuries, two of them were evacuated to Military Hospital for medical treatment. Their condition is said to be stable. In a swift operation launched at around 3.30 am on Tuesday and completed within minutes, 12 Mirage-2000 fighter jets pounded the training centre, housing around 300 terrorists, in Balakot area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province with six bombs, while SU-30 combat aircraft maintained air superiority to ward off any retaliation by the Pakistan Air Force, sources said. The camp, located in a forest area atop a hill, was headed by Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar’s brother-in-law Yusuf Azhar alias Ustad Gauri, who was involved in the 1999 hijack of Indian Airlines plane IC-814 and was on Interpol lookout notice since 2000. A large number of JeM terrorists, including top commanders, trainers and those terrorists who were to be the ‘fidayeen’ (suicide attackers) were eliminated in the “non-military” air strike, India's Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale told media while officially disclosing information about the air strike, hours after the action. Sources said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa kept a watch on the operations throughout the night till all the jets returned safely. Later, the Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) which took stock of the situation arising out of the action. Intelligence sources said the IAF demolished the entire terror set up at the suicide bombing training centre in Balakot and over 300 terrorists were targeted. Among the targets were Maulana Ammar, who is associated with Afghanistan and Kashmir operations, and Maulana Talha Saif, brother of Maulana Masood Azhar and head of suicide bomber preparation wing, the intelligence sources said. Mufti Azhar Khan Kashmiri, head of Kashmir operations, and Ibrahim Azhar, elder brother of Masood Azhar were also targetted, the sources added. Pictures provided by the Intelligence sources showed flags of the United States, United Kingdom, and Israel painted on staircases at the camp.

Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC yet again, 5 Army personnel injured

Barely a week after Tamil Nadu's major political parties announced their alliance with national parties for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan's party Makkal Needhi Maiam has invited applications from candidates aspiring to contest in the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

In the recent weeks, Kamal has been hinting that his party would be going it alone in the Lok Sabha polls, which would also be their electoral debut.&nbsp;

The statement from the party says that ‘Application forms may be procured from the MNM headquarters in Chennai and Pollachi by paying an application fee of Rs.10000/- between February 28, 2018 and March 7, 2019’. The applications will be considered and reviewed by the Election Committee of the party and a formal interview will be conducted at the Chennai headquarters after March 7, 2019, it added.

This development comes five days after the party completed its first year, since its inception on February 21st 2018. As a part of the celebrations, Kamal hoisted the party flag outside his office in Chennai amid cheering fans. Later that day, he also visited the Southern districts of Tamil Nadu to carry out party activities.&nbsp;

Recently, the party also outlined its main goals which include, ensuring people’s welfare, reclaiming the dignity of Tamil politics, removing casteism and irregularities in Government machinery, promoting secularism, aiming for International standards in Education among others.&nbsp;

With actor Rajinikanth having announced that he would not be contesting the Lok Sabha polls and that their party’s target would be the Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls, Kamal Haasan remains the lone debutant from Tamil Nadu in the Lok Sabha polls from the world of cinema.

As of now, the two major camps in Tamil Nadu are the AIADMK-BJP-PMK combine and the DMK-Congress-Left parties. Smaller regional outfits in the state are also said to be in talks with both factions.&nbsp;

Barely a week after Tamil Nadu's major political parties announced their alliance with national parties for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan's party Makkal Needhi Maiam has invited applications from candidates aspiring to contest in the Lok Sabha polls.

Barely a week after Tamil Nadu's major political parties announced their alliance with national parties for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan's party Makkal Needhi Maiam has invited applications from candidates aspiring to contest in the Lok Sabha polls. In the recent weeks, Kamal has been hinting that his party would be going it alone in the Lok Sabha polls, which would also be their electoral debut. The statement from the party says that ‘Application forms may be procured from the MNM headquarters in Chennai and Pollachi by paying an application fee of Rs.10000/- between February 28, 2018 and March 7, 2019’. The applications will be considered and reviewed by the Election Committee of the party and a formal interview will be conducted at the Chennai headquarters after March 7, 2019, it added. This development comes five days after the party completed its first year, since its inception on February 21st 2018. As a part of the celebrations, Kamal hoisted the party flag outside his office in Chennai amid cheering fans. Later that day, he also visited the Southern districts of Tamil Nadu to carry out party activities. Recently, the party also outlined its main goals which include, ensuring people’s welfare, reclaiming the dignity of Tamil politics, removing casteism and irregularities in Government machinery, promoting secularism, aiming for International standards in Education among others. With actor Rajinikanth having announced that he would not be contesting the Lok Sabha polls and that their party’s target would be the Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls, Kamal Haasan remains the lone debutant from Tamil Nadu in the Lok Sabha polls from the world of cinema. As of now, the two major camps in Tamil Nadu are the AIADMK-BJP-PMK combine and the DMK-Congress-Left parties. Smaller regional outfits in the state are also said to be in talks with both factions.

Kamal Haasan's party invites applications from aspiring Lok Sabha candidates 

How Indian Air Force carried out air strikes on terror pads across LoC

India struck the biggest camp of JeM in Balakot, says Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale

India Tuesday carried out pre-dawn airstrikes on<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-struck-the-biggest-camp-of-jem-in-balakot-says-foreign-secretary-vijay-gokhale-199787"> terror launch pads</a> in Pakistan and is believed to have destroyed terrorist targets, sources said.

The strike comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the February 14 suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group in Kashmir's Pulwama district that killed 40 CRPF soldiers.

Sources told that the strikes involving several fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-carries-out-air-strikes-inside-pakistan-what-we-know-so-far-199767">Pakistan-based terror outfits </a>in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

After the air strikes, the Cabinet Committee on Security met here Tuesday morning at the residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman were present at the meeting.

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National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other top officials of the prime minister's office and the security apparatus were present at the meeting, official sources said.

Soon after the news of the strike, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday lauded the pilots of the Indian Air Force.

"I salute the pilots of the IAF," he tweeted.

Gandhi also put out the Indian flag along with his tweet.

The Congress said on its official Twitter handle, "We salute the @IAF_MCC for their consistent &amp; determined effort to keep Indians safe. Jai Hind." 
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also hailed the IAF pilots for the air strikes.

In Islamabad, the Pakistan Army alleged that the Indian Air Force violated the Line of Control (LoC) in Muzafarabad sector.

"Indian aircraft intruded from Muzafarabad sector. Facing timely and effective response from Pakistan Air Force released payload in haste while escaping which fell near Balakot. No casualties or damage," Major General Asif Ghafoor, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said in a tweet.

"Indian Air Force violated Line of Control Pakistan. Pakistan Air Force immediately scrambled. Indian aircraft gone back," he tweeted.

Hours later, the ISPR said Indian aircrafts' "intrusion" across the LoC in Muzafarabad Sector was within 3-4 miles in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

India Tuesday carried out pre-dawn airstrikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan and is believed to have destroyed terrorist targets, sources said. The strike comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the February 14 suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group in Kashmir's Pulwama district that killed 40 CRPF soldiers.

India Tuesday carried out pre-dawn airstrikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan and is believed to have destroyed terrorist targets, sources said. The strike comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the February 14 suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group in Kashmir's Pulwama district that killed 40 CRPF soldiers. Sources told that the strikes involving several fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. After the air strikes, the Cabinet Committee on Security met here Tuesday morning at the residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman were present at the meeting. × National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other top officials of the prime minister's office and the security apparatus were present at the meeting, official sources said. Soon after the news of the strike, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday lauded the pilots of the Indian Air Force. "I salute the pilots of the IAF," he tweeted. Gandhi also put out the Indian flag along with his tweet. The Congress said on its official Twitter handle, "We salute the @IAF_MCC for their consistent & determined effort to keep Indians safe. Jai Hind." Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also hailed the IAF pilots for the air strikes. In Islamabad, the Pakistan Army alleged that the Indian Air Force violated the Line of Control (LoC) in Muzafarabad sector. "Indian aircraft intruded from Muzafarabad sector. Facing timely and effective response from Pakistan Air Force released payload in haste while escaping which fell near Balakot. No casualties or damage," Major General Asif Ghafoor, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said in a tweet. "Indian Air Force violated Line of Control Pakistan. Pakistan Air Force immediately scrambled. Indian aircraft gone back," he tweeted. Hours later, the ISPR said Indian aircrafts' "intrusion" across the LoC in Muzafarabad Sector was within 3-4 miles in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

India carries out airstrikes in Pakistan, destroys terror camps

India carried out <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terror-camps-destroyed-as-12-mirage-jets-drops-1000-kg-bombs-across-loc-iaf-sources-199744">air strikes inside Pakistan</a> early on Tuesday and targeted terror camps, sources said.

The strikes involving the Mirage fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, sources added.

The extent of the damage inflicted on the ground is not immediately known.

In Islamabad, the Pakistan Army alleged that the Indian Air Force violated the Line of Control (LoC) in Muzaffarabad sector.

The development comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the February 14 suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/crpf-convoy-attacked-in-jammu-kashmirs-pulwama-death-toll-climbs-to-40-197468">Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district</a>.

Here is what we know so far:

<ul>
	<li>Indian Air Force conducts air strikes on terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Pakistan</li>
	<li>Indian Air Force jets crossed the Line of Control at 3:30 am</li>
	<li>A group of Mirage 2000 dropped the bomb</li>
	<li>The air strikes lasted for 21 minutes</li>
	<li>12 mirage jets involved in the operation</li>
	<li>10 terror camps in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir attacked</li>
	<li>The destroyed terror pads were in Balakot, Chakoti and Muzaffarabad</li>
	<li>Reports say Alpha-3 control room of Jaish destroyed</li>
	<li>Pakistani security forces have cordoned off the area where Air Force jets carried out the strikes</li>
	<li>A meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security is underway in Delhi</li>
	<li>PM Modi briefed by India's National Security Advisor on operation and assessment</li>
	<li>Pakistan foreign minister has called an emergency meeting</li>
	<li>Indian Air Force put on high alert</li>
	<li>All air defence systems along the International Border and Line of Control ready to respond to any possible action from across the border</li>
	<li>India struck the biggest camp of&nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammed&nbsp;in Balakot</li>
	<li>Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, in this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers and Jihadis were eliminated</li>
	<li>The facility in Balakot was headed by Maulana Yusuf Azhar alias Ustad Ghauri, brother in law of JeM Chief Masood Azhar who died in the strike</li>
</ul>

India carried out air strikes inside Pakistan early on Tuesday and targeted terror camps, sources said. The strikes involving the Mirage fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, sources added.

India carried out air strikes inside Pakistan early on Tuesday and targeted terror camps, sources said. The strikes involving the Mirage fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, sources added. The extent of the damage inflicted on the ground is not immediately known. In Islamabad, the Pakistan Army alleged that the Indian Air Force violated the Line of Control (LoC) in Muzaffarabad sector. The development comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the February 14 suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Here is what we know so far: Indian Air Force conducts air strikes on terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Pakistan Indian Air Force jets crossed the Line of Control at 3:30 am A group of Mirage 2000 dropped the bomb The air strikes lasted for 21 minutes 12 mirage jets involved in the operation 10 terror camps in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir attacked The destroyed terror pads were in Balakot, Chakoti and Muzaffarabad Reports say Alpha-3 control room of Jaish destroyed Pakistani security forces have cordoned off the area where Air Force jets carried out the strikes A meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security is underway in Delhi PM Modi briefed by India's National Security Advisor on operation and assessment Pakistan foreign minister has called an emergency meeting Indian Air Force put on high alert All air defence systems along the International Border and Line of Control ready to respond to any possible action from across the border India struck the biggest camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Balakot Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, in this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers and Jihadis were eliminated The facility in Balakot was headed by Maulana Yusuf Azhar alias Ustad Ghauri, brother in law of JeM Chief Masood Azhar who died in the strike

India carries out air strikes inside Pakistan: What we know so far

The National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval briefed the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)&nbsp; about the Indian Air Force's targeted air strikes on terror camps across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The CCS meeting was held at the residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Indian Air Force carried out air strikes in Pakistan.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and other top officials of the prime minister's office and the security apparatus were present at the meeting, official sources said.

This was the second such meeting after the Pulwama attack at prime minister's residence in Lok Kalyan Marg.

India revoked <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-withdraws-most-favoured-nation-status-accorded-to-pakistan-after-pulwama-attack-197540">Most Favoured Nation (MFN)</a> status to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-claims-indian-air-force-violated-loc-199740">Pakistan</a> after the first CCS meeting.

India is believed to have carried out air strike&nbsp;inside Pakistan early Tuesday and targeted terror camps, sources said.

The strikes involving several fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the sources said.&nbsp;

The National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval briefed the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) about the Indian Air Force's targeted air strikes on terror camps across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday morning.

The National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval briefed the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) about the Indian Air Force's targeted air strikes on terror camps across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday morning. The CCS meeting was held at the residence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Indian Air Force carried out air strikes in Pakistan. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and other top officials of the prime minister's office and the security apparatus were present at the meeting, official sources said. This was the second such meeting after the Pulwama attack at prime minister's residence in Lok Kalyan Marg. India revoked Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan after the first CCS meeting. India is believed to have carried out air strike inside Pakistan early Tuesday and targeted terror camps, sources said. The strikes involving several fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the sources said.

NSA briefs CCS about air strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has asked the Tamil Nadu government why it can’t make the Aadhaar card mandatory for purchasing liquor from state-run TASMAC outlets. The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) is responsible for the sales of liquor and enjoys a monopoly over the Indian-made foreign liquor.

This comes after Arun Pandian, a Madurai resident approached the court pleading for an interim ban on applying for bar licenses attached to TASMAC outlets. The Judges also raised questions about why the business hours of liquor shops were not limited between 2 pm and 10 pm (the existing working hours are from 12 noon to 10 pm). Why not shut down the bars that are attached to these outlets, asked the judges.&nbsp;

These questions were raised given that school students and those below the legal age for alcohol consumption were able to purchase liquor from the state-run outlets. They also made a mention of how this could lead to a rising in illegal activities and road accidents. The judges also pointed out that various crimes took place at the bars attached to TASMAC outlets. The case has been adjourned and the Managing Director of TASMAC is required to file his reply before March 12th.&nbsp;

Prohibition has been a contentious issue in Tamil Nadu. In their poll manifesto ahead of the 2016 elections few parties had promised total prohibition if voted to power. Whereas the AIADMK that ended up winning the 2016 Assembly Polls had promised ‘phased prohibition’, which meant that 500 liquor shops would be closed down every year. However, it is important to note that revenue obtained from liquor sales contributes a significant chunk to the State Exchequer.&nbsp;

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has asked the Tamil Nadu government why it can’t make the Aadhaar card mandatory for purchasing liquor from state-run TASMAC outlets.

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has asked the Tamil Nadu government why it can’t make the Aadhaar card mandatory for purchasing liquor from state-run TASMAC outlets. The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC) is responsible for the sales of liquor and enjoys a monopoly over the Indian-made foreign liquor. This comes after Arun Pandian, a Madurai resident approached the court pleading for an interim ban on applying for bar licenses attached to TASMAC outlets. The Judges also raised questions about why the business hours of liquor shops were not limited between 2 pm and 10 pm (the existing working hours are from 12 noon to 10 pm). Why not shut down the bars that are attached to these outlets, asked the judges. These questions were raised given that school students and those below the legal age for alcohol consumption were able to purchase liquor from the state-run outlets. They also made a mention of how this could lead to a rising in illegal activities and road accidents. The judges also pointed out that various crimes took place at the bars attached to TASMAC outlets. The case has been adjourned and the Managing Director of TASMAC is required to file his reply before March 12th. Prohibition has been a contentious issue in Tamil Nadu. In their poll manifesto ahead of the 2016 elections few parties had promised total prohibition if voted to power. Whereas the AIADMK that ended up winning the 2016 Assembly Polls had promised ‘phased prohibition’, which meant that 500 liquor shops would be closed down every year. However, it is important to note that revenue obtained from liquor sales contributes a significant chunk to the State Exchequer.

Madurai Bench of Madras HC: Why not make Aadhaar card mandatory for purchasing liquor from state-run outlets? 

'India's resolve absolutely steel firm': Experts weigh in on IAF destroying terror camps across LoC

Indian Air Force (IAF) launched an early morning air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan, reported news agency ANI.

The strike&nbsp;is in retaliation to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-mastermind-of-pulwama-attack-killed-in-encounter-4-soldiers-dead-too-198057">Pulwama terror attack</a> in which more than 40 CRPF soldiers were killed.

Balakot, Chakothi and Muzaffarabad terror launch pads across the LOC were completely destroyed in IAF air strikes, reported ANI.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-claims-indian-air-force-violated-loc-199740">Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) </a>control rooms were also destroyed, the report added.&nbsp;

The Army/IAF&nbsp;will brief the media about the attack and the operation details later in the day, sources said.

IAF used Laser guided bombs during operation and Jaguar recorded all operations for analysis, sources said.&nbsp;

Around 200-300 terrorists believed to have been killed in the strikes, sources added.&nbsp;

12 Mirage 2000 jets participated in the operation that dropped 1000 Kg bombs on terror camps across Line of Control (LOC), reported news agency ANI quoting IAF.

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IAF Sources: 1000 Kg bombs were dropped on terror camps across the LoC <a href="https://t.co/jpC2w5f8X7">https://t.co/jpC2w5f8X7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1100228529952866304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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According to ANI, the 21 minutes long airstrikes that destroyed several terror camps&nbsp;was carried out around 3:30 am on February 26.

Meanwhile, IAF has put on high alert all air defence systems along the international border and LoC to respond to any possible action by Pakistan Air Force.

Indian Air Force (IAF) launched an early morning air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan, reported news agency ANI.

Indian Air Force (IAF) launched an early morning air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan, reported news agency ANI. The strike is in retaliation to Pulwama terror attack in which more than 40 CRPF soldiers were killed. Balakot, Chakothi and Muzaffarabad terror launch pads across the LOC were completely destroyed in IAF air strikes, reported ANI. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) control rooms were also destroyed, the report added. The Army/IAF will brief the media about the attack and the operation details later in the day, sources said. IAF used Laser guided bombs during operation and Jaguar recorded all operations for analysis, sources said. Around 200-300 terrorists believed to have been killed in the strikes, sources added. 12 Mirage 2000 jets participated in the operation that dropped 1000 Kg bombs on terror camps across Line of Control (LOC), reported news agency ANI quoting IAF. IAF Sources: 1000 Kg bombs were dropped on terror camps across the LoC https://t.co/jpC2w5f8X7 — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2019 × According to ANI, the 21 minutes long airstrikes that destroyed several terror camps was carried out around 3:30 am on February 26. Meanwhile, IAF has put on high alert all air defence systems along the international border and LoC to respond to any possible action by Pakistan Air Force.

India destroys terror camps across LoC with 1000 Kg bombs in early morning air strikes

Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday praised the pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) following reports that they crossed the Line of Control (LoC) with their fighter jets and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terror-camps-destroyed-as-12-mirage-jets-drops-1000-kg-bombs-across-loc-iaf-sources-199744">destroyed terrorist camps</a> in Pakistan.

"I salute the pilots of the IAF," Rahul Gandhi tweeted. He also put out the Indian flag along with his tweet.

The Congress also tweeted, lauding the role of the Indian Air Force in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ccs-meeting-gets-underway-hours-after-iaf-bombs-terror-camps-across-loc-199763">keeping Indians safe</a> with its consistent and determined effort.

Kejriwal in a tweet said, "I salute the bravery of Indian Air Force pilots who have made us proud by striking terror targets in Pakistan."

The strikes involving 12 fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Indian government sources said.

Pakistan claimed on Tuesday that IAF fighter jets crossed the LoC and returned after the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) scrambled war planes.

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Asif Ghafoor in a tweet confirmed that the jets dropped in the payload near Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday praised the pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) following reports that they crossed the Line of Control (LoC) with their fighter jets and destroyed terrorist camps in Pakistan.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday praised the pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) following reports that they crossed the Line of Control (LoC) with their fighter jets and destroyed terrorist camps in Pakistan. "I salute the pilots of the IAF," Rahul Gandhi tweeted. He also put out the Indian flag along with his tweet. The Congress also tweeted, lauding the role of the Indian Air Force in keeping Indians safe with its consistent and determined effort. Kejriwal in a tweet said, "I salute the bravery of Indian Air Force pilots who have made us proud by striking terror targets in Pakistan." The strikes involving 12 fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Indian government sources said. Pakistan claimed on Tuesday that IAF fighter jets crossed the LoC and returned after the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) scrambled war planes. Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Asif Ghafoor in a tweet confirmed that the jets dropped in the payload near Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal praise IAF for crossing LoC and destroying terror camps

Pulwama aftermath: IAF destroys terror camps across LoC

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and IAF Chief BS Dhanoa worked throughout the intervening night of February 25 to the early morning hours of February 26 monitoring final stage operations that carried out aerial strikes inside Pakistani territory of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

"The NSA and the IAF Chief were awake throughout the night and into the next day as they were monitoring the entire movement of Mirage fighter aircraft which had to go inside Pakistan along with the Sukhoi 30s operating from Halwara and Bareilly air bases sitting inside the Air Force war room inside the Air Headquarters," government sources told ANI.

In response to the terror attack in Pulwama twelve days ago that killed 40 CRPF soldiers, top decision makers in the Government green lit an air operation to conduct aerial strikes on Pakistan Army supported terrorist camps, particularly that of the Jaish-e-Mohammad terror camp in Balakot deep inside Pakistani territory in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region which was teaming with top operatives of the terror organisation along with scores of suicide bombers, trainers and other support staff, the sources added.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/how-indian-air-force-carried-out-air-strikes-on-terror-pads-across-loc-199784">In pics: How Indian Air Force carried out air strikes on terror pads across LoC</a>

Director General of Air Operations Air Marshal Amit Dev and his team played a significant role in the success of these attacks which were conducted from IAF war room in the Air Headquarters, sources said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/first-pics-of-jem-terror-camp-destroyed-by-indian-air-force-199823">In pics: First pics of JeM terror camp destroyed by Indian Air Force</a>

The IAF had carried out a similar strike against the Pakistani positions in the Kel sector on the LoC in 2002.

Once the formation of 12 Mirage aircraft took off from their respective locations in Agra and Gwalior, another support formation of Sukhoi fighter jets took to the air to defend Indian air space if the need arose.

AWAC (Advanced warning and control system) aircrafts led by the indigenous Netra jets played a significant role as well with their radars pinpointing position and activity of Pakistani fighter aircraft on all their bases and gave a go-ahead to the Indian planes to get a window to penetrate inside Pakistani air space.

Mid-air-fuel tankers Ilyushin 78s were also in the air to provide support services to Indian fighter jets on their mission.

Pakistani Airforce F16s were scrambled to respond to the Indian incursion, however, gauging the formation of the Indian jets and outnumbered, the Jets beat a hasty retreat thereby giving Indian jets an opportunity to destroy their intended targets.

After the planes returned from Pakistan, the Indian air defence systems were on high alert and scanning Pakistani aircraft for any reaction.

The first Pakistani reaction came in from the western sector in Gujarat when a UAV of the Pakistan Air Force entered Kutch which was promptly shot down by the Israeli made SPYDER Missile defence system which fired a well-aimed 'Derby' missile to blow the PAF drone out of the sky.

The Navy had also halted its exercise TROPEX on the western seaboard and sent its warships on forwarding patrol in posturing towards Pakistan Navy, thereby further confusing the chain of command in the Pakistani establishment.

The Indian Army has been placed on high alert and an attack by Pakistan in the form of BAT actions could be considered an imminent threat.

Top sources in the government have termed the aerial strikes as one of the most successful coordinated operations as the targets were identified and selected by intelligence agencies while the three forces coordinated very well with them to strike the enemy.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and IAF Chief BS Dhanoa worked throughout the intervening night of February 25 to the early morning hours of February 26 monitoring final stage operations that carried out aerial strikes inside Pakistani territory of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and IAF Chief BS Dhanoa worked throughout the intervening night of February 25 to the early morning hours of February 26 monitoring final stage operations that carried out aerial strikes inside Pakistani territory of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. "The NSA and the IAF Chief were awake throughout the night and into the next day as they were monitoring the entire movement of Mirage fighter aircraft which had to go inside Pakistan along with the Sukhoi 30s operating from Halwara and Bareilly air bases sitting inside the Air Force war room inside the Air Headquarters," government sources told ANI. In response to the terror attack in Pulwama twelve days ago that killed 40 CRPF soldiers, top decision makers in the Government green lit an air operation to conduct aerial strikes on Pakistan Army supported terrorist camps, particularly that of the Jaish-e-Mohammad terror camp in Balakot deep inside Pakistani territory in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region which was teaming with top operatives of the terror organisation along with scores of suicide bombers, trainers and other support staff, the sources added. In pics: How Indian Air Force carried out air strikes on terror pads across LoC Director General of Air Operations Air Marshal Amit Dev and his team played a significant role in the success of these attacks which were conducted from IAF war room in the Air Headquarters, sources said. In pics: First pics of JeM terror camp destroyed by Indian Air Force The IAF had carried out a similar strike against the Pakistani positions in the Kel sector on the LoC in 2002. Once the formation of 12 Mirage aircraft took off from their respective locations in Agra and Gwalior, another support formation of Sukhoi fighter jets took to the air to defend Indian air space if the need arose. AWAC (Advanced warning and control system) aircrafts led by the indigenous Netra jets played a significant role as well with their radars pinpointing position and activity of Pakistani fighter aircraft on all their bases and gave a go-ahead to the Indian planes to get a window to penetrate inside Pakistani air space. Mid-air-fuel tankers Ilyushin 78s were also in the air to provide support services to Indian fighter jets on their mission. Pakistani Airforce F16s were scrambled to respond to the Indian incursion, however, gauging the formation of the Indian jets and outnumbered, the Jets beat a hasty retreat thereby giving Indian jets an opportunity to destroy their intended targets. After the planes returned from Pakistan, the Indian air defence systems were on high alert and scanning Pakistani aircraft for any reaction. The first Pakistani reaction came in from the western sector in Gujarat when a UAV of the Pakistan Air Force entered Kutch which was promptly shot down by the Israeli made SPYDER Missile defence system which fired a well-aimed 'Derby' missile to blow the PAF drone out of the sky. The Navy had also halted its exercise TROPEX on the western seaboard and sent its warships on forwarding patrol in posturing towards Pakistan Navy, thereby further confusing the chain of command in the Pakistani establishment. The Indian Army has been placed on high alert and an attack by Pakistan in the form of BAT actions could be considered an imminent threat. Top sources in the government have termed the aerial strikes as one of the most successful coordinated operations as the targets were identified and selected by intelligence agencies while the three forces coordinated very well with them to strike the enemy.

Blow-by-blow account: How Mirage 2000 jets destroyed targets inside Pakistan

Victim no more, sex trafficked teen takes on Indian system

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terror-camps-destroyed-as-12-mirage-jets-drops-1000-kg-bombs-across-loc-iaf-sources-199744">Terror camps destroyed as 12 Mirage jets drops 1000 Kg bombs across LoC: IAF sources&nbsp;</a>

India launched an early morning air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan, reported news agency ANI.

The attack is India's retaliation to Pulwama terror attack in which more than 40 CRPF soldiers were killed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-arrives-in-vietnam-for-summit-trump-on-his-way-199727">North Korea's Kim arrives in Vietnam for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-arrives-in-vietnam-for-summit-trump-on-his-way-199727">summit</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-arrives-in-vietnam-for-summit-trump-on-his-way-199727">; Trump on his way</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Vietnam on Tuesday for a summit with US President Donald Trump where they will try to reach an agreement on a North's Korean pledge to give up its nuclear weapons programme.

Trump is due to arrive in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, on Tuesday evening.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/top-vatican-cleric-cardinal-pell-convicted-of-child-sex-crimes-199719">Top Vatican cleric Cardinal Pell convicted of child sex crimes</a>

Australian Cardinal George Pell, who helped elect popes and ran the Vatican's finances, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two choirboys, a court said Tuesday, becoming the most senior Catholic cleric ever convicted of child sex crimes.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uks-labour-says-it-will-back-call-for-second-brexit-referendum-199733">UK's Labour party says it will back call for second Brexit referendum</a>

Britain's opposition Labour Party said on Monday it would back calls for a second referendum on Brexit if parliament rejects its alternative plan for leaving the European Union.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/irans-foreign-minister-zarif-announces-unexpected-resignation-on-instagram-199721">Iran's Foreign Minister Zarif announces unexpected resignation on Instagram</a>

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, the urbane, US-educated architect of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, announced his resignation unexpectedly on Monday on Instagram.

Terror camps destroyed as 12 Mirage jets drops 1000 Kg bombs across LoC: IAF sources India launched an early morning air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan, reported news agency ANI.

Terror camps destroyed as 12 Mirage jets drops 1000 Kg bombs across LoC: IAF sources India launched an early morning air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan, reported news agency ANI. The attack is India's retaliation to Pulwama terror attack in which more than 40 CRPF soldiers were killed. North Korea's Kim arrives in Vietnam for summit; Trump on his way North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Vietnam on Tuesday for a summit with US President Donald Trump where they will try to reach an agreement on a North's Korean pledge to give up its nuclear weapons programme. Trump is due to arrive in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, on Tuesday evening. Top Vatican cleric Cardinal Pell convicted of child sex crimes Australian Cardinal George Pell, who helped elect popes and ran the Vatican's finances, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two choirboys, a court said Tuesday, becoming the most senior Catholic cleric ever convicted of child sex crimes. UK's Labour party says it will back call for second Brexit referendum Britain's opposition Labour Party said on Monday it would back calls for a second referendum on Brexit if parliament rejects its alternative plan for leaving the European Union. Iran's Foreign Minister Zarif announces unexpected resignation on Instagram Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, the urbane, US-educated architect of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, announced his resignation unexpectedly on Monday on Instagram.

Nearly 11,500 documents in Ayodhya land dispute matter need to be translated in English from 16 languages for the case to be ready for hearing — a task that would take around 120 days and involve eight official translators, the Supreme Court was informed Tuesday.

The 16 different languages from which the documents are to be translated include Hindi, Punjabi (Gurumukhi), Urdu, Persian and Arabic.

The top court’s Secretary General said in the eight-page report that the record consists of 38,147 pages out of which 12,814 are in Hindi, 18,607 in English, 501 in Urdu, 97 in Gurumukhi, 21 in Sanskrit, 86 in other language scripts, 14 images, 1,729 are combination of more than one script and 4,278 blank pages.

The report was submitted in pursuance to the apex court’s earlier direction after which the Secretary-General had constituted two committees for visiting the room where the records were kept.

The court had earlier directed the registry to physically inspect the records which are lying under lock and key and make an assessment of the time that will be taken to make the cases ready for hearing by engaging, if required, official translators of the requisite number and give a report thereof to the court.

It said there were 15 locked trunks in which the records, including that of the Allahabad High Court, were kept.

The report stated that the high court judgement ran into 8,170 pages and the deposition, 14,385 pages.

Regarding the time to be taken for translating 11,479 pages in English from different languages, it said as per the prescribed standard, a senior and a junior translator is required to translate 1,600 and 1,300 words per day respectively, which comes out to be 6-7 pages per day approx.

However, in view of the importance of the matter, if the translators are asked to put in more working hours every day, each translator may translate about 12 pages per day.

“In the circumstances, if entire strength of eight official translators (of the Supreme Court) is utilised to translate 11,479 (10,907 + 572) pages, it is likely to take about 120 working days to make the case ready for hearing,” the report said.

It said the time may be reduced if the Supreme Court permits the registry to engage services of translators from various high courts and government departments.

It said it 16 translators (eight official translators of the apex court and eight engaged from other sources) are deputed, the translation will be completed in about 60 working days and it may be reduced by engaging more translators.

A 5-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi was hearing the politically sensitive Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid land case in Ayodhya on Tuesday.

It asked the contending parties to explore the possibility of amicably settling the decades' old dispute through mediation, saying it may help in “healing relations”. The bench, which posted the main matter for hearing after eight weeks and directed its registry to provide translated copies of documents to the parties within six weeks to check their veracity, said it wanted to explore the possibility of mediation to utilise the time till the next date of hearing.&nbsp;

Nearly 11,500 documents in Ayodhya land dispute matter need to be translated in English from 16 languages for the case to be ready for hearing — a task that would take around 120 days and involve eight official translators, the Supreme Court was informed Tuesday.

Nearly 11,500 documents in Ayodhya land dispute matter need to be translated in English from 16 languages for the case to be ready for hearing — a task that would take around 120 days and involve eight official translators, the Supreme Court was informed Tuesday. The 16 different languages from which the documents are to be translated include Hindi, Punjabi (Gurumukhi), Urdu, Persian and Arabic. The top court’s Secretary General said in the eight-page report that the record consists of 38,147 pages out of which 12,814 are in Hindi, 18,607 in English, 501 in Urdu, 97 in Gurumukhi, 21 in Sanskrit, 86 in other language scripts, 14 images, 1,729 are combination of more than one script and 4,278 blank pages. The report was submitted in pursuance to the apex court’s earlier direction after which the Secretary-General had constituted two committees for visiting the room where the records were kept. The court had earlier directed the registry to physically inspect the records which are lying under lock and key and make an assessment of the time that will be taken to make the cases ready for hearing by engaging, if required, official translators of the requisite number and give a report thereof to the court. It said there were 15 locked trunks in which the records, including that of the Allahabad High Court, were kept. The report stated that the high court judgement ran into 8,170 pages and the deposition, 14,385 pages. Regarding the time to be taken for translating 11,479 pages in English from different languages, it said as per the prescribed standard, a senior and a junior translator is required to translate 1,600 and 1,300 words per day respectively, which comes out to be 6-7 pages per day approx. However, in view of the importance of the matter, if the translators are asked to put in more working hours every day, each translator may translate about 12 pages per day. “In the circumstances, if entire strength of eight official translators (of the Supreme Court) is utilised to translate 11,479 (10,907 + 572) pages, it is likely to take about 120 working days to make the case ready for hearing,” the report said. It said the time may be reduced if the Supreme Court permits the registry to engage services of translators from various high courts and government departments. It said it 16 translators (eight official translators of the apex court and eight engaged from other sources) are deputed, the translation will be completed in about 60 working days and it may be reduced by engaging more translators. A 5-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi was hearing the politically sensitive Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid land case in Ayodhya on Tuesday. It asked the contending parties to explore the possibility of amicably settling the decades' old dispute through mediation, saying it may help in “healing relations”. The bench, which posted the main matter for hearing after eight weeks and directed its registry to provide translated copies of documents to the parties within six weeks to check their veracity, said it wanted to explore the possibility of mediation to utilise the time till the next date of hearing.

Ayodhya case: 8 translators to take 120 days to translate nearly 11,500 pages in English, SC told

Hours, after India confirmed that it's air force, struck the biggest camp of United Nations listed terror group Jaish e Mohammed in Pakistan's Balakot, New Delhi was quick to inform world capitals of the developments.&nbsp;

The Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj spoke to five of her counterparts. The EAM spoke to United States secretary of state Mike Pompeo, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, Singaporean foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan and in the neighbourhood, Afghan foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani and Bangladesh's foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen.

In her calls, she briefed how about the Indian strikes were non-military preemptive action against the terror group that has been responsible for many attacks in India.

Jaish e Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility of the Pulwama terror attack on 14th February killing 40 of India's security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir. The worst attack in over 2 decades on Indian forces. JeM was also responsible for the 2001 attack on the Indian parliament and 2016 attack on the Pathankot airbase. According to Indian intelligence reports, Jaish was also planning more suicide terror attacks in the country in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.

India briefs foreign envoys

Earlier in the day, India briefed foreign envoys in the countries regarding its action. The foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale briefed envoys of the P5 or the permanent five countries of the United Nations security council which include--China, Russia, US, France and UK, ASEAN bloc, Brazil, Australia, Brazil, Germany, Kuwait and neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka.

A source told WION that during the briefing, Foreign secretary asked "international community to impress upon Pakistan the need for it to take action to seriously fight terrorism" and the aim of India preemptive action.

Later Dean of Diplomatic Corps Hans Dannenberg Castellanos speaking to reporters outside the MEA said,"The message was exactly the one conveyed to media, the operation was a very directed one and did not impact any civilians in Pakistan and did not impact any military installations in Pakistan.. and it was a pre-emptive strike to avoid any terrorist attacks in India, they had credible intelligence that the people who were planning it was in that camp. It was a responsible action We have to inform our capital"

Global reaction: Pressure on Pakistan

Meanwhile, reactions have started to come. Australia was the first country to react. While expressing concern, Australian foreign minister in a release said, "Pakistan must take urgent and meaningful action against terrorist groups in its territory, including Jaish-e-Mohammed"

Australia urged that Islamabad "must do everything possible to implement its own prescription of Jaish-e-Mohammed" and can "no longer allow extremist groups the legal and physical space to operate from its territory."

The United Kingdom also said its "concerned by rising tensions". While asking both India and Pakistan to avoid taking action that poses risk to regional stability, London said its working closely with international partners, including in the "United Nations Security Council (UNSC), to ensure that those responsible for the Pulwama attack are held to account.”

Wion has learnt that UK is working on the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 and has had discussions with members of UNSC on this issue.

France last week said it will propose listing of JEM chief Azhar for his listing as an international terrorist, something that has been scuttled by China many times in the past citing lack of consensus at the 1267 committee of UNSC.

Pakistan all weather ally China has taken a cautious stance. Asked about the Indian strikes, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang called both India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" and do more to "improve their bilateral relations"

Indian external affairs minister will be in China on Wednesday for the RIC or Russia, India, China foreign ministers meet in which she will be strongly raising with Bejing listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under UN list.&nbsp;

Pakistan dials us

Meanwhile, in a copy move, Pakistani foreign minister SM Qureshi has been briefing diplomatic corp in Islamabad post-Indian strikes in Pakistan. He spoke to US secretary of state Mike Pompeo.

In the aftermath of Pulwama, he has been calling his global counterparts saying Islamabad is willing to act if given actionable evidence of its involvement in Pulwama terror attack, only to be told Pakistan must act on terror groups on its soil.

Monday releases from European Union (EU) and Germany foreign offices both have called on Pakistan not to allow its territory as a safe haven for terror groups with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini saying Islamabad needs to act on terrorism in a &nbsp;clear and sustained actions manner.

Pakistan also summoned Indian Acting High Commissioner to lodge a protest on Indians strikes and accepted that Indian aircraft were present in its air space in wee hours of Tuesday morning.

Hours, after India confirmed that it's air force, struck the biggest camp of United Nations listed terror group Jaish e Mohammed in Pakistan's Balakot, New Delhi was quick to inform world capitals of the developments.

Hours, after India confirmed that it's air force, struck the biggest camp of United Nations listed terror group Jaish e Mohammed in Pakistan's Balakot, New Delhi was quick to inform world capitals of the developments. The Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj spoke to five of her counterparts. The EAM spoke to United States secretary of state Mike Pompeo, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, Singaporean foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan and in the neighbourhood, Afghan foreign minister Salahuddin Rabbani and Bangladesh's foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen. In her calls, she briefed how about the Indian strikes were non-military preemptive action against the terror group that has been responsible for many attacks in India. Jaish e Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility of the Pulwama terror attack on 14th February killing 40 of India's security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir. The worst attack in over 2 decades on Indian forces. JeM was also responsible for the 2001 attack on the Indian parliament and 2016 attack on the Pathankot airbase. According to Indian intelligence reports, Jaish was also planning more suicide terror attacks in the country in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack. India briefs foreign envoys Earlier in the day, India briefed foreign envoys in the countries regarding its action. The foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale briefed envoys of the P5 or the permanent five countries of the United Nations security council which include--China, Russia, US, France and UK, ASEAN bloc, Brazil, Australia, Brazil, Germany, Kuwait and neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka. A source told WION that during the briefing, Foreign secretary asked "international community to impress upon Pakistan the need for it to take action to seriously fight terrorism" and the aim of India preemptive action. Later Dean of Diplomatic Corps Hans Dannenberg Castellanos speaking to reporters outside the MEA said,"The message was exactly the one conveyed to media, the operation was a very directed one and did not impact any civilians in Pakistan and did not impact any military installations in Pakistan.. and it was a pre-emptive strike to avoid any terrorist attacks in India, they had credible intelligence that the people who were planning it was in that camp. It was a responsible action We have to inform our capital" Global reaction: Pressure on Pakistan Meanwhile, reactions have started to come. Australia was the first country to react. While expressing concern, Australian foreign minister in a release said, "Pakistan must take urgent and meaningful action against terrorist groups in its territory, including Jaish-e-Mohammed" Australia urged that Islamabad "must do everything possible to implement its own prescription of Jaish-e-Mohammed" and can "no longer allow extremist groups the legal and physical space to operate from its territory." The United Kingdom also said its "concerned by rising tensions". While asking both India and Pakistan to avoid taking action that poses risk to regional stability, London said its working closely with international partners, including in the "United Nations Security Council (UNSC), to ensure that those responsible for the Pulwama attack are held to account.” Wion has learnt that UK is working on the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 and has had discussions with members of UNSC on this issue. France last week said it will propose listing of JEM chief Azhar for his listing as an international terrorist, something that has been scuttled by China many times in the past citing lack of consensus at the 1267 committee of UNSC. Pakistan all weather ally China has taken a cautious stance. Asked about the Indian strikes, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang called both India and Pakistan to "exercise restraint" and do more to "improve their bilateral relations" Indian external affairs minister will be in China on Wednesday for the RIC or Russia, India, China foreign ministers meet in which she will be strongly raising with Bejing listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under UN list. Pakistan dials us Meanwhile, in a copy move, Pakistani foreign minister SM Qureshi has been briefing diplomatic corp in Islamabad post-Indian strikes in Pakistan. He spoke to US secretary of state Mike Pompeo. In the aftermath of Pulwama, he has been calling his global counterparts saying Islamabad is willing to act if given actionable evidence of its involvement in Pulwama terror attack, only to be told Pakistan must act on terror groups on its soil. Monday releases from European Union (EU) and Germany foreign offices both have called on Pakistan not to allow its territory as a safe haven for terror groups with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini saying Islamabad needs to act on terrorism in a clear and sustained actions manner. Pakistan also summoned Indian Acting High Commissioner to lodge a protest on Indians strikes and accepted that Indian aircraft were present in its air space in wee hours of Tuesday morning.

Diplomacy takes over after India strikes; EAM calls 5 foreign ministers; UK, Australia says Pakistan must act on terror

Leaders of different political parties on Tuesday congratulated the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strikes-on-terror-launchpads-meticulous-planning-led-to-successful-air-force-mission-199830">Indian Air Force(IAF)</a> at an all-party meeting on operation targeting a terrorist camp in Pakistan, with the Congress saying that it will support security forces in their endeavour to finish terrorism coming into India from outside.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj briefed the leaders, who included <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/four-bombs-fell-in-jabba-near-balakot-pak-army-spokesman-ghafoor-199896">CPM's Sitaram Yechury</a>, TMC's Derek O'Brian, Omar Abdullah of National Conference and Bhartruhari Mahtab from BJD, on the air strike carried out in the early hours.

Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Arun Jaitley, both members of the Cabinet Committee on Security like Swaraj, were also present in the meeting. Azad told reporters after the meeting that political parties lauded the IAF strikes to destroy terror camps in a "clean" operation as there were no civilian casualties.&nbsp;

"We will support our security forces in their endeavour to finish terrorism coming into Indian from outside. The good part was that it was a very clean operation," he said.&nbsp;

NCP's Praful Patel, BSP's Satish Mishra and BJP ally Ramdas Athawale also attended the meeting.&nbsp;

In a swift and precise air strike, India bombed and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed's(JeM)&nbsp;biggest training camp in Pakistan early Tuesday, killing over 350 terrorists, trainers and senior commanders, less than two weeks after the terror outfit carried out the suicide attack in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives.&nbsp;

Following an all-party meeting called by the government to brief leaders on the operation, the Congress asserted that it will support security forces in their efforts to finish terrorism coming into India from outside as parties praised the IAF for its action.

The prime minister appeared at three public events and hinted at the IAF operation to loud applause from his audiences, even though he did not make any direct reference to the action.

"My soul says today is the day to reiterate what I had expressed in 2014 that I won't let my country down. I pledge to the motherland that I will not let her head bow. Today is a day to pay homage to India's bravehearts. I want to assure people of the country that the nation is in safe hands," Modi said at a rally in Churu in Rajasthan.

In a pinpointed and swift air strike, India pounded JeM's&nbsp;biggest training camp in Pakistan early Tuesday, killing up to 350 terrorists and trainers who were moved there for their protection after the Pulwama attack, officials said.

As the news came out, Rahul Gandhi tweeted his praise for the IAF. "I salute the pilots of the IAF," he said.

Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee echoed the view, saying "IAF also means India's Amazing Fighters. Jai Hind."

Joining in, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati offered her salute and respect for the IAF but added that had the Modi government given a free hand to the armed forces earlier terrorist attacks in Pulwama, Pathankot and Uri would have been avoided. 
&nbsp;

Leaders of different political parties on Tuesday congratulated the Indian Air Force(IAF) at an all-party meeting on operation targeting a terrorist camp in Pakistan, with the Congress saying that it will support security forces in their endeavour to finish terrorism coming into India from outside.

Leaders of different political parties on Tuesday congratulated the Indian Air Force(IAF) at an all-party meeting on operation targeting a terrorist camp in Pakistan, with the Congress saying that it will support security forces in their endeavour to finish terrorism coming into India from outside. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj briefed the leaders, who included CPM's Sitaram Yechury, TMC's Derek O'Brian, Omar Abdullah of National Conference and Bhartruhari Mahtab from BJD, on the air strike carried out in the early hours. Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Arun Jaitley, both members of the Cabinet Committee on Security like Swaraj, were also present in the meeting. Azad told reporters after the meeting that political parties lauded the IAF strikes to destroy terror camps in a "clean" operation as there were no civilian casualties. "We will support our security forces in their endeavour to finish terrorism coming into Indian from outside. The good part was that it was a very clean operation," he said. NCP's Praful Patel, BSP's Satish Mishra and BJP ally Ramdas Athawale also attended the meeting. In a swift and precise air strike, India bombed and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed's(JeM) biggest training camp in Pakistan early Tuesday, killing over 350 terrorists, trainers and senior commanders, less than two weeks after the terror outfit carried out the suicide attack in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives. Following an all-party meeting called by the government to brief leaders on the operation, the Congress asserted that it will support security forces in their efforts to finish terrorism coming into India from outside as parties praised the IAF for its action. The prime minister appeared at three public events and hinted at the IAF operation to loud applause from his audiences, even though he did not make any direct reference to the action. "My soul says today is the day to reiterate what I had expressed in 2014 that I won't let my country down. I pledge to the motherland that I will not let her head bow. Today is a day to pay homage to India's bravehearts. I want to assure people of the country that the nation is in safe hands," Modi said at a rally in Churu in Rajasthan. In a pinpointed and swift air strike, India pounded JeM's biggest training camp in Pakistan early Tuesday, killing up to 350 terrorists and trainers who were moved there for their protection after the Pulwama attack, officials said. As the news came out, Rahul Gandhi tweeted his praise for the IAF. "I salute the pilots of the IAF," he said. Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee echoed the view, saying "IAF also means India's Amazing Fighters. Jai Hind." Joining in, Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati offered her salute and respect for the IAF but added that had the Modi government given a free hand to the armed forces earlier terrorist attacks in Pulwama, Pathankot and Uri would have been avoided.

All-party meeting hails IAF strikes; lauds 'clean' operation with no casualties

Kargil to Balakot: When Mirage 2000 pounded Pak positions

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