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The European Union (EU) and Germany have asked Pakistan to act on terror in a&nbsp;call made by Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to EU's Mogherini and Germany foreign minister Heiko Maas to brief about the situation of heightened tension post-Pulwama attack.

The attack on 14th February killed more than 40 CRPF personnel was claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM).

EU High Representative for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eu-asks-pakistan-to-take-clear-and-sustained-actions-against-terrorists-199612">foreign affairs and security policy</a> Federica Mogherini had called Pakistan to not only act on United Nations listed terrorist but also individuals.

She had highlighted the "need to continue addressing terrorism including clear and sustained actions targeting not only all UN-listed transnational terrorist groups but also individuals claiming responsibility for such attacks."

In a press release issued by EU it "stressed the urgency to de-escalate the situation" arising between the two nuclear powers India and Pakistan.

In a tweet, German's foriegn ministry said, "Pakistan resolutely needs to put a stop to cross-border terrorism."

The tweet also called on India and Pakistan "to work to de-escalate the situation."

But what is interesting to note is, the release issued by Pakistan's Ministry of foreign affairs(MOFA) on the same conversations makes no mention of terror.

Instead, it said that the Pakistani foreign minister has expressed his readiness to his EU and German counterparts to investigate the Pulwama terror attack if India shares "actionable intelligence" and went on to rake the Kashmir issue.

Pakistani foriegn Minister SM Qureshi, post-Pulwama has been calling countries across the world but none of the releases by Pakistani foriegn ministry mentions the issue of terror.

In August of 2018 US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo had called newly-elected Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan asking to act on terror among other things according to a readout by United States- State Department.&nbsp;

The Pak Mofa was quick to point out publically in a tweet saying this is "factually incorrect statement issued by the US State Department" but the state department continued to stand by its read-out.&nbsp;

The European Union (EU) and Germany have asked Pakistan to act on terror in a call made by Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to EU's Mogherini and Germany foreign minister Heiko Maas to brief about the situation of heightened tension post-Pulwama attack.

The European Union (EU) and Germany have asked Pakistan to act on terror in a call made by Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to EU's Mogherini and Germany foreign minister Heiko Maas to brief about the situation of heightened tension post-Pulwama attack. The attack on 14th February killed more than 40 CRPF personnel was claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM). EU High Representative for foreign affairs and security policy Federica Mogherini had called Pakistan to not only act on United Nations listed terrorist but also individuals. She had highlighted the "need to continue addressing terrorism including clear and sustained actions targeting not only all UN-listed transnational terrorist groups but also individuals claiming responsibility for such attacks." In a press release issued by EU it "stressed the urgency to de-escalate the situation" arising between the two nuclear powers India and Pakistan. In a tweet, German's foriegn ministry said, "Pakistan resolutely needs to put a stop to cross-border terrorism." The tweet also called on India and Pakistan "to work to de-escalate the situation." But what is interesting to note is, the release issued by Pakistan's Ministry of foreign affairs(MOFA) on the same conversations makes no mention of terror. Instead, it said that the Pakistani foreign minister has expressed his readiness to his EU and German counterparts to investigate the Pulwama terror attack if India shares "actionable intelligence" and went on to rake the Kashmir issue. Pakistani foriegn Minister SM Qureshi, post-Pulwama has been calling countries across the world but none of the releases by Pakistani foriegn ministry mentions the issue of terror. In August of 2018 US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo had called newly-elected Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan asking to act on terror among other things according to a readout by United States- State Department. The Pak Mofa was quick to point out publically in a tweet saying this is "factually incorrect statement issued by the US State Department" but the state department continued to stand by its read-out.

EU, Germany press Pakistan to act on terror as foreign ministry remains silent on terror

The Indian Navy on Monday detected the highly decomposed body of another miner, the fourth of the 15 miners trapped inside a 370-foot-deep illegal rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district for over two months, officials said.

Navy teams were using a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) to retrieve the third body, detected on Sunday. They, however, said retrieving the bodies might disintegrate them.

At least 15 miners were trapped deep inside the illegal coal pit, owned by a person identified by authorities as Krip Chulet, since December 13. 
After 75 days, only one body could be retrieved intact.

"The fourth body was found at 230ft in general area where the third body was found. It is located about 20 feet away from the pulley cart used to transport the dug-out coal," operation spokesperson R Susngi told.

He said the body was found on the deck and negatively buoyant and efforts are on to retrieve it.

The district official said Navy teams were trying their best to retrieve the body parts of the miner detected by ROV about 170 feet from the bottom. 
Three companies -- Coal India Ltd, Kirloskar Brothers Ltd and KSB &nbsp;--continued with de-watering the mines and their total water discharge in 24 hours is over 1 crore litres, Susngi said.

Apart from the Indian Navy, the Army, the NDRF and the state's agencies are engaged in the operations that begun hours after the accident took place on December 13 morning.

The Indian Navy on Monday detected the highly decomposed body of another miner, the fourth of the 15 miners trapped inside a 370-foot-deep illegal rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district for over two months, officials said.

The Indian Navy on Monday detected the highly decomposed body of another miner, the fourth of the 15 miners trapped inside a 370-foot-deep illegal rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district for over two months, officials said. Navy teams were using a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) to retrieve the third body, detected on Sunday. They, however, said retrieving the bodies might disintegrate them. At least 15 miners were trapped deep inside the illegal coal pit, owned by a person identified by authorities as Krip Chulet, since December 13. After 75 days, only one body could be retrieved intact. "The fourth body was found at 230ft in general area where the third body was found. It is located about 20 feet away from the pulley cart used to transport the dug-out coal," operation spokesperson R Susngi told. He said the body was found on the deck and negatively buoyant and efforts are on to retrieve it. The district official said Navy teams were trying their best to retrieve the body parts of the miner detected by ROV about 170 feet from the bottom. Three companies -- Coal India Ltd, Kirloskar Brothers Ltd and KSB --continued with de-watering the mines and their total water discharge in 24 hours is over 1 crore litres, Susngi said. Apart from the Indian Navy, the Army, the NDRF and the state's agencies are engaged in the operations that begun hours after the accident took place on December 13 morning.

Meghalaya mine tragedy: Fourth body detected

The Pakistan army violated ceasefire for the fourth consecutive day Tuesday shelling forward posts along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, prompting a befitting response from the Indian forces, officials said.

The Pakistani army violated ceasefire even as India conducted a major preemptive strike on Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest camp early Tuesday to prevent suicide attacks being planned by the Pakistan-based terror group, killing a large number of terrorists and trainers.

Officials said the Pakistan army resorted to small arms firing along the LoC in Nowshera sector early Tuesday but there was no report of any casualty, officials said.

The Pakistani troops resorted to heavy mortar shelling in the forward areas along LoC in Nowshera late Monday night as well, inviting strong retaliation from the Indian forces, they said.&nbsp;

The Pakistan army has resorted to firing and mortar shelling on forwarding posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts on seven of the last eight days.

At about 18.30 hours on Monday, Pakistan launched unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing small arms along the LoC in the Nowshera sector.

They had violated the ceasefire agreement in the same sector on Sunday as well by shelling with mortars and firing small arms.

The year 2018 witnessed the highest number of ceasefire violations 2,936 by Pakistani troops in the last 15 years along the Indo-Pak border.&nbsp;

Pakistan continues to violate the ceasefire understanding of 2003 despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the agreement during flag meetings between the border guarding forces of the two countries, the officials said.

Amid rising tension between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack and increasing ceasefire violations, the people along the LoC and the International Border (IB) in this region are living under constant fear, they said.

The Pakistan army violated ceasefire for the fourth consecutive day Tuesday shelling forward posts along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, prompting a befitting response from the Indian forces, officials said.

The Pakistan army violated ceasefire for the fourth consecutive day Tuesday shelling forward posts along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, prompting a befitting response from the Indian forces, officials said. The Pakistani army violated ceasefire even as India conducted a major preemptive strike on Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest camp early Tuesday to prevent suicide attacks being planned by the Pakistan-based terror group, killing a large number of terrorists and trainers. Officials said the Pakistan army resorted to small arms firing along the LoC in Nowshera sector early Tuesday but there was no report of any casualty, officials said. The Pakistani troops resorted to heavy mortar shelling in the forward areas along LoC in Nowshera late Monday night as well, inviting strong retaliation from the Indian forces, they said. The Pakistan army has resorted to firing and mortar shelling on forwarding posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts on seven of the last eight days. At about 18.30 hours on Monday, Pakistan launched unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing small arms along the LoC in the Nowshera sector. They had violated the ceasefire agreement in the same sector on Sunday as well by shelling with mortars and firing small arms. The year 2018 witnessed the highest number of ceasefire violations 2,936 by Pakistani troops in the last 15 years along the Indo-Pak border. Pakistan continues to violate the ceasefire understanding of 2003 despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the agreement during flag meetings between the border guarding forces of the two countries, the officials said. Amid rising tension between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack and increasing ceasefire violations, the people along the LoC and the International Border (IB) in this region are living under constant fear, they said.

Pakistan resorts to ceasefire violation in Rajouri, Indian forces retaliate

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strikes-on-terror-launchpads-meticulous-planning-led-to-successful-air-force-mission-199830">Air strikes on terror launchpads: Meticulous planning led to successful Air Force mission</a>

The air strikes were carried out after credible information emerged that the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uncalled-for-aggression-will-respond-at-time-place-of-our-choosing-say-pak-after-nsc-meeting-199838">Uncalled for aggression, will respond at time &amp; place of our choosing, says Pak after NSC meeting</a>

Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC) held a meeting in which it said India has committed "uncalled for aggression to which Pakistan shall respond at the time and place of its choosing".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-urges-india-pakistan-to-exercise-restraint-after-air-strike-199821">China urges India, Pakistan to 'exercise restraint' after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-urges-india-pakistan-to-exercise-restraint-after-air-strike-199821">air</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-urges-india-pakistan-to-exercise-restraint-after-air-strike-199821"> strike</a>

China urged India and Pakistan on Tuesday to "exercise restraint" after New Delhi said its warplanes attacked a militant camp, in a move that sent tensions soaring between the two neighbours.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/country-is-in-safe-hands-modi-says-hours-after-iaf-airstrikes-on-jem-terror-camps-199812">'Country is in safe hands,' Modi says hours after IAF airstrikes on JeM terror camps &nbsp;</a>

Hours after India bombed and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp in Balakot in Pakistan early Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country is in safe hands.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/sanath-jayasuriya-guilty-of-breaching-anti-corruption-code-banned-for-2-years-by-icc-199876">Sanath Jayasuriya guilty of breaching anti-corruption code, banned for 2 years by ICC</a>

Sanath Jayasuriya Tuesday was banned from all cricket for two years after admitting breaching two counts of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

Air strikes on terror launchpads: Meticulous planning led to successful Air Force mission The air strikes were carried out after credible information emerged that the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said.

Air strikes on terror launchpads: Meticulous planning led to successful Air Force mission The air strikes were carried out after credible information emerged that the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said. Uncalled for aggression, will respond at time & place of our choosing, says Pak after NSC meeting Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC) held a meeting in which it said India has committed "uncalled for aggression to which Pakistan shall respond at the time and place of its choosing". China urges India, Pakistan to 'exercise restraint' after air strike China urged India and Pakistan on Tuesday to "exercise restraint" after New Delhi said its warplanes attacked a militant camp, in a move that sent tensions soaring between the two neighbours. 'Country is in safe hands,' Modi says hours after IAF airstrikes on JeM terror camps Hours after India bombed and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp in Balakot in Pakistan early Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country is in safe hands. Sanath Jayasuriya guilty of breaching anti-corruption code, banned for 2 years by ICC Sanath Jayasuriya Tuesday was banned from all cricket for two years after admitting breaching two counts of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Indian Air Force on Tuesday destroyed the terror camps in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strike-heres-why-balakot-was-chosen-by-indian-air-force-199792">Pakistan's Balakot</a> using laser-guided bombs. The air strikes were carried out after credible information emerged that Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said.

But the planning for the air strike began a few days after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/over-200-kg-of-explosives-was-used-in-pulwamas-terror-attack-197469">Pulwama attack</a>, according to intelligence agencies.

Source in the intelligence agencies say the plan was presented to the government by Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa a few days after the attack on CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama in which 40 soldiers were killed. The proposal was cleared by the government between February 17-18, the sources said.

The Indian forces then conducted surveillance - both airborne and on the ground - with Heron drones. India bought 50 of these long-endurance drones from Israel for US $500 million. A Heron drone can perform strategic and tactical missions, can reach an altitude of 35,000 feet, stay in the air for more than 45 hours and has a flight range of 350km.

The surveillance presented a list of possible target sites to Indian security forces which was cleared by National Security Avisor Ajit Doval last week, say sources.

Watch: Top Jaish leadership wiped out as IAF strikes on terror launch pads

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The Air Force then assigned the targets to two <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-you-need-to-know-about-mirage-2000-fighter-jets-which-destroyed-terror-camps-across-loc-199785">Mirage squadrons</a> and the best pilots were chosen for the mission. The 12 Mirage-2000s, armed with laser guided bombs, took off from Gwalior in batches along with the Heron drone from a secret airfield.

WION has learnt that PM supervised and was present in the situation room at South Block when the strike happened.

The fighter jets dropped their payloads between 3.43am and 4.04am and returned to their base safely, say sources. News agency ANI reported that a total of six bombs were dropped on the terror camps. NSA Doval was informed about the success of the mission, who subsequently briefed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/country-is-in-safe-hands-modi-says-hours-after-iaf-airstrikes-on-jem-terror-camps-199812">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>.

Briefing the media after Indian Air Force's targeted air strikes on terror camps across the Line of Control, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-struck-the-biggest-camp-of-jem-in-balakot-says-foreign-secretary-vijay-gokhale-199787">Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale</a> said India was firmly and resolutely committed to taking all measures to fight the menace of terrorism, he said and added that the non-military pre-emptive action was targeted specifically at JeM camp.

The selection of the target was also conditioned by our desire to avoid civilian casualties, he said adding that a large number of JeM terrorists, trainers and jihadis were eliminated in the operation.

The Indian Air Force on Tuesday destroyed the terror camps in Pakistan's Balakot using laser-guided bombs. The air strikes were carried out after credible information emerged that Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said.

The Indian Air Force on Tuesday destroyed the terror camps in Pakistan's Balakot using laser-guided bombs. The air strikes were carried out after credible information emerged that Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said. But the planning for the air strike began a few days after the Pulwama attack, according to intelligence agencies. Source in the intelligence agencies say the plan was presented to the government by Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa a few days after the attack on CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama in which 40 soldiers were killed. The proposal was cleared by the government between February 17-18, the sources said. The Indian forces then conducted surveillance - both airborne and on the ground - with Heron drones. India bought 50 of these long-endurance drones from Israel for US $500 million. A Heron drone can perform strategic and tactical missions, can reach an altitude of 35,000 feet, stay in the air for more than 45 hours and has a flight range of 350km. The surveillance presented a list of possible target sites to Indian security forces which was cleared by National Security Avisor Ajit Doval last week, say sources. Watch: Top Jaish leadership wiped out as IAF strikes on terror launch pads × The Air Force then assigned the targets to two Mirage squadrons and the best pilots were chosen for the mission. The 12 Mirage-2000s, armed with laser guided bombs, took off from Gwalior in batches along with the Heron drone from a secret airfield. WION has learnt that PM supervised and was present in the situation room at South Block when the strike happened. The fighter jets dropped their payloads between 3.43am and 4.04am and returned to their base safely, say sources. News agency ANI reported that a total of six bombs were dropped on the terror camps. NSA Doval was informed about the success of the mission, who subsequently briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Briefing the media after Indian Air Force's targeted air strikes on terror camps across the Line of Control, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said India was firmly and resolutely committed to taking all measures to fight the menace of terrorism, he said and added that the non-military pre-emptive action was targeted specifically at JeM camp. The selection of the target was also conditioned by our desire to avoid civilian casualties, he said adding that a large number of JeM terrorists, trainers and jihadis were eliminated in the operation.

Air strikes on terror launchpads: Meticulous planning led to successful Air Force mission

American and Taliban officials looking to end a 17-year war in Afghanistan began their most detailed and high-level discussions yet on foreign troop withdrawals and counter-terrorism on Tuesday, officials close to the peace negotiations said.

The talks, which kicked off in Doha on Monday with a meet-and-greet lunch, are seen as the most promising yet between the warring parties after the Taliban`s newly-appointed political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar joined for the first time, flying in from Pakistan.

The two sides are looking to hammer out a timeline and logistics for a potential troop withdrawal, as well as guarantees that the Taliban will not host militant groups like the US winds down its presence, sources close to the talks said.

"The Taliban knows foreign forces are committed to withdrawal, but we have the responsibility to ensure that Afghanistan does not get used as a base to launch terror attacks on foreign nations," one of the officials said.

Some 14,000 U.S. troops are based in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US&nbsp;forces also carry out counter-terrorism operations.

The US&nbsp;military officials have been brought in to join this week's talks in Doha, a second official said, raising hopes for progress after the last round in January secured a broad framework agreement but few details on critical aspects of a ceasefire and withdrawal.

"We have all the right people in the room on both sides," the second official said.

The US&nbsp;President Donald Trump told Congress this month he intended to reduce US forces from Afghanistan as negotiators make progress in talks with Taliban insurgents, saying: "Great nations do not fight endless wars."

The US&nbsp;team, led by special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, is also pushing for the Taliban to meet with the Afghan government, which the group has so far snubbed, and to agree on a ceasefire ahead of its annual spring offensive, sources said.

The hardline Islamist movement considers the Afghan government a puppet regime of the U.S. and has refused direct talks.

Government fears

Supporters of the Afghan government worry that Washington could negotiate an abrupt pullout in their absence, leaving communities that opposed the Taliban in danger and imperilling reforms such as the education of girls which the Taliban banned.

Qatar, which has hosted a political office for the Taliban since 2013, has looked to present itself as a critical staging ground and mediator for the talks.

The first meeting on Monday between Khalilzad and Baradar appeared to be "formal, and yet very cordial," a third source close to the talks said. The two agreed to have "a result-oriented discussion" for the next five days, the source said.

Hopes have been high for a breakthrough ever since Baradar, a co-founder of the Taliban and the movement`s new political chief, was freed from a Pakistani jail last year to participate.

His appointment was widely seen as a fresh effort by the Taliban to emerge from the political and diplomatic shadows.

"Baradar gave the opening address, met with all the U.S. and Qatari officials. He requested his delegation to continue talks. He will be in Qatar, but may not attend all the sessions," the first official said.

The United States intervened in Afghanistan in 2001 to help opposition forces topple the Taliban government which had sheltered the al Qaeda militants responsible for the Sept. 11 attacks. Washington and its allies later sent troops to prevent the Taliban from returning in a war that escalated for a decade.

Foreign intervention peaked in 2010 with 130,000 troops including 100,000 Americans but has been scaled back sharply since 2014, with Afghan forces assuming nearly all of the combat responsibility.&nbsp;

More than 2,300 Americans have died in Afghanistan and more than 1,100 troops from more than two dozen allied countries, including more than 450 British soldiers.

The United Nations has documented the deaths of tens of thousands of Afghan civilians, mostly from insurgent attacks. Tens of thousands of members of the Afghan security forces and an unknown number of militants have also died.

American and Taliban officials looking to end a 17-year war in Afghanistan began their most detailed and high-level discussions yet on foreign troop withdrawals and counter-terrorism on Tuesday, officials close to the peace negotiations said.

American and Taliban officials looking to end a 17-year war in Afghanistan began their most detailed and high-level discussions yet on foreign troop withdrawals and counter-terrorism on Tuesday, officials close to the peace negotiations said. The talks, which kicked off in Doha on Monday with a meet-and-greet lunch, are seen as the most promising yet between the warring parties after the Taliban`s newly-appointed political chief Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar joined for the first time, flying in from Pakistan. The two sides are looking to hammer out a timeline and logistics for a potential troop withdrawal, as well as guarantees that the Taliban will not host militant groups like the US winds down its presence, sources close to the talks said. "The Taliban knows foreign forces are committed to withdrawal, but we have the responsibility to ensure that Afghanistan does not get used as a base to launch terror attacks on foreign nations," one of the officials said. Some 14,000 U.S. troops are based in Afghanistan as part of a US-led NATO mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces. Some US forces also carry out counter-terrorism operations. The US military officials have been brought in to join this week's talks in Doha, a second official said, raising hopes for progress after the last round in January secured a broad framework agreement but few details on critical aspects of a ceasefire and withdrawal. "We have all the right people in the room on both sides," the second official said. The US President Donald Trump told Congress this month he intended to reduce US forces from Afghanistan as negotiators make progress in talks with Taliban insurgents, saying: "Great nations do not fight endless wars." The US team, led by special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, is also pushing for the Taliban to meet with the Afghan government, which the group has so far snubbed, and to agree on a ceasefire ahead of its annual spring offensive, sources said. The hardline Islamist movement considers the Afghan government a puppet regime of the U.S. and has refused direct talks. Government fears Supporters of the Afghan government worry that Washington could negotiate an abrupt pullout in their absence, leaving communities that opposed the Taliban in danger and imperilling reforms such as the education of girls which the Taliban banned. Qatar, which has hosted a political office for the Taliban since 2013, has looked to present itself as a critical staging ground and mediator for the talks. The first meeting on Monday between Khalilzad and Baradar appeared to be "formal, and yet very cordial," a third source close to the talks said. The two agreed to have "a result-oriented discussion" for the next five days, the source said. Hopes have been high for a breakthrough ever since Baradar, a co-founder of the Taliban and the movement`s new political chief, was freed from a Pakistani jail last year to participate. His appointment was widely seen as a fresh effort by the Taliban to emerge from the political and diplomatic shadows. "Baradar gave the opening address, met with all the U.S. and Qatari officials. He requested his delegation to continue talks. He will be in Qatar, but may not attend all the sessions," the first official said. The United States intervened in Afghanistan in 2001 to help opposition forces topple the Taliban government which had sheltered the al Qaeda militants responsible for the Sept. 11 attacks. Washington and its allies later sent troops to prevent the Taliban from returning in a war that escalated for a decade. Foreign intervention peaked in 2010 with 130,000 troops including 100,000 Americans but has been scaled back sharply since 2014, with Afghan forces assuming nearly all of the combat responsibility. More than 2,300 Americans have died in Afghanistan and more than 1,100 troops from more than two dozen allied countries, including more than 450 British soldiers. The United Nations has documented the deaths of tens of thousands of Afghan civilians, mostly from insurgent attacks. Tens of thousands of members of the Afghan security forces and an unknown number of militants have also died.

US, Taliban talk troop withdrawal, counter-terrorism at peace talks

India vs Pakistan: A history of conflict

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday said he has postponed his indefinite hunger strike, scheduled from March 1 in "view of the prevailing Indo-Pak situation".

His remarks came after India struck Jaish-e-Mohammed's(JeM) biggest camp in Pakistan early Tuesday in a major "preemptive" action killing a large number of terrorists and trainers of the Pak-based terror group preparing to carry out suicide attacks in this country.

"In view of prevailing Indo Pak situation, I am postponing my upwas for full statehood of Delhi. We all stand as one nation today," he posted on Twitter. 
Earlier, Kejriwal saluted the pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) after it carried out the strikes in Pakistan.

"I salute the bravery of Indian Air Force pilots who have made us proud by striking terror targets in Pakistan," Kejriwal said in a tweet.

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In view of prevailing Indo Pak situation, I am postponing my upwas for full statehood of Delhi. We all stand as one nation today.
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1100341925629050880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Delhi CM also 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.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday said he has postponed his indefinite hunger strike, scheduled from March 1 in "view of the prevailing Indo-Pak situation".

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Tuesday said he has postponed his indefinite hunger strike, scheduled from March 1 in "view of the prevailing Indo-Pak situation". His remarks came after India struck Jaish-e-Mohammed's(JeM) biggest camp in Pakistan early Tuesday in a major "preemptive" action killing a large number of terrorists and trainers of the Pak-based terror group preparing to carry out suicide attacks in this country. "In view of prevailing Indo Pak situation, I am postponing my upwas for full statehood of Delhi. We all stand as one nation today," he posted on Twitter. Earlier, Kejriwal saluted the pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) after it carried out the strikes in Pakistan. "I salute the bravery of Indian Air Force pilots who have made us proud by striking terror targets in Pakistan," Kejriwal said in a tweet. In view of prevailing Indo Pak situation, I am postponing my upwas for full statehood of Delhi. We all stand as one nation today. — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 26, 2019 × Delhi CM also 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.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal postpones indefinite hunger strike in view of prevailing Indo-Pak situation

The benchmark BSE Sensex Tuesday ended 240 points lower as investor sentiment weakened after India carried out air strikes on a terrorist camp in Pakistan.

Weak cues from global equities and selling pressure on financials and realty stocks too weighed on market mood here.

After cracking nearly 500 points, the 30-share Sensex pared some losses but ended 239.67 points, or 0.66 per cent, lower at 35,973.71. It hit a low of 35,714.16 and a high of 36,172.52.

The gauge surged 342 points in Monday's trade.

The 50-share Nifty also fell 44.80 points, or 0.41 per cent, to 10,835.30 after hovering between 10,729.30 and 10,888.75.

Losses were more pronounced in banking, realty and PSU counters.

"Indian indices traded lower mainly due to two factors? first, the indications of weakness from all major Asian markets since their opening; and second, the strike carried out by the Indian Air Force against terrorist camps located inside Pakistan," said Joseph Thomas, Head Research, Emkay Wealth Management.

While the former may be considered reflective of the evolving broader global perspective, the latter may have limited or transient impact on the market direction, he said, adding that markets may remain quite volatile in the coming days, especially, in the light of the fast approaching general elections.

The Indian Air Force struck Jaish-e-Mohammed's (JeM) biggest camp in Pakistan early Tuesday in a major "preemptive" action, killing a large number of terrorists and trainers of the Pak-based terror group preparing to carry out suicide attacks in India.

The move came 12 days after JeM carried out the Pulwama attack in Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the rupee which depreciated 38 paise to 71.35 against the US dollar in early trade, recovered partially to quote at 71.06 in late afternoon trade at the forex market and was still trading 9 paise lower over its previous close of 70.97.

A fresh round of selling by domestic institutional investors (DIIs) also dampened market sentiment here, brokers said.

DIIs sold shares worth Rs 1,764.4 crore, while foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net of Rs 2,134.35 crore on Monday, provisional data showed.&nbsp;

The benchmark BSE Sensex Tuesday ended 240 points lower as investor sentiment weakened after India carried out air strikes on a terrorist camp in Pakistan. Weak cues from global equities and selling pressure on financials and realty stocks too weighed on market mood here.

The benchmark BSE Sensex Tuesday ended 240 points lower as investor sentiment weakened after India carried out air strikes on a terrorist camp in Pakistan. Weak cues from global equities and selling pressure on financials and realty stocks too weighed on market mood here. After cracking nearly 500 points, the 30-share Sensex pared some losses but ended 239.67 points, or 0.66 per cent, lower at 35,973.71. It hit a low of 35,714.16 and a high of 36,172.52. The gauge surged 342 points in Monday's trade. The 50-share Nifty also fell 44.80 points, or 0.41 per cent, to 10,835.30 after hovering between 10,729.30 and 10,888.75. Losses were more pronounced in banking, realty and PSU counters. "Indian indices traded lower mainly due to two factors? first, the indications of weakness from all major Asian markets since their opening; and second, the strike carried out by the Indian Air Force against terrorist camps located inside Pakistan," said Joseph Thomas, Head Research, Emkay Wealth Management. While the former may be considered reflective of the evolving broader global perspective, the latter may have limited or transient impact on the market direction, he said, adding that markets may remain quite volatile in the coming days, especially, in the light of the fast approaching general elections. The Indian Air Force struck Jaish-e-Mohammed's (JeM) biggest camp in Pakistan early Tuesday in a major "preemptive" action, killing a large number of terrorists and trainers of the Pak-based terror group preparing to carry out suicide attacks in India. The move came 12 days after JeM carried out the Pulwama attack in Kashmir. Meanwhile, the rupee which depreciated 38 paise to 71.35 against the US dollar in early trade, recovered partially to quote at 71.06 in late afternoon trade at the forex market and was still trading 9 paise lower over its previous close of 70.97. A fresh round of selling by domestic institutional investors (DIIs) also dampened market sentiment here, brokers said. DIIs sold shares worth Rs 1,764.4 crore, while foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net of Rs 2,134.35 crore on Monday, provisional data showed.

Sensex ends 240 points lower on rising India-Pakistan tension

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday hailed the Indian Air Force (IAF) for carrying out air strikes in Pakistan.

"IAF also means India's Amazing Fighters. Jai Hind," Banerjee tweeted. India carried out air strikes inside Pakistan early Tuesday and targeted terror camps, official sources said.

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IAF also means India's Amazing Fighters. Jai Hind
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Several fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, they said.&nbsp;

The IAF strike was carried out by a group of Mirage 2000 fighters at around 3.30 am.

The strike in Balakot was significant as the location was beyond Pakistan-administered Kashmir, indicating it was not merely an LoC violation but a punitive action inside Pakistani territory.

It follows a suicide bombing attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Pulwama on February 14 that killed 40 troopers.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday hailed the Indian Air Force (IAF) for carrying out air strikes in Pakistan. "IAF also means India's Amazing Fighters.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday hailed the Indian Air Force (IAF) for carrying out air strikes in Pakistan. "IAF also means India's Amazing Fighters. Jai Hind," Banerjee tweeted. India carried out air strikes inside Pakistan early Tuesday and targeted terror camps, official sources said. IAF also means India's Amazing Fighters. Jai Hind — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) February 26, 2019 × Several fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, they said. The IAF strike was carried out by a group of Mirage 2000 fighters at around 3.30 am. The strike in Balakot was significant as the location was beyond Pakistan-administered Kashmir, indicating it was not merely an LoC violation but a punitive action inside Pakistani territory. It follows a suicide bombing attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Pulwama on February 14 that killed 40 troopers.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee hails IAF for air strikes on Pakistan

A Pakistani unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was on Tuesday shot down near the International Border in Kutch district of Gujarat, police sources said.

Debris of the UAV was seen near Nanghatad village in Abdasa taluka of Kutch, they said.

On hearing a loud sound around 6 am, villagers went to the spot and found the debris of the UAV, the sources said.

Asked if a Pakistani UAV had been shot down by the Indian armed forces, a police official, on condition of anonymity, said, "Such an incident has happened, we are investigating the matter."

The official, however, refused to elaborate further.

Earlier, government sources said that in a pre-dawn strike, combat jets of Indian Air Force bombed terror camps at multiple locations across the Line of Control on the Pakistani side, 12 days after Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group carried out the dastardly Pulwama attack in Kashmir.

They said the IAF's Mirage 2000 fighter jets pounded the terror camps in Balakot, Muzaffarabad and Chakoti in the well-planned strike destroying Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the operation.

A Pakistani unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was on Tuesday shot down near the International Border in Kutch district of Gujarat, police sources said. Debris of the UAV was seen near Nanghatad village in Abdasa taluka of Kutch, they said.

A Pakistani unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was on Tuesday shot down near the International Border in Kutch district of Gujarat, police sources said. Debris of the UAV was seen near Nanghatad village in Abdasa taluka of Kutch, they said. On hearing a loud sound around 6 am, villagers went to the spot and found the debris of the UAV, the sources said. Asked if a Pakistani UAV had been shot down by the Indian armed forces, a police official, on condition of anonymity, said, "Such an incident has happened, we are investigating the matter." The official, however, refused to elaborate further. Earlier, government sources said that in a pre-dawn strike, combat jets of Indian Air Force bombed terror camps at multiple locations across the Line of Control on the Pakistani side, 12 days after Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group carried out the dastardly Pulwama attack in Kashmir. They said the IAF's Mirage 2000 fighter jets pounded the terror camps in Balakot, Muzaffarabad and Chakoti in the well-planned strike destroying Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the operation.

Pakistan drone shot down near International Border in Gujarat’s Kutch: Police sources

Hours after India bombed and destroyed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-struck-the-biggest-camp-of-jem-in-balakot-says-foreign-secretary-vijay-gokhale-199787">Jaish-e-Mohammed'</a>s biggest training camp in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strike-heres-why-balakot-was-chosen-by-indian-air-force-199792">Balakot in Pakistan</a> early Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country is in safe hands.

Addressing a public rally in Churu, Rajasthan with the pictures of Pulwama terrorist attack victims on the backdrop, PM said ''Today I assure the countrymen, the country is in safe hands.''

''I swear on my soil, I won't let the nation down. Won't let the nation suffer,'' Modi said amid chanting of 'Bharat Mata Ki Ji'. &nbsp;

Making a clear reference to the air strike in Pakistan, PM Narendra Modi said that "I can understand the reason behind your excitement and high spirits. There's nothing bigger than the country; I salute every person working towards its development."

Speaking about Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Modi said within next 10 years Rs 7.5 Lakh Crore will be deposited in the accounts of farmers.&nbsp;

Farmers do not have to do anything, he said and added farmers will directly get a notification on their mobile phones, saying that they have received the amount.

The prime minister also spoke about the implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) and the National War Memorial during the rally.

It has been reported that PM Narendra Modi supervised and was present in the situation room at the PMO at South Block when the strike happened.

Sources say multiple options were given with Air Chief Marshal preparing the entire plan.The target was identified around February 20 and 21 with the Army/Air Force doing the air surveillance along the LoC.

Drones were also used. Overall, two Mirage squadrons with 12 jets were selected for operation.

Hours after India bombed and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp in Balakot in Pakistan early Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country is in safe hands.

Hours after India bombed and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp in Balakot in Pakistan early Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country is in safe hands. Addressing a public rally in Churu, Rajasthan with the pictures of Pulwama terrorist attack victims on the backdrop, PM said ''Today I assure the countrymen, the country is in safe hands.'' ''I swear on my soil, I won't let the nation down. Won't let the nation suffer,'' Modi said amid chanting of 'Bharat Mata Ki Ji'. Making a clear reference to the air strike in Pakistan, PM Narendra Modi said that "I can understand the reason behind your excitement and high spirits. There's nothing bigger than the country; I salute every person working towards its development." Speaking about Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Modi said within next 10 years Rs 7.5 Lakh Crore will be deposited in the accounts of farmers. Farmers do not have to do anything, he said and added farmers will directly get a notification on their mobile phones, saying that they have received the amount. The prime minister also spoke about the implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) and the National War Memorial during the rally. It has been reported that PM Narendra Modi supervised and was present in the situation room at the PMO at South Block when the strike happened. Sources say multiple options were given with Air Chief Marshal preparing the entire plan.The target was identified around February 20 and 21 with the Army/Air Force doing the air surveillance along the LoC. Drones were also used. Overall, two Mirage squadrons with 12 jets were selected for operation.

'Country is in safe hands,' Modi says hours after IAF airstrikes on JeM terror camps  

IAF strike on JeM camps: Country is in safe hands, says PM Modi

India said any member of the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee can use the veto to block and kill a proposal for want of unanimity, describing as “complex” and “contentious” the issue of veto which has been repeatedly used by China to block India’s bid to designate Pakistan-based <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-pulwama-attack-pakistan-army-tells-masood-azhar-hafiz-sayeed-to-lie-low-sources-198507">JeM chief Masood Azhar </a>as a global terrorist.

Participating in the informal meeting of the Plenary on the Intergovernmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on an increase in the membership of the Security Council, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said that by a procedural stratagem, veto has been expanded to all members of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council, rather than being subject to restraints.

He said in the UNSC Sanctions Committee, any “member can block or object or place on hold, any request of a Member State, thereby in effect killing the proposal on grounds that unanimity is required”.

“The use of the veto has been extended to the subsidiary bodies of the Security Council, eg, the Sanctions Committees. In these bodies, the veto has been extended to all 15 members of the Committees,” Akbaruddin said here Monday.

Akbaruddin said the issue of veto is complex, complicated and contentious, but “then we cannot also allow the veto to have a veto over the process of Council reform itself”.

The Indian Ambassador’s remarks on the veto in the Security Council’s Sanctions Committee comes against the backdrop of China, a permanent member of the Security Council, repeatedly using its veto to block India’s bid to designate Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed’s chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

In the wake of the Pulwama terror attack by JeM against India’s security forces, France is expected to soon move a proposal in the Sanctions Committee to ban the head of the UN-proscribed group.

The proposal, when moved, will be fourth such bid at the UN in the past 10 years. In 2009, India moved by itself a proposal to designate Azhar. This was followed in 2016 when India moved the proposal with the P3 – the United States, the United Kingdom and France in the UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the airbase in Pathankot in January 2016. In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, China always blocked the proposal from being adopted by the UN.

Akbaruddin provided a quick review of the record of the use of veto that indicates the States’ approach to the veto. He said since the creation of the Security Council in 1946 till today, at least 238 vetoes were cast. As many as 59 vetoes were to block applications for membership to the UN. Vietnam’s application was vetoed 9 times; Italy’s 6 times; Japan, Sri Lanka, Portugal, Ireland, Republic of Korea and Jordan 4 times; Austria and Finland 3 times; and Nepal, Libya, Laos and Cambodia 2 times; and Angola, Bangladesh, Kuwait, Mauritania, Mongolia and Spain 1 time each.

“These Member States are now widely regarded as significant participants in maintaining international peace and security rather than threats to international peace and security, as was perceived when their initial applications for membership were vetoed,” he said.

Further, no less than 18 vetoes were cast to block resolutions against the apartheid regime in South Africa, and 22 vetoes have been cast on Middle East issue, including Palestine.

“Given the history of such use of the veto, a number of Member States have called for the abolition of the veto,” he said.

Akbaruddin noted that the names and suggestions calling for the abolition of the veto or limiting or curtailing its use to the extent possible is part of July 2015 document that lists positions and proposals of UN member states on Security Council reform.

The position of a number of Member States supporting voluntary restrictions on the use of the veto in situations such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing and gross human rights violations are also listed in the document.

On the issue of “Categories of Membership”, a total of 113 Member States, out of 122 who submitted their positions in the Framework Document, support expansion in both of the existing categories.

“In short, more than 90% of the written submissions in the document” are in favour of expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of the Council.

“We have heard many refer to the need for respect for democratic expressions. Will those who are speaking of democracy be ready to accept this democratic expression listed in a GA (General Assembly) document,” he said.

Similarly, on the issue of Regional Representation, India noted that the majority of Member States have called in their submissions for equitable geographical representation and need for addressing the non-representation and under-representation of some regions in the permanent and non-permanent category.

Akbaruddin cited the example of the Asia-Pacific group, where 52 states are vying for 2 non-permanent seats, while in the West European &amp; Other Group states there are 25 members in the pool vying for 2 seats.

“Put another way, there are more than 3 billion of ‘we the people’ from Asia-Pacific seeking representation through 2 seats with a 2-year term, while ‘people’ from no other region face such daunting challenges in seeking to be represented equitably,” he said.

Akbaruddin reiterated India’s support for representation of Africa in the Council in both categories of UNSC membership as well as support for further consideration of cross-regional representation arrangements to ensure that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) find adequate avenues for representation in a reformed Council.

India said any member of the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee can use the veto to block and kill a proposal for want of unanimity, describing as “complex” and “contentious” the issue of veto which has been repeatedly used by China to block India’s bid to designate Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

India said any member of the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee can use the veto to block and kill a proposal for want of unanimity, describing as “complex” and “contentious” the issue of veto which has been repeatedly used by China to block India’s bid to designate Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. Participating in the informal meeting of the Plenary on the Intergovernmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on an increase in the membership of the Security Council, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said that by a procedural stratagem, veto has been expanded to all members of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council, rather than being subject to restraints. He said in the UNSC Sanctions Committee, any “member can block or object or place on hold, any request of a Member State, thereby in effect killing the proposal on grounds that unanimity is required”. “The use of the veto has been extended to the subsidiary bodies of the Security Council, eg, the Sanctions Committees. In these bodies, the veto has been extended to all 15 members of the Committees,” Akbaruddin said here Monday. Akbaruddin said the issue of veto is complex, complicated and contentious, but “then we cannot also allow the veto to have a veto over the process of Council reform itself”. The Indian Ambassador’s remarks on the veto in the Security Council’s Sanctions Committee comes against the backdrop of China, a permanent member of the Security Council, repeatedly using its veto to block India’s bid to designate Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed’s chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. In the wake of the Pulwama terror attack by JeM against India’s security forces, France is expected to soon move a proposal in the Sanctions Committee to ban the head of the UN-proscribed group. The proposal, when moved, will be fourth such bid at the UN in the past 10 years. In 2009, India moved by itself a proposal to designate Azhar. This was followed in 2016 when India moved the proposal with the P3 – the United States, the United Kingdom and France in the UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the airbase in Pathankot in January 2016. In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, China always blocked the proposal from being adopted by the UN. Akbaruddin provided a quick review of the record of the use of veto that indicates the States’ approach to the veto. He said since the creation of the Security Council in 1946 till today, at least 238 vetoes were cast. As many as 59 vetoes were to block applications for membership to the UN. Vietnam’s application was vetoed 9 times; Italy’s 6 times; Japan, Sri Lanka, Portugal, Ireland, Republic of Korea and Jordan 4 times; Austria and Finland 3 times; and Nepal, Libya, Laos and Cambodia 2 times; and Angola, Bangladesh, Kuwait, Mauritania, Mongolia and Spain 1 time each. “These Member States are now widely regarded as significant participants in maintaining international peace and security rather than threats to international peace and security, as was perceived when their initial applications for membership were vetoed,” he said. Further, no less than 18 vetoes were cast to block resolutions against the apartheid regime in South Africa, and 22 vetoes have been cast on Middle East issue, including Palestine. “Given the history of such use of the veto, a number of Member States have called for the abolition of the veto,” he said. Akbaruddin noted that the names and suggestions calling for the abolition of the veto or limiting or curtailing its use to the extent possible is part of July 2015 document that lists positions and proposals of UN member states on Security Council reform. The position of a number of Member States supporting voluntary restrictions on the use of the veto in situations such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing and gross human rights violations are also listed in the document. On the issue of “Categories of Membership”, a total of 113 Member States, out of 122 who submitted their positions in the Framework Document, support expansion in both of the existing categories. “In short, more than 90% of the written submissions in the document” are in favour of expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of the Council. “We have heard many refer to the need for respect for democratic expressions. Will those who are speaking of democracy be ready to accept this democratic expression listed in a GA (General Assembly) document,” he said. Similarly, on the issue of Regional Representation, India noted that the majority of Member States have called in their submissions for equitable geographical representation and need for addressing the non-representation and under-representation of some regions in the permanent and non-permanent category. Akbaruddin cited the example of the Asia-Pacific group, where 52 states are vying for 2 non-permanent seats, while in the West European & Other Group states there are 25 members in the pool vying for 2 seats. “Put another way, there are more than 3 billion of ‘we the people’ from Asia-Pacific seeking representation through 2 seats with a 2-year term, while ‘people’ from no other region face such daunting challenges in seeking to be represented equitably,” he said. Akbaruddin reiterated India’s support for representation of Africa in the Council in both categories of UNSC membership as well as support for further consideration of cross-regional representation arrangements to ensure that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) find adequate avenues for representation in a reformed Council.

Veto used to block, kill proposals in UNSC Sanctions Committee: India’s veiled attack on China over Masood Azahar issue

China urged India and Pakistan on Tuesday to "exercise restraint" after New Delhi said its warplanes <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strike-heres-why-balakot-was-chosen-by-indian-air-force-199792">attacked a militant camp</a>, in a move that sent tensions soaring between the two neighbours.

"We hope that both India and Pakistan can exercise restraint and adopt actions that will help stabilise the situation in the region and improve mutual relations," China's foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.

Twelve planes of the Indian Air Force bombed and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp in Balakot in Pakistan early Tuesday - a move which <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-struck-the-biggest-camp-of-jem-in-balakot-says-foreign-secretary-vijay-gokhale-199787">Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale</a> said was carried out after credible information emerged that JeM terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country.

Briefing media after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/country-is-in-safe-hands-modi-says-hours-after-iaf-airstrikes-on-jem-terror-camps-199812">Indian Air Force's targeted air strikes</a> on terror camps across the Line of Control, Gokhale said India was firmly and resolutely committed to taking all measures to fight the menace of terrorism, and added that the non-military pre-emptive action was targeted specifically at JeM camp.

Watch: Experts weigh in on IAF destroying terror camps across LoC

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India, meanwhile, slammed China saying that any member of the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee can use the veto to block and kill a proposal for want of unanimity, describing as "complex" and "contentious" the issue of veto which has been repeatedly used by China to block India's bid to designate Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

Participating in the informal meeting of the Plenary on the Intergovernmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said that by a procedural stratagem, veto has been expanded to all members of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council, rather than being subject to restraints.

"The use of the veto has been extended to the subsidiary bodies of the Security Council, for example, the Sanctions Committees. In these bodies, the veto has been extended to all 15 members of the Committees," Akbaruddin said on Monday.

Akbaruddin said the issue of veto is complex, complicated and contentious, but "then we cannot also allow the veto to have a veto over the process of Council reform itself".

The Indian Ambassador's remarks on the veto in the Security Council's Sanctions Committee comes against the backdrop of China, a permanent member of the Security Council, repeatedly using its veto to block India's bid to designate Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

China urged India and Pakistan on Tuesday to "exercise restraint" after New Delhi said its warplanes attacked a militant camp, in a move that sent tensions soaring between the two neighbours.

China urged India and Pakistan on Tuesday to "exercise restraint" after New Delhi said its warplanes attacked a militant camp, in a move that sent tensions soaring between the two neighbours. "We hope that both India and Pakistan can exercise restraint and adopt actions that will help stabilise the situation in the region and improve mutual relations," China's foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said. Twelve planes of the Indian Air Force bombed and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp in Balakot in Pakistan early Tuesday - a move which Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said was carried out after credible information emerged that JeM terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country. Briefing media after Indian Air Force's targeted air strikes on terror camps across the Line of Control, Gokhale said India was firmly and resolutely committed to taking all measures to fight the menace of terrorism, and added that the non-military pre-emptive action was targeted specifically at JeM camp. Watch: Experts weigh in on IAF destroying terror camps across LoC × India, meanwhile, slammed China saying that any member of the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee can use the veto to block and kill a proposal for want of unanimity, describing as "complex" and "contentious" the issue of veto which has been repeatedly used by China to block India's bid to designate Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. Participating in the informal meeting of the Plenary on the Intergovernmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said that by a procedural stratagem, veto has been expanded to all members of subsidiary bodies of the Security Council, rather than being subject to restraints. "The use of the veto has been extended to the subsidiary bodies of the Security Council, for example, the Sanctions Committees. In these bodies, the veto has been extended to all 15 members of the Committees," Akbaruddin said on Monday. Akbaruddin said the issue of veto is complex, complicated and contentious, but "then we cannot also allow the veto to have a veto over the process of Council reform itself". The Indian Ambassador's remarks on the veto in the Security Council's Sanctions Committee comes against the backdrop of China, a permanent member of the Security Council, repeatedly using its veto to block India's bid to designate Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

China urges India, Pakistan to 'exercise restraint' after air strike

First pics of JeM terror camp destroyed by Indian Air Force

As credible information emerged that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terror-camps-destroyed-as-12-mirage-jets-drops-1000-kg-bombs-across-loc-iaf-sources-199744"> pre-emptive strike </a>became important and India struck the biggest camp of JeM in Balakot, said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

Briefing media after Indian Air Force's targeted airstrikes on<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-claims-indian-air-force-violated-loc-199740"> terror camps</a> across the Line of Control, Gokhale said&nbsp;India was firmly and resolutely committed to taking all measures to fight the menace of terrorism, he said and added that the non-military pre-emptive action was targeted specifically at JeM camp.

The selection of the target was also conditioned by our desire to avoid civilian casualties, he said.

(Watch:&nbsp;Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale briefs media about the strike)

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''This&nbsp;facility in Balakot was headed by Maulana Yusuf Azhar alias Ustad Ghauri, brother in law of JeM Chief Masood Azhar...The selection of the target was also conditioned by our desire to avoid civilian casualty. It's located in deep forest on a hilltop," he added.

A&nbsp;very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers and Jihadis were eliminated following the operation.

''Strike has taken only a short while ago and we are waiting for the details,'' he said.&nbsp;

Masood Azhar's brother-in-law has also been killed in the airstrikes.&nbsp;

Slamming Pakistan for not taking any action Gokhale said, ''Pakistan has taken no concrete actions to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism on its soil despite being given information of training camps on its territory.''

He elaborated, "the existence of such massive training facilities capable of training hundreds of jihadis could not have functioned without the knowledge of Pakistan authorities."&nbsp;

He also asked Islamabad ''to not allow its soil or territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India by taking follow up actions to dismantle all JeM and other camps and hold the terrorists accountable for the actions.''

WION has learnt that PM supervised and was present in the situation room at South block when the strike happened.

Sources say multiple options were given with Air Chief Marshal preparing the entire plan.

The target was identified around February 20 and 21&nbsp;with the Army/Air Force doing the air surveillance along the LoC.

Drones were also used. Overall, two Mirage squadrons with 12 jets were selected for operation.

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary briefed foreign envoys about the developments. US, China, Russia, UK, Russia, Asean, Brazil envoys were present at the FS briefing.

Earlier in the day, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi met for the second time since Pulwama attack. Defence minister, external affairs minister, the finance minister, Home Minister, National security advisor and foreign secretary were also present there.

Since the Pulwama attack which took place 12 days ago, India has been taking strong actions against Pakistan on economic front by removing the Most Favored Nation (MFN) status and diplomatically by isolating Pakistan.

As credible information emerged that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, a pre-emptive strike became important and India struck the biggest camp of JeM in Balakot, said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

As credible information emerged that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, a pre-emptive strike became important and India struck the biggest camp of JeM in Balakot, said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale. Briefing media after Indian Air Force's targeted airstrikes on terror camps across the Line of Control, Gokhale said India was firmly and resolutely committed to taking all measures to fight the menace of terrorism, he said and added that the non-military pre-emptive action was targeted specifically at JeM camp. The selection of the target was also conditioned by our desire to avoid civilian casualties, he said. (Watch: Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale briefs media about the strike) × ''This facility in Balakot was headed by Maulana Yusuf Azhar alias Ustad Ghauri, brother in law of JeM Chief Masood Azhar...The selection of the target was also conditioned by our desire to avoid civilian casualty. It's located in deep forest on a hilltop," he added. A very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers and Jihadis were eliminated following the operation. ''Strike has taken only a short while ago and we are waiting for the details,'' he said. Masood Azhar's brother-in-law has also been killed in the airstrikes. Slamming Pakistan for not taking any action Gokhale said, ''Pakistan has taken no concrete actions to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism on its soil despite being given information of training camps on its territory.'' He elaborated, "the existence of such massive training facilities capable of training hundreds of jihadis could not have functioned without the knowledge of Pakistan authorities." He also asked Islamabad ''to not allow its soil or territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India by taking follow up actions to dismantle all JeM and other camps and hold the terrorists accountable for the actions.'' WION has learnt that PM supervised and was present in the situation room at South block when the strike happened. Sources say multiple options were given with Air Chief Marshal preparing the entire plan. The target was identified around February 20 and 21 with the Army/Air Force doing the air surveillance along the LoC. Drones were also used. Overall, two Mirage squadrons with 12 jets were selected for operation. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary briefed foreign envoys about the developments. US, China, Russia, UK, Russia, Asean, Brazil envoys were present at the FS briefing. Earlier in the day, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi met for the second time since Pulwama attack. Defence minister, external affairs minister, the finance minister, Home Minister, National security advisor and foreign secretary were also present there. Since the Pulwama attack which took place 12 days ago, India has been taking strong actions against Pakistan on economic front by removing the Most Favored Nation (MFN) status and diplomatically by isolating Pakistan.

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

The Indian Air Force, in a pre-dawn air strike on Tuesday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-carries-out-air-strikes-in-pakistan-199776">destroyed terror camps</a> across the Line of Control by using laser-guided bombs. The strikes were carried out by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-you-need-to-know-about-mirage-2000-fighter-jets-which-destroyed-terror-camps-across-loc-199785">Mirage-2000 aircraft</a> at Muzaffarabad, Chakoti and Balakot - the terror hub in Pakistan.

Balakot, a town in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, is about 50km from the Line of Control and known among the intelligence agencies as "epicentre of jihad". It has been on the radar of American forces for a long time and is 50km from Abbottabad where al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden was killed by US forces.

Analysts allege that many Pakistan-based terror groups have their base and training camps in the area. The camp which was targeted in Tuesday's strike, was located on a hilltop. Terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed chose Balakot for its base after Taliban were routed in the year 2001. Jaish-supported Al-Rehman Trust is also active in the area, according to intelligence agencies.

"In an intelligence lead operation in the early hours today, India struck the biggest training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Balakot. In this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commander and jihadis were eliminated," India's foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said at a briefing after the air strikes.

The camp was led by Maulana Yusuf Azhar alias Ustad Ghauri, brother-in-law of JeM Chief Masood Azhar, Gokhale added.

"Credible intelligence was received that Jaish-e-Mohammed was attempting another suicide terror attack in various parts of the country &amp; fidayeen jihadis were being trained for this purpose. A pre-emptive strike became important," Gokhale said.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-carries-out-air-strikes-inside-pakistan-what-we-know-so-far-199767">strike on Tuesday</a> 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.

Hours later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) which was attended by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The Indian Air Force, in a pre-dawn air strike on Tuesday, destroyed terror camps across the Line of Control by using laser-guided bombs. The strikes were carried out by Mirage-2000 aircraft at Muzaffarabad, Chakoti and Balakot - the terror hub in Pakistan.

The Indian Air Force, in a pre-dawn air strike on Tuesday, destroyed terror camps across the Line of Control by using laser-guided bombs. The strikes were carried out by Mirage-2000 aircraft at Muzaffarabad, Chakoti and Balakot - the terror hub in Pakistan. Balakot, a town in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, is about 50km from the Line of Control and known among the intelligence agencies as "epicentre of jihad". It has been on the radar of American forces for a long time and is 50km from Abbottabad where al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden was killed by US forces. Analysts allege that many Pakistan-based terror groups have their base and training camps in the area. The camp which was targeted in Tuesday's strike, was located on a hilltop. Terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed chose Balakot for its base after Taliban were routed in the year 2001. Jaish-supported Al-Rehman Trust is also active in the area, according to intelligence agencies. "In an intelligence lead operation in the early hours today, India struck the biggest training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Balakot. In this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commander and jihadis were eliminated," India's foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said at a briefing after the air strikes. The camp was led by Maulana Yusuf Azhar alias Ustad Ghauri, brother-in-law of JeM Chief Masood Azhar, Gokhale added. "Credible intelligence was received that Jaish-e-Mohammed was attempting another suicide terror attack in various parts of the country & fidayeen jihadis were being trained for this purpose. A pre-emptive strike became important," Gokhale said. The strike on Tuesday 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. Hours later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) which was attended by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Air strike: Here's why Balakot was chosen by Indian Air Force

Fighter jets' sound kept us awake the whole night: Locals on IAF's strike on terror launch pads

India on Tuesday destroyed the terror launch pads across the Line of Control <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-carries-out-air-strikes-in-pakistan-199776">with an air strike</a>. The strike was carried out by French-made Mirage aircraft, which was inducted in the Indian Air Force in the '80s.

The Mirage is a multi-role fighter jet which played a pivotal role in the 1999 Kargil War with Pakistan and turned the tide in India's favour.

The Mirage is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), under licence from Dassault Aviation of France, the original manufacturer of these aircraft. According to Dassault, the Mirage's first flight was in 1978 and was introduced in service by the French air force in 1984. More than 500 different varints of Mirage are operational across the world; the aircraft is known for its ability to always evolve.

The aircraft can reach up to a height of 60,000 feet and is capable of reaching a speed of Mach 2.2, according to Dassault Aviation.

Mirage 2000 has nine hardpoints for carrying weapon system payloads: five on the fuselage and two on each wing.

The single-seat version is also armed with two internally mounted, high-firing-rate 30 mm guns.

The Mirage fighter jets used the laser-guided bombs at targets on top of the Tiger Hill at an altitude of more than 17,000 feet during the Kargil War. The destruction of Pakistani post atop the Tiger Hill gave India the strategic advantage as it overlooked the Drass town and National Highway 1A the lifeline between Srinagar and Leh.

The similar <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-carries-out-air-strikes-inside-pakistan-what-we-know-so-far-199767">laser-guided bombs</a> were used in destroying the terror launch pads during the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-f16s-were-scrambled-to-retaliate-but-turned-back-sources-199782">pre-dawn strike</a> on Tuesday.

India had signed a $2.4 billion deal with France in 2011 to upgrade 51 Mirage 2000 fighters, which were purchased in the mid-1980s, with new electronic warfare systems and radar. The upgraded Mirage jets were delivered to India in April, 2018.

India on Tuesday destroyed the terror launch pads across the Line of Control with an air strike. The strike was carried out by French-made Mirage aircraft, which was inducted in the Indian Air Force in the '80s.

India on Tuesday destroyed the terror launch pads across the Line of Control with an air strike. The strike was carried out by French-made Mirage aircraft, which was inducted in the Indian Air Force in the '80s. The Mirage is a multi-role fighter jet which played a pivotal role in the 1999 Kargil War with Pakistan and turned the tide in India's favour. The Mirage is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), under licence from Dassault Aviation of France, the original manufacturer of these aircraft. According to Dassault, the Mirage's first flight was in 1978 and was introduced in service by the French air force in 1984. More than 500 different varints of Mirage are operational across the world; the aircraft is known for its ability to always evolve. The aircraft can reach up to a height of 60,000 feet and is capable of reaching a speed of Mach 2.2, according to Dassault Aviation. Mirage 2000 has nine hardpoints for carrying weapon system payloads: five on the fuselage and two on each wing. The single-seat version is also armed with two internally mounted, high-firing-rate 30 mm guns. The Mirage fighter jets used the laser-guided bombs at targets on top of the Tiger Hill at an altitude of more than 17,000 feet during the Kargil War. The destruction of Pakistani post atop the Tiger Hill gave India the strategic advantage as it overlooked the Drass town and National Highway 1A the lifeline between Srinagar and Leh. The similar laser-guided bombs were used in destroying the terror launch pads during the pre-dawn strike on Tuesday. India had signed a $2.4 billion deal with France in 2011 to upgrade 51 Mirage 2000 fighters, which were purchased in the mid-1980s, with new electronic warfare systems and radar. The upgraded Mirage jets were delivered to India in April, 2018.

All you need to know about Mirage-2000 fighter jets which destroyed terror camps across LoC

The Supreme Court of India is expected to hear pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Article 35A this week. According to reports, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-hear-pleas-challenging-constitutional-validity-of-article-35a-this-week-199582">the apex court will entertain the pleas between February 26 and 28</a>, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The petition was originally filed by a Delhi-based NGO 'We the citizen', stating that Jammu and Kashmir's autonomous status granted by Article 370 and Article 35A of the Constitution discriminates against fellow citizens from the rest of the country.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday maintained that it is firm on its stand on the Article and seeks deferment of hearing.

Addressing a press conference, senior bureaucrat Rohit Kansal, who has been designated as the chief spokesperson of the governor's administration, said, "The stand of the state government on the request of deferment of hearing on Article 35A in the Supreme Court remains the same as requested by them on February 11."

Article 35A grants special privileges to Jammu &amp; Kashmir. Here's a quick look at what the Article stands for.&nbsp;

Understanding Article 35A

Article 35A is a provision in the Constitution that empowers the legislature of Jammu and Kashmir to define "permanent residents" of the state.

Permanent residents of the state are given special rights and privileges in public sector jobs, acquisition of property in the state, scholarships, and other public aid and welfare.

The provision mandates that no act of the legislature coming under it can be challenged for violating the Constitution or any other law of the land.

The J&amp;K legislature can alter the definition of "permanent resident" only through a law passed by a two-thirds majority.

The history

Article 35A was added through the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 1954, issued under Article 370.

It was incorporated into the Constitution by an order by then President Rajendra Prasad on the advice of the Jawaharlal Nehru Cabinet.

The petition&nbsp;

A Delhi-based NGO, We the Citizens, challenges the validity of both Article 35A and Article 370, arguing that four representatives from Kashmir were part of the Constituent Assembly involved in the drafting of the Constitution and that the state of Jammu and Kashmir was never accorded any special status under the Constitution.&nbsp;

It contends that Article 370 was only a "temporary provision" to help bring normalcy to Jammu and Kashmir and strengthen democracy in the state. And that the writers of the Constitution did not intend Article 370 to be a tool to bring about permanent amendments - like Article 35A - in the Constitution

The petition states that Article 35A is against the “very spirit of oneness of India” as it creates a “class within a class of Indian citizens”, and that stopping citizens of other states from finding employment or buying property in Jammu and Kashmir is a violation of fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.

The Supreme Court of India is expected to hear pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Article 35A this week. According to reports, the apex court will entertain the pleas between February 26 and 28, news agency ANI reported.

The Supreme Court of India is expected to hear pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Article 35A this week. According to reports, the apex court will entertain the pleas between February 26 and 28, news agency ANI reported. The petition was originally filed by a Delhi-based NGO 'We the citizen', stating that Jammu and Kashmir's autonomous status granted by Article 370 and Article 35A of the Constitution discriminates against fellow citizens from the rest of the country. Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday maintained that it is firm on its stand on the Article and seeks deferment of hearing. Addressing a press conference, senior bureaucrat Rohit Kansal, who has been designated as the chief spokesperson of the governor's administration, said, "The stand of the state government on the request of deferment of hearing on Article 35A in the Supreme Court remains the same as requested by them on February 11." Article 35A grants special privileges to Jammu & Kashmir. Here's a quick look at what the Article stands for. Understanding Article 35A Article 35A is a provision in the Constitution that empowers the legislature of Jammu and Kashmir to define "permanent residents" of the state. Permanent residents of the state are given special rights and privileges in public sector jobs, acquisition of property in the state, scholarships, and other public aid and welfare. The provision mandates that no act of the legislature coming under it can be challenged for violating the Constitution or any other law of the land. The J&K legislature can alter the definition of "permanent resident" only through a law passed by a two-thirds majority. The history Article 35A was added through the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 1954, issued under Article 370. It was incorporated into the Constitution by an order by then President Rajendra Prasad on the advice of the Jawaharlal Nehru Cabinet. The petition A Delhi-based NGO, We the Citizens, challenges the validity of both Article 35A and Article 370, arguing that four representatives from Kashmir were part of the Constituent Assembly involved in the drafting of the Constitution and that the state of Jammu and Kashmir was never accorded any special status under the Constitution. It contends that Article 370 was only a "temporary provision" to help bring normalcy to Jammu and Kashmir and strengthen democracy in the state. And that the writers of the Constitution did not intend Article 370 to be a tool to bring about permanent amendments - like Article 35A - in the Constitution The petition states that Article 35A is against the “very spirit of oneness of India” as it creates a “class within a class of Indian citizens”, and that stopping citizens of other states from finding employment or buying property in Jammu and Kashmir is a violation of fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.

Key facts about Article 35A and why Supreme Court will entertain pleas against it this week 

Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjiv Khanna on Monday recused himself from hearing the appeal of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar challenging the Delhi High Court verdict sentencing him to life term in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

The matter came up for hearing before a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi.

The 73-year-old Kumar had surrendered before a trial court here on December 31, 2018 to serve the sentence in pursuance of the high court's December 17 judgment awarding him life imprisonment for the "remainder of his natural life".

The case in which Kumar was convicted and sentenced relates to the killing of five Sikhs in Delhi Cantonment's Raj Nagar Part-I area of southwest Delhi on November 1-2, 1984 and burning down of a gurudwara in Raj Nagar Part-II.&nbsp;

Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjiv Khanna on Monday recused himself from hearing the appeal of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar challenging the Delhi High Court verdict sentencing him to life term in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjiv Khanna on Monday recused himself from hearing the appeal of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar challenging the Delhi High Court verdict sentencing him to life term in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. The matter came up for hearing before a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi. The 73-year-old Kumar had surrendered before a trial court here on December 31, 2018 to serve the sentence in pursuance of the high court's December 17 judgment awarding him life imprisonment for the "remainder of his natural life". The case in which Kumar was convicted and sentenced relates to the killing of five Sikhs in Delhi Cantonment's Raj Nagar Part-I area of southwest Delhi on November 1-2, 1984 and burning down of a gurudwara in Raj Nagar Part-II.

1984 anti-Sikh riots: Justice Sanjiv Khanna recuses from hearing Sajjan Kumar's appeal

Article 35A is part of the constitution and making any amendment to it will not benefit anyone said Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Saturday.

"No one should even touch the subject of Article 35A. It is a part of the constitution and no one should make an attempt to scrap it. It will be in no one's favour," he asserted.

Aiyar also suggested that Hurriyat leaders should also be brought on board for discussion on Kashmir.

"I believe Hurriyat should be a part of the dialogue. During my last visit to Kashmir in May 2017, I invited Hurriyat. I will meet everyone who is ready to meet me. Before my current visit, I had contacted Yasin Malik through a friend but he refused to meet me in Srinagar and said to meet in Delhi instead".

Expressing delight over his return in the Congress party, the former minister said, "I haven't met Congress President Rahul Gandhi yet and hence can't comment on my future prospects. I think my interest in Kashmir has been consistent as a citizen of India".

Aiyar also took the occasion to draw comparison between Kashmir issue and south India's Dravidian movement and said, "I belong to Tamil Nadu and there was Dravid movement there between 1947-62, the main demand was that they don`t want to be a part of India.

The issue was solved amicably with dialogue and now Tamil Nadu remains an integral part of India".Reacting to a question of having a referendum in the valley, he said, "we conduct elections and everyone is free to contest in it.

There are some people who claim to be the voice of Kashmir but they don`t take part in the election process.

Saying that there are people demanding referendum hence we must conduct only referendum here is unjust".The Congress Party had revoked the suspension of Mani Shankar Aiyar from its primary membership on August 18, 2018. He was suspended from Congress in December 2017 after making a controversial remark on Prime Minister Modi.&nbsp;

'No one should even touch the subject of Article 35A. It is a part of the constitution and no one should make an attempt to scrap it. It will be in no one`s favour', he asserted.

Article 35A is part of the constitution and making any amendment to it will not benefit anyone said Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Saturday. "No one should even touch the subject of Article 35A. It is a part of the constitution and no one should make an attempt to scrap it. It will be in no one's favour," he asserted. Aiyar also suggested that Hurriyat leaders should also be brought on board for discussion on Kashmir. "I believe Hurriyat should be a part of the dialogue. During my last visit to Kashmir in May 2017, I invited Hurriyat. I will meet everyone who is ready to meet me. Before my current visit, I had contacted Yasin Malik through a friend but he refused to meet me in Srinagar and said to meet in Delhi instead". Expressing delight over his return in the Congress party, the former minister said, "I haven't met Congress President Rahul Gandhi yet and hence can't comment on my future prospects. I think my interest in Kashmir has been consistent as a citizen of India". Aiyar also took the occasion to draw comparison between Kashmir issue and south India's Dravidian movement and said, "I belong to Tamil Nadu and there was Dravid movement there between 1947-62, the main demand was that they don`t want to be a part of India. The issue was solved amicably with dialogue and now Tamil Nadu remains an integral part of India".Reacting to a question of having a referendum in the valley, he said, "we conduct elections and everyone is free to contest in it. There are some people who claim to be the voice of Kashmir but they don`t take part in the election process. Saying that there are people demanding referendum hence we must conduct only referendum here is unjust".The Congress Party had revoked the suspension of Mani Shankar Aiyar from its primary membership on August 18, 2018. He was suspended from Congress in December 2017 after making a controversial remark on Prime Minister Modi.

Scrapping Article 35A from J&K won't benefit anyone: Mani Shankar Aiyar

Delhi's Patiala House Court on Monday directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to provide the hard copies of the seized&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/money-laundering-case-robert-vadra-moves-application-in-delhi-court-seeking-copy-of-documents-with-ed-199195">documents to Robert Vadra</a>'s legal team within five days. The documents in question were seized during the raids conducted at Vadra's offices last year.

The court will hear Vadra's second application, seeking stay on interrogation, at 2 pm today. Vadra does not need to join the interrogation until the documents are not provided.

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Delhi's Patiala House Court directs the Enforcement Directorate to provide the hard copies of the documents to Robert Vadra's legal team within 5 days, in connection with the money laundering case. <a href="https://t.co/QM2Uu5E6if">https://t.co/QM2Uu5E6if</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1099903195290234881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Vadra on Saturday moved an application in the court, seeking a copy of documents seized by the agency last year.

On December 7 last year, the agency had carried out raids at Vadra's offices at Delhi.&nbsp;

Vadra has appeared before the ED for questioning on multiple occasions in Delhi and Jaipur.

The money laundering cases being probed by the ED relates to the purchase of alleged illegal assets abroad and an alleged land scam in Bikaner, Rajasthan.

The court had on February 16 extended the interim bail granted to Vadra till March 2.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Delhi's Patiala House Court on Monday directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to provide the hard copies of the seized documents to Robert Vadra's legal team within five days.

Delhi's Patiala House Court on Monday directed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to provide the hard copies of the seized documents to Robert Vadra's legal team within five days. The documents in question were seized during the raids conducted at Vadra's offices last year. The court will hear Vadra's second application, seeking stay on interrogation, at 2 pm today. Vadra does not need to join the interrogation until the documents are not provided. Delhi's Patiala House Court directs the Enforcement Directorate to provide the hard copies of the documents to Robert Vadra's legal team within 5 days, in connection with the money laundering case. https://t.co/QM2Uu5E6if — ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2019 × Vadra on Saturday moved an application in the court, seeking a copy of documents seized by the agency last year. On December 7 last year, the agency had carried out raids at Vadra's offices at Delhi. Vadra has appeared before the ED for questioning on multiple occasions in Delhi and Jaipur. The money laundering cases being probed by the ED relates to the purchase of alleged illegal assets abroad and an alleged land scam in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The court had on February 16 extended the interim bail granted to Vadra till March 2. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi court directs ED to provide copies of seized documents to Robert Vadra's legal team

The Supreme Court of India is expected to hear pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Article 35A this week from February 26 to 28, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Article 35A relates to the special rights and privileges enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday maintained that it is firm on its stand on the Article and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-change-in-stance-on-article-35a-jk-government-seeks-adjournment-of-hearing-in-supreme-court-199493">seeks deferment of hearing</a>.

Addressing a press conference, senior bureaucrat Rohit Kansal, who has been designated as the chief spokesperson of the governor's administration, said, "The stand of the state government on the request of deferment of hearing on Article 35A in the Supreme Court remains the same as requested by them on February 11."

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The pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Article 35A (relating to the special rights and privileges enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir) in Supreme Court listed for hearing this week from Feb 26-28. <a href="https://t.co/CiGJoYFpj9">pic.twitter.com/CiGJoYFpj9</a>
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The Jammu and Kashmir government's counsel had sought permission from the Supreme Court for circulating a letter among the contesting parties for adjourning the upcoming hearing on the pleas challenging the constitutional validity of Article 35A, which provides special rights and privileges to the natives of the state, saying there was no "elected government" in the state.

Article 35A, which was incorporated in the Constitution by a 1954 Presidential Order, accords special rights and privileges to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir and bars people from outside the state from acquiring any immovable property in the state.

It denies property rights to a woman who marries a person from outside the state. The provision, which leads to such women from the state forfeiting their right over property, also applies to their heirs.

The bench is hearing several petitions including the one filed by NGO 'We the Citizens' through lawyer Barun Kumar Sinha.

The Supreme Court of India is expected to hear pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Article 35A this week from February 26 to 28, news agency ANI reported.

The Supreme Court of India is expected to hear pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Article 35A this week from February 26 to 28, news agency ANI reported. Article 35A relates to the special rights and privileges enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday maintained that it is firm on its stand on the Article and seeks deferment of hearing. Addressing a press conference, senior bureaucrat Rohit Kansal, who has been designated as the chief spokesperson of the governor's administration, said, "The stand of the state government on the request of deferment of hearing on Article 35A in the Supreme Court remains the same as requested by them on February 11." The pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Article 35A (relating to the special rights and privileges enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir) in Supreme Court listed for hearing this week from Feb 26-28. pic.twitter.com/CiGJoYFpj9 — ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2019 × The Jammu and Kashmir government's counsel had sought permission from the Supreme Court for circulating a letter among the contesting parties for adjourning the upcoming hearing on the pleas challenging the constitutional validity of Article 35A, which provides special rights and privileges to the natives of the state, saying there was no "elected government" in the state. Article 35A, which was incorporated in the Constitution by a 1954 Presidential Order, accords special rights and privileges to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir and bars people from outside the state from acquiring any immovable property in the state. It denies property rights to a woman who marries a person from outside the state. The provision, which leads to such women from the state forfeiting their right over property, also applies to their heirs. The bench is hearing several petitions including the one filed by NGO 'We the Citizens' through lawyer Barun Kumar Sinha.

Supreme Court to hear pleas challenging constitutional validity of Article 35A this week 

Robert Vadra, facing Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe in cases of alleged money laundering, moved an application in a Delhi court Saturday, seeking a copy of documents seized by the agency in a raid conducted at his offices last year.

Special Judge Arvind Kumar posted the matter for February 25.

The application which was moved through senior advocate KTS Tulsi sought a copy of the documents seized by the agency from Vadra's office.

Vadra, who is the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, said in his application that the ED has been interrogating him based on the seized documents and therefore their copies should be provided to him.

On December 7 last year, the agency had carried out raids at Vadra's offices at Delhi.&nbsp;

Vadra has appeared before the ED for questioning on multiple occasions in Delhi and Jaipur.

The money laundering cases being probed by the ED relate to purchase of alleged illegal assets abroad and an alleged land scam in Bikaner, Rajasthan.

The court had on February 16 extended the interim bail granted to Vadra till March 2.&nbsp;

Vadra had filed an anticipatory bail application in the case linked to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million pounds. The property is allegedly owned by him.

The agency had earlier said it has received information about various new properties in London which allegedly belong to Vadra, including two houses of five and four million pounds, each, six other flats and more properties.

The plea had said Vadra's office was raided by the ED on December 7, 2018 and, therefore, he seriously apprehends that his liberty may be curtailed by the investigating agency.

"The petitioner (Vadra) is being subjected to a farce criminal prosecution which actually is beset with nothing else except political vendetta and most unfortunately the respondent (ED) being the law enforcement agency is a party to the unethical and illegal exercise.

"It is stated that the petitioner's (Vadra's) firm through its authorised representative Manoj Arora has already joined investigation with the ED conducting investigation into the affairs of the firm in Rajasthan with their offices at Jaipur on many occasions and has supplied all the relevant documents to the satisfaction of the officials of the ED," the plea had said.

Arora, an employee of Vadra's Skylight Hospitality LLP, was a key person in the case and he was aware of the latter's overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds, the ED had alleged.

Vadra had alleged that he is being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends.

Arora had alleged before the court that the case was foisted on him by the NDA government out of "political vendetta".

However, the ED had refuted the allegations, asking that "should no authority investigate any political bigwig because that will be called a political vendetta?"

The agency had told the court that it lodged the money laundering case against Arora after his role came to light during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the newly enacted Black Money Act and tax law against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

It had alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for GBP 1.9 million and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately GBP 65,900 on its renovation.

"This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property," the ED had told the court.&nbsp;

Robert Vadra, facing Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe in cases of alleged money laundering, moved an application in a Delhi court Saturday, seeking a copy of documents seized by the agency in a raid conducted at his offices last year.

Robert Vadra, facing Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe in cases of alleged money laundering, moved an application in a Delhi court Saturday, seeking a copy of documents seized by the agency in a raid conducted at his offices last year. Special Judge Arvind Kumar posted the matter for February 25. The application which was moved through senior advocate KTS Tulsi sought a copy of the documents seized by the agency from Vadra's office. Vadra, who is the brother-in-law of Congress president Rahul Gandhi, said in his application that the ED has been interrogating him based on the seized documents and therefore their copies should be provided to him. On December 7 last year, the agency had carried out raids at Vadra's offices at Delhi. Vadra has appeared before the ED for questioning on multiple occasions in Delhi and Jaipur. The money laundering cases being probed by the ED relate to purchase of alleged illegal assets abroad and an alleged land scam in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The court had on February 16 extended the interim bail granted to Vadra till March 2. Vadra had filed an anticipatory bail application in the case linked to allegations of money laundering in the purchase of a London-based property at 12, Bryanston Square worth 1.9 million pounds. The property is allegedly owned by him. The agency had earlier said it has received information about various new properties in London which allegedly belong to Vadra, including two houses of five and four million pounds, each, six other flats and more properties. The plea had said Vadra's office was raided by the ED on December 7, 2018 and, therefore, he seriously apprehends that his liberty may be curtailed by the investigating agency. "The petitioner (Vadra) is being subjected to a farce criminal prosecution which actually is beset with nothing else except political vendetta and most unfortunately the respondent (ED) being the law enforcement agency is a party to the unethical and illegal exercise. "It is stated that the petitioner's (Vadra's) firm through its authorised representative Manoj Arora has already joined investigation with the ED conducting investigation into the affairs of the firm in Rajasthan with their offices at Jaipur on many occasions and has supplied all the relevant documents to the satisfaction of the officials of the ED," the plea had said. Arora, an employee of Vadra's Skylight Hospitality LLP, was a key person in the case and he was aware of the latter's overseas undeclared assets and was instrumental in arranging funds, the ED had alleged. Vadra had alleged that he is being "hounded and harassed" to subserve political ends. Arora had alleged before the court that the case was foisted on him by the NDA government out of "political vendetta". However, the ED had refuted the allegations, asking that "should no authority investigate any political bigwig because that will be called a political vendetta?" The agency had told the court that it lodged the money laundering case against Arora after his role came to light during the probe of another case by the Income Tax Department under the newly enacted Black Money Act and tax law against absconding arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. It had alleged that the London-based property was bought by Bhandari for GBP 1.9 million and sold in 2010 for the same amount despite incurring additional expenses of approximately GBP 65,900 on its renovation. "This gives credence to the fact that Bhandari was not the actual owner of the property but it was beneficially owned by Vadra who was incurring expenditure on the renovation of this property," the ED had told the court.

Robert Vadra moves application in Delhi court seeking copy of documents with ED

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