Here's a look at five major operations carried out by India and their response against Pakistan including Operation Sindoor, Balakot Strike and more. India News | Photos

Operation Sindoor, Balakot Strike and more: How India responded to Pakistan's terrorist activities in the past

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the Indian Minister of External Affairs, said on Monday (Feb 26) that the Uri and Balakot strikes sent their&nbsp;own message and cross border terrorism on the Western front now gets more befitting response.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jaishankar's remarks came while addressing the Pandit Hriday Nath Kunzru Memorial Lecture 2024 on 'Bharat and the World' at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi.&nbsp;

He spoke on the day when India commemorated the fifth anniversary of the Balakot airstrike, a historic military operation carried out by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2019. Balakot is situated deep inside Pakistani territory.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/google-ai-tools-fascist-modi-response-angers-india-heres-what-exactly-happened-694087">Google AI tool’s ‘fascist Modi’ response angers India. Here’s what exactly happened</a>&nbsp;

Indian warplanes conducted a bombing raid against terrorist training camps in response to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 Indian Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel lost their lives.&nbsp;

The 2019 Balakot airstrikes were a well-planned and executed mission which displayed India's strength and its commitment to tackle terrorism.&nbsp;

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"Uri and Balakot send their own message", says EAM Jaishankar on cross border terrorism from Pakistan <a href="https://t.co/rlbpN2z9ty">pic.twitter.com/rlbpN2z9ty</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1762140238967923065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-two-kashmiris-taken-by-fraudulent-recruitment-companies-forced-to-fight-in-russian-army-against-ukraine-694055">2 Kashmiris taken by fraudulent recruitment companies forced to fight for Russian against Ukraine</a>&nbsp;

While speaking about India's strengthening global footprint, Jaishankar said, “On the Western front, the longstanding challenge of cross border terrorism now elicits more befitting responses. Believe me, Uri and Balakot sent their own message.”

"There has been discernible, even if uneven, progress in economic and political re-balancing of the global order. The G20 has taken over the G7 and many new groupings and mechanisms have come into being.

"The list of the top economies of the world has undergone change and India itself has moved up six positions in the last decade," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the Indian Minister of External Affairs, said on Monday (Feb 26) that the Uri and Balakot strikes sent their own message and cross border terrorism on the Western front now gets more befitting response.

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the Indian Minister of External Affairs, said on Monday (Feb 26) that the Uri and Balakot strikes sent their own message and cross border terrorism on the Western front now gets more befitting response. Jaishankar's remarks came while addressing the Pandit Hriday Nath Kunzru Memorial Lecture 2024 on 'Bharat and the World' at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. He spoke on the day when India commemorated the fifth anniversary of the Balakot airstrike, a historic military operation carried out by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2019. Balakot is situated deep inside Pakistani territory. Also read: Google AI tool’s ‘fascist Modi’ response angers India. Here’s what exactly happened Indian warplanes conducted a bombing raid against terrorist training camps in response to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 Indian Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel lost their lives. The 2019 Balakot airstrikes were a well-planned and executed mission which displayed India's strength and its commitment to tackle terrorism. "Uri and Balakot send their own message", says EAM Jaishankar on cross border terrorism from Pakistan pic.twitter.com/rlbpN2z9ty — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 26, 2024 × Also read: 2 Kashmiris taken by fraudulent recruitment companies forced to fight for Russian against Ukraine While speaking about India's strengthening global footprint, Jaishankar said, “On the Western front, the longstanding challenge of cross border terrorism now elicits more befitting responses. Believe me, Uri and Balakot sent their own message.” "There has been discernible, even if uneven, progress in economic and political re-balancing of the global order. The G20 has taken over the G7 and many new groupings and mechanisms have come into being. "The list of the top economies of the world has undergone change and India itself has moved up six positions in the last decade," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: Uri and Balakot sent their own message to terrorism on Western front, says Jaishankar

Responding to Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar’s criticism against the US providing a multimillion-dollar security package to Pakistan, the Biden administration defended its decision, saying Washington doesn’t view its ties with New Delhi&nbsp;and Islamabad "in relation to one another”.

"We don't view our relationship with Pakistan... our relationship with India... in relation to one another... both partners of ours with different points of emphasis...," state department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters.

"We look to both as partners, because we do have in many cases shared values. We do have in many cases shared interests. And the relationship we have with India stands on its own. The relationship we have with Pakistan stands on its own," he said.

Jaishankar on Sunday had lashed out at the US for providing a $450 million package to Pakistan for technical and logistics services for follow-on support of F-16 fighter jet fleets.

The F-16 jets were first provided by the US to Pakistan as a reward for its assistance in the first Afghan war.

The decision to provide military aid to Pakistan incensed India as the F-16 was used against Indian warplanes following the 2019 Balakot air strikes — a bombing raid conducted by Indian Air Force in Pakistan-occupied territory Balakot against terrorist training camps.

Speaking at a community event in Washington, DC, Jaishankar referred to an argument made by the US that the F-16 sustenance package is to fight terrorism.

“Everybody knows where and against whom F-16 fighter jets are used. You're not fooling anybody by saying these things."

“Very honestly, it is a relationship that has ended up serving neither Pakistan nor serving American interests well... for the US to reflect what the merits of the relationship [are] and what they get by keeping it sort of continuing," Jaishankar had said.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

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Responding to Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar’s criticism against the US providing a multimillion-dollar security package to Pakistan, the Biden administration defended its decision, saying Washington doesn’t view its ties with New Delhi and Islamabad "in relation to one another”.

Responding to Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar’s criticism against the US providing a multimillion-dollar security package to Pakistan, the Biden administration defended its decision, saying Washington doesn’t view its ties with New Delhi and Islamabad "in relation to one another”. "We don't view our relationship with Pakistan... our relationship with India... in relation to one another... both partners of ours with different points of emphasis...," state department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters. "We look to both as partners, because we do have in many cases shared values. We do have in many cases shared interests. And the relationship we have with India stands on its own. The relationship we have with Pakistan stands on its own," he said. Jaishankar on Sunday had lashed out at the US for providing a $450 million package to Pakistan for technical and logistics services for follow-on support of F-16 fighter jet fleets. The F-16 jets were first provided by the US to Pakistan as a reward for its assistance in the first Afghan war. The decision to provide military aid to Pakistan incensed India as the F-16 was used against Indian warplanes following the 2019 Balakot air strikes — a bombing raid conducted by Indian Air Force in Pakistan-occupied territory Balakot against terrorist training camps. Speaking at a community event in Washington, DC, Jaishankar referred to an argument made by the US that the F-16 sustenance package is to fight terrorism. “Everybody knows where and against whom F-16 fighter jets are used. You're not fooling anybody by saying these things." “Very honestly, it is a relationship that has ended up serving neither Pakistan nor serving American interests well... for the US to reflect what the merits of the relationship [are] and what they get by keeping it sort of continuing," Jaishankar had said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

F-16 package to Pakistan: US responds to Indian foreign minister Jaishankar’s critical remarks

A year ago on this day, the Indian Air Force bombed a terrorist training camp inside Pakistan. The Balakot Air Strike was India's response to the Pulwama terrorist attack. This report tells you how the air strikes represent a paradigm shift in India's Defence policy.

Gravitas: Balakot air strike, one year on

For the first time since February's Balakot strike, Pakistan on Tuesday opened its airspace for all civilian traffic, as per the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. Watch this video to know more.

First time since Balakot strike, Pakistan opens airspace for all civilian traffic

Air India on Tuesday indicated that it will take two to three days for scheduling flights over Pakistan which has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-opens-its-air-space-five-months-after-closing-it-in-aftermath-of-balakot-airstrikes-236275">lifted all curbs on flying over its air space</a>.

"We are looking into the matter.&nbsp;It will take two to three days for scheduling to use Pakistani airspace," an Air India official said.

For the first time since February's Balakot strike, Pakistan fully operationalised its airspace for civilian traffic, bringing a huge relief for the airlines which had to take long and costly detours to avoid the Pakistani air space.

"With immediate effect, Pakistan airspace is open for all type of civilian traffic on published ATS routes," read a notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority.

In a tweet, the Ministry of Civil Aviation in New Delhi termed the move a "great news" and a "big relief to air passengers".

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After cancellation of NOTAMS by Pakistan and India in the early hours today , there are no restrictions on airspaces of both countries, flights have started using the closed air routes, bringing a significant relief for airlines. <a href="https://twitter.com/AAI_Official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AAI_Official</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airindiain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HardeepSPuri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HardeepSPuri</a>
— Ministry of Civil Aviation (@MoCA_GoI) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI/status/1151002814396506112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan had earlier claimed that it would not open its airspace for commercial flights until India removed its fighter jets from forwarding Indian airbases.

Pakistan had fully shut its airspace on the eastern border with India after the Indian Air Force had carried out airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot on February 26.

The strikes on the terror camp were in response to the JeM-perpetrated terror attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel had lost their lives.

In mid-April, Pakistan opened one of its 11 air routes for west-bound flights from India -- airlines like Air India and Turkish Airlines have started using it.

In March, the neighbouring country partially opened its airspace but did not allow Indian flights to fly over its airspace. 
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Air India on Tuesday indicated that it will take two to three days for scheduling flights over Pakistan which has lifted all curbs on flying over its air space. "We are looking into the matter.

Air India on Tuesday indicated that it will take two to three days for scheduling flights over Pakistan which has lifted all curbs on flying over its air space. "We are looking into the matter. It will take two to three days for scheduling to use Pakistani airspace," an Air India official said. For the first time since February's Balakot strike, Pakistan fully operationalised its airspace for civilian traffic, bringing a huge relief for the airlines which had to take long and costly detours to avoid the Pakistani air space. "With immediate effect, Pakistan airspace is open for all type of civilian traffic on published ATS routes," read a notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. In a tweet, the Ministry of Civil Aviation in New Delhi termed the move a "great news" and a "big relief to air passengers". After cancellation of NOTAMS by Pakistan and India in the early hours today , there are no restrictions on airspaces of both countries, flights have started using the closed air routes, bringing a significant relief for airlines. @AAI_Official @airindiain @HardeepSPuri — Ministry of Civil Aviation (@MoCA_GoI) July 16, 2019 × Pakistan had earlier claimed that it would not open its airspace for commercial flights until India removed its fighter jets from forwarding Indian airbases. Pakistan had fully shut its airspace on the eastern border with India after the Indian Air Force had carried out airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot on February 26. The strikes on the terror camp were in response to the JeM-perpetrated terror attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel had lost their lives. In mid-April, Pakistan opened one of its 11 air routes for west-bound flights from India -- airlines like Air India and Turkish Airlines have started using it. In March, the neighbouring country partially opened its airspace but did not allow Indian flights to fly over its airspace.

Will take 2-3 days for scheduling flights over Pakistan airspace: Air India official

Pakistan opens airspace for all civilian traffic

Intelligence inputs have revealed that Pakistan-based terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) have joined hands with Afghan insurgent groups like Haqqani Network and Afghan Taliban after the launch of Balakot air strike by the Indian Air Force (IAF) on February 26.

It is indicated that these terror groups are shifting their base in Afghanistan near the international border in areas including Kandahar and Kunar.

The IAF jets attacked JeM's terror camp in Balakot after the February 14 attack by a suicide bomber on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir.

Sources reveal that Pakistan-based terror outfits are shifting their base across the border in Afghanistan to avoid blacklisting of Pakistan by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) later this year.

Pakistan remains on the grey list of FATF, a global terror financing watchdog which has asked Islamabad to take steps to curb money laundering and terror financing.

India wanted Pakistan to be placed on the blacklist, a move that would negatively impact Pakistan's economy.

After facing intense international pressure, the Pakistan-based terror outfits are hiding in safe havens in Taliban-dominated areas in Afghanistan. They are even posing a threat to the Indian diplomatic establishments, including the Indian Embassy in Kabul.

Intelligence sources reveal that the Indian consulate in Kandahar has been kept on high alert against a Taliban attack.

The revelation about JeM and LeT treats in Afghanistan came after the arrest of Jaish terrorists Sediq Akbar and Ataullah by Afghan National Security Force from Jalalabad earlier this year.

Sources also reveal that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unsc-hails-masood-azhars-designation-as-global-terrorist-a-notable-achievement-220333">JeM chief Masood Azhar</a> was offered shelter in Afghanistan by the Haqqani Network earlier this year. However, Masood feels safe under the protection of Pakistan Army in Bahawalpur.

A Pentagon report earlier this year revealed that the US considers LeT as one of the greatest threats to Washington and its allied forces in war-torn Afghanistan, where at least 300 fighters from the terror group are active.

Responsible for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the LeT is designated as a global terror organisation by the US and the UN.

The report said that among the 20 prominent terrorist organisations active in Afghanistan, LeT ranks fifth in terms of fighters along with al-Qaeda and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan.

The rising footprint of JeM will pose more threats to people and security agencies in Afghanistan.

Intelligence inputs have revealed that Pakistan-based terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) have joined hands with Afghan insurgent groups like Haqqani Network and Afghan Taliban after the launch of Balakot air strike by the Indian Air Force (IAF) on February 26.

Intelligence inputs have revealed that Pakistan-based terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) have joined hands with Afghan insurgent groups like Haqqani Network and Afghan Taliban after the launch of Balakot air strike by the Indian Air Force (IAF) on February 26. It is indicated that these terror groups are shifting their base in Afghanistan near the international border in areas including Kandahar and Kunar. The IAF jets attacked JeM's terror camp in Balakot after the February 14 attack by a suicide bomber on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. Sources reveal that Pakistan-based terror outfits are shifting their base across the border in Afghanistan to avoid blacklisting of Pakistan by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) later this year. Pakistan remains on the grey list of FATF, a global terror financing watchdog which has asked Islamabad to take steps to curb money laundering and terror financing. India wanted Pakistan to be placed on the blacklist, a move that would negatively impact Pakistan's economy. After facing intense international pressure, the Pakistan-based terror outfits are hiding in safe havens in Taliban-dominated areas in Afghanistan. They are even posing a threat to the Indian diplomatic establishments, including the Indian Embassy in Kabul. Intelligence sources reveal that the Indian consulate in Kandahar has been kept on high alert against a Taliban attack. The revelation about JeM and LeT treats in Afghanistan came after the arrest of Jaish terrorists Sediq Akbar and Ataullah by Afghan National Security Force from Jalalabad earlier this year. Sources also reveal that JeM chief Masood Azhar was offered shelter in Afghanistan by the Haqqani Network earlier this year. However, Masood feels safe under the protection of Pakistan Army in Bahawalpur. A Pentagon report earlier this year revealed that the US considers LeT as one of the greatest threats to Washington and its allied forces in war-torn Afghanistan, where at least 300 fighters from the terror group are active. Responsible for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the LeT is designated as a global terror organisation by the US and the UN. The report said that among the 20 prominent terrorist organisations active in Afghanistan, LeT ranks fifth in terms of fighters along with al-Qaeda and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. The rising footprint of JeM will pose more threats to people and security agencies in Afghanistan.

Pakistan-based terrorists joining hands with Afghan outfits after Balakot strike: Sources

As India's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-moves-to-south-block-gets-defence-ministry-223127"> new defence minister, Rajnath Singh</a>'s most crucial challenge will be to speed up the long-delayed modernisation of the three services besides ensuring overall coherence in their combat readiness.&nbsp;

His another challenge will be to ensure peace and tranquillity along the frontier with China while developing required military infrastructure to deal with any possible Chinese hostility.&nbsp;

As he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-20-rajnath-singh-is-defence-minister-amit-shah-home-nirmala-sitharaman-gets-finace-223084">takes charge of the ministry</a> just three months after India carried out <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/130-170-terrorists-died-following-balakot-airstrikes-says-award-winning-italian-journalist-217030">air strikes on a terrorist training camp in Pakistan's Balakot</a>, it is expected that he will continue with the policy of hot pursuit in dealing with cross border terrorism.

Containing infiltration of terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan will be another key focus area.

As the Defence Minister, Singh will face the challenge of strengthening the combat capabilities of the Army, Navy and the Air Force due to changing regional security matrix and geopolitical dynamics.

The forces have been pressing for equipping them to deal with hybrid warfare and Singh will have to attend to this crucial demand.

The government has been focusing on domestic defence production and Singh will have to carry forward a number of big-ticket reform initiatives, including implementing the ambitious "strategic partnership" model.

Under the new model, select Indian private firms will be roped in to build military platforms like submarines and fighter jets in India in partnership with foreign defence majors.

Watch: Rajnath Singh in Modi's New Cabinet

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Singh also faces the challenge of modernising the defence research organisations and various other defence public sector undertakings so that they can produce state-of-the-art military hardware to match the requirement of the forces.

He is expected to focus on simplification of the acquisition process as the majority of the military modernisation programmes are delayed due to administrative hurdles.

Singh, who was Home Minister in the previous government, will also have to oversee carrying out of major reforms in the 12-lakh strong Army.

The Army has already finalised a blueprint for its reform including right-sizing of the force.&nbsp;

His predecessor Nirmala Sitharaman had taken on the opposition head-on with her fiery defence of the Rafale fighter jet deal and it will be interesting to see how Singh deals with the issue.

Officials said Singh will take charge as defence minister on Saturday.&nbsp;

As India's new defence minister, Rajnath Singh's most crucial challenge will be to speed up the long-delayed modernisation of the three services besides ensuring overall coherence in their combat readiness.

As India's new defence minister, Rajnath Singh's most crucial challenge will be to speed up the long-delayed modernisation of the three services besides ensuring overall coherence in their combat readiness. His another challenge will be to ensure peace and tranquillity along the frontier with China while developing required military infrastructure to deal with any possible Chinese hostility. As he takes charge of the ministry just three months after India carried out air strikes on a terrorist training camp in Pakistan's Balakot, it is expected that he will continue with the policy of hot pursuit in dealing with cross border terrorism. Containing infiltration of terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan will be another key focus area. As the Defence Minister, Singh will face the challenge of strengthening the combat capabilities of the Army, Navy and the Air Force due to changing regional security matrix and geopolitical dynamics. The forces have been pressing for equipping them to deal with hybrid warfare and Singh will have to attend to this crucial demand. The government has been focusing on domestic defence production and Singh will have to carry forward a number of big-ticket reform initiatives, including implementing the ambitious "strategic partnership" model. Under the new model, select Indian private firms will be roped in to build military platforms like submarines and fighter jets in India in partnership with foreign defence majors. Watch: Rajnath Singh in Modi's New Cabinet × Singh also faces the challenge of modernising the defence research organisations and various other defence public sector undertakings so that they can produce state-of-the-art military hardware to match the requirement of the forces. He is expected to focus on simplification of the acquisition process as the majority of the military modernisation programmes are delayed due to administrative hurdles. Singh, who was Home Minister in the previous government, will also have to oversee carrying out of major reforms in the 12-lakh strong Army. The Army has already finalised a blueprint for its reform including right-sizing of the force. His predecessor Nirmala Sitharaman had taken on the opposition head-on with her fiery defence of the Rafale fighter jet deal and it will be interesting to see how Singh deals with the issue. Officials said Singh will take charge as defence minister on Saturday.

As defence minister, major challenges await Rajnath Singh

As many as 513 ceasefire violations by Pakistan have taken place along the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/month-after-balakot-strikes-pakistan-continues-to-block-airspace-205852">line of control </a>(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the past one-and-a-half month and the Pakistan Army has suffered five to six times more casualties than the Indian Army in the retaliatory action, a senior officer said on Saturday.

The Pakistan Army also used heavy weaponry like mortars and artillery guns in over 100 times during these violations and targeted civilian areas but was given a befitting response by the Indian Army, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps Lt. Gen. Paramjit Singh told reporters in Rajouri.

“Almost 513 ceasefire violations happened in the past one-and-a-half month and over 100 times during these violations, the Pakistan Army used heavy weapons like mortars and artillery guns and targeted civilian areas. Only yesterday [Friday], four civilians, including two girls, were injured in Poonch,” the GOC said.

However, he said the Pakistan Army is being given a befitting response by the Indian Army.

Responding to a question about the casualties suffered by Pakistan in the retaliatory action, he said unlike the Indian Army, Pakistan does not announce the number of its casualties.

“However, as per our sources, the Pakistan Army suffered five to six times more casualties than the casualties on our side,” Lt. Gen. Singh said.

Ten people, including four security personnel, have been killed and nearly 45 others, mostly civilians, injured in the twin districts since India’s preemptive air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror camp in Pakistan’s Balakot on February 26 in response to the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

On the sniping incidents from across the border, Lt. Gen. Singh said such incidents had come to nought over the past several months, especially after the Balakot strike.

“Some incidents of sniping took place earlier and accordingly we have taken some measures to strengthen our defence. As per the data this year, only three incidents of sniping by the Pakistan Army were reported from January to February 26 in which one of the fatalities include a civilian porter,” he said.

“There was no sniping incident from February 27 till date, which means the steps taken by us have been successful,” the officer said.

He said the morale of the troops is very high and as long as they are deployed on the borders, the people of the country need not worry.

“They have every kind of weaponry and explosives with them and their resolve is rock solid and always prepared for any challenge. As long as they are on the border, you are safe,” he said.

Responding to a question, the officer said, “Our message to Pakistan is given every day whenever some nefarious activity happens on the border.”

When asked for a comment on politics being played in the name of soldiers during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, he said the Army does not want to get into the debate.

As many as 513 ceasefire violations by Pakistan have taken place along the line of control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the past one-and-a-half month and the Pakistan Army has suffered five to six times more casualties than the Indian Army in the retaliatory action, a senior officer said on Saturday.

As many as 513 ceasefire violations by Pakistan have taken place along the line of control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the past one-and-a-half month and the Pakistan Army has suffered five to six times more casualties than the Indian Army in the retaliatory action, a senior officer said on Saturday. The Pakistan Army also used heavy weaponry like mortars and artillery guns in over 100 times during these violations and targeted civilian areas but was given a befitting response by the Indian Army, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps Lt. Gen. Paramjit Singh told reporters in Rajouri. “Almost 513 ceasefire violations happened in the past one-and-a-half month and over 100 times during these violations, the Pakistan Army used heavy weapons like mortars and artillery guns and targeted civilian areas. Only yesterday [Friday], four civilians, including two girls, were injured in Poonch,” the GOC said. However, he said the Pakistan Army is being given a befitting response by the Indian Army. Responding to a question about the casualties suffered by Pakistan in the retaliatory action, he said unlike the Indian Army, Pakistan does not announce the number of its casualties. “However, as per our sources, the Pakistan Army suffered five to six times more casualties than the casualties on our side,” Lt. Gen. Singh said. Ten people, including four security personnel, have been killed and nearly 45 others, mostly civilians, injured in the twin districts since India’s preemptive air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror camp in Pakistan’s Balakot on February 26 in response to the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. On the sniping incidents from across the border, Lt. Gen. Singh said such incidents had come to nought over the past several months, especially after the Balakot strike. “Some incidents of sniping took place earlier and accordingly we have taken some measures to strengthen our defence. As per the data this year, only three incidents of sniping by the Pakistan Army were reported from January to February 26 in which one of the fatalities include a civilian porter,” he said. “There was no sniping incident from February 27 till date, which means the steps taken by us have been successful,” the officer said. He said the morale of the troops is very high and as long as they are deployed on the borders, the people of the country need not worry. “They have every kind of weaponry and explosives with them and their resolve is rock solid and always prepared for any challenge. As long as they are on the border, you are safe,” he said. Responding to a question, the officer said, “Our message to Pakistan is given every day whenever some nefarious activity happens on the border.” When asked for a comment on politics being played in the name of soldiers during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, he said the Army does not want to get into the debate.

Enraged by Balakot strike Pakistan violated ceasefire 513 times in 45 days, suffered more than India: Army

Pakistan's attempt to take a group of international media personnel and foreign diplomats on a tour of Balakot, where India carried out a counter-terror operation on JeM's biggest training camp, is being criticised widely.

Lawrence Sellin, former Colonel in the US Army, has said that it was a crude attempt by Pakistan to influence the Indian election. "It reminds me of the heavy-handed tactics used in Soviet Union in 1930s in terms of peopaganda. This visit occurred six weeks after the event - there was a lot of time for Pakistan to sanitise the site," Sellin told WION.

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But the journalists and diplomats didn’t get enough time to make any kind of informed assessment. They were hurried away by the Pakistani army after less than half an hour. <a href="https://t.co/qoY8uYdBN6">pic.twitter.com/qoY8uYdBN6</a>
— Reuters India (@ReutersIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReutersIndia/status/1116298507302916097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The group of journalists was flown from Islamabad in a helicopter to Jabba in Balakot on Wednesday. The visitors trekked for about one-and-a-half hour to reach the madrassa on the top of a mountain surrounded by lush green trees. The group was taken to a madrassa where about 150 students were present and were being taught Quran.

"It was also known from the locals that the madrassa which was there was closed up until very recently and these local boys showed up to populate the madrassa, basically it seemed for this event. And the visitors to this site were only allowed not longer than 30 minutes. There was actually absolutely no way for those visitors, those observers to determine anything," Sellin said.

India has a right to be angry because it looks deliberate, he added.

The visit by the group lasted for about 20 minutes and the participants were allowed to take pictures. Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor held formal and informal chat with the journalists.

The group, while going up, also saw a ditch on a hillside where India jets dropped its payload.

This was the first formal visit of foreign media and diplomats to the place where scores of terrorists were killed in Indian airstrike on February 26.

Watch what Sellin has to say about journalists' visit to Balakot:

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Pakistan's attempt to take a group of international media personnel and foreign diplomats on a tour of Balakot, where India carried out a counter-terror operation on JeM's biggest training camp, is being criticised widely.

Pakistan's attempt to take a group of international media personnel and foreign diplomats on a tour of Balakot, where India carried out a counter-terror operation on JeM's biggest training camp, is being criticised widely. Lawrence Sellin, former Colonel in the US Army, has said that it was a crude attempt by Pakistan to influence the Indian election. "It reminds me of the heavy-handed tactics used in Soviet Union in 1930s in terms of peopaganda. This visit occurred six weeks after the event - there was a lot of time for Pakistan to sanitise the site," Sellin told WION. But the journalists and diplomats didn’t get enough time to make any kind of informed assessment. They were hurried away by the Pakistani army after less than half an hour. pic.twitter.com/qoY8uYdBN6 — Reuters India (@ReutersIndia) April 11, 2019 × The group of journalists was flown from Islamabad in a helicopter to Jabba in Balakot on Wednesday. The visitors trekked for about one-and-a-half hour to reach the madrassa on the top of a mountain surrounded by lush green trees. The group was taken to a madrassa where about 150 students were present and were being taught Quran. "It was also known from the locals that the madrassa which was there was closed up until very recently and these local boys showed up to populate the madrassa, basically it seemed for this event. And the visitors to this site were only allowed not longer than 30 minutes. There was actually absolutely no way for those visitors, those observers to determine anything," Sellin said. India has a right to be angry because it looks deliberate, he added. The visit by the group lasted for about 20 minutes and the participants were allowed to take pictures. Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor held formal and informal chat with the journalists. The group, while going up, also saw a ditch on a hillside where India jets dropped its payload. This was the first formal visit of foreign media and diplomats to the place where scores of terrorists were killed in Indian airstrike on February 26. Watch what Sellin has to say about journalists' visit to Balakot:

Journalists' Balakot visit: Crude attempt by Pak to influence Indian polls, says ex-US armyman

Pakistan escorts a group of foreign journalists and diplomats to the site of an Indian air strike to show that, contrary to Delhi's claims, no infrastructure was damaged.

Pakistan's Balakot stunt on the eve of India Polls

Pakistan takes media, diplomats on visit to Indian strike site

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