Operation Sindoor avenges Pahalgam terror attack - each target camp in detail:&nbsp;In case you are still catching up, here are the details of Operation Sindoor conducted by Indian Armed Forces on Wednesday (May 7) to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22. Addressing the media, Col Sofyia Quereshi along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh gave the details of Operation Sindoor, in which nine terrorist camps were targeted and successfully destroyed.&nbsp;
"India has demonstrated considerable restraint in its response. However, Indian Armed Forces are fully prepared to respond to Pakistani misadventure, if any, to escalate the situation," the Indian government said in a release.&nbsp; 
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/0705_OPERATIONSINDOOR_ORG_YT/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/0705_OPERATIONSINDOOR_ORG_YT.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=225&amp;tags=operation sindoor, india strikes pakistan" title="Operation Sindoor: Video Of India Targeting Terror Camps In Pak, PoK Emerge " id="PL_iframe_block-mads2tnl-82e8lsde-4e34cdcn"></iframe>
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<h2>How India struck terror factories with new tech</h2>
The strike used precision capability and niche technology weapons with careful selection of warheads that ensured no collateral damage, the Indian government said.&nbsp;
It added that the point of impact in each was a specific building or a group of buildings.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-retreat-ceremony-held-at-attari-wagah-border-cancelled-9044263">Operation Sindoor: retreat ceremony held at Attari-Wagah border cancelled</a>
All the targets were neutralised with clinical efficiency, it added.
The government noted that no military establishments were targeted, and no collateral damage was reported.
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<h2>India hit at the heart of terror infrastructure built over 30 years</h2>
On India's crosshairs was the terror infrastructure Pakistan systematically built over past three decades, which the Indian officers described as "a complex web of recruitment and indoctrination centres, training areas for initial and refresher courses, and launch pads with handlers."
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-sindoor-indian-armed-forces-strike-at-terrorist-camps-pahalgam-terror-attack-india-pakistan-9042302">Operation Sindoor LIVE: Indian Army shares exact timing of military strike targetwise- WATCH</a>
 The government said that the targets for Operation Sindoor were selected based on credible intelligence inputs and the role of these facilities in perpetrating terror activities, while taking care to avoid damage to civilian installations and loss of civilian lives.&nbsp;
<h2> Which were the 9 training camps hit in Operation Sindoor? Full details&nbsp;</h2>
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The nine camps struck by the Indian forces were located both in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK).&nbsp;
Below is a detailed breakdown:
<h2>Camps targeted in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir</h2>
&nbsp;
&gt; Sawai Nala Camp, Muzaffarabad&nbsp;
- The Sawai Nala Camp, located in Muzaffarabad in POJK, is 30 kilometres from on Line of Control (LoC) in Tangdhar Sector.&nbsp;It was a key training facility of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, the main terror group implicated in the Pahalgam attack.&nbsp;
This terror module was the germination centre for the attack on civilians and security forces in Sonmarg on 20 October 2024, Gulmarg on 24 October 2024 and the Pahalgam attack, the government said.
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&gt; &nbsp;Syedna Belal Camp, Muzaffarabad
This terror camp of Jaish- e-Mohammad, founded by Maulana Masood Azhar, was being used as staging area for attacks, as well as to train terrorists in weapons, explosives and jungle cum survival techniques for carrying out such attacks across LoC in Kashmir.
&gt; Gulpur Camp, Kotli&nbsp;
This base, 30 kilometres from the LoC, was used by LeT terrorists operating in Rajauri-Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp; Terrorists trained in this base had carried out attacks in Poonch on 20 April 2023, and on pilgrims in a bus on 9 June 2024. &nbsp;This camp was frequently visited by Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, to give speeches of indoctrination and terror motivation.&nbsp;
 &gt; Abbas Camp, Kotli&nbsp;
This camp is &nbsp;13 kilometres away from the LoC opposite Rajauri and the nerve centre for the training of suicide bombers of LeT.&nbsp;
This camp has training infrastructure for about 50 terrorists, according to the Indian government.
 &gt; Barnala Camp, Bhimber&nbsp;
Located 9 km from LoC opposite Rajauri-Poonch Sector, the camp was used for training terrorists in handling weapons, making improvised explosive devices (IED), as well as for jungle survival techniques.&nbsp;
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<h2>Camps targeted inside Pakistan&nbsp;</h2>
&gt; Sarjal Camp, Sialkot&nbsp;
This camp is located about 6 km from the International Border opposite Samba-Kathua.&nbsp;
The terrorists who killed four personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police in March 2025 were trained and launched from this camp, according to the Indian officials.&nbsp;
&gt; Mehmoona Joya Camp, Sialkot&nbsp;
This camp, nearly 12 km from the International Boundary near Sialkot, was a key training facility of the Hizbul Mujahideen terror group. It was used as the control centre in the revival of terrorism in the Kathua and Jammu regions. The Pathankot Air Force Base attack was planned and directed from this camp.&nbsp;
&gt; Markaz Taiba, Muridke&nbsp;
Located around 25 kilometres from the international boundary, this was the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba led by Hafiz Saeed. Terrorists trained in Muridke have been linked to the Mumbai attacks.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-nsc-authorises-army-to-undertake-necessary-actions-to-counter-indias-strike-9044277">Pakistan NSC authorises Army to undertake necessary actions to counter India's strike</a>
Ajmal Kasab, the Pakistani terrorist captured alive and hanged by India after the Mumbai attack, had confessed to having received training at Muridke. Another conspirator of the Mumbai attack, David Coleman Headley, also got training at this camp.&nbsp;
&gt; Markaz Subhan, Bahawalpur&nbsp;
This is the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammad, located around 100 km from the International Boundary.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/operation-sindoor-indias-rafale-vs-pakistans-f-16-which-fighter-jet-is-more-deadly-9044149">Operation Sindoor: India&rsquo;s Rafale vs Pakistan&rsquo;s F-16 &mdash; Which fighter jet is more deadly?</a>
This camp was used for recruiting, training and indoctrinating JeM terrorists, and was frequently visited by Masood Azhar, who issued directions to their cadre.
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Operation Sindoor Pahalgam attack avenged: Locations, significance of terror camp destroyed by Indian armed forces inside Pakistan. Trending | India News | South Asia

Operation Sindoor avenges Pahalgam terror attack - each target camp in detail: In case you are still catching up, here are the details of Operation Sindoor conducted by Indian Armed Forces on Wednesday (May 7) to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22. Addressing the media, Col Sofyia Quereshi along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh gave the details of Operation Sindoor, in which nine terrorist camps were targeted and successfully destroyed. "India has demonstrated considerable restraint in its response. However, Indian Armed Forces are fully prepared to respond to Pakistani misadventure, if any, to escalate the situation," the Indian government said in a release. How India struck terror factories with new tech The strike used precision capability and niche technology weapons with careful selection of warheads that ensured no collateral damage, the Indian government said. It added that the point of impact in each was a specific building or a group of buildings. Operation Sindoor: retreat ceremony held at Attari-Wagah border cancelled All the targets were neutralised with clinical efficiency, it added. The government noted that no military establishments were targeted, and no collateral damage was reported. India hit at the heart of terror infrastructure built over 30 years On India's crosshairs was the terror infrastructure Pakistan systematically built over past three decades, which the Indian officers described as "a complex web of recruitment and indoctrination centres, training areas for initial and refresher courses, and launch pads with handlers." Operation Sindoor LIVE: Indian Army shares exact timing of military strike targetwise- WATCH The government said that the targets for Operation Sindoor were selected based on credible intelligence inputs and the role of these facilities in perpetrating terror activities, while taking care to avoid damage to civilian installations and loss of civilian lives. Which were the 9 training camps hit in Operation Sindoor? Full details The nine camps struck by the Indian forces were located both in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK). Below is a detailed breakdown: Camps targeted in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir > Sawai Nala Camp, Muzaffarabad - The Sawai Nala Camp, located in Muzaffarabad in POJK, is 30 kilometres from on Line of Control (LoC) in Tangdhar Sector. It was a key training facility of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, the main terror group implicated in the Pahalgam attack. This terror module was the germination centre for the attack on civilians and security forces in Sonmarg on 20 October 2024, Gulmarg on 24 October 2024 and the Pahalgam attack, the government said. > Syedna Belal Camp, Muzaffarabad This terror camp of Jaish- e-Mohammad, founded by Maulana Masood Azhar, was being used as staging area for attacks, as well as to train terrorists in weapons, explosives and jungle cum survival techniques for carrying out such attacks across LoC in Kashmir. > Gulpur Camp, Kotli This base, 30 kilometres from the LoC, was used by LeT terrorists operating in Rajauri-Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Terrorists trained in this base had carried out attacks in Poonch on 20 April 2023, and on pilgrims in a bus on 9 June 2024. This camp was frequently visited by Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, to give speeches of indoctrination and terror motivation. > Abbas Camp, Kotli This camp is 13 kilometres away from the LoC opposite Rajauri and the nerve centre for the training of suicide bombers of LeT. This camp has training infrastructure for about 50 terrorists, according to the Indian government. > Barnala Camp, Bhimber Located 9 km from LoC opposite Rajauri-Poonch Sector, the camp was used for training terrorists in handling weapons, making improvised explosive devices (IED), as well as for jungle survival techniques. Camps targeted inside Pakistan > Sarjal Camp, Sialkot This camp is located about 6 km from the International Border opposite Samba-Kathua. The terrorists who killed four personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police in March 2025 were trained and launched from this camp, according to the Indian officials. > Mehmoona Joya Camp, Sialkot This camp, nearly 12 km from the International Boundary near Sialkot, was a key training facility of the Hizbul Mujahideen terror group. It was used as the control centre in the revival of terrorism in the Kathua and Jammu regions. The Pathankot Air Force Base attack was planned and directed from this camp. > Markaz Taiba, Muridke Located around 25 kilometres from the international boundary, this was the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba led by Hafiz Saeed. Terrorists trained in Muridke have been linked to the Mumbai attacks. Pakistan NSC authorises Army to undertake necessary actions to counter India's strike Ajmal Kasab, the Pakistani terrorist captured alive and hanged by India after the Mumbai attack, had confessed to having received training at Muridke. Another conspirator of the Mumbai attack, David Coleman Headley, also got training at this camp. > Markaz Subhan, Bahawalpur This is the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammad, located around 100 km from the International Boundary. Operation Sindoor: India’s Rafale vs Pakistan’s F-16 — Which fighter jet is more deadly? This camp was used for recruiting, training and indoctrinating JeM terrorists, and was frequently visited by Masood Azhar, who issued directions to their cadre.

Destroyed: Mumbai attacker Ajmal Kasab's training camp, HQs of Jaish, LeT, 3 decades of terror infra smoked by India's Operation Sindoor

Congress leader from Maharashtra Vijay Wadettiwar courted a major controversy over his remarks about the death of former state anti-terrorism squad (ATS) head Hemant Karkare during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

In his "contentious" claim, Wadettiwar stated that Karkare succumbed to bullet injuries due to firing&nbsp;by a police officer affiliated to RSS and not by terrorist Ajmal Kasab.

He then went on to accuse the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Mumbai North Central candidate and former 26/11 prosecution lawyer Ujjwal Nikam of hiding the information, and called him an "anti-national".

"During 26/11, Hemant Karkare was not shot by Kasab. A police officer shot him on the instructions of RSS. Public Prosecutor Adv. Ujjwal Nikam knew this yet chose to hide this fact," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2024-bjp-fields-ujjwal-nikam-2611-prosecutor-from-mumbai-north-central-715716">Also read: Lok Sabha polls 2024: BJP fields Ujjwal Nikam, 26/11 prosecutor, from Mumbai North Central</a>

<h2>BJP writes to ECI for action against Wadettiwar&nbsp;</h2>

The saffron party on Sunday (May 5) wrote to the Election Commission of India to take stern action against the Congress leader over allegedly hawking lies and defaming Nikam.

Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shekar rebuffed Wadettiwar's claims as "false and not based on facts" and said that his statements were aimed at maligning Nikam's image by stirring emotions.

"We have written to the Election Commission of India seeking action against Wadettiwar who is a star campaigner (of Congress) and also against the Congress party for peddling lies," he added.

Shekar further said that Kasab was a terrorist and was sentenced to death after following a due process of law for claiming the lives of several innocent people.

Wadettiwar later released a clarification stating that his remarks about Karkare's death were based on a book titled "Who Killed Karkare" written by retired police officer SM Mushriff.

Nikam, in response, hit out at the opposition leader and said he "should desist from making such comments that can help the enemy nation."

(With inputs from agencies)

Congress leader from Maharashtra Vijay Wadettiwar courted a major controversy over his remarks about the death of former state anti-terrorism squad (ATS) head Hemant Karkare during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

Congress leader from Maharashtra Vijay Wadettiwar courted a major controversy over his remarks about the death of former state anti-terrorism squad (ATS) head Hemant Karkare during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. In his "contentious" claim, Wadettiwar stated that Karkare succumbed to bullet injuries due to firing by a police officer affiliated to RSS and not by terrorist Ajmal Kasab. He then went on to accuse the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Mumbai North Central candidate and former 26/11 prosecution lawyer Ujjwal Nikam of hiding the information, and called him an "anti-national". "During 26/11, Hemant Karkare was not shot by Kasab. A police officer shot him on the instructions of RSS. Public Prosecutor Adv. Ujjwal Nikam knew this yet chose to hide this fact," he said. Also read: Lok Sabha polls 2024: BJP fields Ujjwal Nikam, 26/11 prosecutor, from Mumbai North Central BJP writes to ECI for action against Wadettiwar The saffron party on Sunday (May 5) wrote to the Election Commission of India to take stern action against the Congress leader over allegedly hawking lies and defaming Nikam. Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shekar rebuffed Wadettiwar's claims as "false and not based on facts" and said that his statements were aimed at maligning Nikam's image by stirring emotions. "We have written to the Election Commission of India seeking action against Wadettiwar who is a star campaigner (of Congress) and also against the Congress party for peddling lies," he added. Shekar further said that Kasab was a terrorist and was sentenced to death after following a due process of law for claiming the lives of several innocent people. Wadettiwar later released a clarification stating that his remarks about Karkare's death were based on a book titled "Who Killed Karkare" written by retired police officer SM Mushriff. Nikam, in response, hit out at the opposition leader and said he "should desist from making such comments that can help the enemy nation." (With inputs from agencies)

BJP writes to ECI seeking action against Congress leader Wadettiwar over ‘Kasab didn’t kill Karkare’ remark

On November 26, 2008, 10 Lashkar-E-Taiba terrorists from Pakistan arrived in Mumbai by sea route. For more than 60 hours, the city was caught in the grip of terror. Many locations were attacked - a hospital, railway station, a restaurant, a Jewish center and two luxury hotels, including Taj Mahal Palace. 166 people were killed and over 300 were injured in the attacks. While nine of the ten gunmen were killed in the counter-operation, Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab survived and was executed by hanging on November 21, 2012. 15 years on, the youngest survivor and eyewitness, Devika Natwarlal Rotawan, opens up about her ordeal.

26/11 Mumbai attacks' youngest eyewitness: 'I wanted to shoot Kasab' | WION Exclusive

Pakistan's Interior Minister, Sheikh Rashid, claimed that former PM Nawaz Sharif gave India a detailed account of Ajmal Kasab’s location.

"Nawaz Sharif was the one who leaked the details of Ajmal Kasab’s whereabouts to India," Sheikh Rasheed said while speaking at an event.

He added that Nawaz Sharif, a product of General Headquarters Gate number four, received funds from Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi, and Osama bin Laden.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> interior minister Sheikh Rashid says that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NawazSharif?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NawazSharif</a> is a product of GHQ gate number four, Nawaz Sharif took money from Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi and Osama bin Laden. <a href="https://t.co/A2kD8spQKb">pic.twitter.com/A2kD8spQKb</a>
— Ghulam Abbas Shah (@ghulamabbasshah) <a href="https://twitter.com/ghulamabbasshah/status/1509098052681973762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2022</a></blockquote>
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He launched a stinging attack on the opposing parties, claiming that they are the ones who sold their conscience for money and tarnished the image of Pakistan.

The proceedings were deferred until March 31 after a no-confidence motion against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was tabled in the National Assembly with a total of 161 votes in favour.

On March 8, the Opposition parties filed a motion of no confidence in the government.

Because several PTI legislators have come out openly against Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Opposition is certain that its motion will be passed.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's Interior Minister, Sheikh Rashid, claimed that former PM Nawaz Sharif gave India a detailed account of Ajmal Kasab’s location. "Nawaz Sharif was the one who leaked the details of Ajmal Kasab’s whereabouts to India," Sheikh Rasheed said while speaking at an event.

Pakistan's Interior Minister, Sheikh Rashid, claimed that former PM Nawaz Sharif gave India a detailed account of Ajmal Kasab’s location. "Nawaz Sharif was the one who leaked the details of Ajmal Kasab’s whereabouts to India," Sheikh Rasheed said while speaking at an event. He added that Nawaz Sharif, a product of General Headquarters Gate number four, received funds from Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi, and Osama bin Laden. #Pakistan interior minister Sheikh Rashid says that #NawazSharif is a product of GHQ gate number four, Nawaz Sharif took money from Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi and Osama bin Laden. pic.twitter.com/A2kD8spQKb — Ghulam Abbas Shah (@ghulamabbasshah) March 30, 2022 × He launched a stinging attack on the opposing parties, claiming that they are the ones who sold their conscience for money and tarnished the image of Pakistan. The proceedings were deferred until March 31 after a no-confidence motion against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was tabled in the National Assembly with a total of 161 votes in favour. On March 8, the Opposition parties filed a motion of no confidence in the government. Because several PTI legislators have come out openly against Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Opposition is certain that its motion will be passed. (With inputs from agencies)

Nawaz Sharif gave Mumbai attack terrorist Ajmal Kasab's whereabouts to India, claims Pakistan minister

On November 26, 2008, India was rocked by a series of terrorist attacks when members of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation, carried out 12 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks in Mumbai.

On November 26, 2008, India was rocked by a series of terrorist attacks when members of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation, carried out 12 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks in Mumbai. A total of 175 people died, including nine attackers and more than 300 were wounded during the attacks that lasted for four days as it ended on November 29 when India's National Security Guards (NSG) conducted Operation Black Tornado to kill the remaining terrorists. ALSO READ | Pakistan petroleum dealers launch nationwide strike against lower profit margins Out of 10 attackers, nine were killed and Ajmal Kasab was the only attacker arrested alive by police. He was hanged in Pune's Yerwada jail in secret on November 21, 2012, after he had exhausted all legal remedies. The attacks drew global condemnation but many raised questions also over delayed response while tackling the deadly attacks. Even the High-Level Enquiry Committee (HLEC) on 26/11 pointed out lapses in the law enforcement agencies and suggested measures to prevent such events. But why was there a delay? Many would not know that a nine-member high-level team, required for taking key decisions during the attacks, was in Pakistan. The team comprised of officials from India's Home Ministry and other security agencies, led by no less than then Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta. RSN Singh, who is a former military intelligence officer and later served in the Research and Analysis Wing or R&AW, wrote in the Indian Defence Review that it was a "classic case of strategic deception by Pakistan". ALSO READ | Where Afghanistan's new Taliban leaders went to school The team had arrived in Islamabad on November 24, 2008 and was supposed to return two days later, i.e. November 26. However, the visit was extended by an extra day. The extra day was in Murree, which is a hill station, 60km northeast of Islamabad. Reports have even suggested that the team had no means of communication in that location. Key decision-makers, including the Union Home Secretary, the Joint Secretary, Internal Security, the Director, Internal Security, among others were said to be in Murree. Their designations and identities cannot be disclosed for reasons of security and secrecy. After media reports claimed Murree stay was a "party", former home secretary Madhukar Gupta, in 2016, rejected the charges of enjoying Pakistan's hospitality. In 2016, he had also said that they found the gesture of the Pakistan government odd, adding that their "duplicitous role was absolutely clear, it's not the first time". He had also told The Times of India that Pakistan had insisted they meet their Interior Minister and that's the reason for their extended stay. Duplicitous role of Pakistan is absolutely clear, its not the first time: Madhukar Gupta, former Home Secy pic.twitter.com/scJptM1JkM — ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2016 × Madhukar Gupta former Home Sec on Indian delegation extending stay in Pakistan 2008: We did find it odd about Murree pic.twitter.com/ta8RQEoTs8 — ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2016 × "Though we had been staying in Islamabad for two days, the host country made special plans to shift us to a nearby hill resort in Murree. In retrospect, it leads us to suspect if the real motive was to delay or weaken the response of Indian security brass to the 26/11 strikes," a former bureaucrat had told The Times of India in 2016. However, Madhukar Gupta had dismissed reports that there was no television signal in Murree as he said that he had received a call from India about the attacks and immediately switched on the TV. He informed that he had contacted the senior leadership in India also. So many questions have been raised; why the visit was extended? Why the team was shifted to a hill station? Did Pakistan government officials know about attacks? Coincidence or conspiracy?

Coincidence or conspiracy? Did Pakistan attempt to paralyse India's internal security during 26/11 attacks?

A key witness, from the Mumbai 26/11 bomb blasts, who had identified terrorist Ajmal Kasab during the case trial, died at his house in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Harishchandra Shrivardhankar was a resident of Thane and was a key witness. He had survived two bullets and had also hit Ajmal Kasab's accomplice Abu Ismail with his office bag. The incident had taken p;ace near Cama Hospital in South Mumbai.

He was the first witness to identify and testify against Ajmal Kasab. However, the witness was spotted lying on a footpath in a critical condition few days ago. The family had claimed that the family could not afford his medical treatment. Following this, former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had checked on the medical condition of Shrivardhankar at a private hospital in Kalyan two weeks back, sources said.

Fadnavis had announced that the BJP would provide Rs 10 lakh to help Shrivardhankar''s family. He is survived by his wife, two sons and daughters- in-law.

Kasab was hanged in Pune's Yerwada jail in secret on November 21, 2012 after a court trial.

A key witness, from the Mumbai 26/11 bomb blasts, who had identified terrorist Ajmal Kasab during the case trial, died at his house in Mumbai on Wednesday. Harishchandra Shrivardhankar was a resident of Thane and was a key witness.

A key witness, from the Mumbai 26/11 bomb blasts, who had identified terrorist Ajmal Kasab during the case trial, died at his house in Mumbai on Wednesday. Harishchandra Shrivardhankar was a resident of Thane and was a key witness. He had survived two bullets and had also hit Ajmal Kasab's accomplice Abu Ismail with his office bag. The incident had taken p;ace near Cama Hospital in South Mumbai. He was the first witness to identify and testify against Ajmal Kasab. However, the witness was spotted lying on a footpath in a critical condition few days ago. The family had claimed that the family could not afford his medical treatment. Following this, former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had checked on the medical condition of Shrivardhankar at a private hospital in Kalyan two weeks back, sources said. Fadnavis had announced that the BJP would provide Rs 10 lakh to help Shrivardhankar''s family. He is survived by his wife, two sons and daughters- in-law. Kasab was hanged in Pune's Yerwada jail in secret on November 21, 2012 after a court trial.

Key witness who had identified Ajmal Kasab dies in Mumbai

There were some light-hearted moments at the UK court Friday when Judge Emma Arbuthnot hearing the second bail plea of Nirav Modi asked the prosecution whether the fugitive diamantaire would be lodged in the same jail cell along with Vijay Mallya if he is also extradited to India.

The 48-year-old diamond merchant is wanted in India for alleged "high value and sophisticated" fraud and money laundering amounting to $2 billion.

At the very start of the hearing, Westminster Magistrates Court Chief Magistrate Arbuthnot said she was getting a sense of "deja vu", in reference to her having ordered the extradition of Mallya in December last year.

"Do we know which part of India he [Modi] is being sought in," the judge asked, to try and establish which jail Modi is likely to be held in.

She was told by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, that it would be an extradition to Mumbai and that he may, in fact, be held in the same Arthur Road Jail as that prepared for liquor tycoon Mallya, to which the judge said in a light-hearted vein that it could even be the same cell as we know "there is space" from the previous video submitted during the Mallya extradition trial.

India has informed the UK court that Mallya will be lodged in one of the high-security barracks located in a two-storey building inside the prison complex.

Authorities at the Arthur Road prison in Mumbai have kept a high-security cell ready for Mallya if he is extradited from the UK in connection with loan default cases against him in India.

Mallya, wanted in India on charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore, has filed his application in the UK High Court, seeking permission to appeal against an extradition order signed by the British Home Secretary.

If extradited, 62-year-old Mallya will be lodged in the prison complex, which also housed 26/11 Mumbai attack terrorist Mohammad Ajmal Kasab.

An official from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs earlier said Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail was one of the best in the country.

His comments came after Judge Arbuthnot asked Indian authorities to submit a video of the Arthur Road Jail cell where they plan to keep Mallya following his extradition.

The official said adequate medical facilities were available to treat prisoners in Arthur Road Jail, where Mallya would get full security cover as an undertrial prisoner and it was highly secured in accordance with international standards.

The central government has already conducted an assessment of security cover given to prisoners in the Arthur Road Jail and its findings conveyed to the UK court.

In another throwback to the Mallya trial, Nirav Modi's defence team, led by barrister Clare Montgomery raised the issue of the state of the paperwork submitted by the Indian authorities, claiming it "made her cry" at one stage.

The judge concurred with her and was very firm about proper indexing of all documents to be submitted to the court in relation to the case.&nbsp;

There were some light-hearted moments at the UK court Friday when Judge Emma Arbuthnot hearing the second bail plea of Nirav Modi asked the prosecution whether the fugitive diamantaire would be lodged in the same jail cell along with Vijay Mallya if he is also extradited to India.

There were some light-hearted moments at the UK court Friday when Judge Emma Arbuthnot hearing the second bail plea of Nirav Modi asked the prosecution whether the fugitive diamantaire would be lodged in the same jail cell along with Vijay Mallya if he is also extradited to India. The 48-year-old diamond merchant is wanted in India for alleged "high value and sophisticated" fraud and money laundering amounting to $2 billion. At the very start of the hearing, Westminster Magistrates Court Chief Magistrate Arbuthnot said she was getting a sense of "deja vu", in reference to her having ordered the extradition of Mallya in December last year. "Do we know which part of India he [Modi] is being sought in," the judge asked, to try and establish which jail Modi is likely to be held in. She was told by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), arguing on behalf of the Indian government, that it would be an extradition to Mumbai and that he may, in fact, be held in the same Arthur Road Jail as that prepared for liquor tycoon Mallya, to which the judge said in a light-hearted vein that it could even be the same cell as we know "there is space" from the previous video submitted during the Mallya extradition trial. India has informed the UK court that Mallya will be lodged in one of the high-security barracks located in a two-storey building inside the prison complex. Authorities at the Arthur Road prison in Mumbai have kept a high-security cell ready for Mallya if he is extradited from the UK in connection with loan default cases against him in India. Mallya, wanted in India on charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore, has filed his application in the UK High Court, seeking permission to appeal against an extradition order signed by the British Home Secretary. If extradited, 62-year-old Mallya will be lodged in the prison complex, which also housed 26/11 Mumbai attack terrorist Mohammad Ajmal Kasab. An official from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs earlier said Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail was one of the best in the country. His comments came after Judge Arbuthnot asked Indian authorities to submit a video of the Arthur Road Jail cell where they plan to keep Mallya following his extradition. The official said adequate medical facilities were available to treat prisoners in Arthur Road Jail, where Mallya would get full security cover as an undertrial prisoner and it was highly secured in accordance with international standards. The central government has already conducted an assessment of security cover given to prisoners in the Arthur Road Jail and its findings conveyed to the UK court. In another throwback to the Mallya trial, Nirav Modi's defence team, led by barrister Clare Montgomery raised the issue of the state of the paperwork submitted by the Indian authorities, claiming it "made her cry" at one stage. The judge concurred with her and was very firm about proper indexing of all documents to be submitted to the court in relation to the case.

Nirav Modi & Vijay Mallya to share same jail cell in Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail: Judge ask prosecution

For the select policemen involved in the covert operation to shift 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab from Mumbai to Pune, the phrase "Parcel reached Fox" signalled that the van carrying him had reached the jail where he was to be hanged the next day.

A senior police official involved in carrying out the operation said this was one of the seven code words/phrases used during the exercise, of which only the then home minister R R Patil and a few top police officials were aware of.

The code "Parcel reached Fox" was the last code exchanged between two senior officials involved in the operation to transport Kasab, he told PTI.

The hand-picked team was tasked with shifting Kasab from the high security 'Anda Cell' of Arthur Road prison in Central Mumbai to Yerwada Central Prison in Pune, he said.

The lone terrorist captured alive during the 26/11 attacks was covered in a 'burqa' while being taken out of his cell on the night of November 20, 2012, and put in a police vehicle, the officer recalled.

"It was a big responsibility to transport him to Yerwada prison to be hanged. A death warrant was served to him seven days before the execution," he said.

The 'Force One' commando team of police, carrying advanced weapons, accompanied Kasab's vehicle. A State Reserve Police Force team trailing the vehicle a little behind, so as not to arouse suspicions, when it was on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

Except for two handsets, mobile phones of all officers and other police personnel involved in the operation were switched off and packed in a bag, the official said.

"During the entire three-hour-long journey, Kasab did not utter a single word," he said. His demeanour did not change even when he was handed over to the Yerwada prison authorities at around 3 am, the official said.

By the time their mobile phones were switched on again the next day, November 21, the world knew that Kasab was executed, he said.

For the select policemen involved in the covert operation to shift 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab from Mumbai to Pune, the phrase "Parcel reached Fox" signalled that the van carrying him had reached the jail where he was to be hanged the next day.

For the select policemen involved in the covert operation to shift 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab from Mumbai to Pune, the phrase "Parcel reached Fox" signalled that the van carrying him had reached the jail where he was to be hanged the next day. A senior police official involved in carrying out the operation said this was one of the seven code words/phrases used during the exercise, of which only the then home minister R R Patil and a few top police officials were aware of. The code "Parcel reached Fox" was the last code exchanged between two senior officials involved in the operation to transport Kasab, he told PTI. The hand-picked team was tasked with shifting Kasab from the high security 'Anda Cell' of Arthur Road prison in Central Mumbai to Yerwada Central Prison in Pune, he said. The lone terrorist captured alive during the 26/11 attacks was covered in a 'burqa' while being taken out of his cell on the night of November 20, 2012, and put in a police vehicle, the officer recalled. "It was a big responsibility to transport him to Yerwada prison to be hanged. A death warrant was served to him seven days before the execution," he said. The 'Force One' commando team of police, carrying advanced weapons, accompanied Kasab's vehicle. A State Reserve Police Force team trailing the vehicle a little behind, so as not to arouse suspicions, when it was on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Except for two handsets, mobile phones of all officers and other police personnel involved in the operation were switched off and packed in a bag, the official said. "During the entire three-hour-long journey, Kasab did not utter a single word," he said. His demeanour did not change even when he was handed over to the Yerwada prison authorities at around 3 am, the official said. By the time their mobile phones were switched on again the next day, November 21, the world knew that Kasab was executed, he said.

2008 Mumbai terror attacks: How the secret operation to shift Kasab for hanging unfolded

Two lawyers who defended Ajmal Kasab in the 2008 Mumbai attack case on the directions of the Bombay High Court are yet to get their legal fees from the Maharashtra government.

While the state government says they have not submitted any bills, the lawyers say that state prosecutors are not supposed to.

The two lawyers -- Amin Solkar and Farhana Shah -- were tasked with defending Kasab, hanged to death on November 21, 2012 for killing over 166 people in Mumbai, by the Maharashtra State Legal Services Department after they were nominated by then acting Chief Justice of Bombay High Court J N Patel.

A notification about their appointment was issued on June 8, 2010 after Kasab had expressed his desire to contest the verdict of the trial court sentencing him to death in the Bombay High Court.&nbsp;

According to the notification, Solkar was to receive remuneration equivalent to what is sanctioned for a public prosecutor, who conducts a death confirmation appeal, and Shah was to receive fees on par with an assistant prosecutor.

Keeping in tradition with the fairness of the trial, the law allows for appointment of a lawyer from the legal services department if accused is unable to do so.

Solkar and Shah had argued for Kasab in the Bombay High Court against his death sentence almost on a day-to-day basis for nearly nine months before it confirmed the death sentence on the lone gunman, who sprayed bullets barbarically on November 26, 2008.&nbsp;

His conviction was upheld by the Supreme Court a year later and he was hanged to death in 2012 inside the Yerwada prison in Pune.

When contacted by PTI, both Solkar and Shah said they are yet to receive their fees.

Both the lawyers said they had given the case priority as the high court was hearing it on a day-to-day basis from 11am to 5pm.&nbsp;

"I do not know why the state government has not made any efforts to pay us our fees. It has been seven years since the judgment was delivered by the high court. The Supreme Court confirmed the death penalty and Kasab is also dead. But we are still waiting (for the fees)," Solkar told.

He said he was contemplating legal action to get his dues cleared from the state government.

"We are only asking for what is legally due to us. The law says every accused should get a fair trial. To ensure this, we were appointed to defend Kasab... Then why this delay in paying us our fees," Solkar said.

Shah, on the other hand, says she has given up hopes that she will get her remuneration for appearing in the case.

"I have now given up. I consider it as a pro bono case (a case taken up voluntarily and without payment)," Shah, who had defended several accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts case, told.

While the exact amount per hearing was not known, sources in the know put the figure somewhere between Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 per day.

An official from the state government's law and judiciary department said the government would pay the fees only after the two lawyers submit their bills.

To this, both Solkar and Shah said the need to submit bills does not arise at all as they were appointed by the high court and a notification to this effect was issued by the government.

"Does the government ask for bills from the public prosecutor before giving them their remuneration?" Solkar said.

Abbas Kazmi, a lawyer who had defended Kasab before trial judge M L Tahalayani, claims he has been paid by the government for his services.

"My remuneration was given by the government soon after the completion of the trial," Kazmi said, adding he got his fees without having to submit any bills to the government.

Ten Pakistani terrorists had launched a dastardly attack on key locations in the city on the night of November 26, 2008. The terrorists killed 166 people and injured over 600 others.

The places that were attacked included the CST railway station in south Mumbai, the Taj Hotel and the Trident Hotel in south Mumbai, Cafe Leopold and Chabad House at Colaba in south Mumbai.

The attacks lasted three days. While nine of the terrorists were killed during the siege, Kasab was caught alive by the Mumbai police at Marine Drive in south Mumbai.&nbsp;

Two lawyers who defended Ajmal Kasab in the 2008 Mumbai attack case on the directions of the Bombay High Court are yet to get their legal fees from the Maharashtra government.

Two lawyers who defended Ajmal Kasab in the 2008 Mumbai attack case on the directions of the Bombay High Court are yet to get their legal fees from the Maharashtra government. While the state government says they have not submitted any bills, the lawyers say that state prosecutors are not supposed to. The two lawyers -- Amin Solkar and Farhana Shah -- were tasked with defending Kasab, hanged to death on November 21, 2012 for killing over 166 people in Mumbai, by the Maharashtra State Legal Services Department after they were nominated by then acting Chief Justice of Bombay High Court J N Patel. A notification about their appointment was issued on June 8, 2010 after Kasab had expressed his desire to contest the verdict of the trial court sentencing him to death in the Bombay High Court. According to the notification, Solkar was to receive remuneration equivalent to what is sanctioned for a public prosecutor, who conducts a death confirmation appeal, and Shah was to receive fees on par with an assistant prosecutor. Keeping in tradition with the fairness of the trial, the law allows for appointment of a lawyer from the legal services department if accused is unable to do so. Solkar and Shah had argued for Kasab in the Bombay High Court against his death sentence almost on a day-to-day basis for nearly nine months before it confirmed the death sentence on the lone gunman, who sprayed bullets barbarically on November 26, 2008. His conviction was upheld by the Supreme Court a year later and he was hanged to death in 2012 inside the Yerwada prison in Pune. When contacted by PTI, both Solkar and Shah said they are yet to receive their fees. Both the lawyers said they had given the case priority as the high court was hearing it on a day-to-day basis from 11am to 5pm. "I do not know why the state government has not made any efforts to pay us our fees. It has been seven years since the judgment was delivered by the high court. The Supreme Court confirmed the death penalty and Kasab is also dead. But we are still waiting (for the fees)," Solkar told. He said he was contemplating legal action to get his dues cleared from the state government. "We are only asking for what is legally due to us. The law says every accused should get a fair trial. To ensure this, we were appointed to defend Kasab... Then why this delay in paying us our fees," Solkar said. Shah, on the other hand, says she has given up hopes that she will get her remuneration for appearing in the case. "I have now given up. I consider it as a pro bono case (a case taken up voluntarily and without payment)," Shah, who had defended several accused in the 1993 Mumbai serial bomb blasts case, told. While the exact amount per hearing was not known, sources in the know put the figure somewhere between Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 per day. An official from the state government's law and judiciary department said the government would pay the fees only after the two lawyers submit their bills. To this, both Solkar and Shah said the need to submit bills does not arise at all as they were appointed by the high court and a notification to this effect was issued by the government. "Does the government ask for bills from the public prosecutor before giving them their remuneration?" Solkar said. Abbas Kazmi, a lawyer who had defended Kasab before trial judge M L Tahalayani, claims he has been paid by the government for his services. "My remuneration was given by the government soon after the completion of the trial," Kazmi said, adding he got his fees without having to submit any bills to the government. Ten Pakistani terrorists had launched a dastardly attack on key locations in the city on the night of November 26, 2008. The terrorists killed 166 people and injured over 600 others. The places that were attacked included the CST railway station in south Mumbai, the Taj Hotel and the Trident Hotel in south Mumbai, Cafe Leopold and Chabad House at Colaba in south Mumbai. The attacks lasted three days. While nine of the terrorists were killed during the siege, Kasab was caught alive by the Mumbai police at Marine Drive in south Mumbai.

2008 Mumbai attacks: Lawyers who defended Ajmal Kasab in high court yet to get their fees

Pakistan's national security committee held a meeting on Monday to discuss the statement given by former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the 2008's Mumbai attacks trigering backlash from Indian media.

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was conducted to review the statement in detail after which it unanimously termed the statement "incorrect and misleading."

Pakistan's Geo tv quoted a statement issued by Prime Minister's office reading," the participants observed that it was very unfortunate that the opinion arising out of either misconceptions or grievances was being presented in disregard of concrete facts and realities."

NSC meeting also unanimously "rejected the allegations and condemned the fallacious assertions".&nbsp;

While concluding the meeting, NSC also reportedly said that Pakistan will continue its efforts to eliminate terrorism on all fronts.

During an interview with Pakistan daily, Nawaz Sharif has said, "Militant organisations are active. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross the border and kill 150 people in Mumbai? Explain it to me. Why can't we complete the trial?."

Following the statement, an allegation of Pakistan's involvement in the admission of terrorist in the country was also made.

On May 13, the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) had issued a clarification stating that Nawaz's remarks were "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sharifs-2611-statement-grossly-misinterpreted-pml-n-136615">grossly misinterpreted by Indian media</a>".

Ten Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists had sailed to Mumbai in November 2008 from Karachi and carried out coordinated attacks that killed 166 people and injured over 300. Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) Chief Hafeez Saeed is the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

The case is now in its 10th year, but Pakistan is yet to punish any of the suspects.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was conducted to review the statement in detail after which it unanimously termed the statement 'incorrect and misleading'

Pakistan's national security committee held a meeting on Monday to discuss the statement given by former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the 2008's Mumbai attacks trigering backlash from Indian media. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was conducted to review the statement in detail after which it unanimously termed the statement "incorrect and misleading." Pakistan's Geo tv quoted a statement issued by Prime Minister's office reading," the participants observed that it was very unfortunate that the opinion arising out of either misconceptions or grievances was being presented in disregard of concrete facts and realities." NSC meeting also unanimously "rejected the allegations and condemned the fallacious assertions". While concluding the meeting, NSC also reportedly said that Pakistan will continue its efforts to eliminate terrorism on all fronts. During an interview with Pakistan daily, Nawaz Sharif has said, "Militant organisations are active. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross the border and kill 150 people in Mumbai? Explain it to me. Why can't we complete the trial?." Following the statement, an allegation of Pakistan's involvement in the admission of terrorist in the country was also made. On May 13, the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) had issued a clarification stating that Nawaz's remarks were "grossly misinterpreted by Indian media". Ten Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists had sailed to Mumbai in November 2008 from Karachi and carried out coordinated attacks that killed 166 people and injured over 300. Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) Chief Hafeez Saeed is the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The case is now in its 10th year, but Pakistan is yet to punish any of the suspects. (With inputs from ANI)

Nawaz's statement on Mumbai attacks 'incorrect and misleading' terms Pakistan's NSC

It was a little after 8.30 pm on November 26, 2008, that Ajmal Kasab and his nine accomplices parked their inflated rubber dinghy off Bhai Bhandarkar Macchimar Colony opposite Badhwar Park at Cuffe Parade in the Indian city of Mumbai. They had set sail from Pakistan three days back, forcibly commandeering a trawler, MV Kuber, in Indian waters, after ruthlessly murdering its crew to breach the channel of Mumbai port undetected.

After navigating their way through the by-lanes of the fishing colony and splitting into five teams of two, the terror group unleashed a savage attack that transpired into a three-day siege of India&#39;s financial capital, claiming 166 innocent lives.

Eight years hence, if another 26/11-like attack was to happen around the same time of the evening, the night patrolling personnel at the Mumbai port would have a hard time in spotting an obscure rubber dinghy or any suspicious vessel, with just one night-vision device (NVD) to their aid.

According to a security audit by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) &ndash; deployed to secure the Mumbai port &ndash; it needs at least seven NVDs and four day-vision binoculars to patrol the large water perimeter effectively. It has one now and procurement for five are under way.

The shortage of vital and basic accessories like binoculars is a grim reminder of the continuous struggle to enhance and fortify the coastal security of a major port like Mumbai. A retired police officer said that binoculars are just a technical matter. &quot;The MV Kuber, with Kasab and gang, was able to breach the channel of the Mumbai port and sail close into the shore. There is a need to strengthen the access control of the port as hundreds of fishing vessels move up and down. Even with NVDs and binoculars, it will be tough to detect a suspicious vehicle,&#39;&#39; he said.

In a security revamp, post 26/11, a unified command of the CISF was inducted for the security of the Mumbai port. Over 500 trained personnel, including marine commandos, are deployed at ports, docks and the islands under the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT). The CISF annually conducts a security audit.

In the last audit in 2015, the CISF pointed out the paucity of the NVDs, observing that at least 11 day-and-night vision binoculars were required, with patrolling units to cover the large perimeter and detect any suspicious activity. The MbPT has informed that it is in the process of procurement and has got one NVD so far.

Former DGP and CEO of Cochin Port N Ramachandran, who had submitted a high-level port security report to the Central government, just before the 26/11 attack, said that many gaps continue to exist when it comes to securing the coastline and major ports. &quot;Patrolling has to be carried round the clock. Any suspicious vessel has to be accosted and questioned. Unfortunately, there has been no consistency in policy and implementation,&#39;&#39; he said.

In the event of a forced entry at Yellow gate, Orange gate, Old yellow gate and Purple gate, the audit report says that there is no anti-crash devices like boom barriers, mobile pickets, RFID on vehicles for identification and tracking, and additional bullet proof jackets for security personnel.

CISF officials told DNA that the measures recommended in the audit report were being addressed by the MbPT. &quot;The CISF only provides trained personnel. It&#39;s the MbPT&#39;s responsibility to provide infrastructure and technical details.&#39;&#39;

(This article first appeared in DNA)

Eight years after the attack, a paucity of night-vision devices and other basic accessories do not augur well in securing the city of Mumbai

It was a little after 8.30 pm on November 26, 2008, that Ajmal Kasab and his nine accomplices parked their inflated rubber dinghy off Bhai Bhandarkar Macchimar Colony opposite Badhwar Park at Cuffe Parade in the Indian city of Mumbai. They had set sail from Pakistan three days back, forcibly commandeering a trawler, MV Kuber, in Indian waters, after ruthlessly murdering its crew to breach the channel of Mumbai port undetected. After navigating their way through the by-lanes of the fishing colony and splitting into five teams of two, the terror group unleashed a savage attack that transpired into a three-day siege of India's financial capital, claiming 166 innocent lives. Eight years hence, if another 26/11-like attack was to happen around the same time of the evening, the night patrolling personnel at the Mumbai port would have a hard time in spotting an obscure rubber dinghy or any suspicious vessel, with just one night-vision device (NVD) to their aid. According to a security audit by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) – deployed to secure the Mumbai port – it needs at least seven NVDs and four day-vision binoculars to patrol the large water perimeter effectively. It has one now and procurement for five are under way. The shortage of vital and basic accessories like binoculars is a grim reminder of the continuous struggle to enhance and fortify the coastal security of a major port like Mumbai. A retired police officer said that binoculars are just a technical matter. "The MV Kuber, with Kasab and gang, was able to breach the channel of the Mumbai port and sail close into the shore. There is a need to strengthen the access control of the port as hundreds of fishing vessels move up and down. Even with NVDs and binoculars, it will be tough to detect a suspicious vehicle,'' he said. In a security revamp, post 26/11, a unified command of the CISF was inducted for the security of the Mumbai port. Over 500 trained personnel, including marine commandos, are deployed at ports, docks and the islands under the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT). The CISF annually conducts a security audit. In the last audit in 2015, the CISF pointed out the paucity of the NVDs, observing that at least 11 day-and-night vision binoculars were required, with patrolling units to cover the large perimeter and detect any suspicious activity. The MbPT has informed that it is in the process of procurement and has got one NVD so far. Former DGP and CEO of Cochin Port N Ramachandran, who had submitted a high-level port security report to the Central government, just before the 26/11 attack, said that many gaps continue to exist when it comes to securing the coastline and major ports. "Patrolling has to be carried round the clock. Any suspicious vessel has to be accosted and questioned. Unfortunately, there has been no consistency in policy and implementation,'' he said. In the event of a forced entry at Yellow gate, Orange gate, Old yellow gate and Purple gate, the audit report says that there is no anti-crash devices like boom barriers, mobile pickets, RFID on vehicles for identification and tracking, and additional bullet proof jackets for security personnel. CISF officials told DNA that the measures recommended in the audit report were being addressed by the MbPT. "The CISF only provides trained personnel. It's the MbPT's responsibility to provide infrastructure and technical details.'' (This article first appeared in DNA)

India: Are we yet to learn a lesson from 26/11?

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