Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Indian security forces have dismantled the Shahzad Bhatti Network, an alleged ISI-backed terror network, ahead of Independence Day. More than 200 operatives were arrested in coordinated operations across 14 states, with authorities recovering IEDs, grenades, pistols, ammunition and CCTV equipment allegedly linked to the network.


India's Big Anti-Terror Operation: ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti network busted 

Jammu & Kashmir Police have launched a major crackdown on terrorist communication networks, intensifying anti-terror operations after an attack on an ex-army man and his family. The massive drive spans several districts to curb the misuse of SIM cards and dismantle terror links.


India: Jammu & Kashmir Police Intensify Crackdown On Terror Networks

The security forces are carrying out massive search operations in the Udhampur district of Jammu division for the second consecutive day. The forces and terrorists were involved in a brief encounter, after which more deployment was brought in, and the search for the terrorists still continues. Watch in for more details!

Jammu & Kashmir: Day 3 of massive hunt for terrorists in Kishtwar and Udhampur

Indian security forces have foiled a major terror plot in Jammu & Kashmir. A terrorist was neutralized in Handwara during an intense gunfight. Security personnel recovered an AK-47 rifle, arms, and ammunition from the encounter site. Search and cordon operations are ongoing to track down any other threats.

Indian security forces foil terror plot, kill militant in Kashmir

Security forces in Jammu & Kashmir discovered suspicious objects, sparking terror fears. Bomb disposal squads rushed to the site in South Kashmir to neutralize the potential threat, ensuring public safety.

Bomb squad rushes to defuse suspicious objects in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir Police have launched a major crackdown on terrorist communication networks, intensifying anti-terror operations after an attack on an ex-army man and his family. The massive drive spans several districts to curb the misuse of SIM cards and dismantle terror links.

Jammu & Kashmir police intensify crackdown on terror networks

Jammu and Kashmir police have intensified their anti-terror operations, targeting communication networks and curbing misuse of SIM cards. Over 300 individuals have been detained for unauthorized issuance of SIM cards. Raids are ongoing across several districts to dismantle terror support systems.

J&K police intensify anti-terror crackdown across multiple districts

A case under the stringent anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) was registered by Delhi Police on Tuesday (Oct 3) and the homes of various journalists, who are affiliated with the news portal, were searched.

The step was taken by the Delhi Police amid allegations that the funding was received by the news portal from China.

The police officers from the Delhi Police’s Special Cell conducted the searches. So far, no arrests have been made, however, sources stated that few journalists were taken to the police stations for questioning.

The Enforcement Directorate had earlier registered a case against the news portal and started investigating its funding. The central agency had also attached some assets linked to the news portal.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-nabs-indias-most-wanted-isis-terror-suspect-shahnawaz-alias-uzzama-641661">Delhi Police nab India's most wanted ISIS terror suspect Shahnawaz alias Uzzama</a>

It is still unclear if a fresh case was registered by Delhi Police under which the searches were conducted on Tuesday. The police sources stated that more information regarding the searches would be shared by the officials later. &nbsp;

<h2>NewsClick funding interlinked with Chinese propaganda, hints probe</h2>

In an investigation carried out by the New York Times in August, it was alleged that NewsClick is one of those organisations which were funded by a network related to US millionaire Neville Roy Singham which pushes Chinese propaganda.

In 2021, the source of funding of the news portal came under the scanner when a case was filed against it by the Economic Offences Wing of Delhi Police.

The case filed by the Enforcement Directorate case was said to be based on this case. NewsClick promoters were given protection from arrest by the Delhi High Court, and the matter is now in court.

WATCH |&nbsp;Delhi police instructed to stop issuing licenses for firecrackers

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Income Tax officers also searched the offices of the news portal in 2021 in an alleged tax evasion case. At that time, slamming&nbsp;the crackdown against the news portal, NewsClick's editor Prabir Purkayastha said, "These investigations by various agencies, and these selective allegations, are attempts to stifle the independent journalism of media organisations - including NewsClick. The Constitution of India under Article 19(1)(a) guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression, a right central to our work.”

After the report published in the New York Times in August, Purkayastha, while speaking to the Indian Express, said, "These are not new allegations. They have been made in the past. We will respond to them in the appropriate forum, i.e. the court, as the matter is sub judice."

The coalition of the&nbsp;Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) and Opposition parties on Tuesday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government regarding&nbsp;‘fresh attack on media’ organisation&nbsp;NewsClick.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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A case under the stringent anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) was registered by Delhi Police on Tuesday (Oct 3) and the homes of various journalists, who are affiliated with the news portal, were searched.

A case under the stringent anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) was registered by Delhi Police on Tuesday (Oct 3) and the homes of various journalists, who are affiliated with the news portal, were searched. The step was taken by the Delhi Police amid allegations that the funding was received by the news portal from China. The police officers from the Delhi Police’s Special Cell conducted the searches. So far, no arrests have been made, however, sources stated that few journalists were taken to the police stations for questioning. The Enforcement Directorate had earlier registered a case against the news portal and started investigating its funding. The central agency had also attached some assets linked to the news portal. ALSO READ | Delhi Police nab India's most wanted ISIS terror suspect Shahnawaz alias Uzzama It is still unclear if a fresh case was registered by Delhi Police under which the searches were conducted on Tuesday. The police sources stated that more information regarding the searches would be shared by the officials later. NewsClick funding interlinked with Chinese propaganda, hints probe In an investigation carried out by the New York Times in August, it was alleged that NewsClick is one of those organisations which were funded by a network related to US millionaire Neville Roy Singham which pushes Chinese propaganda. In 2021, the source of funding of the news portal came under the scanner when a case was filed against it by the Economic Offences Wing of Delhi Police. The case filed by the Enforcement Directorate case was said to be based on this case. NewsClick promoters were given protection from arrest by the Delhi High Court, and the matter is now in court. WATCH | Delhi police instructed to stop issuing licenses for firecrackers Income Tax officers also searched the offices of the news portal in 2021 in an alleged tax evasion case. At that time, slamming the crackdown against the news portal, NewsClick's editor Prabir Purkayastha said, "These investigations by various agencies, and these selective allegations, are attempts to stifle the independent journalism of media organisations - including NewsClick. The Constitution of India under Article 19(1)(a) guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression, a right central to our work.” After the report published in the New York Times in August, Purkayastha, while speaking to the Indian Express, said, "These are not new allegations. They have been made in the past. We will respond to them in the appropriate forum, i.e. the court, as the matter is sub judice." The coalition of the Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) and Opposition parties on Tuesday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government regarding ‘fresh attack on media’ organisation NewsClick. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Delhi Police register anti-terror case against NewsClick, raid journalists amid China funding row

In the ongoing clash between security forces and militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag area, another soldier who had been missing since Thursday died.

India: Joint anti-terror operation in South Kashmir

The resistance from the Panjshir is back to haunt the Taliban. The national resistance front led by the son of late anti-Taliban commander Ahmad Shah Massoud has announced a wide military offensive against the Taliban.

Panjshir valley: Taliban faces rebellion, Insurgent group launches offensive

India has no plans to participate in Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s&nbsp;anti-terror exercises in Pabbi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The exercise will take place later this month in the country, which became a member of the grouping in 2017 along with India.&nbsp;

The "Pabbi-Antiterror-2021" was first announced in March of this year after the 36th meeting of the Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) that took place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. During the meet, the member states also approved the draft&nbsp;programme&nbsp;of cooperation for 2022-2024 to counter terrorism, separatism and extremism.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Can India &amp; Russia cooperate on Afghanistan?

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SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is headquartered in Tashkent. During a February visit to the headquarters by a Pakistani delegation, Islamabad presented preliminary information on the design and preparation of “Pabbi-Antiterror-2021”.&nbsp;

In 2020, India had not participated in SCO counter terror exercise-Kavkaz in Russia that saw participation of Chinese and Pakistani forces. Those exercises in&nbsp;September&nbsp;2020 came in the backdrop of aggressive action by the Chinese at the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh's&nbsp;Galwan&nbsp;that killed 20 Indian soldiers.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-closely-watching-pakistans-actions-in-afghanistan-says-foreign-secretary-shringla-410582" hreflang="en">India, US closely watching Pakistan's actions in Afghanistan, says Foreign Secretary Shringla</a>

Interesting to note, that India will take part in SCO's Peace Mission 2021 that is going to take place this month in Russia. "Peace Mission&nbsp;2021" exercise will be undertaken at Orenburg Oblast, Russia, from September 11 to 25. The exercise will see participation of all SCO member countries, including China and Pakistan.&nbsp;

SCO grouping has 8 member states, which are&nbsp;Russia, China, India, Pakistan and&nbsp;four&nbsp;central Asian countries,&nbsp;Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kyrgyzstan. This month will see the Shanghai Cooperation&nbsp;Organisation&nbsp;or SCO heads of state summit as well on September 16&nbsp;and&nbsp;17 in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the summit, which will be hybrid&nbsp;with some leaders participating in person.&nbsp;

India has no plans to participate in Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s anti-terror exercises in Pabbi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The exercise will take place later this month in the country, which became a member of the grouping in 2017 along with India.

India has no plans to participate in Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s anti-terror exercises in Pabbi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The exercise will take place later this month in the country, which became a member of the grouping in 2017 along with India. The "Pabbi-Antiterror-2021" was first announced in March of this year after the 36th meeting of the Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) that took place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. During the meet, the member states also approved the draft programme of cooperation for 2022-2024 to counter terrorism, separatism and extremism. Watch | Gravitas: Can India & Russia cooperate on Afghanistan? × SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is headquartered in Tashkent. During a February visit to the headquarters by a Pakistani delegation, Islamabad presented preliminary information on the design and preparation of “Pabbi-Antiterror-2021”. In 2020, India had not participated in SCO counter terror exercise-Kavkaz in Russia that saw participation of Chinese and Pakistani forces. Those exercises in September 2020 came in the backdrop of aggressive action by the Chinese at the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh's Galwan that killed 20 Indian soldiers. Also Read | India, US closely watching Pakistan's actions in Afghanistan, says Foreign Secretary Shringla Interesting to note, that India will take part in SCO's Peace Mission 2021 that is going to take place this month in Russia. "Peace Mission 2021" exercise will be undertaken at Orenburg Oblast, Russia, from September 11 to 25. The exercise will see participation of all SCO member countries, including China and Pakistan. SCO grouping has 8 member states, which are Russia, China, India, Pakistan and four central Asian countries, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. This month will see the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO heads of state summit as well on September 16 and 17 in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the summit, which will be hybrid with some leaders participating in person.

No Indian plans to participate in SCO anti-terror exercises in Pakistan 

A total of 218 people, including 69 members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TLP) have been placed on the fourth schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, in the Rawalpindi division by the Punjab home department.

Citing sources, Dawn reported that besides the 69 TLP members, the names of 39 activists of the banned outfit have been sent to the Punjab home department to place them on the watch list bringing the number of the banned organisation's activists in the list in the Rawalpindi region to 108.

Out of 39 individuals, 10 belong from Attock city, 14 hail from Jhelum and 15 from Chakwal.

Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi Imran Ahmar confirmed the placement of TLP activists on the fourth schedule, adding the police had followed all the legal procedures to include them in the list.

According to Dawn, out of the 218 individuals who were involved in harmful activities and placed on the fourth schedule, 92 were from the Rawalpindi district, 68 from Attock, 14 from Jhelum and 44 from Chakwal.

The schedule also includes an individual suspected of having links with a proscribed organisation. Moreover, 17 TLP activists have been missing from their homes as they had left their residences without intimating the police concerned.

According to the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, anyone whose name is placed on the fourth schedule is bound to inform the police before leaving their permanent residence and upon return.

An individual placed on the watch list can't leave the country as their name is also put on the Exit Control List (ECL).

The TLP was banned by the Pakistan government after anti-France protests broke out in April where the supporters of the outfit took to the streets to protests against France over caricatures of Prophet Muhammad. The protests soon turned violent and exposed the grim security situation in Pakistan.

During the violent protests, hundreds of protesters and police personnel were injured and thousands of TLP activists and supporters were arrested and booked for attacking law enforcement personnel and blocking main roads and highways.

Several police vehicles were torched, buildings were attacked and policemen were kidnapped and tortured by the activists of the TLP across the Punjab province, with at least six policemen killed and over 800 injured.

The banned party, led by cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi gained popularity over the issue of blasphemy among the masses, specifically concerning Mumtaz Qadri, the killer of former Punjab governor Salman Taseer over blasphemy accusations.

A total of 218 people, including 69 members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TLP) have been placed on the fourth schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, in the Rawalpindi division by the Punjab home department.

A total of 218 people, including 69 members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TLP) have been placed on the fourth schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, in the Rawalpindi division by the Punjab home department. Citing sources, Dawn reported that besides the 69 TLP members, the names of 39 activists of the banned outfit have been sent to the Punjab home department to place them on the watch list bringing the number of the banned organisation's activists in the list in the Rawalpindi region to 108. Out of 39 individuals, 10 belong from Attock city, 14 hail from Jhelum and 15 from Chakwal. Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi Imran Ahmar confirmed the placement of TLP activists on the fourth schedule, adding the police had followed all the legal procedures to include them in the list. According to Dawn, out of the 218 individuals who were involved in harmful activities and placed on the fourth schedule, 92 were from the Rawalpindi district, 68 from Attock, 14 from Jhelum and 44 from Chakwal. The schedule also includes an individual suspected of having links with a proscribed organisation. Moreover, 17 TLP activists have been missing from their homes as they had left their residences without intimating the police concerned. According to the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, anyone whose name is placed on the fourth schedule is bound to inform the police before leaving their permanent residence and upon return. An individual placed on the watch list can't leave the country as their name is also put on the Exit Control List (ECL). The TLP was banned by the Pakistan government after anti-France protests broke out in April where the supporters of the outfit took to the streets to protests against France over caricatures of Prophet Muhammad. The protests soon turned violent and exposed the grim security situation in Pakistan. During the violent protests, hundreds of protesters and police personnel were injured and thousands of TLP activists and supporters were arrested and booked for attacking law enforcement personnel and blocking main roads and highways. Several police vehicles were torched, buildings were attacked and policemen were kidnapped and tortured by the activists of the TLP across the Punjab province, with at least six policemen killed and over 800 injured. The banned party, led by cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi gained popularity over the issue of blasphemy among the masses, specifically concerning Mumtaz Qadri, the killer of former Punjab governor Salman Taseer over blasphemy accusations.

69 Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan members from Rawalpindi named in anti-terrorism schedule

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-reforges-us-ties-as-political-alliances-redrawn-264972">Bolivia's interim government</a> on Tuesday unveiled a new anti-terrorism police force it said was aimed at dismantling&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;groups&nbsp;"threatening" the troubled South American country.

"This anti-terrorist group has a mission of dismantling absolutely all the terrorist cells that are&nbsp;threatening&nbsp;our homeland," Interior Minister Arturo Murillo said during an official ceremony to present the 60-strong force.

Murillo reviewed the ranks of masked, black-clad troops that make up the new force, called the GAT, at the ceremony in La Paz.&nbsp;

The minister said the state had to act to "free&nbsp;Bolivia&nbsp;from these narcoterrorists who have settled in the country in the last 14 years",&nbsp;a pointed reference to ex-president Evo Morales' term in office.

Morales resigned on November 10 amid swelling protests over what political opponents said was his rigging of October 20 elections.

Watch: Bolivians go hungry as protests snarl cities

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He fled to Mexico the following day after losing the support of the military and police, claiming to be the victim of a coup.

Morales wrote on Twitter that "the coup plotters who attacked power in&nbsp;Bolivia&nbsp;are now inventing incredible stories to blame others for the terror that they themselves are imposing from the state."

"The only terrorist plan they are carrying out is theirs, with blood and fire against all Bolivians."

The new interim government of right-wing president Jeanine Anez has denounced&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;influence in the country since taking power, naming Colombians, Peruvians, Cubans and Venezuelans at different times.

Her government has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-returns-to-normal-as-protests-quell-264496">blamed foreigners</a> for provoking violent clashes during more than a month of post-election violence in&nbsp;Bolivia&nbsp;that has left dozens of people dead.

Police say an Argentine national arrested and held in the eastern city of Santa Cruz is a former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla who they say stoked violence there.

Bolivia's interim government on Tuesday unveiled a new anti-terrorism police force it said was aimed at dismantling foreign groups "threatening" the troubled South American country.

Bolivia's interim government on Tuesday unveiled a new anti-terrorism police force it said was aimed at dismantling foreign groups "threatening" the troubled South American country. "This anti-terrorist group has a mission of dismantling absolutely all the terrorist cells that are threatening our homeland," Interior Minister Arturo Murillo said during an official ceremony to present the 60-strong force. Murillo reviewed the ranks of masked, black-clad troops that make up the new force, called the GAT, at the ceremony in La Paz. The minister said the state had to act to "free Bolivia from these narcoterrorists who have settled in the country in the last 14 years", a pointed reference to ex-president Evo Morales' term in office. Morales resigned on November 10 amid swelling protests over what political opponents said was his rigging of October 20 elections. Watch: Bolivians go hungry as protests snarl cities He fled to Mexico the following day after losing the support of the military and police, claiming to be the victim of a coup. Morales wrote on Twitter that "the coup plotters who attacked power in Bolivia are now inventing incredible stories to blame others for the terror that they themselves are imposing from the state." "The only terrorist plan they are carrying out is theirs, with blood and fire against all Bolivians." The new interim government of right-wing president Jeanine Anez has denounced foreign influence in the country since taking power, naming Colombians, Peruvians, Cubans and Venezuelans at different times. Her government has blamed foreigners for provoking violent clashes during more than a month of post-election violence in Bolivia that has left dozens of people dead. Police say an Argentine national arrested and held in the eastern city of Santa Cruz is a former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla who they say stoked violence there.

Bolivia launches anti-terror unit in bid to fight 'threatening foreign groups'

The crucial meeting of Financial Action Task Force's subgroup Asia Pacific group's meet will begin from Monday and will review progress made by Pakistan since the meeting in June.

While Pakistan will be represented by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Hammad Azhar, the head of India's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) will be representing New Delhi.

Focus on the week-long meet - from September 9 to 13 - will be on reviewing the progress made by Islamabad on its June 2018 commitment when it agreed on a 27-point action plan.

After being greylisted in June of 2018, Pakistan had made high-level political commitments to address its counter-terrorist financing-related deficiencies which means to act on the financing of terrorism. 18 of the 27 pinter action points are yet to be implemented by Islamabad.

Pakistan was put on 'Enhanced Expedited Follow Up List' for its inability to take actions as defined in the Mutual Evaluation Action Plan, which is an annual process when the last APG meet happened in Canberra.&nbsp; 
On 40 compliance parameters, Pakistan failed on 32 counts and its actions will be observed for one year now.

The AGP meet in Bangkok will be co-chaired by China and India and is the last of the crucial meet before the October plenary of FATF that will happen in Paris. If Pakistan fails to show any improvement before the October meeting of FATF - from October 13 and 18, the country could be blacklisted.

FATF kept Pakistan on the grey list in its June meeting, after Pakistan failed to meet the deadline twice -January and May of 2019.

Being on the grey list impacts the Pakistani economy which loses $10 billion annually.

The crucial meeting of Financial Action Task Force's subgroup Asia Pacific group's meet will begin from Monday and will review progress made by Pakistan since the meeting in June.

The crucial meeting of Financial Action Task Force's subgroup Asia Pacific group's meet will begin from Monday and will review progress made by Pakistan since the meeting in June. While Pakistan will be represented by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Hammad Azhar, the head of India's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) will be representing New Delhi. Focus on the week-long meet - from September 9 to 13 - will be on reviewing the progress made by Islamabad on its June 2018 commitment when it agreed on a 27-point action plan. After being greylisted in June of 2018, Pakistan had made high-level political commitments to address its counter-terrorist financing-related deficiencies which means to act on the financing of terrorism. 18 of the 27 pinter action points are yet to be implemented by Islamabad. Pakistan was put on 'Enhanced Expedited Follow Up List' for its inability to take actions as defined in the Mutual Evaluation Action Plan, which is an annual process when the last APG meet happened in Canberra. On 40 compliance parameters, Pakistan failed on 32 counts and its actions will be observed for one year now. The AGP meet in Bangkok will be co-chaired by China and India and is the last of the crucial meet before the October plenary of FATF that will happen in Paris. If Pakistan fails to show any improvement before the October meeting of FATF - from October 13 and 18, the country could be blacklisted. FATF kept Pakistan on the grey list in its June meeting, after Pakistan failed to meet the deadline twice -January and May of 2019. Being on the grey list impacts the Pakistani economy which loses $10 billion annually.

Crucial meeting in Bangkok to review Pakistan's anti-terror financing commitments

Pakistani authorities on Tuesday sacked the head of the Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) after a probe into a weekend shootout revealed that three members of a family were killed in a fake encounter on a highway.

Terrorism and murder charges were also registered against five CTD officials present during the encounter, police said.

"In the light of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), five senior officers, including CTD Punjab Chief Additional Inspector General Rai Tahir, have been sacked and five officials of the CTD who took part in the encounter booked under terrorism and murder charges," Punjab Law Minister Basharat Raja told a press conference here.&nbsp;

The CTD officials on Saturday last killed four persons, including a teenage girl, in an encounter in Sahiwal, 200 km from Lahore, suspecting them to be terrorists.

The CTD team opened indiscriminate fire on the car in which a couple along with their four children and the driver were sitting. Three children survived the firing.

The anti-terror department initially termed the victims as "terrorists of the Islamic State", but later declared three of them — the couple and their 13-year-old daughter — innocent civilians. 
&nbsp; 
Raja said action against more officials would be taken after completion of the investigation. 
&nbsp; 
Replying to a query on whether any action has been taken against the ISI officials on whose lead the operation was conducted, the minister said: "The investigation is still underway."&nbsp;

He also said the fourth victim, Zeeshan Javed, was a terror suspect and the government would give a detailed briefing of his alleged links with terrorists on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The CTD had said Javed was an active member of the IS (Daesh) and a phone call was recorded from Afghanistan in which an IS commander was directing another member of the network to ask others to hide after the killing of Zeeshan.

Saturday's shootout had drawn nationwide condemnation and Prime Minister Imran Khan had also vowed to award exemplary punishment to the culprits.&nbsp;

Pakistani authorities on Tuesday sacked the head of the Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) after a probe into a weekend shootout revealed that three members of a family were killed in a fake encounter on a highway.

Pakistani authorities on Tuesday sacked the head of the Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) after a probe into a weekend shootout revealed that three members of a family were killed in a fake encounter on a highway. Terrorism and murder charges were also registered against five CTD officials present during the encounter, police said. "In the light of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), five senior officers, including CTD Punjab Chief Additional Inspector General Rai Tahir, have been sacked and five officials of the CTD who took part in the encounter booked under terrorism and murder charges," Punjab Law Minister Basharat Raja told a press conference here. The CTD officials on Saturday last killed four persons, including a teenage girl, in an encounter in Sahiwal, 200 km from Lahore, suspecting them to be terrorists. The CTD team opened indiscriminate fire on the car in which a couple along with their four children and the driver were sitting. Three children survived the firing. The anti-terror department initially termed the victims as "terrorists of the Islamic State", but later declared three of them — the couple and their 13-year-old daughter — innocent civilians. Raja said action against more officials would be taken after completion of the investigation. Replying to a query on whether any action has been taken against the ISI officials on whose lead the operation was conducted, the minister said: "The investigation is still underway." He also said the fourth victim, Zeeshan Javed, was a terror suspect and the government would give a detailed briefing of his alleged links with terrorists on Wednesday. The CTD had said Javed was an active member of the IS (Daesh) and a phone call was recorded from Afghanistan in which an IS commander was directing another member of the network to ask others to hide after the killing of Zeeshan. Saturday's shootout had drawn nationwide condemnation and Prime Minister Imran Khan had also vowed to award exemplary punishment to the culprits.

Pak authorities sack chief of Punjab's anti-terror dept in fake encounter case

Anti-terror efforts in controversial "re-education centres" in China's Xinjiang region will be governed by new standardised rules, as international criticism mounts over the detention of as many one million in the restive far west.

The revised rules, passed Tuesday, call on local governments to tackle terrorism by establishing "vocational education centres" that will carry out the "educational transformation of people who have been influenced by extremism."

The centres should teach Mandarin Chinese, legal concepts and vocational training, and carry out "thought education," according to a copy of the rules posted on the regional government's website.

As many as a million people are believed to have been detained in extra-judicial detention centres in Xinjiang as authorities there seek to battle what they describe as religious extremism, separatism and terrorism.&nbsp;

A previous version of the rules issued in March 2017 included a long list of prohibitions on religious behaviour including wearing long beards and veils.

It also encouraged local governments to engage in "educational transformation", a term critics have described as a euphemism for brainwashing.

The detentions have mostly focused on the region's Muslim minorities, especially the Uighurs, a Turkic ethnic group that make up around half of Xinjiang's population of 22 million.

The new regulations seem aimed at standardising the centres' management, which was initially carried out piecemeal.

Beijing has denied reports of the mass detention of its citizens in camps but evidence is mounting in the form of government documents and testimonies from former detainees.&nbsp;

Chinese authorities have, however, said that they give vocational and language training to people guilty of minor crimes.

Testimony from people who have escaped the centres provides a much darker picture, however.

In July, a former teacher at one of the centres told a court in Kazakhstan that "in China, they call it a political camp but really it was a prison in the mountains."

The announcement comes as Communist Party leaders in Urumqi, the regional capital, on Monday led cadres in swearing an oath to fight the "pan-halal trend".

Halal -- Arabic for "permissible" -- refers to a set of rules guiding Muslims on what is allowed according to the religion. It is frequently applied to food and drinks but also includes other personal hygiene products like toothpaste and cosmetics.

Authorities in Xinjiang have long seen the expansion of the term to include non-food items as a sign of religious extremism. 
&nbsp;

Anti-terror efforts in controversial "re-education centres" in China's Xinjiang region will be governed by new standardised rules, as international criticism mounts over the detention of as many one million in the restive far west.

Anti-terror efforts in controversial "re-education centres" in China's Xinjiang region will be governed by new standardised rules, as international criticism mounts over the detention of as many one million in the restive far west. The revised rules, passed Tuesday, call on local governments to tackle terrorism by establishing "vocational education centres" that will carry out the "educational transformation of people who have been influenced by extremism." The centres should teach Mandarin Chinese, legal concepts and vocational training, and carry out "thought education," according to a copy of the rules posted on the regional government's website. As many as a million people are believed to have been detained in extra-judicial detention centres in Xinjiang as authorities there seek to battle what they describe as religious extremism, separatism and terrorism. A previous version of the rules issued in March 2017 included a long list of prohibitions on religious behaviour including wearing long beards and veils. It also encouraged local governments to engage in "educational transformation", a term critics have described as a euphemism for brainwashing. The detentions have mostly focused on the region's Muslim minorities, especially the Uighurs, a Turkic ethnic group that make up around half of Xinjiang's population of 22 million. The new regulations seem aimed at standardising the centres' management, which was initially carried out piecemeal. Beijing has denied reports of the mass detention of its citizens in camps but evidence is mounting in the form of government documents and testimonies from former detainees. Chinese authorities have, however, said that they give vocational and language training to people guilty of minor crimes. Testimony from people who have escaped the centres provides a much darker picture, however. In July, a former teacher at one of the centres told a court in Kazakhstan that "in China, they call it a political camp but really it was a prison in the mountains." The announcement comes as Communist Party leaders in Urumqi, the regional capital, on Monday led cadres in swearing an oath to fight the "pan-halal trend". Halal -- Arabic for "permissible" -- refers to a set of rules guiding Muslims on what is allowed according to the religion. It is frequently applied to food and drinks but also includes other personal hygiene products like toothpaste and cosmetics. Authorities in Xinjiang have long seen the expansion of the term to include non-food items as a sign of religious extremism.

China revises controversial anti-terror regulations

China is working to develop a first-class, crack anti-terror force that can operate at home and abroad and protect the country's overseas interests, a senior Chinese officer said in comments carried by state media on Saturday.

In late 2015, China passed a new anti-terrorism law that allows the military to venture overseas on counter-terror operations, though experts have said Beijing faces big practical and diplomatic problems to actually execute such an action.

China says it faces a threat not only from home-grown Islamists in its far western region of Xinjiang, but also from militants in the Middle East, some of whom it says are from Xinjiang.

In November 2015, Islamic State said it had killed a Chinese citizen it had taken hostage in the Middle East.

In an interview with the official Xinhua news agency, Zhang Xiaoqi, intelligence chief at China's paramilitary People's Armed Police which is part of the Chinese military, said developing special forces was an important component of the country's overall military modernisation.

"The mission scope of the special forces stretches from land to sea, from home to abroad," Zhang said.

He said that "anti-terror fight preparations" must be ready to safeguard national strategic interests anywhere.

"We must work hard to build an internationally first-rate counter-terror crack force," Zhang added, without giving details.

China, which has consistently said that it does not interfere in the affairs of other countries, is the only permanent member of the U.N. Security Council which has not taken military action in Syria.

The government is yet to specify how any overseas military, counter-terror operation would work.

China is working to develop a first-class, crack anti-terror force that can operate at home and abroad and protect the country's overseas interests, a senior Chinese officer said in comments carried by state media on Saturday.

China is working to develop a first-class, crack anti-terror force that can operate at home and abroad and protect the country's overseas interests, a senior Chinese officer said in comments carried by state media on Saturday. In late 2015, China passed a new anti-terrorism law that allows the military to venture overseas on counter-terror operations, though experts have said Beijing faces big practical and diplomatic problems to actually execute such an action. China says it faces a threat not only from home-grown Islamists in its far western region of Xinjiang, but also from militants in the Middle East, some of whom it says are from Xinjiang. In November 2015, Islamic State said it had killed a Chinese citizen it had taken hostage in the Middle East. In an interview with the official Xinhua news agency, Zhang Xiaoqi, intelligence chief at China's paramilitary People's Armed Police which is part of the Chinese military, said developing special forces was an important component of the country's overall military modernisation. "The mission scope of the special forces stretches from land to sea, from home to abroad," Zhang said. He said that "anti-terror fight preparations" must be ready to safeguard national strategic interests anywhere. "We must work hard to build an internationally first-rate counter-terror crack force," Zhang added, without giving details. China, which has consistently said that it does not interfere in the affairs of other countries, is the only permanent member of the U.N. Security Council which has not taken military action in Syria. The government is yet to specify how any overseas military, counter-terror operation would work.

China eyes anti-terror force to protect overseas interests

I have been following anti-terrorist operations of the security forces closely, particularly since the Dhaka cafe attack in July 2016, which killed at least 20 civilians. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State overnight, before the Bangladesh government and its security agencies could confirm the identities of the terrorists inside the Holey Artisan Bakery, at the diplomatic area of Dhaka. 
&nbsp; 
The police since then have intensified their counter terrorist drive across the country. In six months between December 2016 and May 2017, at least <a href="http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2017/04/01/four-children-among-seven-killed-in-moulvibazar-militant-hideout">32 suspected terrorists</a> have been killed. Five of them were children and four women.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Four of those killed are below the age of 10 including an infant.

Following the July cafe attack, modus operandi of the security forces have changed. Specialised units of the security forces, mostly the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crimes Unit carry out &quot;block raids&quot;, where they cordon off an area for several hours that would span a few days and subsequently result in suspected terrorists blowing only themselves up in &quot;suicide blasts&quot;.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
As someone following the global terrorist activities, I have observed that most suicide blasts by extremists target individuals they consider infidels. 
&nbsp; 
Under current circumstances, the police crackdown on militancy in the country has two-pronged sentiments, 1. Fear in people&#39;s&nbsp;minds allow such police actions in the hope that this will curb militancy, and 2. Nature of these operations prompts curiosities. 
&nbsp; 
Media, including myself, can report only the narrative presented by the security forces. The operational areas are off-limits to civilians and journalists because of risk they pose to lives. 
&nbsp; 
Once they are killed, no knowledge about their whereabouts or family is available. In some <a href="http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/crime/2017/04/30/jhenaidah-militant-abdullah-among-deceased-operation-eagle-hunt">cases</a> even the police have not been able to identify the persons they suspected as terrorists.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Human rights organisation say that the style of the operations indicate that the security forces are pursuing a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-5-members-of-a-family-suspected-of-links-with-neo-jmb-killed-in-police-raid-15459">complete elimination of the suspects</a>, which prevents media from getting any more&nbsp;information beyond what is officially provided.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In &ldquo;Operation Hit Back&rdquo; at Moulvibazar, Sylhet on March 29, the police cordoned off the &ldquo;militant den&rdquo; for three days. They said there has been exchange of fire but eventually eight suspects, including four children below the age of ten killed themselves in suicide explosions. 
&nbsp; 
One of the children was an infant.&nbsp;

Platoons of policemen were deployed. What efforts were made to save the lives of the children in the three days? Are we then resorting to the narrative of compromising a few lives, in other words, human rights for the &quot;greater good&quot; of the society? 
&nbsp; 
In an earlier operation in Sylhet codenamed &ldquo;Operation Twilight&rdquo; as well as in &ldquo;Operation Hit Back&rdquo;, &ldquo;militant dens&rdquo; were planted with improvised explosive devices. Security personnel said the operations were sensitive because the buildings were planted with IED. Yet, the security forces were able to <a href="http://www.thedailystar.net/country/sporadic-gunshots-mark-day-3-sylhet-militant-den-raid-1381606">fire rocket launchers</a>&nbsp;at one of the buildings and continue exchanging fires disregarding the possibility that the terrorist could blow up the building. 
&nbsp; 
The nature of the anti-terrorist operations in Bangladesh since last July have been deadly and confrontational. The question is whether the confrontation could have been avoided. 
&nbsp; 
Bangladesh is known for being a tolerant Muslim-majority nation, where the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina thrives on the secular principle of the state. 
&nbsp; 
Although radicalisation has shown its ferocity through terror plots in the form of countrywide explosions and attacks waged at cultural programmes and political rallies in early 2000, the suicide explosions and confrontation between extremists and security forces in recent months have been unprecedented for the people of Bangladesh. It is indeed a grave concern how this group of radicals evolved in a country that has not seen such frequency of violence in the past. 
&nbsp; 
Extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances alarmed human rights organisations and civil society in Bangladesh. This has ensued for nearly a decade since the government of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia introduced paramilitary force Rapid Action Battalion. 
&nbsp; 
Human right groups report that such actions have not stopped entirely but the focus has largely shifted to the area of militancy and anti-terror raids. Some even question if this is the new face of extrajudicial killing.

(WION)

Bangladesh?s growing anti-terror raids raise concerns

I have been following anti-terrorist operations of the security forces closely, particularly since the Dhaka cafe attack in July 2016, which killed at least 20 civilians. The attack was claimed by the Islamic State overnight, before the Bangladesh government and its security agencies could confirm the identities of the terrorists inside the Holey Artisan Bakery, at the diplomatic area of Dhaka. The police since then have intensified their counter terrorist drive across the country. In six months between December 2016 and May 2017, at least 32 suspected terrorists have been killed. Five of them were children and four women. Four of those killed are below the age of 10 including an infant. Following the July cafe attack, modus operandi of the security forces have changed. Specialised units of the security forces, mostly the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crimes Unit carry out "block raids", where they cordon off an area for several hours that would span a few days and subsequently result in suspected terrorists blowing only themselves up in "suicide blasts". As someone following the global terrorist activities, I have observed that most suicide blasts by extremists target individuals they consider infidels. Under current circumstances, the police crackdown on militancy in the country has two-pronged sentiments, 1. Fear in people's minds allow such police actions in the hope that this will curb militancy, and 2. Nature of these operations prompts curiosities. Media, including myself, can report only the narrative presented by the security forces. The operational areas are off-limits to civilians and journalists because of risk they pose to lives. Once they are killed, no knowledge about their whereabouts or family is available. In some cases even the police have not been able to identify the persons they suspected as terrorists. Human rights organisation say that the style of the operations indicate that the security forces are pursuing a complete elimination of the suspects, which prevents media from getting any more information beyond what is officially provided. In “Operation Hit Back” at Moulvibazar, Sylhet on March 29, the police cordoned off the “militant den” for three days. They said there has been exchange of fire but eventually eight suspects, including four children below the age of ten killed themselves in suicide explosions. One of the children was an infant. Platoons of policemen were deployed. What efforts were made to save the lives of the children in the three days? Are we then resorting to the narrative of compromising a few lives, in other words, human rights for the "greater good" of the society? In an earlier operation in Sylhet codenamed “Operation Twilight” as well as in “Operation Hit Back”, “militant dens” were planted with improvised explosive devices. Security personnel said the operations were sensitive because the buildings were planted with IED. Yet, the security forces were able to fire rocket launchers at one of the buildings and continue exchanging fires disregarding the possibility that the terrorist could blow up the building. The nature of the anti-terrorist operations in Bangladesh since last July have been deadly and confrontational. The question is whether the confrontation could have been avoided. Bangladesh is known for being a tolerant Muslim-majority nation, where the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina thrives on the secular principle of the state. Although radicalisation has shown its ferocity through terror plots in the form of countrywide explosions and attacks waged at cultural programmes and political rallies in early 2000, the suicide explosions and confrontation between extremists and security forces in recent months have been unprecedented for the people of Bangladesh. It is indeed a grave concern how this group of radicals evolved in a country that has not seen such frequency of violence in the past. Extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances alarmed human rights organisations and civil society in Bangladesh. This has ensued for nearly a decade since the government of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia introduced paramilitary force Rapid Action Battalion. Human right groups report that such actions have not stopped entirely but the focus has largely shifted to the area of militancy and anti-terror raids. Some even question if this is the new face of extrajudicial killing. (WION)

Growing anti-terror raids in Bangladesh raise human right concerns

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a package of controversial anti-terror amendments dubbed &quot;Big Brother&quot; measures by critics that may cost internet companies billions. 
 
The measures, posted online Thursday by the government, boost the surveillance powers for the security services by requiring communication providers to store users&#39; calls, messages, photographs and videos for six months, as well as metadata for up to three years. 
 
They also have to provide security services with access to this data and any necessary encryption mechanisms necessary to use it. 
 
They also criminalise several offences, lower the age of criminal responsibility to 14 for some crimes and extend prison sentences for online crimes like abetting terrorism. 
 
The passage of the bills through Russia&#39;s lower and upper houses of parliament sent shockwaves through the internet and telecoms industries. 
 
In an interview with Kommersant daily published on Thursday, CEO of Megafon mobile provider Sergei Soldatenkov, said that the law as it stands would require the company to spend 200 billion Rubles ($3.1 billion) to ensure the data storage requirement -- four times its annual profit. 
 
&quot;This bill financially kills the telecommunication industry,&quot; he said, instead proposing that the government tax the industry by an additional one percent and use the money to build the necessary infrastructure. 
 
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Thursday that Putin also tasked the government to monitor &quot;how this law is realised&quot; 
and take measures if there are &quot;undesirable&quot; consequences. 
 
The law inspired the former US intelligence contractor turned privacy activist Edward Snowden to issue a rare comment on a domestic policy in Russia, where he is currently living in exile. 
 
Snowden said on Thursday on Twitter it was a &quot;dark day for Russia&quot;. 
 
&quot;Signing the #BigBrother law must be condemned,&quot; he said, adding that he would criticise the law despite fearing retaliation from Russian authorities. 
 
(AFP)

The measures will require the communication providers to store users' calls, messages, photographs and videos for six months

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a package of controversial anti-terror amendments dubbed "Big Brother" measures by critics that may cost internet companies billions. The measures, posted online Thursday by the government, boost the surveillance powers for the security services by requiring communication providers to store users' calls, messages, photographs and videos for six months, as well as metadata for up to three years. They also have to provide security services with access to this data and any necessary encryption mechanisms necessary to use it. They also criminalise several offences, lower the age of criminal responsibility to 14 for some crimes and extend prison sentences for online crimes like abetting terrorism. The passage of the bills through Russia's lower and upper houses of parliament sent shockwaves through the internet and telecoms industries. In an interview with Kommersant daily published on Thursday, CEO of Megafon mobile provider Sergei Soldatenkov, said that the law as it stands would require the company to spend 200 billion Rubles ($3.1 billion) to ensure the data storage requirement -- four times its annual profit. "This bill financially kills the telecommunication industry," he said, instead proposing that the government tax the industry by an additional one percent and use the money to build the necessary infrastructure. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Thursday that Putin also tasked the government to monitor "how this law is realised" and take measures if there are "undesirable" consequences. The law inspired the former US intelligence contractor turned privacy activist Edward Snowden to issue a rare comment on a domestic policy in Russia, where he is currently living in exile. Snowden said on Thursday on Twitter it was a "dark day for Russia". "Signing the #BigBrother law must be condemned," he said, adding that he would criticise the law despite fearing retaliation from Russian authorities. (AFP)

Putin signs controversial anti-terror measures into law

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