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Two Jaish-e-Muhammad terrorists have been killed in an ongoing encounter with security forces in south Kashmir's Pulwama district.&nbsp;

Four soldiers including an Indian army major were also killed during the initial exchange of fire in the district.&nbsp;

A civilian also lost his life when the gunfight broke out.&nbsp;

Forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation in the village after receiving specific information about their presence.&nbsp;

Among the killed terrorist is Kamran alias Ghazi, who was the brain of the Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF men lost their life.&nbsp;

This was seen as one of the deadliest attacks since the militancy broke out in the Kashmir valley.&nbsp;

Sources said apart from Kamran, a local terrorist Hilal was also killed.&nbsp;

"As the searches were going on, terrorists from inside the target house fired indiscriminately on the search party. In the initial burst of fire four army jawans and one civilian sustained critical gunshot injuries. They were evacuated to hospital for medical attention. Consequently, four injured jawans attained martyrdom and the civilian also succumbed to his injuries," J&amp;K police said in a press release.&nbsp;

Earlier, a joint team of the Army's 55RR, CRPF and SOG Pulwama launched cordon and search operation in Pinglan area after having credible input about the presence of terrorists in the area.

Two Jaish-e-Muhammad terrorists have been killed in an ongoing encounter with security forces in south Kashmir's Pulwama district. Four soldiers including an Indian army major were also killed during the initial exchange of fire in the district.

Two Jaish-e-Muhammad terrorists have been killed in an ongoing encounter with security forces in south Kashmir's Pulwama district. Four soldiers including an Indian army major were also killed during the initial exchange of fire in the district. A civilian also lost his life when the gunfight broke out. Forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation in the village after receiving specific information about their presence. Among the killed terrorist is Kamran alias Ghazi, who was the brain of the Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF men lost their life. This was seen as one of the deadliest attacks since the militancy broke out in the Kashmir valley. Sources said apart from Kamran, a local terrorist Hilal was also killed. "As the searches were going on, terrorists from inside the target house fired indiscriminately on the search party. In the initial burst of fire four army jawans and one civilian sustained critical gunshot injuries. They were evacuated to hospital for medical attention. Consequently, four injured jawans attained martyrdom and the civilian also succumbed to his injuries," J&K police said in a press release. Earlier, a joint team of the Army's 55RR, CRPF and SOG Pulwama launched cordon and search operation in Pinglan area after having credible input about the presence of terrorists in the area.

Two JeM terrorists shot dead in Pulwama encounter, four soldiers killed 

The mastermind of the Pulwama attack has been killed in an encounter in the Pinglan area of Pulwama.&nbsp;

The firefight between the security forces and the terrorists broke out early Monday morning, at about 2 am, after the forces received a tip-off about the presence of terrorists in the area.&nbsp;

A joint team of the Army's 55RR, CRPF and SOG Pulwama launched cordon and search operation in Pinglan area.

Two terrorists — Hilal Ahmad and Kamran Hilaal — were killed in the encounter. Authorities believe Kamran Hilaal, who they say is a Pakistani official, was the mastermind of the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-encounter-between-security-forces-and-terrorists-197988">Four Indian Army soldiers including a major were also killed</a> in the gun battle.&nbsp;

So was a civilian, who authorities said was killed in the crossfire.&nbsp;

"As the searches were going on, terrorists from inside the target house fired indiscriminately on the search party. In the initial burst of fire four army jawans and one civilian sustained critical gunshot injuries. They were evacuated to hospital for medical attention. Consequently, four injured jawans attained martyrdom and the civilian also succumbed to his injuries," J&amp;K police said in a press release.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Police in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pulwama?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pulwama</a> appeals to locals to leave the site of Pulwama encounter. Four 55 Rashtriya Rifles personnel have lost their lives &amp; one injured and two terrorists neutralised in the ongoing operation. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/q2X13OitXX">pic.twitter.com/q2X13OitXX</a>
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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the ongoing encounter in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pulwama?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pulwama</a>, J&amp;K: The morale of the security forces is high. They are being successful in neutralising the terrorists. <a href="https://t.co/21DHSFB7CS">pic.twitter.com/21DHSFB7CS</a>
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Monday's encounter comes only three days after the Pulwama attack.

A local youth, Adil Ahmad Dar, had last Thursday rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus ferrying Central Reserve Police Force personnel. The bus had been part of a convoy of 78 vehicles transporting 2,500 CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar.&nbsp;

Thursday's attack was claimed by the Jaish-e-Mohammed.&nbsp;

The Jaish is headed by Masood Azhar, a Pakistani national. Azhar was one of the three terrorists released by India after the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814 in December 1999.&nbsp;

Since the attack, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-pakistan-calls-back-high-commissioner-to-india-for-consultations-198050">India has raised customs duties on Pakistani imports to 200%</a>, thereby making trade with its neighbour virtually impossible.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said after the attack that he has given the security forces a free hand to respond to the perpetrators of the attack, at a time and place of their choosing.

The mastermind of the Pulwama attack has been killed in an encounter in the Pinglan area of Pulwama. The firefight between the security forces and the terrorists broke out early Monday morning, at about 2 am, after the forces received a tip-off about the presence of terrorists in the area.

The mastermind of the Pulwama attack has been killed in an encounter in the Pinglan area of Pulwama. The firefight between the security forces and the terrorists broke out early Monday morning, at about 2 am, after the forces received a tip-off about the presence of terrorists in the area. A joint team of the Army's 55RR, CRPF and SOG Pulwama launched cordon and search operation in Pinglan area. Two terrorists — Hilal Ahmad and Kamran Hilaal — were killed in the encounter. Authorities believe Kamran Hilaal, who they say is a Pakistani official, was the mastermind of the Pulwama attack. Four Indian Army soldiers including a major were also killed in the gun battle. So was a civilian, who authorities said was killed in the crossfire. "As the searches were going on, terrorists from inside the target house fired indiscriminately on the search party. In the initial burst of fire four army jawans and one civilian sustained critical gunshot injuries. They were evacuated to hospital for medical attention. Consequently, four injured jawans attained martyrdom and the civilian also succumbed to his injuries," J&K police said in a press release. #WATCH Police in #Pulwama appeals to locals to leave the site of Pulwama encounter. Four 55 Rashtriya Rifles personnel have lost their lives & one injured and two terrorists neutralised in the ongoing operation. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/q2X13OitXX — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019 × Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the ongoing encounter in #Pulwama, J&K: The morale of the security forces is high. They are being successful in neutralising the terrorists. pic.twitter.com/21DHSFB7CS — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019 × Monday's encounter comes only three days after the Pulwama attack. A local youth, Adil Ahmad Dar, had last Thursday rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus ferrying Central Reserve Police Force personnel. The bus had been part of a convoy of 78 vehicles transporting 2,500 CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar. Thursday's attack was claimed by the Jaish-e-Mohammed. The Jaish is headed by Masood Azhar, a Pakistani national. Azhar was one of the three terrorists released by India after the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814 in December 1999. Since the attack, India has raised customs duties on Pakistani imports to 200%, thereby making trade with its neighbour virtually impossible. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said after the attack that he has given the security forces a free hand to respond to the perpetrators of the attack, at a time and place of their choosing.

J&K: Mastermind of Pulwama attack killed in encounter; 4 soldiers dead

Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, who has been heading a dharna here since February 13 to protest the "negative attitude of Lt Governor Kiran Bedi" in approving 39 proposals of the government, on Monday denied her allegation that the agitation was "politically motivated".

The protest outside the Raj Nivas entered the sixth day on Monday.

Narayanasamy has accused Bedi of not approving his government's 39 proposals for welfare schemes, including one for a free-rice scheme, and on administrative matters.

Bedi had, in her letter to the chief minister on Sunday, pointed out that she had cut short her public engagements in Delhi and returned to the Union territory to hold a meeting with him to avoid inconvenience to the people of Puducherry "due to your politically motivated agitations".

Denying Bedi's charge, the chief minister said the dharna did not have a political motive and the aim was to ensure that the people's demands were met.

Bedi had also stated in a WhatsApp message that the chief minister had laid down conditions for accepting her invitation to a meeting to settle the issues contained in his February 7 letter.

These conditions put forward by the chief minister related to his choice of venue for the meeting, how to conduct the meeting and who all should or should not be present during the deliberations.

Bedi had said, "his reasons for continuing the agitation are obviously for reasons other than what he is claiming".

The Lt Governor had also said at the end of her message that the "matter is over", rejecting the conditions.

She informed Narayanasamy through her letter that "it appears to me that you want to stretch the matter unduly as it suits you politically".

The meeting envisaged on Sunday did not take place following the Lt Governor's rejection of the conditions the chief minister had put in his missive to her.

"As the chief minister and constitutional authority, I have the prerogative to inform you where to conduct the meeting and who all should be present and who should not be," Narayanasamy had pointed out in his missive to the former IPS officer.

He had minced no words and said, "I am able to understand that you are sitting with clear prejudices and decisions on all the issues raised before discussion."

The Lt Governor and the government headed by Narayanasamy have been at loggerheads over various issues ever since Bedi assumed office in May, 2016.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, who has been heading a dharna here since February 13 to protest the "negative attitude of Lt Governor Kiran Bedi" in approving 39 proposals of the government, on Monday denied her allegation that the agitation was "politically motivated".

Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, who has been heading a dharna here since February 13 to protest the "negative attitude of Lt Governor Kiran Bedi" in approving 39 proposals of the government, on Monday denied her allegation that the agitation was "politically motivated". The protest outside the Raj Nivas entered the sixth day on Monday. Narayanasamy has accused Bedi of not approving his government's 39 proposals for welfare schemes, including one for a free-rice scheme, and on administrative matters. Bedi had, in her letter to the chief minister on Sunday, pointed out that she had cut short her public engagements in Delhi and returned to the Union territory to hold a meeting with him to avoid inconvenience to the people of Puducherry "due to your politically motivated agitations". Denying Bedi's charge, the chief minister said the dharna did not have a political motive and the aim was to ensure that the people's demands were met. Bedi had also stated in a WhatsApp message that the chief minister had laid down conditions for accepting her invitation to a meeting to settle the issues contained in his February 7 letter. These conditions put forward by the chief minister related to his choice of venue for the meeting, how to conduct the meeting and who all should or should not be present during the deliberations. Bedi had said, "his reasons for continuing the agitation are obviously for reasons other than what he is claiming". The Lt Governor had also said at the end of her message that the "matter is over", rejecting the conditions. She informed Narayanasamy through her letter that "it appears to me that you want to stretch the matter unduly as it suits you politically". The meeting envisaged on Sunday did not take place following the Lt Governor's rejection of the conditions the chief minister had put in his missive to her. "As the chief minister and constitutional authority, I have the prerogative to inform you where to conduct the meeting and who all should be present and who should not be," Narayanasamy had pointed out in his missive to the former IPS officer. He had minced no words and said, "I am able to understand that you are sitting with clear prejudices and decisions on all the issues raised before discussion." The Lt Governor and the government headed by Narayanasamy have been at loggerheads over various issues ever since Bedi assumed office in May, 2016.

Puducherry CM V Narayanasamy continues 'dharna' outside LG Kiran Bedi's home for 6th day

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits South Korea from February 21 to 22, his 30-hour visit to the North East Asian country will see many engagements with Korean leadership, businesses and other stakeholders.&nbsp;

PM Modi will have a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on the second day of the visit in the Blue House, the official residence of the South Korean president.&nbsp;

Briefing the media ahead of the visit, Secretary East in the Ministry of External Affairs Vijay Thakur Singh said, "We expect a substantive agenda for discussion which would cover areas of bilateral cooperation, regional and global issues of mutual interest. The two leaders will also have an opportunity to review follow up action which will be in pursuance of their shared vision for people, prosperity, peace and future"&nbsp;

During his visit in the country, PM Modi will address India-Korea Business Symposium, launch India-Korea startup hub, unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Seoul Campus of the Yonsei University, pay respect at the National Cemetery in Seoul and interact with the Indian community in the country.&nbsp;

About 11000 Indian nationals are living in South Korea with 1000 more pursuing postgraduate and Ph. D programmes in the country.&nbsp;

The Cultural Connect&nbsp;

PM Modi will gift a sapling of Holy Bodhi Tree to the people of Kimhae. Kimhae city has a historic connect with India since 48 CE when Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya went there and started a dynasty after getting married to Korean King Suro. Princess Suriratna is known as Heo Hwang-ok in South Korea. &nbsp;

To highlight the "cultural and historical connect" between the two countries "the Prime Minister will be gifting a sapling of the Holy Bodhi Tree to the people of Kimhae through their mayor, " Secretary east said.&nbsp;

The First Lady of South Korea, Kim Jung-Sook visited Ayodhya in November of 2018 to participate in the ground-breaking ceremony of Queen Suriratna Memorial in the city.&nbsp;

PM to be honoured with Seoul Peace Prize &nbsp;

During the visit, he will be honoured with Seoul Peace Prize. The Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation had announced in October 2018 the decision to award Prime Minister Modi with the prize for 2018 in recognition of his dedication to international cooperation, global growth and human development. Previous recipients of the award include German Chancellor Angela Merkel and &nbsp;United Nation chief Ban Ki-Moon and Kofi Annan.&nbsp;

North Korean in the focus&nbsp;

The visit comes even as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is all set to met US President Donald Trump for the second US North Korea summit in Vietnam on February 27 and 28. They met last year in Singapore for the first summit.&nbsp;

Asked about if any discussion on North Korea will take place, Secretary East said, "We have a very multifaceted relationship with Korea. We discuss issues of mutual interest, regional and global issues. The conversation which is going on with the DPRK (North Korea) is an important conversation. India welcomes discussions and dialogues which will help in reducing tensions and paving the way for peace and reconciliation in the Korean Peninsula."&nbsp;

Without naming, Pakistan secretary said, "We hope that the resolution of the Korean Peninsula will take into account and address our concerns about proliferation linkages in India’s neighbourhood."&nbsp;

It is widely believed that Pakistani nuclear physicist AQ Khan had given sensitive information on Uranium enrichment to North Korea in exchange of missile technology with approval from the former prime minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto.&nbsp;

PM Modi had visited South Korea in May 2015. South Korean President Moon Jae-in visited India in July 2018. During his visit, he along with PM Modi inaugurated the new manufacturing facility of South Korean major Samsung in Noida which is the largest mobile phone manufacturing plant of the company in the world. After President Moon's election victory in 2017, PM Modi was the fourth international leader to congratulate him.&nbsp;

Many South Korean companies are household names in India. Indian exports to Korea accounted for $ 2.91 billion and imports for $ 8.707 billion during January-July 2017, marking a growth of 26 per cent and 30.1 per cent. Major Korean companies such as Samsung, Hyundai Motors and LG have made major investments in India. &nbsp;

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits South Korea from February 21 to 22, his 30-hour visit to the North East Asian country will see many engagements with Korean leadership, businesses and other stakeholders.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits South Korea from February 21 to 22, his 30-hour visit to the North East Asian country will see many engagements with Korean leadership, businesses and other stakeholders. PM Modi will have a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on the second day of the visit in the Blue House, the official residence of the South Korean president. Briefing the media ahead of the visit, Secretary East in the Ministry of External Affairs Vijay Thakur Singh said, "We expect a substantive agenda for discussion which would cover areas of bilateral cooperation, regional and global issues of mutual interest. The two leaders will also have an opportunity to review follow up action which will be in pursuance of their shared vision for people, prosperity, peace and future" During his visit in the country, PM Modi will address India-Korea Business Symposium, launch India-Korea startup hub, unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Seoul Campus of the Yonsei University, pay respect at the National Cemetery in Seoul and interact with the Indian community in the country. About 11000 Indian nationals are living in South Korea with 1000 more pursuing postgraduate and Ph. D programmes in the country. The Cultural Connect PM Modi will gift a sapling of Holy Bodhi Tree to the people of Kimhae. Kimhae city has a historic connect with India since 48 CE when Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya went there and started a dynasty after getting married to Korean King Suro. Princess Suriratna is known as Heo Hwang-ok in South Korea. To highlight the "cultural and historical connect" between the two countries "the Prime Minister will be gifting a sapling of the Holy Bodhi Tree to the people of Kimhae through their mayor, " Secretary east said. The First Lady of South Korea, Kim Jung-Sook visited Ayodhya in November of 2018 to participate in the ground-breaking ceremony of Queen Suriratna Memorial in the city. PM to be honoured with Seoul Peace Prize During the visit, he will be honoured with Seoul Peace Prize. The Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation had announced in October 2018 the decision to award Prime Minister Modi with the prize for 2018 in recognition of his dedication to international cooperation, global growth and human development. Previous recipients of the award include German Chancellor Angela Merkel and United Nation chief Ban Ki-Moon and Kofi Annan. North Korean in the focus The visit comes even as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is all set to met US President Donald Trump for the second US North Korea summit in Vietnam on February 27 and 28. They met last year in Singapore for the first summit. Asked about if any discussion on North Korea will take place, Secretary East said, "We have a very multifaceted relationship with Korea. We discuss issues of mutual interest, regional and global issues. The conversation which is going on with the DPRK (North Korea) is an important conversation. India welcomes discussions and dialogues which will help in reducing tensions and paving the way for peace and reconciliation in the Korean Peninsula." Without naming, Pakistan secretary said, "We hope that the resolution of the Korean Peninsula will take into account and address our concerns about proliferation linkages in India’s neighbourhood." It is widely believed that Pakistani nuclear physicist AQ Khan had given sensitive information on Uranium enrichment to North Korea in exchange of missile technology with approval from the former prime minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto. PM Modi had visited South Korea in May 2015. South Korean President Moon Jae-in visited India in July 2018. During his visit, he along with PM Modi inaugurated the new manufacturing facility of South Korean major Samsung in Noida which is the largest mobile phone manufacturing plant of the company in the world. After President Moon's election victory in 2017, PM Modi was the fourth international leader to congratulate him. Many South Korean companies are household names in India. Indian exports to Korea accounted for $ 2.91 billion and imports for $ 8.707 billion during January-July 2017, marking a growth of 26 per cent and 30.1 per cent. Major Korean companies such as Samsung, Hyundai Motors and LG have made major investments in India.

PM Modi to visit South Korea, will launch India-Korea start-up hub

Argentina President Mauricio Macri who is on a three-day visit to India met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House today.&nbsp;

Macri landed in India on Sunday and visited Agra on the first day of his stay in the country.

The Argentina President was accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan today morning.

Speaking to media after the reception, standing alongside President Kovind and PM Modi, he said, "Very Gald to be in India, such a wonderful country. We have great expectations about the future of the relations between both countries. We have many things to develop together in favour of the future of our people".

The visit comes at a time when both the countries are celebrating the 70th year of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Argentina.

PM Modi met with President Macri last year in Buenos Aires on the sidelines of G20 summit from November 30 to December 1.&nbsp;

Argentina which became the first Latin American country to host G20 last year assured full support to New Delhi which will host the G20 summit in 2022.

"We are at the disposal of India to share any kind of and all the experience we have. It's the job you do in the whole year, the summit is just last expression. India will do it pretty well, you have a lot of experience. There will be no problem", Ambassador of Argentina, Daniel Chuburu said.

The visit comes even as Venezuela has been the focus in South America. Argentina has recognised the opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the president. New Delhi has taken a cautious stand in the Venezuelan crisis since Caracas is the large oil exporter to India.&nbsp;

There may also be some special declaration on Pulwama attacks by the President of Argentina during his India visit.

Argentina President Mauricio Macri who is on a three-day visit to India met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House today. Macri landed in India on Sunday and visited Agra on the first day of his stay in the country.

Argentina President Mauricio Macri who is on a three-day visit to India met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House today. Macri landed in India on Sunday and visited Agra on the first day of his stay in the country. The Argentina President was accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan today morning. Speaking to media after the reception, standing alongside President Kovind and PM Modi, he said, "Very Gald to be in India, such a wonderful country. We have great expectations about the future of the relations between both countries. We have many things to develop together in favour of the future of our people". The visit comes at a time when both the countries are celebrating the 70th year of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Argentina. PM Modi met with President Macri last year in Buenos Aires on the sidelines of G20 summit from November 30 to December 1. Argentina which became the first Latin American country to host G20 last year assured full support to New Delhi which will host the G20 summit in 2022. "We are at the disposal of India to share any kind of and all the experience we have. It's the job you do in the whole year, the summit is just last expression. India will do it pretty well, you have a lot of experience. There will be no problem", Ambassador of Argentina, Daniel Chuburu said. The visit comes even as Venezuela has been the focus in South America. Argentina has recognised the opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the president. New Delhi has taken a cautious stand in the Venezuelan crisis since Caracas is the large oil exporter to India. There may also be some special declaration on Pulwama attacks by the President of Argentina during his India visit.

Have great expectations about future of relation with India: Argentina President Mauricio Macri

An army major was among four soldiers killed Monday in a firefight with terrorists in the Pinglan&nbsp;area of Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;Two terrorists and a civilian were also killed in the gun battle.&nbsp;

The civilian was reportedly killed in the&nbsp;crossfire.

The two terrorists killed are thought to be Kamran Hilaal, who authorities say is the mastermind of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/awantipora-crpf-convoy-hit-by-explosives-laden-vehicle-several-jawans-killed-197418">last Thursday's&nbsp;Pulwama attack in which over 40 CRPF personnel died</a>, and Hilal Ahmad. The authorities said Kamran Hilaal was a Pakistani national.&nbsp;

The firefight broke out early Monday morning, at about 2 am.&nbsp;

The encounter began after the security forces received a tip-off&nbsp;about the presence of terrorists in the area.&nbsp;

Two soldiers were also injured in the encounter. &nbsp;

The four soldiers killed have been identified as Major VS Dhoundiyal, Havaldar Sheo Ram, Sepoy Ajay Kumar, and Sepoy Hari Singh. All four are from the army's 55 Rashtriya Rifles.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Police in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pulwama?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pulwama</a> appeals to locals to leave the site of Pulwama encounter. Four 55 Rashtriya Rifles personnel have lost their lives &amp; one injured and two terrorists neutralised in the ongoing operation. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/q2X13OitXX">pic.twitter.com/q2X13OitXX</a>
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Visuals: The 4 Army personnel including a Major, who were killed in action during encounter between terrorists and security forces, in Pinglan area of Pulwama district, belonged to 55 Rashtriya Rifles. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/Wa2sxz3bzT">pic.twitter.com/Wa2sxz3bzT</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1097333691876081665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Monday's encounter comes only three days after the Pulwama attack.

A local youth, Adil Ahmad Dar, had last Thursday rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus ferrying Central Reserve Police Force personnel. The bus had been part of a convoy of 78 vehicles transporting 2,500 CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar.&nbsp;

Thursday's attack was claimed by the Jaish-e-Mohammed.&nbsp;

The Jaish is headed by Masood Azhar, who is based out of Pakistan. Azhar was one of the three terrorists released by India after the hijacking of the Indian Airlines flight IC 814 from Kathmandu.&nbsp;

Since the attack, India has raised customs duties on Pakistani imports to 200%, thereby making trade with its neighbour virtually impossible.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also said that he has given Indian security forces a free hand to respond to the perpetrators of the attack at a time and place of their choosing.&nbsp;

An army major was among four soldiers killed Monday in a firefight with terrorists in the Pinglan area of Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. Two terrorists and a civilian were also killed in the gun battle.

An army major was among four soldiers killed Monday in a firefight with terrorists in the Pinglan area of Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. Two terrorists and a civilian were also killed in the gun battle. The civilian was reportedly killed in the crossfire. The two terrorists killed are thought to be Kamran Hilaal, who authorities say is the mastermind of last Thursday's Pulwama attack in which over 40 CRPF personnel died, and Hilal Ahmad. The authorities said Kamran Hilaal was a Pakistani national. The firefight broke out early Monday morning, at about 2 am. The encounter began after the security forces received a tip-off about the presence of terrorists in the area. Two soldiers were also injured in the encounter. The four soldiers killed have been identified as Major VS Dhoundiyal, Havaldar Sheo Ram, Sepoy Ajay Kumar, and Sepoy Hari Singh. All four are from the army's 55 Rashtriya Rifles. #WATCH Police in #Pulwama appeals to locals to leave the site of Pulwama encounter. Four 55 Rashtriya Rifles personnel have lost their lives & one injured and two terrorists neutralised in the ongoing operation. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/q2X13OitXX — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019 × Visuals: The 4 Army personnel including a Major, who were killed in action during encounter between terrorists and security forces, in Pinglan area of Pulwama district, belonged to 55 Rashtriya Rifles. #JammuAndKashmir (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/Wa2sxz3bzT — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019 × Monday's encounter comes only three days after the Pulwama attack. A local youth, Adil Ahmad Dar, had last Thursday rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus ferrying Central Reserve Police Force personnel. The bus had been part of a convoy of 78 vehicles transporting 2,500 CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar. Thursday's attack was claimed by the Jaish-e-Mohammed. The Jaish is headed by Masood Azhar, who is based out of Pakistan. Azhar was one of the three terrorists released by India after the hijacking of the Indian Airlines flight IC 814 from Kathmandu. Since the attack, India has raised customs duties on Pakistani imports to 200%, thereby making trade with its neighbour virtually impossible. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also said that he has given Indian security forces a free hand to respond to the perpetrators of the attack at a time and place of their choosing.

J&K: Encounter underway in Pulwama, major among 4 soldiers killed

Seven people lost their lives while eight others sustained injuries after a truck collided with a pickup van late on Saturday night in Siwan district of Bihar.

The pickup van was on its way back from a wedding when the accident took place.

Those injured have been admitted to hospital and are undergoing treatment.&nbsp;

Seven people lost their lives while eight others sustained injuries after a truck collided with a pickup van late on Saturday night in Siwan district of Bihar. The pickup van was on its way back from a wedding when the accident took place.

Seven people lost their lives while eight others sustained injuries after a truck collided with a pickup van late on Saturday night in Siwan district of Bihar. The pickup van was on its way back from a wedding when the accident took place. Those injured have been admitted to hospital and are undergoing treatment.

7 killed, 8 injured after truck collides with pickup van in Bihar

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Saturday directed the state police to take "strict action without mercy" against those indulging in violence in the aftermath of a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-outpouring-of-grief-anger-as-india-says-final-goodbye-to-slain-crpf-jawans-197851">terrorist attack in Pulwama</a> in which <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/pulwama-attack-pm-modi-vows-to-avenge-death-of-crpf-soldiers-197742">40 CRPF personnel died</a>, an official said.

Reviewing the law and order situation at a high-level meeting at Raj Bhavan, Malik also urged people to maintain communal harmony, so that the forces trying to disrupt peace in the state are defeated.

"The governor directed the police to take strict action without mercy against those indulging in any type of violence, arson or rumour-mongering irrespective of political and religious affiliation," an official spokesman said in Jammu.

The direction came after incidents of violence and stone-pelting were reported from Jammu city. A curfew was imposed in the city after several vehicles were torched on Friday.

The violence happened during protests against the attack in Pulwama on Thursday.

The spokesman said the governor also reviewed the security of students from Jammu and Kashmir studying in universities and colleges across the country. 
Officials informed Malik that liaison officers were working effectively and coordinating with university authorities and the local police to ensure safety of the students, he said.

Minor incidents involving students from Jammu and Kashmir were reported from Baba Fareed Institute of Technology, Dehradun; Maharishi Markand University, Ambala; and Chitkara University, Batti, Himachal Pradesh.

In all three places, liaison officers worked with the deans and vice chancellors to ensure safety of the students, the spokesman said.

Jammu divisional commissioner held a meeting of the Peace Committee Friday. In the meeting, all parties condemned the violence in Jammu and agreed to restrain their supporters from indulging in any unlawful behaviour.

Malik asked all political parties and senior political leaders to appeal to people to maintain peace and harmony. He urged them not to pay heed to rumours, the spokesman said.

"People of the state have always believed in mutual brotherhood and co-existence throughout the ages," the governor said during the meeting.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Saturday directed the state police to take "strict action without mercy" against those indulging in violence in the aftermath of a terrorist attack in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel died, an official said.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Saturday directed the state police to take "strict action without mercy" against those indulging in violence in the aftermath of a terrorist attack in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel died, an official said. Reviewing the law and order situation at a high-level meeting at Raj Bhavan, Malik also urged people to maintain communal harmony, so that the forces trying to disrupt peace in the state are defeated. "The governor directed the police to take strict action without mercy against those indulging in any type of violence, arson or rumour-mongering irrespective of political and religious affiliation," an official spokesman said in Jammu. The direction came after incidents of violence and stone-pelting were reported from Jammu city. A curfew was imposed in the city after several vehicles were torched on Friday. The violence happened during protests against the attack in Pulwama on Thursday. The spokesman said the governor also reviewed the security of students from Jammu and Kashmir studying in universities and colleges across the country. Officials informed Malik that liaison officers were working effectively and coordinating with university authorities and the local police to ensure safety of the students, he said. Minor incidents involving students from Jammu and Kashmir were reported from Baba Fareed Institute of Technology, Dehradun; Maharishi Markand University, Ambala; and Chitkara University, Batti, Himachal Pradesh. In all three places, liaison officers worked with the deans and vice chancellors to ensure safety of the students, the spokesman said. Jammu divisional commissioner held a meeting of the Peace Committee Friday. In the meeting, all parties condemned the violence in Jammu and agreed to restrain their supporters from indulging in any unlawful behaviour. Malik asked all political parties and senior political leaders to appeal to people to maintain peace and harmony. He urged them not to pay heed to rumours, the spokesman said. "People of the state have always believed in mutual brotherhood and co-existence throughout the ages," the governor said during the meeting.

Violence in Jammu after Pulwama attack: J&K governor tells police to take 'strict action without mercy'

Security forces have detained 23 men suspected of links to the Pakistan-based militant group that masterminded the bombing of a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/have-decided-to-add-new-features-to-convoy-movement-to-and-from-kashmir-crpf-dg-197948">CRPF convoy</a>&nbsp;in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama that over 40 paramilitary police, a top police official said on Sunday.

The 23 men included members and sympathizers of Jaish-e-Mohammad, the militant group which has claimed responsibility for Thursday's attack, the deadliest on Indian security forces in decades.

The attack has fuelled tensions between India and Pakistan.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mission-to-isolate-pakistan-india-raises-pulwama-terror-attack-issue-at-munich-conference-197912">India has demanded</a> Pakistan close down the Jaish and other Islamist militant groups that operate from its soil, while Islamabad has rejected suggestions it was linked to the attack.

National Investigating Agency (NIA) officials questioned the suspects about the bombing on Sunday, two security officials said.

"They are trying to reach out to the top commanders of Jaish-e-Mohammad, including its Kashmir Chief," one of the sources said.

Mohammed Umair, the commander of the Jaish in Kashmir who is believed to have plotted the attack, is suspected to be hiding in the region where the attacks took place, the officials said.

The officials say Umair had "radicalized and motivated" the Kashmiri school dropout who rammed a car laden with explosives into the convoy on Thursday.

Umair is thought to have entered Kashmir from Pakistan in September to head the Jaish in the region. Security forces suspect he is in hiding in southern Kashmir, according to the officials, who could not be named as a matter of policy.

Officials say Umair is a nephew of the chief of the Jaish, Masood Azhar, who is believed to be in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised a strong response to the attack and says he has given the military a free hand to tackle cross-border militancy.

The Jaish, considered to be one of the most lethal militant groups, has expanded its presence in Kashmir, the police officer said.

India has raided the houses of suspected militants across South Kashmir to find information on those who masterminded and executed the attack.

Muzaffar Ahmad Malik, whose brother declared himself a militant a year ago, told Reuters that his house was raided on Saturday by troops.

"They were looking for militants, as they said that they had information about militants hiding in the house," Malik said.

Investigators are now trying to figure out how a large quantity of explosives used in the attack was smuggled into Kashmir, the officials said.

A spokesman for the ministry of home affairs declined to comment.

Security forces have detained 23 men suspected of links to the Pakistan-based militant group that masterminded the bombing of a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama that over 40 paramilitary police, a top police official said on Sunday.

Security forces have detained 23 men suspected of links to the Pakistan-based militant group that masterminded the bombing of a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama that over 40 paramilitary police, a top police official said on Sunday. The 23 men included members and sympathizers of Jaish-e-Mohammad, the militant group which has claimed responsibility for Thursday's attack, the deadliest on Indian security forces in decades. The attack has fuelled tensions between India and Pakistan. India has demanded Pakistan close down the Jaish and other Islamist militant groups that operate from its soil, while Islamabad has rejected suggestions it was linked to the attack. National Investigating Agency (NIA) officials questioned the suspects about the bombing on Sunday, two security officials said. "They are trying to reach out to the top commanders of Jaish-e-Mohammad, including its Kashmir Chief," one of the sources said. Mohammed Umair, the commander of the Jaish in Kashmir who is believed to have plotted the attack, is suspected to be hiding in the region where the attacks took place, the officials said. The officials say Umair had "radicalized and motivated" the Kashmiri school dropout who rammed a car laden with explosives into the convoy on Thursday. Umair is thought to have entered Kashmir from Pakistan in September to head the Jaish in the region. Security forces suspect he is in hiding in southern Kashmir, according to the officials, who could not be named as a matter of policy. Officials say Umair is a nephew of the chief of the Jaish, Masood Azhar, who is believed to be in Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised a strong response to the attack and says he has given the military a free hand to tackle cross-border militancy. The Jaish, considered to be one of the most lethal militant groups, has expanded its presence in Kashmir, the police officer said. India has raided the houses of suspected militants across South Kashmir to find information on those who masterminded and executed the attack. Muzaffar Ahmad Malik, whose brother declared himself a militant a year ago, told Reuters that his house was raided on Saturday by troops. "They were looking for militants, as they said that they had information about militants hiding in the house," Malik said. Investigators are now trying to figure out how a large quantity of explosives used in the attack was smuggled into Kashmir, the officials said. A spokesman for the ministry of home affairs declined to comment.

Pulwama attack: Security forces detain over 23 men with suspected links to Jaish-e-Mohammad

Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Sunday said that he will not contest the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajinikanth-meets-his-forum-members-136089">upcoming parliament election</a> and added, his picture or party symbol should not be used for any election campaign or propaganda.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"I will not be contesting in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ready-to-face-polls-even-in-six-months-rajinikanth-29915?amp">Lok Sabha elections</a>. I don't support any political party. I also ask political parties to refrain from using my pictures or Rajini Makkal Mandram’s flag for election campaigns," the actor said in a statement.

Rajinikanth had announced his political entry on New Year’s Eve 2018 and was expected to announce the launch of his political party last year on December 12, his birthday but superstar said that he was in no hurry.&nbsp;

“We don’t have any plan to launch the party and introduce the flag on my birthday. It will take some more time as we have to complete certain works and be ready,” Rajinikanth had said.

Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Sunday said that he will not contest the upcoming parliament election and added, his picture or party symbol should not be used for any election campaign or propaganda.

Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Sunday said that he will not contest the upcoming parliament election and added, his picture or party symbol should not be used for any election campaign or propaganda. "I will not be contesting in the Lok Sabha elections. I don't support any political party. I also ask political parties to refrain from using my pictures or Rajini Makkal Mandram’s flag for election campaigns," the actor said in a statement. Rajinikanth had announced his political entry on New Year’s Eve 2018 and was expected to announce the launch of his political party last year on December 12, his birthday but superstar said that he was in no hurry. “We don’t have any plan to launch the party and introduce the flag on my birthday. It will take some more time as we have to complete certain works and be ready,” Rajinikanth had said.

Actor Rajinikanth says he will not contest upcoming Lok Sabha elections

Rakesh Goel, owner of Hotel Arpit Palace, was arrested in connection with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-hotel-fire-people-jumped-to-save-themselves-but-to-their-deaths-196943">the Karol Bagh fire</a> on Saturday.

Goel will&nbsp;be produced in court today, news agency ANI reported quoting DCP Rajesh Deo.

The Crime Branch made the arrest from the IGI Airport after the Delhi Police received a tip-off that Goel was travelling from Qatar by Indigo flight 6E 1702, they said.

The immigration officials were alerted as a lookout circular (LOC) was issued against him. On his arrival, he was detained and handed over to the Crime Branch. Goel was arrested after brief questioning, PTI reported quoting Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rajesh Deo.

Goel was on the run after the fire accident at the hotel in which 17 people lost their lives.

Earlier police arrested hotel's general manager, Rajender, and manager, Vikas, for culpable homicide.

The case was registered under sector section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) of the Indian Penal Code.&nbsp;

Rakesh Goel, owner of Hotel Arpit Palace, was arrested in connection with the Karol Bagh fire on Saturday. Goel will be produced in court today, news agency ANI reported quoting DCP Rajesh Deo.

Rakesh Goel, owner of Hotel Arpit Palace, was arrested in connection with the Karol Bagh fire on Saturday. Goel will be produced in court today, news agency ANI reported quoting DCP Rajesh Deo. The Crime Branch made the arrest from the IGI Airport after the Delhi Police received a tip-off that Goel was travelling from Qatar by Indigo flight 6E 1702, they said. The immigration officials were alerted as a lookout circular (LOC) was issued against him. On his arrival, he was detained and handed over to the Crime Branch. Goel was arrested after brief questioning, PTI reported quoting Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rajesh Deo. Goel was on the run after the fire accident at the hotel in which 17 people lost their lives. Earlier police arrested hotel's general manager, Rajender, and manager, Vikas, for culpable homicide. The case was registered under sector section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) of the Indian Penal Code.

Delhi hotel fire in which 17 died: Owner of Hotel Arpit Palace arrested

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said Sunday that the people of Kashmir are not responsible for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mission-to-isolate-pakistan-india-raises-pulwama-terror-attack-issue-at-munich-conference-197912">Pulwama attack</a> but such type of incidents will continue till the "Kashmir issue is resolved politically".

Expressing concern over the alleged attacks on Kashmiri students and businessmen outside the Valley, he said the common people have no role in the attack which left 40 CRPF personnel dead when a suicide bomber struck their convoy on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on Thursday.

Abdullah was speaking to a group of Kashmiri people who are stranded in Jammu and staying at a mosque in Bathindi area near his residence following the imposition of curfew in the city on Friday.

Referring to the all-party meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi in the aftermath of the deadly attack, Abdullah said, "I said in the meeting that it is not our fault but your mistake as you did not address our aspirations."

"You are targeting our children and compounding our problems. We are caught in a grave situation and are not responsible for what had happened as we have no connection with these outfits," he said.

"Such attacks will continue and will not come down till the Kashmir issue is resolved politically. Please don't beat us. We have no role in it (attack) and we are not with it (terrorism). We want to live with dignity, study and earn our two meals and do not wish to build castles," the NC president said.

Abdullah asked the people to maintain patience and do not indulge in sloganeering.

"You people have done nothing wrong but the allegations will still come to you. We have to keep patience and seek help from almighty to bring us out of this situation. The day will come when we will come out of this grave situation," he said.

Without naming anyone, he said some forces are bent upon to create a rift among the people but "we will maintain peace and will not allow them to succeed in their designs".&nbsp;

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said Sunday that the people of Kashmir are not responsible for the Pulwama attack but such type of incidents will continue till the "Kashmir issue is resolved politically".

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said Sunday that the people of Kashmir are not responsible for the Pulwama attack but such type of incidents will continue till the "Kashmir issue is resolved politically". Expressing concern over the alleged attacks on Kashmiri students and businessmen outside the Valley, he said the common people have no role in the attack which left 40 CRPF personnel dead when a suicide bomber struck their convoy on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on Thursday. Abdullah was speaking to a group of Kashmiri people who are stranded in Jammu and staying at a mosque in Bathindi area near his residence following the imposition of curfew in the city on Friday. Referring to the all-party meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi in the aftermath of the deadly attack, Abdullah said, "I said in the meeting that it is not our fault but your mistake as you did not address our aspirations." "You are targeting our children and compounding our problems. We are caught in a grave situation and are not responsible for what had happened as we have no connection with these outfits," he said. "Such attacks will continue and will not come down till the Kashmir issue is resolved politically. Please don't beat us. We have no role in it (attack) and we are not with it (terrorism). We want to live with dignity, study and earn our two meals and do not wish to build castles," the NC president said. Abdullah asked the people to maintain patience and do not indulge in sloganeering. "You people have done nothing wrong but the allegations will still come to you. We have to keep patience and seek help from almighty to bring us out of this situation. The day will come when we will come out of this grave situation," he said. Without naming anyone, he said some forces are bent upon to create a rift among the people but "we will maintain peace and will not allow them to succeed in their designs".

Pulwama type attacks will continue till Kashmir issue is resolved politically: Farooq Abdullah

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is on a two-day visit to Bulgaria,&nbsp;met her counterpart Ekaterina Zaharieva on Saturday and the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues including those related to economy, agriculture and health. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Swaraj's trip is&nbsp;first ever of an Indian external affairs minister to the Balkan nation.&nbsp;

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Straight to work! 
 
Foreign Minister of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bulgaria?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bulgaria</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EZaharievaMFA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EZaharievaMFA</a> welcomed EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> ahead of the delegation level talks in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sofia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sofia</a>. Two countries are natural partners based on the foundation of deep historical and cultural linkages dating back to 8th century. <a href="https://t.co/jA9Zw12bss">pic.twitter.com/jA9Zw12bss</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1096821973689217025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Straight to work! Foreign Minister of #Bulgaria @EZaharievaMFA welcomed EAM @SushmaSwaraj ahead of the delegation level talks in #Sofia. Two countries are natural partners based on the foundation of deep historical and cultural linkages dating back to 8th century," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

"Preparing ground for expanding relationship. EAM @SushmaSwaraj held constructive meeting with Deputy Prime Minister &amp; Foreign Minister of #Bulgaria @EZaharievaMFA. Discussed a range of bilateral themes in economy, agriculture, health &amp; pharma, IT, S &amp;T, tourism &amp; culture," he said in another tweet.

Swaraj's visit is a follow-up to the state visit of President Ram Nath Kovind to Bulgaria in September last year.&nbsp;

She will also interact with the Indian community and Friends of India in Sofia during the visit.&nbsp;

The external affairs minister is on a three-nation tour. She will&nbsp;visit Morocco from February 17-18 and Spain from February 18-19.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is on a two-day visit to Bulgaria, met her counterpart Ekaterina Zaharieva on Saturday and the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues including those related to economy, agriculture and health.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is on a two-day visit to Bulgaria, met her counterpart Ekaterina Zaharieva on Saturday and the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues including those related to economy, agriculture and health. Swaraj's trip is first ever of an Indian external affairs minister to the Balkan nation. Straight to work! Foreign Minister of #Bulgaria @EZaharievaMFA welcomed EAM @SushmaSwaraj ahead of the delegation level talks in #Sofia. Two countries are natural partners based on the foundation of deep historical and cultural linkages dating back to 8th century. pic.twitter.com/jA9Zw12bss — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 16, 2019 × "Straight to work! Foreign Minister of #Bulgaria @EZaharievaMFA welcomed EAM @SushmaSwaraj ahead of the delegation level talks in #Sofia. Two countries are natural partners based on the foundation of deep historical and cultural linkages dating back to 8th century," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. "Preparing ground for expanding relationship. EAM @SushmaSwaraj held constructive meeting with Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister of #Bulgaria @EZaharievaMFA. Discussed a range of bilateral themes in economy, agriculture, health & pharma, IT, S &T, tourism & culture," he said in another tweet. Swaraj's visit is a follow-up to the state visit of President Ram Nath Kovind to Bulgaria in September last year. She will also interact with the Indian community and Friends of India in Sofia during the visit. The external affairs minister is on a three-nation tour. She will visit Morocco from February 17-18 and Spain from February 18-19.

Sushma Swaraj discusses range of bilateral issues with Bulgarian counterpart

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday arrived at Moroccan capital Rabat from Bulgaria on her maiden visit to the North African nation where she will meet the country's top leaders to discuss ways to consolidate strategic partnership in various sectors of mutual interest.&nbsp;

Swaraj is on a four-day three-nation tour to Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain as part of India's efforts to strengthen relations with these three countries and expand avenues of cooperation.&nbsp;

"EAM @SushmaSwaraj arrives in #Rabat, #Morocco, on her first ever visit the country. EAM will meet her Moroccan counterpart from @MarocDiplomatie Nasser Bourita and political leadership on this short visit. We attach priority to strengthen our relationship in different sectors," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Swaraj met her Bulgarian counterpart Ekaterina Zaharieva on Saturday and the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues including those related to the economy, agriculture and health.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

In the second leg of her tour to Morocco, the minister will meet her Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita. She will also meet Morrocon King Mohammed VI, Prime Minister Saad Dine El Otmani and Speaker of the House of Representatives Habib El Malki.&nbsp;

"The visit is in pursuit of India's objective of enhanced engagement with the Kingdom and will provide an opportunity to hold in-depth discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues," an MEA statement said.&nbsp;

Three MoUs in the areas of counter-terrorism, housing and human settlements and youth matters are expected to be signed between India and Morocco during the visit, it said.&nbsp;

Swaraj will also interact with the Indian community in Rabat.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday arrived at Moroccan capital Rabat from Bulgaria on her maiden visit to the North African nation where she will meet the country's top leaders to discuss ways to consolidate strategic partnership in various sectors of mutual interest.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday arrived at Moroccan capital Rabat from Bulgaria on her maiden visit to the North African nation where she will meet the country's top leaders to discuss ways to consolidate strategic partnership in various sectors of mutual interest. Swaraj is on a four-day three-nation tour to Bulgaria, Morocco and Spain as part of India's efforts to strengthen relations with these three countries and expand avenues of cooperation. "EAM @SushmaSwaraj arrives in #Rabat, #Morocco, on her first ever visit the country. EAM will meet her Moroccan counterpart from @MarocDiplomatie Nasser Bourita and political leadership on this short visit. We attach priority to strengthen our relationship in different sectors," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Swaraj met her Bulgarian counterpart Ekaterina Zaharieva on Saturday and the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues including those related to the economy, agriculture and health. In the second leg of her tour to Morocco, the minister will meet her Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita. She will also meet Morrocon King Mohammed VI, Prime Minister Saad Dine El Otmani and Speaker of the House of Representatives Habib El Malki. "The visit is in pursuit of India's objective of enhanced engagement with the Kingdom and will provide an opportunity to hold in-depth discussions on bilateral, regional and global issues," an MEA statement said. Three MoUs in the areas of counter-terrorism, housing and human settlements and youth matters are expected to be signed between India and Morocco during the visit, it said. Swaraj will also interact with the Indian community in Rabat.

Sushma Swaraj visits Morocco to consolidate strategic partnership in areas of mutual interest

The Government Railway Police (GRP) Sunday apprehended three illegal Rohingya Muslims from Lumding railway junction, more than 150 km from here, an official said.

According to the Superintendent of Railway Police Hemanta Kumar Das, the three Rohingyas spotted and apprehended by the GRP personnel in the afternoon, were being interrogated at present.

The three have been identified as Samshu Alam (51), Shamsu Alam (32) and Shabir Ahmed (64), Das said.

On January 21, 30 Rohingya Muslims, including 12 children, were apprehended along the Tripura-Assam border.

Five members of a Rohingya family were deported to Myanmar on January 3, exactly three months after seven others were handed over to the authorities of the neighbouring country.

On October 3 last year, seven Myanmar nationals, who were in detention in Cachar Central Jail in Silchar, were deported from Assam.&nbsp;

The Government Railway Police (GRP) Sunday apprehended three illegal Rohingya Muslims from Lumding railway junction, more than 150 km from here, an official said.

The Government Railway Police (GRP) Sunday apprehended three illegal Rohingya Muslims from Lumding railway junction, more than 150 km from here, an official said. According to the Superintendent of Railway Police Hemanta Kumar Das, the three Rohingyas spotted and apprehended by the GRP personnel in the afternoon, were being interrogated at present. The three have been identified as Samshu Alam (51), Shamsu Alam (32) and Shabir Ahmed (64), Das said. On January 21, 30 Rohingya Muslims, including 12 children, were apprehended along the Tripura-Assam border. Five members of a Rohingya family were deported to Myanmar on January 3, exactly three months after seven others were handed over to the authorities of the neighbouring country. On October 3 last year, seven Myanmar nationals, who were in detention in Cachar Central Jail in Silchar, were deported from Assam.

Three Rohingyas arrested from Lumding railway station in Assam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will Sunday lay foundation stone for hospitals in Hazaribagh, Dumka and Palamau and inaugurate a host of development schemes during his visit to the state, an official statement said.

The prime minister will lay the foundation stone online for four 500-bedded hospitals in Hazaribagh, Dumka, Palamau and Jamshedpur.

This apart, he will lay foundation stone for Hazaribagh urban line water supply scheme and rural drinking water supply -- four schemes for Hazaribagh and two for Ramgarh.

Modi, who is scheduled to reach Hazaribagh at 2.30 pm, will also inaugurate the newly constructed building at the Women's Engineering College in Ramgarh district.

He will inaugurate one rural water supply scheme for Ramgarh and three for Hazaribagh besides a sewage treatment plant and 'Madhusudan Ghat' under Namami Gange - National Mission for Clean Ganga programme.

The prime minister will lay foundation stone for 2,718 piped water supply schemes for primitive tribal community and a tribal studies centre at the Hazaribagh-based Acharya Vinoba Bhave University.

The day will also mark the beginning of deposit of money in farmers' account for purchase of mobile phones under e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) scheme, distribution of milk among government school children under PM Gift Milk Scheme and house warming of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yozana, the release said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will Sunday lay foundation stone for hospitals in Hazaribagh, Dumka and Palamau and inaugurate a host of development schemes during his visit to the state, an official statement said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will Sunday lay foundation stone for hospitals in Hazaribagh, Dumka and Palamau and inaugurate a host of development schemes during his visit to the state, an official statement said. The prime minister will lay the foundation stone online for four 500-bedded hospitals in Hazaribagh, Dumka, Palamau and Jamshedpur. This apart, he will lay foundation stone for Hazaribagh urban line water supply scheme and rural drinking water supply -- four schemes for Hazaribagh and two for Ramgarh. Modi, who is scheduled to reach Hazaribagh at 2.30 pm, will also inaugurate the newly constructed building at the Women's Engineering College in Ramgarh district. He will inaugurate one rural water supply scheme for Ramgarh and three for Hazaribagh besides a sewage treatment plant and 'Madhusudan Ghat' under Namami Gange - National Mission for Clean Ganga programme. The prime minister will lay foundation stone for 2,718 piped water supply schemes for primitive tribal community and a tribal studies centre at the Hazaribagh-based Acharya Vinoba Bhave University. The day will also mark the beginning of deposit of money in farmers' account for purchase of mobile phones under e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) scheme, distribution of milk among government school children under PM Gift Milk Scheme and house warming of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yozana, the release said.

PM Modi to inaugurate slew of projects in Jharkhand today

The CRPF has decided to tweak the standard operating procedures (SOPs) framed to secure its convoys, in the wake of a "new threat" where an explosives-laden vehicle was detonated by a terrorist alongside the force's bus in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mission-to-isolate-pakistan-india-raises-pulwama-terror-attack-issue-at-munich-conference-197912">Pulwama killing 40 personnel</a>, the chief of the paramilitary force said Sunday.

"We have decided to add new features to our convoy movement to and from Kashmir," CRPF Director General R R Bhatnagar told PTI after undertaking a two-day tour of the Valley in the wake of the February 14 attack, the worst against security forces in Jammu and Kashmir in three decades.

"Apart from traffic control, there will be changes in the timings of the convoys, their halt locations and movement in coordination with other security forces like the Army and the J-K police," he told the news agency.

He said two convoys have been run after the attack at Latoomode in Pulwama and these new measures are being tested and implemented as part of the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, after his tour to the Valley post the blast, had said it has been decided that movement of civilian vehicles will be restricted when convoys of security forces move in Jammu and Kashmir.

The DG said over the last two days he and his commanders in Kashmir have "discussed an laid down a new strategy" to not only secure the movement of convoys but also to enhance security measures for regular operations.

"I would not like to go into the specifics but we are formulating some strategies. This is something that we have done in the past and these things are dynamic.

"In view of this new threat, where a suicide bomber is suspected to have come close to our vehicle and detonated explosives, strategies are being worked upon," Bhatnagar said.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) chief said there was no ambush on any CRPF convoy in the last two years and the effort is to neutralise such threats as much as possible.

Asked if there was an intelligence input suggesting that a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) could be used by terrorists in Kashmir to hit the forces, Bhatnagar said that he would not talk about things related to operations and intelligence."

A senior official, however, said there was no "specific input" and such an attack was completely new for the security forces in the Valley.

The DG, when asked about sending all troops from Jammu to Srinagar on aircraft to avoid the vulnerability of road movement, said there is "no alternative" to convoys.

Air courier service for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) has been increased by adding flights from Delhi to Srinagar via Jammu and back in 2018, he said.

Many times the helicopters and planes of the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are also used to airlift CAPF troops to the Kashmir Valley, the DG said.

"As the Jammu-Srinagar Highway was closed due to landslides, the convoy operated on February 14 after a gap of 10 days and there was a large backlog of personnel who were to be transported to Srinagar from the transit camp of the CRPF in Jammu," a CRPF official based in Srinagar said.

"Thus, running of the convoy has very little to do with the availability of air effort, which can only supplement the convoys and not replace them," Bhatnagar said.

The proposal for introducing Delhi-Srinagar-Delhi fight (seven days a week) and a separate Jammu-Srinagar-Jammu flight (four days a week) has also been sanctioned by the home ministry and would soon be operational, the DG said.

This would more than double the present capacity to 1,892 seats per week for the forces deployed in the Kashmir Valley, he said.

During his visit to the Valley, the CRPF chief also met his troops at various units in and around Srinagar and also went to the blast site, about 20 km from Srinagar.

The CRPF is the lead counter-terrorism force in the state and has deployed about 65,000 troops as part of 61 battalions there.

The CRPF has decided to tweak the standard operating procedures (SOPs) framed to secure its convoys, in the wake of a "new threat" where an explosives-laden vehicle was detonated by a terrorist alongside the force's bus in Pulwama killing 40 personnel, the chief of the paramilitary force said Sunday.

The CRPF has decided to tweak the standard operating procedures (SOPs) framed to secure its convoys, in the wake of a "new threat" where an explosives-laden vehicle was detonated by a terrorist alongside the force's bus in Pulwama killing 40 personnel, the chief of the paramilitary force said Sunday. "We have decided to add new features to our convoy movement to and from Kashmir," CRPF Director General R R Bhatnagar told PTI after undertaking a two-day tour of the Valley in the wake of the February 14 attack, the worst against security forces in Jammu and Kashmir in three decades. "Apart from traffic control, there will be changes in the timings of the convoys, their halt locations and movement in coordination with other security forces like the Army and the J-K police," he told the news agency. He said two convoys have been run after the attack at Latoomode in Pulwama and these new measures are being tested and implemented as part of the standard operating procedures (SOPs). Home Minister Rajnath Singh, after his tour to the Valley post the blast, had said it has been decided that movement of civilian vehicles will be restricted when convoys of security forces move in Jammu and Kashmir. The DG said over the last two days he and his commanders in Kashmir have "discussed an laid down a new strategy" to not only secure the movement of convoys but also to enhance security measures for regular operations. "I would not like to go into the specifics but we are formulating some strategies. This is something that we have done in the past and these things are dynamic. "In view of this new threat, where a suicide bomber is suspected to have come close to our vehicle and detonated explosives, strategies are being worked upon," Bhatnagar said. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) chief said there was no ambush on any CRPF convoy in the last two years and the effort is to neutralise such threats as much as possible. Asked if there was an intelligence input suggesting that a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) could be used by terrorists in Kashmir to hit the forces, Bhatnagar said that he would not talk about things related to operations and intelligence." A senior official, however, said there was no "specific input" and such an attack was completely new for the security forces in the Valley. The DG, when asked about sending all troops from Jammu to Srinagar on aircraft to avoid the vulnerability of road movement, said there is "no alternative" to convoys. Air courier service for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) has been increased by adding flights from Delhi to Srinagar via Jammu and back in 2018, he said. Many times the helicopters and planes of the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are also used to airlift CAPF troops to the Kashmir Valley, the DG said. "As the Jammu-Srinagar Highway was closed due to landslides, the convoy operated on February 14 after a gap of 10 days and there was a large backlog of personnel who were to be transported to Srinagar from the transit camp of the CRPF in Jammu," a CRPF official based in Srinagar said. "Thus, running of the convoy has very little to do with the availability of air effort, which can only supplement the convoys and not replace them," Bhatnagar said. The proposal for introducing Delhi-Srinagar-Delhi fight (seven days a week) and a separate Jammu-Srinagar-Jammu flight (four days a week) has also been sanctioned by the home ministry and would soon be operational, the DG said. This would more than double the present capacity to 1,892 seats per week for the forces deployed in the Kashmir Valley, he said. During his visit to the Valley, the CRPF chief also met his troops at various units in and around Srinagar and also went to the blast site, about 20 km from Srinagar. The CRPF is the lead counter-terrorism force in the state and has deployed about 65,000 troops as part of 61 battalions there.

Have decided to add new features to convoy movement to and from Kashmir: CRPF DG

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-governor-asks-police-to-take-strict-action-against-people-indulging-in-violence-appeals-for-peace-197854">Jammu and Kashmir administration</a> has withdrawn the security cover given to four&nbsp;Kashmiri separatist leaders including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.&nbsp;

"We are issuing orders withdrawing all security and any government facilities provided to separatist leaders Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Abdul Ghani Bhat, Bilal Lone and Shabir Shah. All security and any vehicles provided to them will stand withdrawn by today evening," the J&amp;K administration's order said.&nbsp;

"No security cover should be provided under any pretext to them or any separatists. If they have any facilities provided by government, they are to be withdrawn forthwith. Police will review if there are any separatists who have government security or facilities and will withdraw them immediately," the order added.&nbsp;

The order however made no mention of pro-Pakistan leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, seen as the tallest of the separatist leaders.&nbsp;

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Srinagar: Visuals from outside Separatist Abdul Ghani Bhat's office&amp;residence after J&amp;K admin withdraws security, Bhat says, 'Security was provided by state govt, I don't need it. My security is Kashmiri ppl. There are chances of war b/w Pak&amp;India.Let them address war issue first <a href="https://t.co/uiK5W5sknh">pic.twitter.com/uiK5W5sknh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1097035428211900416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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There was no reason given as to why the security cover of the leaders was being withdrawn but the move comes two days after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-outpouring-of-grief-anger-as-india-says-final-goodbye-to-slain-crpf-jawans-197851">over 40 CRPF personnel were killed</a> in the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

<img alt="J&amp;K" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eb56e808-be67-4306-95b9-9c4624b8e715" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/J%26K1.JPG" />

A local Kashmiri youth <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/adil-ahmad-dar-the-man-who-carried-out-the-pulwama-attack-197476">Adil Ahmad Dar</a> had rammed a car packed full of explosive into a bus ferrying CRPF personnel. The bus had been part of a convoy of 78 vehicles transporting 2,500 CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar. The attack was later claimed by the Jaish-e-Mohammed, which is headed by Masood Azhar who is based out of Pakistan.&nbsp;

Azhar is one of the three terrorists released by India after the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 in Kathmandu.&nbsp;

Home Minister Rajnath Singh had on Friday said that the security given to people getting funds from Pakistan and its spy agency ISI should be reviewed.

"Some elements in Jammu and Kashmir have links with the ISI and terrorist organisations. Their security should be reviewed," Singh had said in Kashmir. He was in the state to review the security situation after the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

The Pulwama attack has baffled Indian intelligence agencies considering the losses Jaish has suffered recently in Kashmir.&nbsp;

Since the attack, India has raised customs duties on Pakistani imports by 200 per cent, making trade with its neighbour virtually impossible.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also announced that he has given Indian security forces a free hand to respond to the Pulwama attack at a time and place of their choosing. Home Minister Rajnath Singh has promised India will give a "muh-tod"&nbsp;(befitting) reply to the attack.&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has withdrawn the security cover given to four Kashmiri separatist leaders including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. "We are issuing orders withdrawing all security and any government facilities provided to separatist leaders Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Abdul Ghani Bhat, Bilal Lone and Shabir Shah.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has withdrawn the security cover given to four Kashmiri separatist leaders including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. "We are issuing orders withdrawing all security and any government facilities provided to separatist leaders Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Abdul Ghani Bhat, Bilal Lone and Shabir Shah. All security and any vehicles provided to them will stand withdrawn by today evening," the J&K administration's order said. "No security cover should be provided under any pretext to them or any separatists. If they have any facilities provided by government, they are to be withdrawn forthwith. Police will review if there are any separatists who have government security or facilities and will withdraw them immediately," the order added. The order however made no mention of pro-Pakistan leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, seen as the tallest of the separatist leaders. Srinagar: Visuals from outside Separatist Abdul Ghani Bhat's office&residence after J&K admin withdraws security, Bhat says, 'Security was provided by state govt, I don't need it. My security is Kashmiri ppl. There are chances of war b/w Pak&India.Let them address war issue first pic.twitter.com/uiK5W5sknh — ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2019 × There was no reason given as to why the security cover of the leaders was being withdrawn but the move comes two days after over 40 CRPF personnel were killed in the Pulwama attack. A local Kashmiri youth Adil Ahmad Dar had rammed a car packed full of explosive into a bus ferrying CRPF personnel. The bus had been part of a convoy of 78 vehicles transporting 2,500 CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar. The attack was later claimed by the Jaish-e-Mohammed, which is headed by Masood Azhar who is based out of Pakistan. Azhar is one of the three terrorists released by India after the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 in Kathmandu. Home Minister Rajnath Singh had on Friday said that the security given to people getting funds from Pakistan and its spy agency ISI should be reviewed. "Some elements in Jammu and Kashmir have links with the ISI and terrorist organisations. Their security should be reviewed," Singh had said in Kashmir. He was in the state to review the security situation after the Pulwama attack. The Pulwama attack has baffled Indian intelligence agencies considering the losses Jaish has suffered recently in Kashmir. Since the attack, India has raised customs duties on Pakistani imports by 200 per cent, making trade with its neighbour virtually impossible. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also announced that he has given Indian security forces a free hand to respond to the Pulwama attack at a time and place of their choosing. Home Minister Rajnath Singh has promised India will give a "muh-tod" (befitting) reply to the attack.

J&K: Government withdraws security cover of 4 separatist leaders including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

The Bharatiya Janata Party has called for a countrywide protest, on Sunday to condemn the Pulwama terror attack, and condolence meetings for the victims at various district headquarters, a senior party leader said.

"According to instructions from the party`s national president, all party workers will on February 17 participate in the event that will be held in a public place and offer their respects to the slain soldiers. Party workers will also resolve to take a pledge for a decisive battle against terrorism. All elected representatives and office-bearers will take part in the programme," a communique issued by the BJP`s media cell said.

Prominent intellectuals and other dignitaries should also be present at the function, according to the party`s media head Anil Baluni.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised a befitting reply to those involved in the heinous terror attack in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed when a Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber rammed into a CRPF convoy.

The party president Amit Shah has also decried the cowardly attack and asked party workers to extend solidarity to the families of the slain soldiers.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has called for a countrywide protest, on Sunday to condemn the Pulwama terror attack, and condolence meetings for the victims at various district headquarters, a senior party leader said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has called for a countrywide protest, on Sunday to condemn the Pulwama terror attack, and condolence meetings for the victims at various district headquarters, a senior party leader said. "According to instructions from the party`s national president, all party workers will on February 17 participate in the event that will be held in a public place and offer their respects to the slain soldiers. Party workers will also resolve to take a pledge for a decisive battle against terrorism. All elected representatives and office-bearers will take part in the programme," a communique issued by the BJP`s media cell said. Prominent intellectuals and other dignitaries should also be present at the function, according to the party`s media head Anil Baluni. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised a befitting reply to those involved in the heinous terror attack in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed when a Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber rammed into a CRPF convoy. The party president Amit Shah has also decried the cowardly attack and asked party workers to extend solidarity to the families of the slain soldiers.

Pulwama attack: BJP to hold protest, condolence meetings at all district headquarters today

Afghanistan has also come hard on Pakistan and complained about the country to the United Nations security council (UNSC) on Islamabad's engagement with the Taliban and support to terror groups. The letter accessed by WION talks about how Pakistan is undermining the sovereignty of Afghanistan with its engagement with the Taliban.

The letter written by Afghanistan's Deputy Permanent Representative to United Nations Nazifullah Salarzai on Friday says Pakistan's engagements with Taliban which "are taking place under the pretext of support for peace efforts in Afghanistan" are "void of any degree of coordination and consultation with the Government of Afghanistan."

The letter explained Ghani's government's viewpoint of the Afghan peace process and said "Government of Afghanistan welcomes and appreciates all efforts aimed at achieving the goal of a peaceful settlement...so long as they are rendered in a manner that conforms to the established principle of Afghan ownership and leadership of the process"

Pakistan government had invited the Taliban for talks along with the United States on Monday with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan also meeting the group. The Taliban in a release said at the "formal invitation of the government of Pakistan" meeting was scheduled to take place "between the negotiation teams of the Islamic Emirate and the US on 18th of February 2019 in Islamabad." The Taliban in a statement said the meet has been postponed since most of the members of the group are on US/UN blacklist and cannot travel.&nbsp;

The Afghan govt in the letter slammed Khan-Taliban meet and said, "This initiative is a source of deep regret and concern to the people and Government of Afghanistan as it amounts to the official recognition and legitimization of an armed-group that poses a serious threat to the security and stability of Afghanistan"

Kabul said Pakistan's engagement with the Taliban also violates the "provisions of the 1988 Committee’s Sanctions Regime undermine efforts for a peaceful settlement of the current conflict."

Based on the Taliban statement issued on 12 February on the group’s website, members of the Taliban delegation who have been introduced and are listed in the 1988 Committee’s sanctions regime include: Sher Mohammad Stanekzai; Ziauddin Madani; Salam Hanafi; Shahabuddin Delawar; Abdul Latif Mansur; Amir Khan Motaqi; Fazl Mohammad Mazloom and Nurullah Nuri.

Afghan foreign ministry spokesperson Sibghatullah Ahmadi also tweeted about the developments. In a tweet, Ahmadi said, "Afghanistan complains to UN Security Council on Pakistan’s engagements with the Taliban on which Afg Government is not consulted." Elaborating further he said, "It not only undermines the ongoing peace efforts but violates Afghanistan's National Sovereignty, also falls in violation of UNSC Resolution 1988."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> complains to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNSecurityCouncil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNSecurityCouncil</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a>’s engagements with the Taliban on which <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afg</a> Government is not consulted. It not only undermines the ongoing peace efforts but violates Afghanistan's National Sovereignty, also falls in violation of UNSC Resolution 1988. <a href="https://t.co/FtmnwivvX2">pic.twitter.com/FtmnwivvX2</a>
— Sibghatullah Ahmadi (@Sibghat_Ah) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sibghat_Ah/status/1097092008093593600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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India's official policy on the Afghan peace process is that it should be "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled".

Afghanistan also slammed Pakistan on its support to terrorism. The letter written a day after the Pulwama terror attack in India, said, "we also expect of, and call on the Government of Pakistan to take decisive action against known terrorist and extremist groups on its territory, which pose a common threat to Afghanistan, Pakistan and the region."

Further adding, " Any passivity in fulfilling this objective not only undermines broader counterterrorism efforts but also have a profound impact in providing further space and capacity for such groups to continue their attacks in Afghanistan and the wider region."

In past Afghanistan has raised Pakistan's support to terror in the region and asked Islamabad to stop giving safe haven to terrorists. A number of terror attacks in Afghanistan have been linked to terror outfits based in Pakistan.

Afghanistan has also come hard on Pakistan and complained about the country to the United Nations security council (UNSC) on Islamabad's engagement with the Taliban and support to terror groups.

Afghanistan has also come hard on Pakistan and complained about the country to the United Nations security council (UNSC) on Islamabad's engagement with the Taliban and support to terror groups. The letter accessed by WION talks about how Pakistan is undermining the sovereignty of Afghanistan with its engagement with the Taliban. The letter written by Afghanistan's Deputy Permanent Representative to United Nations Nazifullah Salarzai on Friday says Pakistan's engagements with Taliban which "are taking place under the pretext of support for peace efforts in Afghanistan" are "void of any degree of coordination and consultation with the Government of Afghanistan." The letter explained Ghani's government's viewpoint of the Afghan peace process and said "Government of Afghanistan welcomes and appreciates all efforts aimed at achieving the goal of a peaceful settlement...so long as they are rendered in a manner that conforms to the established principle of Afghan ownership and leadership of the process" Pakistan government had invited the Taliban for talks along with the United States on Monday with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan also meeting the group. The Taliban in a release said at the "formal invitation of the government of Pakistan" meeting was scheduled to take place "between the negotiation teams of the Islamic Emirate and the US on 18th of February 2019 in Islamabad." The Taliban in a statement said the meet has been postponed since most of the members of the group are on US/UN blacklist and cannot travel. The Afghan govt in the letter slammed Khan-Taliban meet and said, "This initiative is a source of deep regret and concern to the people and Government of Afghanistan as it amounts to the official recognition and legitimization of an armed-group that poses a serious threat to the security and stability of Afghanistan" Kabul said Pakistan's engagement with the Taliban also violates the "provisions of the 1988 Committee’s Sanctions Regime undermine efforts for a peaceful settlement of the current conflict." Based on the Taliban statement issued on 12 February on the group’s website, members of the Taliban delegation who have been introduced and are listed in the 1988 Committee’s sanctions regime include: Sher Mohammad Stanekzai; Ziauddin Madani; Salam Hanafi; Shahabuddin Delawar; Abdul Latif Mansur; Amir Khan Motaqi; Fazl Mohammad Mazloom and Nurullah Nuri. Afghan foreign ministry spokesperson Sibghatullah Ahmadi also tweeted about the developments. In a tweet, Ahmadi said, "Afghanistan complains to UN Security Council on Pakistan’s engagements with the Taliban on which Afg Government is not consulted." Elaborating further he said, "It not only undermines the ongoing peace efforts but violates Afghanistan's National Sovereignty, also falls in violation of UNSC Resolution 1988." #Afghanistan complains to #UNSecurityCouncil on #Pakistan’s engagements with the Taliban on which #Afg Government is not consulted. It not only undermines the ongoing peace efforts but violates Afghanistan's National Sovereignty, also falls in violation of UNSC Resolution 1988. pic.twitter.com/FtmnwivvX2 — Sibghatullah Ahmadi (@Sibghat_Ah) February 17, 2019 × India's official policy on the Afghan peace process is that it should be "Afghan-owned, Afghan-led and Afghan-controlled". Afghanistan also slammed Pakistan on its support to terrorism. The letter written a day after the Pulwama terror attack in India, said, "we also expect of, and call on the Government of Pakistan to take decisive action against known terrorist and extremist groups on its territory, which pose a common threat to Afghanistan, Pakistan and the region." Further adding, " Any passivity in fulfilling this objective not only undermines broader counterterrorism efforts but also have a profound impact in providing further space and capacity for such groups to continue their attacks in Afghanistan and the wider region." In past Afghanistan has raised Pakistan's support to terror in the region and asked Islamabad to stop giving safe haven to terrorists. A number of terror attacks in Afghanistan have been linked to terror outfits based in Pakistan.

Afghanistan complains about Pakistan to UNSC on terror, Taliban

Days after a terror attack in the southeastern Sistan and Balouchestan that killed 27 revolutionary guards, Iran on Sunday summoned Pakistan ambassador Riffat Masood to lodge a formal protest.&nbsp;

Pakistan based Jaish ul-Adl has taken responsibility for the attacks with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani pledging to avenge the attack. He said "our nation will certainly take revenge for the blood of these dear martyrs”

Remember on Friday, India had summoned Pakistani high commissioner Sohail Mahmood in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack.&nbsp;

Multiple reactions are coming from Iran in the aftermath of the attack. Local Iranian media on Saturday reported that the Commander of Revolution Guards (IRGC) Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said, '“Iran will retaliate against the group [that conducted the attack] if Pakistan fails to punish them.” Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has also slammed Pakistan and called on Islamabad to be held accountable for the terror attack.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi called on Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif and said his country is ready to cooperate to investigate the attack.&nbsp;

India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had made a stopover in Tehran on Saturday while going to Bulgaria and had a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araqchi. During the meeting, both discussed the recent Pulwama terror attack in India and attack on the revolutionary guards in Iran.

In a press statement issued by Iran's foreign ministry, "They condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan and India"s Srinagar, and offered sympathy to each other."

Adding further the release said, "The two sides underlined the necessity of establishing peace and calm in the region through dialogue."

After the meet, Araqchi had also tweeted saying "we agreed on close cooperation to combat terrorism in the region. Enough is enough!"

Days after a terror attack in the southeastern Sistan and Balouchestan that killed 27 revolutionary guards, Iran on Sunday summoned Pakistan ambassador Riffat Masood to lodge a formal protest.

Days after a terror attack in the southeastern Sistan and Balouchestan that killed 27 revolutionary guards, Iran on Sunday summoned Pakistan ambassador Riffat Masood to lodge a formal protest. Pakistan based Jaish ul-Adl has taken responsibility for the attacks with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani pledging to avenge the attack. He said "our nation will certainly take revenge for the blood of these dear martyrs” Remember on Friday, India had summoned Pakistani high commissioner Sohail Mahmood in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack. Multiple reactions are coming from Iran in the aftermath of the attack. Local Iranian media on Saturday reported that the Commander of Revolution Guards (IRGC) Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said, '“Iran will retaliate against the group [that conducted the attack] if Pakistan fails to punish them.” Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has also slammed Pakistan and called on Islamabad to be held accountable for the terror attack. Meanwhile, Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi called on Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif and said his country is ready to cooperate to investigate the attack. India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had made a stopover in Tehran on Saturday while going to Bulgaria and had a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araqchi. During the meeting, both discussed the recent Pulwama terror attack in India and attack on the revolutionary guards in Iran. In a press statement issued by Iran's foreign ministry, "They condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan and India"s Srinagar, and offered sympathy to each other." Adding further the release said, "The two sides underlined the necessity of establishing peace and calm in the region through dialogue." After the meet, Araqchi had also tweeted saying "we agreed on close cooperation to combat terrorism in the region. Enough is enough!"

After India, Iran lashes out on Pakistan on terror front; summons Pak envoy

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/more-us-aid-for-venezuela-touches-down-amid-distribution-uncertainty-197833">More US aid for Venezuela touches down in Colombia</a>

A US military transport plane carrying humanitarian aid meant for Venezuelans landed in the Colombian border city of Cucuta on Saturday, where food and medicine is being stored amidst uncertainty over&nbsp;how and where aid will be distributed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-with-them-always-crpf-official-says-to-kashmiris-197846">We are with them always: CRPF to Kashmiris</a>

In the backdrop of reports of threats issued to Kashmiris based out of Jammu and Kashmir following&nbsp;the Pulwama terror attack, a Srinagar-based CRPF helpline Saturday asked them to approach it in case they face any harassment.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ex-fox-news-anchor-heather-nauert-ends-bid-to-be-next-us-ambassador-to-un-197838">Ex-Fox News anchor Heather Nauert ends bid to be next US ambassador to UN</a>

Former Fox News anchor and State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Saturday that she has withdrawn from&nbsp;consideration to be the next US ambassador to the United Nations.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/customs-duty-on-all-goods-imported-from-pakistan-hiked-to-200-arun-jaitley-197808">Pulwama attack: After scrapping MNF status, Government hikes customs duty on all Pak imports to 200%</a>

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday announced that customs duty on all goods imported from Pakistan will be hiked to 200 per cent with immediate effect.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-decision-made-on-spending-for-trumps-wall-pentagon-chief-197844">No decision made on spending for Trump's wall: Pentagon chief</a>

Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Saturday that no decision has been taken on funding President Donald Trump's border wall with Mexico, a project that may come partly from redirected military funds.

More US aid for Venezuela touches down in Colombia A US military transport plane carrying humanitarian aid meant for Venezuelans landed in the Colombian border city of Cucuta on Saturday, where food and medicine is being stored amidst uncertainty over how and where aid will be distributed.

More US aid for Venezuela touches down in Colombia A US military transport plane carrying humanitarian aid meant for Venezuelans landed in the Colombian border city of Cucuta on Saturday, where food and medicine is being stored amidst uncertainty over how and where aid will be distributed. We are with them always: CRPF to Kashmiris In the backdrop of reports of threats issued to Kashmiris based out of Jammu and Kashmir following the Pulwama terror attack, a Srinagar-based CRPF helpline Saturday asked them to approach it in case they face any harassment. Ex-Fox News anchor Heather Nauert ends bid to be next US ambassador to UN Former Fox News anchor and State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Saturday that she has withdrawn from consideration to be the next US ambassador to the United Nations. Pulwama attack: After scrapping MNF status, Government hikes customs duty on all Pak imports to 200% Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday announced that customs duty on all goods imported from Pakistan will be hiked to 200 per cent with immediate effect. No decision made on spending for Trump's wall: Pentagon chief Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Saturday that no decision has been taken on funding President Donald Trump's border wall with Mexico, a project that may come partly from redirected military funds.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Sobbing family members Saturday lit the funeral pyres of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-with-them-always-crpf-official-says-to-kashmiris-197846">the CRPF jawans killed in the Pulwama terror attack</a>, joined by other mourners who at places gathered in their thousands.

In an Uttarakhand village, a three-year-old child lit his father's pyre. At another cremation in Rajasthan, a two-month baby was made to symbolically touch the torch used for the last rites.

Traders downed shutters and people lined the streets at many places as caskets carrying the remains of the jawans arrived at their native villages and towns across the country, amid the chanting of slogans, some of them anti-Pakistan.

Union ministers flew down from New Delhi to join ministers from the states to lay wreaths on the caskets of many of the 40 jawans killed in the suicide attack on the Jammu-Srinagar highway on Thursday.

In most cases, the coffins draped in the tricolor arrived from Delhi at the nearest airport, and were then taken by road to the jawans' villages for state funerals.

In a village in Uttarakhand's Udham Singh Nagar district, three-year-old Rehan lit his father Virendra Singh's funeral pyre.

Union Minister of state for Textiles Ajay Tamta and Uttarakhand minister Yashpal Arya were at the cremation, where CRPF jawans fired three rounds in the air as a salute to their fallen colleague.

Shopkeepers in nearby Khatima, Chakarpur and Jhankat downed shutters. People taking part in a procession in Khatima shouted anti-Pakistan slogans.

In Ghalauti Khurd in Punjab's Moga district, Jaimal Singh's five- year-old-son Gurprakash lit the pyre. Rohitash Lamba's two-month son was made to symbolically touch the torch that lit his pyre in Shahpura town near Jaipur.

Thousands of people, including Union minister Jitendra Singh, attended the burial of head constable Naseer Ahmad at Dudasunballa village in the border district of Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir.

Officers from the Central Reserve Police Force and the Army also visited the village to pay homage, promising to take care of the jawan's family which includes his wife and two children, officials said.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid a wreath on the coffin of C Sivachandran at Tiruchirappali airport, where his body had been flown on the way to his village.

As Pankaj Tripathi's body reached Harpur Bailhiya in Uttar Pradesh's Maharajganj district, the villagers broke out in slogans hailing him as a martyr, and also chanting "Pakistan murdabad".

Taking the cue from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks, Union Minister Shiv Pratap Shukla, who attended the funeral, said, "India will give a befitting reply to the cowardly act of Pakistan."

He announced that the local primary school will be renamed after the jawan.

"My son was coming soon to meet me, but it seems that something else was written in my fate,"&nbsp;his mother told reporters.

Uttarakhand's Trivendra Singh Rawat, Himachal Pradesh's Jai Ram Thakur and Odisha's Naveen Pathak were among the chief ministers who paid homage as the remains of soldiers from their states arrived.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal turned pallbearer when head constable Maneswar Basumatari's body arrived in Guwahati, flown in by the Indian Air Force.

"The nation will fight unitedly to protect the sovereignty of our country. Basumatari's sacrifice, along with that of the other CRPF jawans, will not go in vain,"&nbsp;he told reporters.

In Deoria district, Vijay Maurya's wife Vijay Laxmi demanded that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath should visit the family before the cremation takes place.

UP minister Anupama Jaiswal and other leaders were trying to persuade her to go ahead with the last rites.

Sobbing family members Saturday lit the funeral pyres of the CRPF jawans killed in the Pulwama terror attack, joined by other mourners who at places gathered in their thousands.

Sobbing family members Saturday lit the funeral pyres of the CRPF jawans killed in the Pulwama terror attack, joined by other mourners who at places gathered in their thousands. In an Uttarakhand village, a three-year-old child lit his father's pyre. At another cremation in Rajasthan, a two-month baby was made to symbolically touch the torch used for the last rites. Traders downed shutters and people lined the streets at many places as caskets carrying the remains of the jawans arrived at their native villages and towns across the country, amid the chanting of slogans, some of them anti-Pakistan. Union ministers flew down from New Delhi to join ministers from the states to lay wreaths on the caskets of many of the 40 jawans killed in the suicide attack on the Jammu-Srinagar highway on Thursday. In most cases, the coffins draped in the tricolor arrived from Delhi at the nearest airport, and were then taken by road to the jawans' villages for state funerals. In a village in Uttarakhand's Udham Singh Nagar district, three-year-old Rehan lit his father Virendra Singh's funeral pyre. Union Minister of state for Textiles Ajay Tamta and Uttarakhand minister Yashpal Arya were at the cremation, where CRPF jawans fired three rounds in the air as a salute to their fallen colleague. Shopkeepers in nearby Khatima, Chakarpur and Jhankat downed shutters. People taking part in a procession in Khatima shouted anti-Pakistan slogans. In Ghalauti Khurd in Punjab's Moga district, Jaimal Singh's five- year-old-son Gurprakash lit the pyre. Rohitash Lamba's two-month son was made to symbolically touch the torch that lit his pyre in Shahpura town near Jaipur. Thousands of people, including Union minister Jitendra Singh, attended the burial of head constable Naseer Ahmad at Dudasunballa village in the border district of Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir. Officers from the Central Reserve Police Force and the Army also visited the village to pay homage, promising to take care of the jawan's family which includes his wife and two children, officials said. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman laid a wreath on the coffin of C Sivachandran at Tiruchirappali airport, where his body had been flown on the way to his village. As Pankaj Tripathi's body reached Harpur Bailhiya in Uttar Pradesh's Maharajganj district, the villagers broke out in slogans hailing him as a martyr, and also chanting "Pakistan murdabad". Taking the cue from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks, Union Minister Shiv Pratap Shukla, who attended the funeral, said, "India will give a befitting reply to the cowardly act of Pakistan." He announced that the local primary school will be renamed after the jawan. "My son was coming soon to meet me, but it seems that something else was written in my fate," his mother told reporters. Uttarakhand's Trivendra Singh Rawat, Himachal Pradesh's Jai Ram Thakur and Odisha's Naveen Pathak were among the chief ministers who paid homage as the remains of soldiers from their states arrived. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal turned pallbearer when head constable Maneswar Basumatari's body arrived in Guwahati, flown in by the Indian Air Force. "The nation will fight unitedly to protect the sovereignty of our country. Basumatari's sacrifice, along with that of the other CRPF jawans, will not go in vain," he told reporters. In Deoria district, Vijay Maurya's wife Vijay Laxmi demanded that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath should visit the family before the cremation takes place. UP minister Anupama Jaiswal and other leaders were trying to persuade her to go ahead with the last rites.

Pulwama attack: Outpouring of grief, anger as India says final goodbye to slain CRPF jawans

In the backdrop of reports of threats issued to Kashmiris based out of Jammu and Kashmir following <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jem-commanders-responsible-for-pulwama-terror-attack-identified-traced-in-tral-sources-197758">the Pulwama terror attack</a>, a Srinagar-based CRPF helpline Saturday asked them to approach it in case they face any harassment.

The 'Madadgaar' helpline posted a tweet in this context stating that Kashmiri students and general public who are presently out of the state can contact it over the Twitter handle '@CRPFmadadgaar'.

They can call on 24x7 toll free number 14411 or send an SMS at mobile no: 7082814411 "for speedy assistance in case they face any difficulties or harassment".

A senior official said the force will undertake immediate steps in case the helpline receives a distress call by a Kashmir-based person and will alert and depute the officials from its nearest located base to address the issue.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is the country's largest paramilitary force with over three lakh personnel in its ranks and it has its formations and battalions in maximum states of the country, he said.

"While we have lost our comrades, it is our pledge to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially to those living in the Kashmir Valley, that we are with them always," he said.

The Centre on Saturday also asked all states to ensure safety and security of the students and people from Jammu and Kashmir living in their areas.

The advisory came hours after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured an all-party meeting of doing the needful for the protection of the Kashmiri students and people who were allegedly threatened after the terrorist attack in Awantipora area of Pulwama district.

An official at the security establishment said there have been some reports of students and other residents of Jammu and Kashmir experiencing threats and intimidation.

"Therefore, the Home Ministry today issued an advisory to all states/UTs to take necessary measures to ensure their safety and security," the official said.

Some Kashmiri youths studying in Uttarakhand's Dehradun alleged that they were harassed and have been asked by their landlords to vacate accommodations fearing attacks on their properties in the aftermath of the attack.

The CRPF, that is deployed for security duties in Jammu and Kashmir, had launched the 24?7 helpline Madadgaar (14411) in June 2017 to help any Valley resident who is in distress.&nbsp;

In the backdrop of reports of threats issued to Kashmiris based out of Jammu and Kashmir following the Pulwama terror attack, a Srinagar-based CRPF helpline Saturday asked them to approach it in case they face any harassment.

In the backdrop of reports of threats issued to Kashmiris based out of Jammu and Kashmir following the Pulwama terror attack, a Srinagar-based CRPF helpline Saturday asked them to approach it in case they face any harassment. The 'Madadgaar' helpline posted a tweet in this context stating that Kashmiri students and general public who are presently out of the state can contact it over the Twitter handle '@CRPFmadadgaar'. They can call on 24x7 toll free number 14411 or send an SMS at mobile no: 7082814411 "for speedy assistance in case they face any difficulties or harassment". A senior official said the force will undertake immediate steps in case the helpline receives a distress call by a Kashmir-based person and will alert and depute the officials from its nearest located base to address the issue. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is the country's largest paramilitary force with over three lakh personnel in its ranks and it has its formations and battalions in maximum states of the country, he said. "While we have lost our comrades, it is our pledge to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially to those living in the Kashmir Valley, that we are with them always," he said. The Centre on Saturday also asked all states to ensure safety and security of the students and people from Jammu and Kashmir living in their areas. The advisory came hours after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured an all-party meeting of doing the needful for the protection of the Kashmiri students and people who were allegedly threatened after the terrorist attack in Awantipora area of Pulwama district. An official at the security establishment said there have been some reports of students and other residents of Jammu and Kashmir experiencing threats and intimidation. "Therefore, the Home Ministry today issued an advisory to all states/UTs to take necessary measures to ensure their safety and security," the official said. Some Kashmiri youths studying in Uttarakhand's Dehradun alleged that they were harassed and have been asked by their landlords to vacate accommodations fearing attacks on their properties in the aftermath of the attack. The CRPF, that is deployed for security duties in Jammu and Kashmir, had launched the 24?7 helpline Madadgaar (14411) in June 2017 to help any Valley resident who is in distress.

We are with them always: CRPF to Kashmiris

As the protest led by Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy in front of the Raj Nivas against Kiran Bedi entered the fourth day on Saturday, the Lieutenant Governor wrote an open letter inviting the Chief Minister for a discussion in a public forum.

Responding to the letter posted by Bedi on her blog, Narayanasamy in a series of tweets hit back at the Governor questioning her efforts to work for the people of the state.&nbsp;

"Please do not fool Puducherrians by your social media campaigns," he tweeted.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal too took to Twitter to express solidarity with his Puducherry counterpart.

"An elected CM @vnarayanasami is being forced to sleep on road since last three nights. What kind of democracy is this? Those elected by the voters are begging in front of those defeated. Why is the vote of those living in Delhi n Puducherry inferior to other states?" Kejriwal said.

"The people of Delhi are in complete solidarity wid the people of Puducherry. Why r the people of Delhi and Puducherry being denied democracy even 70 yrs after independence? "Arvind Kejriwal added in another tweet.

Meanwhile, DMK MP Kanimozhi tweeted saying, “it is condemnable that the Lt Governor Kiran Bedi is functioning in such a manner as to disrespect the elected government and to disrupt the working of the administration.”

In her `open` letter, Bedi said that she is ready to discuss all issues in presence of the state Chief Minister and his cabinet ministers.

"I am open to discuss all issues in an open public forum where HCM, his cabinet colleagues and members of the public are present along with Chief Secretary and the Finance Secretary and others on financial issues raised by anyone to inform the common people how we have carefully worked to save money for the poor," she said.

Bedi in her letter talked about how the Raj Nivas had been working for the last two and half years for the betterment of Puducherry despite resistance from certain vested interests.

In her letter, Bedi also said, "Efforts were also made to strictly work within the allocated budgets passed by the Legislative Assembly so that we do not borrow more (within limits) which shall have to be paid back by our children after some years. We used all money correctly for the poor and never allowed any diversion. &nbsp;We were supported by the Chief Secretary and the Finance Secretary in doing so."

The L-G also posted on her twitter, a photograph of the Chief Minister sitting at the protest venue flanked by his secretary. “Is this lawful Mr. CM... What if a common man had done this outside your office. What would you have expected the police to do?” Bedi wrote.

To this the Chief Minister retorted on Twitter: " Police is doing its duty in upholding the law with your RAF friends. Being in charge of the Home portfolio in #Puducherry, I am also doing my job perfectly for maintaining peace here.&nbsp;

As the protest led by Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy in front of the Raj Nivas against Kiran Bedi entered the fourth day on Saturday, the Lieutenant Governor wrote an open letter inviting the Chief Minister for a discussion in a public forum.

As the protest led by Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy in front of the Raj Nivas against Kiran Bedi entered the fourth day on Saturday, the Lieutenant Governor wrote an open letter inviting the Chief Minister for a discussion in a public forum. Responding to the letter posted by Bedi on her blog, Narayanasamy in a series of tweets hit back at the Governor questioning her efforts to work for the people of the state. "Please do not fool Puducherrians by your social media campaigns," he tweeted. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal too took to Twitter to express solidarity with his Puducherry counterpart. "An elected CM @vnarayanasami is being forced to sleep on road since last three nights. What kind of democracy is this? Those elected by the voters are begging in front of those defeated. Why is the vote of those living in Delhi n Puducherry inferior to other states?" Kejriwal said. "The people of Delhi are in complete solidarity wid the people of Puducherry. Why r the people of Delhi and Puducherry being denied democracy even 70 yrs after independence? "Arvind Kejriwal added in another tweet. Meanwhile, DMK MP Kanimozhi tweeted saying, “it is condemnable that the Lt Governor Kiran Bedi is functioning in such a manner as to disrespect the elected government and to disrupt the working of the administration.” In her `open` letter, Bedi said that she is ready to discuss all issues in presence of the state Chief Minister and his cabinet ministers. "I am open to discuss all issues in an open public forum where HCM, his cabinet colleagues and members of the public are present along with Chief Secretary and the Finance Secretary and others on financial issues raised by anyone to inform the common people how we have carefully worked to save money for the poor," she said. Bedi in her letter talked about how the Raj Nivas had been working for the last two and half years for the betterment of Puducherry despite resistance from certain vested interests. In her letter, Bedi also said, "Efforts were also made to strictly work within the allocated budgets passed by the Legislative Assembly so that we do not borrow more (within limits) which shall have to be paid back by our children after some years. We used all money correctly for the poor and never allowed any diversion. We were supported by the Chief Secretary and the Finance Secretary in doing so." The L-G also posted on her twitter, a photograph of the Chief Minister sitting at the protest venue flanked by his secretary. “Is this lawful Mr. CM... What if a common man had done this outside your office. What would you have expected the police to do?” Bedi wrote. To this the Chief Minister retorted on Twitter: " Police is doing its duty in upholding the law with your RAF friends. Being in charge of the Home portfolio in #Puducherry, I am also doing my job perfectly for maintaining peace here.

Kiran Bedi pens 'open' letter to protesting Puducherry CM Narayanasamy

The Balochistan National Congress (BNC), a US-based Baloch body, strongly condemned the Pulwama terror attack, carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit, in which around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives.

Underlining that the perpetrators behind the attack should be brought to justice, the BNC urged the Indian government to cut all diplomatic ties with Pakistan, recall the Indian ambassador from Islamabad and send back Pakistan’s ambassador from New Delhi immediately without any further delay.

“The perpetrators must be brought to justice. There should be no doubt that Pakistan was behind the attack”, BNC President Wahid Baloch said in a statement.

The BNC suggested that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government should declare war against Pakistan, as Islamabad declared proxy war against New Delhi by carrying out terror activities.

"It is time to pay Pakistan back for their crimes against humanity and killing of innocent people," Baloch said.

Furthermore, the BNC asked the Indian government to help exiled Baloch leader Khan Kalat to set up the Government of Balochistan (GoB) in exile in India and help him to file a case against Pakistan’s "illegal occupation" of Balochistan in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

The Balochistan National Congress (BNC), a US-based Baloch body, strongly condemned the Pulwama terror attack, carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit, in which around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives.

The Balochistan National Congress (BNC), a US-based Baloch body, strongly condemned the Pulwama terror attack, carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit, in which around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives. Underlining that the perpetrators behind the attack should be brought to justice, the BNC urged the Indian government to cut all diplomatic ties with Pakistan, recall the Indian ambassador from Islamabad and send back Pakistan’s ambassador from New Delhi immediately without any further delay. “The perpetrators must be brought to justice. There should be no doubt that Pakistan was behind the attack”, BNC President Wahid Baloch said in a statement. The BNC suggested that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government should declare war against Pakistan, as Islamabad declared proxy war against New Delhi by carrying out terror activities. "It is time to pay Pakistan back for their crimes against humanity and killing of innocent people," Baloch said. Furthermore, the BNC asked the Indian government to help exiled Baloch leader Khan Kalat to set up the Government of Balochistan (GoB) in exile in India and help him to file a case against Pakistan’s "illegal occupation" of Balochistan in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

Pulwama attack: Balochistan National Congress asks India to cut diplomatic ties with Pakistan

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