Jamaat-ud Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed -- who is believed by India to have orchestrated the Mumbai attacks -- has been listed by Pakistan under its anti-terrorism act.

Saeed and his close aide Qazi Kashif have been added under the fourth schedule of Pakistan&#39;s Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), Dawn News reported.

According to the fourth schedule, the government may arrest or detain a person for period not exceeding twelve months.

Saeed has also been put under the exit control list by the provincial Punjab government, meaning that he is prohibited from leaving Pakistan.

Pakistan government&#39;s decision to include Saeed in the anti-terrorism list will be a shot in the arm for India, who have long insisted fair trial against him for his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which killed 164 people and wounded over 200.

The mere listing of a person in the fourth schedule of the ATA shows that he is linked with militancy in some way, the report said. Those listed face a barrage of legal consequences like travel bans and scrutiny of assets etc.

The action against Saeed was taken after the country was hit by at least eight terror attacks which killed more than 100 people. &quot;Detention of Saeed shows that army supported the step by the civilian government, and it was viewed by many as a sign of changing security priorities,&quot; the daily said.

Saeed was also put under house arrest after Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008 but he was freed by court in 2009. Saeed also carries a reward of $10 million announced by the US for his role in terror activities.

Three other men were also added to the list -- Abdullah Obaid from Faisalabad, and Zafar Iqbal and Abdur Rehman Abid from the Markaz-i-Taiba, Muridke.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from PTI)

&nbsp;

Jamaat-ud Dawa chief has also been barred from leaving Pakistan -- a move that will buttress India's demand for legal action against him

Jamaat-ud Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed -- who is believed by India to have orchestrated the Mumbai attacks -- has been listed by Pakistan under its anti-terrorism act. Saeed and his close aide Qazi Kashif have been added under the fourth schedule of Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), Dawn News reported. According to the fourth schedule, the government may arrest or detain a person for period not exceeding twelve months. Saeed has also been put under the exit control list by the provincial Punjab government, meaning that he is prohibited from leaving Pakistan. Pakistan government's decision to include Saeed in the anti-terrorism list will be a shot in the arm for India, who have long insisted fair trial against him for his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which killed 164 people and wounded over 200. The mere listing of a person in the fourth schedule of the ATA shows that he is linked with militancy in some way, the report said. Those listed face a barrage of legal consequences like travel bans and scrutiny of assets etc. The action against Saeed was taken after the country was hit by at least eight terror attacks which killed more than 100 people. "Detention of Saeed shows that army supported the step by the civilian government, and it was viewed by many as a sign of changing security priorities," the daily said. Saeed was also put under house arrest after Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008 but he was freed by court in 2009. Saeed also carries a reward of $10 million announced by the US for his role in terror activities. Three other men were also added to the list -- Abdullah Obaid from Faisalabad, and Zafar Iqbal and Abdur Rehman Abid from the Markaz-i-Taiba, Muridke. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Suspected Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed put under terror watchlist

Pakistan on Tuesday hauled up India&#39;s deputy high commissioner to complain about the alleged &quot;unprovoked&quot; ceasefire violation by Indian troops that left three Pakistani soldiers dead along the border.

Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said India opened fire yesterday in Thub area (Bhimber Sector).

&quot;The Director General (South Asia &amp; SAARC), Dr&nbsp;Mohammad Faisal, summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner, J P Singh, today and condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violation by the Indian occupation forces,&quot; Zakaria said.

He said India&#39;s repeated attacks on civilians breached humanitarian laws.&nbsp;

The Director-General also urged the Indian side respect the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding; investigate this and other incidents of ceasefire violations; instruct the Indian forces to respect the ceasefire, in letter and spirit and maintain peace on the LoC, he said.

Singh was summoned to the Foreign Office for the second time in last seven days.

On February 8, Singh was summoned to the Foreign Office for similar reasons.

(WION with inputs from PTI) &nbsp;

This is the second time in a week that India's deputy high commissioner was called by Pakistan's Foreign Office for a similar reason

Pakistan on Tuesday hauled up India's deputy high commissioner to complain about the alleged "unprovoked" ceasefire violation by Indian troops that left three Pakistani soldiers dead along the border. Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said India opened fire yesterday in Thub area (Bhimber Sector). "The Director General (South Asia & SAARC), Dr Mohammad Faisal, summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner, J P Singh, today and condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violation by the Indian occupation forces," Zakaria said. He said India's repeated attacks on civilians breached humanitarian laws. The Director-General also urged the Indian side respect the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding; investigate this and other incidents of ceasefire violations; instruct the Indian forces to respect the ceasefire, in letter and spirit and maintain peace on the LoC, he said. Singh was summoned to the Foreign Office for the second time in last seven days. On February 8, Singh was summoned to the Foreign Office for similar reasons. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Pakistan hauls up India over 'unprovoked' firing that left three troops dead

The Indian blind cricket team successfully defended its Twenty20 World Cup title here today, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan in the final for the second successive edition. 
 
With eight wins from nine matches, India had gone into the final as favourites and lived up to it with a comprehensive victory. For Pakistan though, it was their first loss in the tournament. 
 
The two teams had clashed in the 2012 edition final as well with India emerging triumphant. 
 
The victory was also a sweet revenge for the Indians, who had lost to Pakistan in the league stage of the current edition. 
 
Batting first, Pakistan made 197/9 but India chased down the target in 18 overs without much of a fuss, losing just one wicket in the process. 
 
Man of the match Prakash Jayaramaiah stood out with a splendid unbeaten 99-run knock, while Ajay Kumar Reddy was the only man to be dismissed for 43. Reddy was run out. 
 
Man of the series Badar Munir was the top-scorer for Pakistan with a 570-run effort. 
 
Ketan Patel and Jaffar Iqbal were the pick of Indian bowlers, grabbing two wickets each after conceding 29 and 33 runs respectively.

(PTI)

Chasing 198 in 20 overs, India made short work of it by losing just a solitary wicket to achieve the target

The Indian blind cricket team successfully defended its Twenty20 World Cup title here today, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan in the final for the second successive edition. With eight wins from nine matches, India had gone into the final as favourites and lived up to it with a comprehensive victory. For Pakistan though, it was their first loss in the tournament. The two teams had clashed in the 2012 edition final as well with India emerging triumphant. The victory was also a sweet revenge for the Indians, who had lost to Pakistan in the league stage of the current edition. Batting first, Pakistan made 197/9 but India chased down the target in 18 overs without much of a fuss, losing just one wicket in the process. Man of the match Prakash Jayaramaiah stood out with a splendid unbeaten 99-run knock, while Ajay Kumar Reddy was the only man to be dismissed for 43. Reddy was run out. Man of the series Badar Munir was the top-scorer for Pakistan with a 570-run effort. Ketan Patel and Jaffar Iqbal were the pick of Indian bowlers, grabbing two wickets each after conceding 29 and 33 runs respectively. (PTI)

India beat Pakistan to lift second straight Blind World Cup

Hafiz Saeed, co-founder of outlawed militant organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba, hopes his detention will give&nbsp;a &quot;fresh impetus&quot; to the Kashmiris&#39; &quot;struggle against India&quot;.

Saeed, who was allowed to hold a press conference before being detained, also accused the US of orchestrating his arrest.

Accused by India of plotting the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Saeed is also the founder of Jamaat-ud-Dawa, a front organisation of the LeT.

&quot;If someone thinks that placing me under house arrest will help check freedom movement in Kashmir he is living in a fool&#39;s paradise. My arrest will give a fresh impetus to the Kashmiris&#39; struggle against India,&quot; he said. 
 
Sixty eight-year-old Saeed further said if Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thinks that he would get respite in Kashmir after his arrest he is seriously mistaken. 
 
&quot;We have declared 2017 a year of solidarity for Kashmiris,&quot; he said adding that all programmes planned for February 5 will be held across Pakistan and PoK.

Saeed was detained yesterday at JuD&#39;s Lahore headquarters at Masjid Al-Qudsia Chauburji and was later shifted to his Jauhar Town residence which has been declared as a sub-jail by authorities in Punjab province. 
 
&quot;The government has detained Saeed and four other JuD and Falaha-i-Insanyat (FIF) leaders for 90 days with effect from January 30 but this detention may further be extended on completion of this period if required,&quot; an interior ministry official said. 
 
The government may take some further steps against the JuD and its sister organisations in coming days, the official said, adding that the names of several activists of JuD and FIF, a charity run by Saeed, have been placed on Exit Control List (ECL) to stop them from leaving the country. 
 
Saeed has vowed to challenge his house arrest in the Lahore high court.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

The supposed Mumbai attacks plotter said the Indian government was mistaken if they feel his arrest would curb the unrest in Kashmir

Hafiz Saeed, co-founder of outlawed militant organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba, hopes his detention will give a "fresh impetus" to the Kashmiris' "struggle against India". Saeed, who was allowed to hold a press conference before being detained, also accused the US of orchestrating his arrest. Accused by India of plotting the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Saeed is also the founder of Jamaat-ud-Dawa, a front organisation of the LeT. "If someone thinks that placing me under house arrest will help check freedom movement in Kashmir he is living in a fool's paradise. My arrest will give a fresh impetus to the Kashmiris' struggle against India," he said. Sixty eight-year-old Saeed further said if Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi thinks that he would get respite in Kashmir after his arrest he is seriously mistaken. "We have declared 2017 a year of solidarity for Kashmiris," he said adding that all programmes planned for February 5 will be held across Pakistan and PoK. Saeed was detained yesterday at JuD's Lahore headquarters at Masjid Al-Qudsia Chauburji and was later shifted to his Jauhar Town residence which has been declared as a sub-jail by authorities in Punjab province. "The government has detained Saeed and four other JuD and Falaha-i-Insanyat (FIF) leaders for 90 days with effect from January 30 but this detention may further be extended on completion of this period if required," an interior ministry official said. The government may take some further steps against the JuD and its sister organisations in coming days, the official said, adding that the names of several activists of JuD and FIF, a charity run by Saeed, have been placed on Exit Control List (ECL) to stop them from leaving the country. Saeed has vowed to challenge his house arrest in the Lahore high court. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Hafiz Saeed hopes detention will boost Kashmiris' 'struggle against India'

Pakistan has persuaded India to suspend construction work on two hydropower projects on Indus rivers in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a rare joint resolution,&nbsp;Pakistan&#39;s two parliamentary committees said work on Ratle dam and&nbsp;Kishanganga project must stop till arbitration court set up by the World Bank resolves the water dispute, Pakistani daily Dawn reported.

Pakistan also asked the World Bank to mediate immediately by appointing the chairman of the arbitration court.

The construction of dams on the western rivers by India has brought the two countries at loggerheads and Pakistan has engaged the World Bank, a facilitator of the IWT, to stop India from going ahead with the construction.

Pakistan&#39;s foreign secretary Aizaz Chaudhry said Islamabad would &quot;not allow India violate the Indus Waters Treaty&quot;.&nbsp;

Brokered by the World Bank, the Indus Waters Treaty is a water-sharing agreement signed by India and Pakistan in 1960. The treaty allowed India to control three &quot;eastern&quot; rivers &mdash; the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beas_River" title="Beas River">Beas</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravi_River" title="Ravi River">Ravi</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutlej" title="Sutlej">Sutlej</a>&nbsp;&mdash; &nbsp;while control over the three &quot;western&quot; rivers &mdash; the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indus_River" title="Indus River">Indus</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chenab_River" title="Chenab River">Chenab</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jhelum_River" title="Jhelum River">Jhelum</a>&nbsp;&mdash; was given to Pakistan.

But India&#39;s decision to construct the Kishanganga dam on Jhelum river and Ratle&nbsp;plant on Chenab has raised the hackles of Islamabad.

Pakistan is also wary of India&#39;s plan to build 45 to 60 dams on the &quot;western&quot; rivers as it would seriously lessen water supply levels.

Former foreign minister and Tehrik-i-Insaf leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the water dispute with India had reached such alarming proportions that it could even dwarf the Kashmir issue. He suggested the government to evolve a clear roadmap, assuring his party&#39;s support on the issue.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

Pakistan has accused India of violating the Indus Waters Treaty and urged the World Bank to intervene immediately

Pakistan has persuaded India to suspend construction work on two hydropower projects on Indus rivers in Jammu and Kashmir. In a rare joint resolution, Pakistan's two parliamentary committees said work on Ratle dam and Kishanganga project must stop till arbitration court set up by the World Bank resolves the water dispute, Pakistani daily Dawn reported. Pakistan also asked the World Bank to mediate immediately by appointing the chairman of the arbitration court. The construction of dams on the western rivers by India has brought the two countries at loggerheads and Pakistan has engaged the World Bank, a facilitator of the IWT, to stop India from going ahead with the construction. Pakistan's foreign secretary Aizaz Chaudhry said Islamabad would "not allow India violate the Indus Waters Treaty". Brokered by the World Bank, the Indus Waters Treaty is a water-sharing agreement signed by India and Pakistan in 1960. The treaty allowed India to control three "eastern" rivers — the Beas, the Ravi and the Sutlej — while control over the three "western" rivers — the Indus, the Chenab and the Jhelum — was given to Pakistan. But India's decision to construct the Kishanganga dam on Jhelum river and Ratle plant on Chenab has raised the hackles of Islamabad. Pakistan is also wary of India's plan to build 45 to 60 dams on the "western" rivers as it would seriously lessen water supply levels. Former foreign minister and Tehrik-i-Insaf leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the water dispute with India had reached such alarming proportions that it could even dwarf the Kashmir issue. He suggested the government to evolve a clear roadmap, assuring his party's support on the issue. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Pakistan tells India to suspend construction of Indus dams

Indian army chief has warned soldiers to vent their grievances on official platforms and not air them on social media, about a week after a soldier had uploaded YouTube videos complaining about the poor quality of food served in his regiment.

Bipin Rawat, who assumed the army reins on December 31, 2016, told soldiers on Army Day that they should contact him &quot;directly&quot;&nbsp;if they were unsatisfied&nbsp;with the internal redressal system.

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Proper channels in place fr jawans to put across grievances,if they arent satisfied with action taken,they cn contact me directly-Army Chief <a href="https://t.co/jDbSAWdJwC">pic.twitter.com/jDbSAWdJwC</a>
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The army general said the act of washing dirty linen in public has knocked the morale of rest of the troops stationed along the India-Pakistan border, and warned of action against them if they took to social media.

&quot;You are violating rules by your act and you could be punished for that,&quot; he said.

Tej Bahadur Yadav&#39;s four YouTube videos lamenting the poor quality of food served in his regiment emboldened other soldiers to follow suit. Jeet Singh, a&nbsp;paramiltary personnel, also put up a video complaining about the working conditions in the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) -- India&#39;s federal police force -- and demanded that their paid leave and pension be&nbsp;at par with the army.

Tej Bahadur&#39;s videos, in particular, left the army red-faced&nbsp;at a time when it has been engaged in intermittent cross-border fighting with Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Indian government since has asked the army to submit a report to them and promised immediate action to rectify any problems.

Rawat also said that despite Pakistan&#39;s continuous engagement in proxy war against India, &quot;we want to restore peace on the Line of Control&quot;. 
 
&quot;But we will not hesitate from giving a fitting reply in case of any ceasefire violation,&quot; he asserted during a press conference on India&#39;s Army Day.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

Army chief Bipin Rawat said the spate of complaint videos were hurting the morale of soldiers stationed along the India-Pakistan border

Indian army chief has warned soldiers to vent their grievances on official platforms and not air them on social media, about a week after a soldier had uploaded YouTube videos complaining about the poor quality of food served in his regiment. Bipin Rawat, who assumed the army reins on December 31, 2016, told soldiers on Army Day that they should contact him "directly" if they were unsatisfied with the internal redressal system. Proper channels in place fr jawans to put across grievances,if they arent satisfied with action taken,they cn contact me directly-Army Chief pic.twitter.com/jDbSAWdJwC — ANI (@ANI_news) January 15, 2017 × The army general said the act of washing dirty linen in public has knocked the morale of rest of the troops stationed along the India-Pakistan border, and warned of action against them if they took to social media. "You are violating rules by your act and you could be punished for that," he said. Tej Bahadur Yadav's four YouTube videos lamenting the poor quality of food served in his regiment emboldened other soldiers to follow suit. Jeet Singh, a paramiltary personnel, also put up a video complaining about the working conditions in the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) -- India's federal police force -- and demanded that their paid leave and pension be at par with the army. Tej Bahadur's videos, in particular, left the army red-faced at a time when it has been engaged in intermittent cross-border fighting with Pakistan. The Indian government since has asked the army to submit a report to them and promised immediate action to rectify any problems. Rawat also said that despite Pakistan's continuous engagement in proxy war against India, "we want to restore peace on the Line of Control". "But we will not hesitate from giving a fitting reply in case of any ceasefire violation," he asserted during a press conference on India's Army Day. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Indian army chief warns soldiers against using public platforms to air grievances

India&nbsp;has decided to ditch its sabre-rattling approach after its army warned about the perils of a &quot;controlled warfare&quot; with Pakistan, local media agency Ananda Bazar Patrika has reported. 
 
Certain sections of the Indian government have been keen on inflicting reprisal attacks on jihadist groups in Pakistan but the army feels such stratagem would further escalate hostilities between the two countries, the report said. 
 
The report suggests that New Delhi has paid heed to the warning and is now seeking to put diplomatic pressure instead.&nbsp;

The discussions &mdash; attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, home minister Rajnath Singh, defence minister Manohar Parikar, finance minister Arun Jaitley, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Intelligence&nbsp;&mdash; were held in a closed-door meeting recently. 
 
India has&nbsp;decided to present documentary proofs to the rest of the world of Pakistan&rsquo;s involvement in the recent attack in Uri, Kashmir, which claimed lives of 18 Indian soldiers on September 18. 
 
Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj is also scheduled to bring up the Uri terror attack at the UN meeting on September 26. 
 
It has also been decided that the Indian government will pass on evidence to foreign investors in Pakistan in the hope that they will understand how their investment in the country is actually strengthening the hands of terror. 
 
At the same time, India is careful not to internationalise the Kashmir issue through these acts. 
 
New Delhi is optimistic that these international moves will bear results. India&rsquo;s position has already been strengthened by UN general secretary Ban Ki-moon&#39;s strong condemnation of the Uri attack. Even the US, UK, France and Beijing have deplored the attack in no uncertain terms. 
 
Though the Indian government has refrained from&nbsp;a full-fledged attack against Pakistan, the Modi government has instructed the Indian army to increase its presence along the Line of Control (LoC). 
 
The army is expected to retaliate in strongest possible terms in event of a further attack, infiltration or instigation from Pakistan&rsquo;s side. 
 
&ldquo;The action has to be taken without getting influenced by emotions, anger. It has to be taken coolly and with proper planning,&rdquo; junior foreign minister of India VK&nbsp;Singh said. 
 
(WION)

New Delhi now plans to put diplomatic pressure on Pakistan after its army advised the government to refrain from military strikes

India has decided to ditch its sabre-rattling approach after its army warned about the perils of a "controlled warfare" with Pakistan, local media agency Ananda Bazar Patrika has reported. Certain sections of the Indian government have been keen on inflicting reprisal attacks on jihadist groups in Pakistan but the army feels such stratagem would further escalate hostilities between the two countries, the report said. The report suggests that New Delhi has paid heed to the warning and is now seeking to put diplomatic pressure instead. The discussions — attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, home minister Rajnath Singh, defence minister Manohar Parikar, finance minister Arun Jaitley, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Intelligence — were held in a closed-door meeting recently. India has decided to present documentary proofs to the rest of the world of Pakistan’s involvement in the recent attack in Uri, Kashmir, which claimed lives of 18 Indian soldiers on September 18. Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj is also scheduled to bring up the Uri terror attack at the UN meeting on September 26. It has also been decided that the Indian government will pass on evidence to foreign investors in Pakistan in the hope that they will understand how their investment in the country is actually strengthening the hands of terror. At the same time, India is careful not to internationalise the Kashmir issue through these acts. New Delhi is optimistic that these international moves will bear results. India’s position has already been strengthened by UN general secretary Ban Ki-moon's strong condemnation of the Uri attack. Even the US, UK, France and Beijing have deplored the attack in no uncertain terms. Though the Indian government has refrained from a full-fledged attack against Pakistan, the Modi government has instructed the Indian army to increase its presence along the Line of Control (LoC). The army is expected to retaliate in strongest possible terms in event of a further attack, infiltration or instigation from Pakistan’s side. “The action has to be taken without getting influenced by emotions, anger. It has to be taken coolly and with proper planning,” junior foreign minister of India VK Singh said. (WION)

Uri terror attack: India pivots stance on 'controlled warfare' amid army warning

In a surprise move, a top Pakistani General has invited India to join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, saying New Delhi should &quot;shun enmity&quot; with Islamabad and jointly reap the benefit of the multi-billion dollar project.

Lieutenant General Aamir Riaz, Commander of the Southern Command which is based in Quetta, yesterday said this while speaking at an award distribution ceremony at the Balochistan Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters.

India should &quot;shun enmity&quot; with Pakistan and join the $46-billion CPEC along with Iran, Afghanistan and other Central Asian countries and enjoy its benefits, the Express Tribune quoted him as saying.

&quot;India should share the fruits of future development by shelving the anti-Pakistan activities and subversion,&quot; Riaz said.

The USD 46 billion CPEC aims to connect China&#39;s western parts with the Arabian sea through Balochistan&#39;s strategic Gwadar port.

India has already expressed concern over the project that also passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The top General&#39;s call came amid tension between the two countries and a barrage of allegations by Islamabad about involvement of India in subversive activities in Balochistan, the security of which is responsibility of Pakistan army&#39;s Southern Command.

Pakistan in the past has also alleged that Baloch nationalist leaders were getting support from India.

Riaz referred to it in veiled terms when he warned the people not to be misled by self-exiled leaders who, according to him, were on the payroll of the &quot;enemy&quot; to dismember Pakistan.

&quot;Their catchy slogans will not work as people are aware of their designs and will not be misled,&quot; Riaz said.

Talking about the improvement of law and order in Balochistan, he said the militants were trying to impose their ideology at gunpoint but they have been defeated.

He said 700 FC personnel sacrificed their lives while fighting terrorism and subversive activities in 10 years.

Riaz said the militants were defeated and forced to flee.

Referring to self-exiled Balochistan nationalist leaders, he said that the militants sitting in Dubai, London and Geneva were heavily funded by the &quot;enemies&quot;.&nbsp;

(PTI)

Senior army officer Aamir Riaz urged India to drop 'anti-Pakistan activities' and instead reap benefits of the $46-billion economic corridor

In a surprise move, a top Pakistani General has invited India to join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, saying New Delhi should "shun enmity" with Islamabad and jointly reap the benefit of the multi-billion dollar project. Lieutenant General Aamir Riaz, Commander of the Southern Command which is based in Quetta, yesterday said this while speaking at an award distribution ceremony at the Balochistan Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters. India should "shun enmity" with Pakistan and join the $46-billion CPEC along with Iran, Afghanistan and other Central Asian countries and enjoy its benefits, the Express Tribune quoted him as saying. "India should share the fruits of future development by shelving the anti-Pakistan activities and subversion," Riaz said. The USD 46 billion CPEC aims to connect China's western parts with the Arabian sea through Balochistan's strategic Gwadar port. India has already expressed concern over the project that also passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The top General's call came amid tension between the two countries and a barrage of allegations by Islamabad about involvement of India in subversive activities in Balochistan, the security of which is responsibility of Pakistan army's Southern Command. Pakistan in the past has also alleged that Baloch nationalist leaders were getting support from India. Riaz referred to it in veiled terms when he warned the people not to be misled by self-exiled leaders who, according to him, were on the payroll of the "enemy" to dismember Pakistan. "Their catchy slogans will not work as people are aware of their designs and will not be misled," Riaz said. Talking about the improvement of law and order in Balochistan, he said the militants were trying to impose their ideology at gunpoint but they have been defeated. He said 700 FC personnel sacrificed their lives while fighting terrorism and subversive activities in 10 years. Riaz said the militants were defeated and forced to flee. Referring to self-exiled Balochistan nationalist leaders, he said that the militants sitting in Dubai, London and Geneva were heavily funded by the "enemies". (PTI)

Shun enmity and join CPEC, Pakistan tells India

Pakistan film distributors and movie theatre owners have decided to lift their self-imposed ban on Indian movies.

They had stopped screening Indian movies after September&#39;s Uri attack on an Indian army installation had deepened the rift between the neighbours.

The exhibitors association chairman&nbsp;Zoraiz Lashari said Indian movies would be screened from December 19 since their business has been affected by the ban.

&quot;Cinema business has been hit immensely and all stakeholders felt it was the right time to begin screening Indian films. It was always a self-imposed suspension, not a ban. So I`ll be releasing Freaky Ali in our cinemas and other cinema owners will follow suit,&quot; the Express Tribune quoted Lashari as saying.

Lashari will be releasing Nawazuddin Siddiqui-starrer &#39;Freaky Ali&#39; on Tuesday. &quot;A big media group and film exhibitors/distributors in India... are testing public sentiments and also the government`s reaction by releasing Freaky Ali at CineStar cinema,&quot; he added.

He added that even stakeholders in India had been stricken by the ban in Pakistan.

&quot;We will first test waters with these unreleased films and then begin negotiations with Indian distributors to continue the import of movies into Pakistan,&quot; he said.

(WION with inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Pakistani distributors had stopped screening Indian movies after September's Uri attacks deepened the rift between the neighbours

Pakistan film distributors and movie theatre owners have decided to lift their self-imposed ban on Indian movies. They had stopped screening Indian movies after September's Uri attack on an Indian army installation had deepened the rift between the neighbours. The exhibitors association chairman Zoraiz Lashari said Indian movies would be screened from December 19 since their business has been affected by the ban. "Cinema business has been hit immensely and all stakeholders felt it was the right time to begin screening Indian films. It was always a self-imposed suspension, not a ban. So I`ll be releasing Freaky Ali in our cinemas and other cinema owners will follow suit," the Express Tribune quoted Lashari as saying. Lashari will be releasing Nawazuddin Siddiqui-starrer 'Freaky Ali' on Tuesday. "A big media group and film exhibitors/distributors in India... are testing public sentiments and also the government`s reaction by releasing Freaky Ali at CineStar cinema," he added. He added that even stakeholders in India had been stricken by the ban in Pakistan. "We will first test waters with these unreleased films and then begin negotiations with Indian distributors to continue the import of movies into Pakistan," he said. (WION with inputs from ANI)

Pakistan movie theatres to resume screening Indian films

The United States today (December 8) told Pakistan they were concerned about safe terror havens being provided to Afghan Taliban groups.&nbsp;

Also discussed was the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan and the escalation in fighting along the India-Pakistan border, with Washington calling for a dialogue to resolve issues.

The issues were discussed during a meeting between Special Assistant to Pakistan Prime Minister (SAPM), Syed Tariq Fatemi, and deputy secretary of state Antony Blinken, the Pakistan embassy said in a statement.

&quot;We have consistently expressed our concerns to the highest levels of Government of Pakistan about their continued tolerance for Afghan Taliban groups such as the Haqqani Network operating from Pakistan soil,&quot; state department deputy spokesperson Mark Toner said about the meeting.&nbsp;

&quot;We continue to encourage the government of Pakistan and Afghanistan, rather -- both governments to cooperate in their counter-terrorism operations and efforts because that&#39;s only going to contribute to regional stability.&quot;

Fatemi, who is on a visit to the US, told the press that the purpose of his visit was to interact with the US administration and to reach out to officials likely to join the new administration after the presidential election.

He further said Pakistan would be willing to cooperate with the new Donald Trump administration, in achieving peace in Afghanistan and improving the India-Pakistan relations&nbsp;for the sake of peace in the region.

Fatemi also accused India of &quot;human rights violations&quot; in Kashmir which he claimed had resulted in &quot;hundreds of casualties and debilitating injuries to the civilians including women and children&quot;.

&quot;The regional situation including the escalation across the Line of Control and the Working Boundary were discussed during the meeting. The SAPM briefed the deputy secretary on the frequency of ceasefire violations by India in recent weeks with particular reference to targeting of civilians across the LoC,&quot; the statement said.&nbsp;

The talks come days after India and Afghanistan slammed Islamabad for its support to extremist outfits at the at the Heart of Asia conference in India&#39;s northern city of Amritsar.

(WION with inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

Washington urged both Pakistan and Afghanistan to 'cooperate' and bring about regional stability in the region

The United States today (December 8) told Pakistan they were concerned about safe terror havens being provided to Afghan Taliban groups. Also discussed was the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan and the escalation in fighting along the India-Pakistan border, with Washington calling for a dialogue to resolve issues. The issues were discussed during a meeting between Special Assistant to Pakistan Prime Minister (SAPM), Syed Tariq Fatemi, and deputy secretary of state Antony Blinken, the Pakistan embassy said in a statement. "We have consistently expressed our concerns to the highest levels of Government of Pakistan about their continued tolerance for Afghan Taliban groups such as the Haqqani Network operating from Pakistan soil," state department deputy spokesperson Mark Toner said about the meeting. "We continue to encourage the government of Pakistan and Afghanistan, rather -- both governments to cooperate in their counter-terrorism operations and efforts because that's only going to contribute to regional stability." Fatemi, who is on a visit to the US, told the press that the purpose of his visit was to interact with the US administration and to reach out to officials likely to join the new administration after the presidential election. He further said Pakistan would be willing to cooperate with the new Donald Trump administration, in achieving peace in Afghanistan and improving the India-Pakistan relations for the sake of peace in the region. Fatemi also accused India of "human rights violations" in Kashmir which he claimed had resulted in "hundreds of casualties and debilitating injuries to the civilians including women and children". "The regional situation including the escalation across the Line of Control and the Working Boundary were discussed during the meeting. The SAPM briefed the deputy secretary on the frequency of ceasefire violations by India in recent weeks with particular reference to targeting of civilians across the LoC," the statement said. The talks come days after India and Afghanistan slammed Islamabad for its support to extremist outfits at the at the Heart of Asia conference in India's northern city of Amritsar. (WION with inputs from PTI)

US worried about Afghan Taliban terror pads in Pakistan

Here's the full text of the Amritsar declaration adopted at the 6th Heart of Asia ministerial conference

Amritsar Declaration: Complete text

The mortal remains of Major Kunal Manndadir Gosavi, who was among those killed in Tuesday&#39;s terrorist attack in Jammu&#39;s Nagrota, were today consigned to flames with full state honours at his home town of Pandharpur here.

His body was brought to the town in the morning. The pyre was lit by his father in the presence of a large number of people this evening.

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Pandharpur (Maharashtra): Last rites ceremony of Major Gosavi Kunal Mannadir, who lost his life in Nagrota terror attack <a href="https://t.co/j24Cc9H5JZ">pic.twitter.com/j24Cc9H5JZ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/804270185687330816">December 1, 2016</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Major is survived by his wife Uma and his father.

Guardian Minister for the District Vijaykumar Deshmukh and District Collector Ranjit Kumar also paid their last respects.

In Bengaluru, tributes were paid to Major Akshay Girish Kumar, who also lost his life in the encounter. His mortal remains were brought to his hometown today.

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Bengaluru: Tributes being paid to Major Akshay Girish Kumar, who lost his life in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nagrotaattack?src=hash">#nagrotaattack</a> <a href="https://t.co/HfORSRBuVo">pic.twitter.com/HfORSRBuVo</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/804291757059895296">December 1, 2016</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Major Gosavi and Major Akshay Girish Kumar were among the seven army personnel who were killed while trying to fend off terrorists who attacked their camp in Nagrota. &nbsp;The three terrorists, who were disguised as policemen, entered the residential quarters and held women and soldiers captive. They were ultimately shot to death.

The other soldiers who were martyred in the attack were Havildar Sukhraj Singh from Punjab, Lance Naik Sambhaji Yeshwantro from Maharashtra and &nbsp;Naik Chittranjan Debbarma from Tripura.

&nbsp;The last rites of Grenadier Raghvendra Singh were held in Nanded today and were attended by Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje.

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Dholpur (Rajasthan): Last rites of Grenadier Raghvendra Singh, who lost his life in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NagrotaAttack?src=hash">#NagrotaAttack</a>; CM Vasundhara Raje present. <a href="https://t.co/Ejlbqocf70">pic.twitter.com/Ejlbqocf70</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/804310153528909824">December 1, 2016</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The last rites of rifleman Asin Rai, who was also martyred in the encounter, were held in Bagdogra in West Bengal.

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Bagdogra (WB): Last rites of Rifleman Asin Rai, who lost his life in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NagrotaAttack?src=hash">#NagrotaAttack</a>. <a href="https://t.co/7k6PGItLrz">pic.twitter.com/7k6PGItLrz</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/804302449452298241">December 1, 2016</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

(WION)

Major Gosavi and Major Akshay Girish Kumar were among the 7 army personnel who were killed while trying to fend off terrorists

The mortal remains of Major Kunal Manndadir Gosavi, who was among those killed in Tuesday's terrorist attack in Jammu's Nagrota, were today consigned to flames with full state honours at his home town of Pandharpur here. His body was brought to the town in the morning. The pyre was lit by his father in the presence of a large number of people this evening. Pandharpur (Maharashtra): Last rites ceremony of Major Gosavi Kunal Mannadir, who lost his life in Nagrota terror attack pic.twitter.com/j24Cc9H5JZ — ANI (@ANI_news) December 1, 2016 × The Major is survived by his wife Uma and his father. Guardian Minister for the District Vijaykumar Deshmukh and District Collector Ranjit Kumar also paid their last respects. In Bengaluru, tributes were paid to Major Akshay Girish Kumar, who also lost his life in the encounter. His mortal remains were brought to his hometown today. Bengaluru: Tributes being paid to Major Akshay Girish Kumar, who lost his life in #nagrotaattack pic.twitter.com/HfORSRBuVo — ANI (@ANI_news) December 1, 2016 × Major Gosavi and Major Akshay Girish Kumar were among the seven army personnel who were killed while trying to fend off terrorists who attacked their camp in Nagrota. The three terrorists, who were disguised as policemen, entered the residential quarters and held women and soldiers captive. They were ultimately shot to death. The other soldiers who were martyred in the attack were Havildar Sukhraj Singh from Punjab, Lance Naik Sambhaji Yeshwantro from Maharashtra and Naik Chittranjan Debbarma from Tripura. The last rites of Grenadier Raghvendra Singh were held in Nanded today and were attended by Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje. Dholpur (Rajasthan): Last rites of Grenadier Raghvendra Singh, who lost his life in #NagrotaAttack; CM Vasundhara Raje present. pic.twitter.com/Ejlbqocf70 — ANI (@ANI_news) December 1, 2016 × The last rites of rifleman Asin Rai, who was also martyred in the encounter, were held in Bagdogra in West Bengal. Bagdogra (WB): Last rites of Rifleman Asin Rai, who lost his life in #NagrotaAttack. pic.twitter.com/7k6PGItLrz — ANI (@ANI_news) December 1, 2016 × (WION)

Indian Army bravehearts killed in Nagrota terrorist attack cremated with state honours

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Shaharyar Khan said that Islamabad is well within its rights to &quot;push&quot; the BCCI into honouring the Memorandum of Understanding for six bilateral series between the two countries.

He said Pakistan had lost huge revenue due to India&#39;s refusal to play them and that was the reason the matter was also been taken up in the ICC executive board in Cape Town.

Speaking at a media briefing in Islamabad after attending a meeting of the national standing committee on sports, he said, &quot;We are not begging them to play us. Please don&#39;t get that impression. But they (BCCI) signed a proper

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with us to play six bilateral series between 2015 and 2023 and they didn&#39;t meet their commitment.&quot;&nbsp;

Khan, a former career diplomat, said that India owes us at least two home series as the last full bilateral series was played in India in 2007.&nbsp;

Pakistan was to host four series between 2015 and 2023.&nbsp;

According to the MoU signed in 2014 during the ICC meeting, the PCB depended on these series for huge financial boosts.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from PTI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Board chairman Shaharyar Khan said Islamabad is not 'begging' India to play against them but honour the MoU for six bilateral series

Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Shaharyar Khan said that Islamabad is well within its rights to "push" the BCCI into honouring the Memorandum of Understanding for six bilateral series between the two countries. He said Pakistan had lost huge revenue due to India's refusal to play them and that was the reason the matter was also been taken up in the ICC executive board in Cape Town. Speaking at a media briefing in Islamabad after attending a meeting of the national standing committee on sports, he said, "We are not begging them to play us. Please don't get that impression. But they (BCCI) signed a proper Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with us to play six bilateral series between 2015 and 2023 and they didn't meet their commitment." Khan, a former career diplomat, said that India owes us at least two home series as the last full bilateral series was played in India in 2007. Pakistan was to host four series between 2015 and 2023. According to the MoU signed in 2014 during the ICC meeting, the PCB depended on these series for huge financial boosts. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Pakistan Cricket Board: Will push for series against India

Indian shelling across the frontier into Pakistani-controlled Kashmir hit a bus, killing at least nine people and wounding 11, Pakistani officials said, as tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours simmers.&nbsp;

Indian troops attacked the bus &quot;with small and big arms&quot; in the town of Lawat, senior police official Jamil Mir told Reuters.&nbsp;

Pakistan&#39;s military media wing, ISPR, said in a statement that seven people were killed and seven wounded.&nbsp;

Lawat is 100 km (60 miles) northeast of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-held Kashmir, in the upper belt of Neelum Valley that straddles the de facto border splitting Kashmir between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

Indian officials did not comment on the deaths but a military spokesman said the Pakistani Army initiated &quot;indiscriminate&quot; firing on Wednesday morning on Indian Army posts in Bhimber Gali, Krishna Ghati and Nawshera sectors.

Relations between Pakistan and India have been strained for several months, while cross-frontier shelling has intensified leading to deaths of civilians and soldiers stationed along the disputed frontier.&nbsp;

Kashmir lies at the heart of the tension. The countries have fought two of their three wars over the region since partition and independence from Britain in 1947.

The retaliatory attacks come a day after an Indian troop&#39;s body was found mutilated and a further two killed in an ambush attack in Kashmir. &nbsp;The soldiers were ambushed while they were on a patrol duty in the Machil sector of north Kashmir by the Pakistan army.

&quot;Retribution will be heavy for this cowardly act,&quot; the army had said on Tuesday.

Hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbours escalated when four gunmen crossed the Line of Control to launch a deadly attack on an Indian Army installation on September 18. India retaliated by conducting surgical strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Islamabad, however, denied any such attacks.

Since then there have been repeated outbreaks of cross-border firing in Kashmir, with both sides reporting deaths and injuries including of civilians.

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The 'attack' comes a day after an Indian troop's body was found mutilated and a further two were killed in an ambush attack in Kashmir

Indian shelling across the frontier into Pakistani-controlled Kashmir hit a bus, killing at least nine people and wounding 11, Pakistani officials said, as tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours simmers. Indian troops attacked the bus "with small and big arms" in the town of Lawat, senior police official Jamil Mir told Reuters. Pakistan's military media wing, ISPR, said in a statement that seven people were killed and seven wounded. Lawat is 100 km (60 miles) northeast of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-held Kashmir, in the upper belt of Neelum Valley that straddles the de facto border splitting Kashmir between India and Pakistan. Indian officials did not comment on the deaths but a military spokesman said the Pakistani Army initiated "indiscriminate" firing on Wednesday morning on Indian Army posts in Bhimber Gali, Krishna Ghati and Nawshera sectors. Relations between Pakistan and India have been strained for several months, while cross-frontier shelling has intensified leading to deaths of civilians and soldiers stationed along the disputed frontier. Kashmir lies at the heart of the tension. The countries have fought two of their three wars over the region since partition and independence from Britain in 1947. The retaliatory attacks come a day after an Indian troop's body was found mutilated and a further two killed in an ambush attack in Kashmir. The soldiers were ambushed while they were on a patrol duty in the Machil sector of north Kashmir by the Pakistan army. "Retribution will be heavy for this cowardly act," the army had said on Tuesday. Hostilities between the nuclear-armed neighbours escalated when four gunmen crossed the Line of Control to launch a deadly attack on an Indian Army installation on September 18. India retaliated by conducting surgical strikes on terror launchpads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Islamabad, however, denied any such attacks. Since then there have been repeated outbreaks of cross-border firing in Kashmir, with both sides reporting deaths and injuries including of civilians. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

9 killed, 11 injured in Indian shelling across Line of Control, says Pakistan

Four Pakistani civilians, including two children, were killed in heavy Indian firing, Pakistan&#39;s military mouthpiece said Monday.

Six Indian troops were shot dead in retaliatory firing, according to&nbsp;Pakistan&#39;s Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement.

Pakistan&#39;s&nbsp;media reports suggest cross-border shelling in Nakyal sector left two dead and ten injured and&nbsp;another episode&nbsp;of firing claimed lives of two children in Baroh village.

Pakistan&#39;s Foreign Office said it summoned the Indian deputy high commissioner to protest India&#39;s continued&nbsp;shelling along the border.

<figure>
&ldquo;The Deputy High Commissioner was told that the deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas was highly deplorable,&rdquo; added a statement released by the Foreign office.

India has also blamed Pakistan of violating ceasefire, most recently on Sunday when a security personnel was killed in Rajouri sector in Kashmir.

The intense cross-border fighting across the Line of Control -- the de facto boundary dividing India and pakistan -- has claimed lives of 27 people since October 5, according to Pakistan&#39;s&nbsp;State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
</figure>

Nearly 11,000 civilians on Pakistan&#39;s side have been forced to relocate after escalation in hostilities across the India-Pakistan border, Pakistan newspaper The Dawn reported.

India has said that there have been 286 incidents of firing along the LoC and the International Border, that has resulted in deaths of 26 people on their side.

The flare-up across the LoC intensified after&nbsp;September 18, the day when four armed men launched a deadly assault on an Indian army installation in Uri, Kashmir.&nbsp;

(WION)

&nbsp;

Pakistan's military mouthpiece said they retaliated by killing six Indian troops on Monday

Four Pakistani civilians, including two children, were killed in heavy Indian firing, Pakistan's military mouthpiece said Monday. Six Indian troops were shot dead in retaliatory firing, according to Pakistan's Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement. Pakistan's media reports suggest cross-border shelling in Nakyal sector left two dead and ten injured and another episode of firing claimed lives of two children in Baroh village. Pakistan's Foreign Office said it summoned the Indian deputy high commissioner to protest India's continued shelling along the border. “The Deputy High Commissioner was told that the deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas was highly deplorable,” added a statement released by the Foreign office. India has also blamed Pakistan of violating ceasefire, most recently on Sunday when a security personnel was killed in Rajouri sector in Kashmir. The intense cross-border fighting across the Line of Control -- the de facto boundary dividing India and pakistan -- has claimed lives of 27 people since October 5, according to Pakistan's State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). Nearly 11,000 civilians on Pakistan's side have been forced to relocate after escalation in hostilities across the India-Pakistan border, Pakistan newspaper The Dawn reported. India has said that there have been 286 incidents of firing along the LoC and the International Border, that has resulted in deaths of 26 people on their side. The flare-up across the LoC intensified after September 18, the day when four armed men launched a deadly assault on an Indian army installation in Uri, Kashmir. (WION)

Four killed in heavy firing from India's side: Pakistan

An Indian drone was reportedly shot down after it illegally entered into its airspace on Saturday evening, according to Pakistani military.

The drone had intruded 60 metres into Pakistani airspace,&nbsp;Inter-Services Public Relations chief Lt Gen Asim Bajwa tweeted.

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Indian Quad Copter shot down by own Aagahi Post in Rakhchakri Sec.Had intruded 60 Ms in Pak side of LOC,fell near own Agahi Post&amp;taken over
&mdash; Gen Asim Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/AsimBajwaISPR/status/799980832811339776">November 19, 2016</a></blockquote>
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The debris of the drone fell near Aagahi Post, which is located near the Line of Control -- a de facto border dividing India and Pakistan.

However, it is not certain whether the drone belonged to India. New Delhi is yet to comment on the issue.

This is the second time in two years that the Pakistani military establishment has claimed to have downed an Indian drone flying in Pakistani airspace. In July 2015, Pakistan military had made reportedly downed an Indian spy drone along the LoC in Bhimber, according to Pakistani daily Dawn.

Relations between the two south Asian countries are at an all-time low, following the&nbsp;Uri attack in September and the alleged retaliatory surgical strikes from the Indian side a few days later.

On September 18, four heavily-armed men, who India believe were helped by Pakistan,&nbsp;had attacked an Indian military installment, killing more than a dozen Indian soldiers.

In response, India claimed to have&nbsp;conducted&nbsp;surgical strikes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir to dismantle&nbsp;terror camps on September 29.

Around 286 incidents of cross-border violations have been reported since India&#39;s attacks, according to Indian media reports. The heavy fighting has claimed&nbsp;lives of several security personnel and civilians on both sides of the border.

(WION)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The quadcopter had allegedly entered 60 metres into Pakistan's airspace before it was downed

An Indian drone was reportedly shot down after it illegally entered into its airspace on Saturday evening, according to Pakistani military. The drone had intruded 60 metres into Pakistani airspace, Inter-Services Public Relations chief Lt Gen Asim Bajwa tweeted. Indian Quad Copter shot down by own Aagahi Post in Rakhchakri Sec.Had intruded 60 Ms in Pak side of LOC,fell near own Agahi Post&taken over — Gen Asim Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) November 19, 2016 × The debris of the drone fell near Aagahi Post, which is located near the Line of Control -- a de facto border dividing India and Pakistan. However, it is not certain whether the drone belonged to India. New Delhi is yet to comment on the issue. This is the second time in two years that the Pakistani military establishment has claimed to have downed an Indian drone flying in Pakistani airspace. In July 2015, Pakistan military had made reportedly downed an Indian spy drone along the LoC in Bhimber, according to Pakistani daily Dawn. Relations between the two south Asian countries are at an all-time low, following the Uri attack in September and the alleged retaliatory surgical strikes from the Indian side a few days later. On September 18, four heavily-armed men, who India believe were helped by Pakistan, had attacked an Indian military installment, killing more than a dozen Indian soldiers. In response, India claimed to have conducted surgical strikes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir to dismantle terror camps on September 29. Around 286 incidents of cross-border violations have been reported since India's attacks, according to Indian media reports. The heavy fighting has claimed lives of several security personnel and civilians on both sides of the border. (WION)

Indian drone intruded into our airspace, shot down: Pakistani military

The Indian Army has dismissed Pakistan&#39;s claim that 14 of its soldiers were killed by the Pakistan Army on November 14.

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No fatal casualties due to Pak firing on 14,15 or 16 Nov. Pak Army Chief claim of killing Indian soldiers on 14 Nov false.<a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi">@adgpi</a>
&mdash; NorthernComd.IA (@NorthernComd_IA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NorthernComd_IA/status/798958429360439296">November 16, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan daily&nbsp;Dawn reported that Pakistan army chief, Raheel Sharif as saying&nbsp;that 14 Indian soldiers were&nbsp;killed after the Pakistan Army &quot;responded to unprovoked firing&quot;&nbsp;by the Indian forces. Pakistan had said seven of its soldiers were killed in the ceasefire violation by India in the Bhimber sector of the Line of Control on November 14.

&ldquo;The Indian army should man up and accept their losses,&rdquo; Raheel Sharif was quoted as saying by Dawn.&nbsp;

The Indian Army had, however, alleged that the ceasefire violation was initiated by Pakistan.

Relations between the two countries deteriorated in September ever since Pakistani terrorists attacked an army post in Kashmir&#39;s Uri that claimed the lives of 19 soldiers. India retaliated with &quot;surgical strikes&quot; against terrorist launchpads across the LoC the same month.

Both countries have accused each other of violating the ceasefire multiple times ever since. India alleges there have been more that 60 ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops in Jammu and Kashmir since the strikes.&nbsp;

(WION) 
&nbsp;

Pakistan army chief Raheel Sharif had claimed that 14 Indian soldiers were killed after Pakistan ?responded to unprovoked firing?

The Indian Army has dismissed Pakistan's claim that 14 of its soldiers were killed by the Pakistan Army on November 14. No fatal casualties due to Pak firing on 14,15 or 16 Nov. Pak Army Chief claim of killing Indian soldiers on 14 Nov false.@adgpi — NorthernComd.IA (@NorthernComd_IA) November 16, 2016 × Pakistan daily Dawn reported that Pakistan army chief, Raheel Sharif as saying that 14 Indian soldiers were killed after the Pakistan Army "responded to unprovoked firing" by the Indian forces. Pakistan had said seven of its soldiers were killed in the ceasefire violation by India in the Bhimber sector of the Line of Control on November 14. “The Indian army should man up and accept their losses,” Raheel Sharif was quoted as saying by Dawn. The Indian Army had, however, alleged that the ceasefire violation was initiated by Pakistan. Relations between the two countries deteriorated in September ever since Pakistani terrorists attacked an army post in Kashmir's Uri that claimed the lives of 19 soldiers. India retaliated with "surgical strikes" against terrorist launchpads across the LoC the same month. Both countries have accused each other of violating the ceasefire multiple times ever since. India alleges there have been more that 60 ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops in Jammu and Kashmir since the strikes. (WION)

Indian Army denies Pakistan killed 14 of its soldiers

Pakistan violated ceasefire by using mortar shells in Kathua sector in the&nbsp;Indian state of&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir at around 7:20 am today, said Border Security Force (BSF), the border guarding force of India,&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The BSF said that it had retaliated with small arms and that there were no casualties.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakRangers?src=hash">#PakRangers</a> violate ceasefire in RS Pura and Kathua sectors along International Border in J&amp;K: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BSF?src=hash">#BSF</a>.
&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/792196412192632833">October 29, 2016</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a BSF soldier injured during the ceasefire violations by Pakistan&nbsp;in Macchil sector along the&nbsp;Line of Control (LoC) on Friday, also succumbed&nbsp;to his injuries today. This comes a day after Indian Army said that militants mutilated&nbsp;the body of an Indian soldier along the de facto border between the countries.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BSF?src=hash">#BSF</a> jawan Nitin Subhash killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops in Macchil sector along <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LoC?src=hash">#LoC</a>.
&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/792217045035134976">October 29, 2016</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Bloodshed along border

Tensions continue to fester between India and Pakistan. The nuclear-armed neighbours traded accusations of cross-border violations on Friday, international news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Late on Friday night, the Indian Army said that Pakistan had violated ceasefire along the LoC in Sundarbani and Pallanwala sectors in Rajouri and Jammu districts, Indian daily DNA reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Indian troops shelled villages along the LoC in Pak-administered Kashmir on Friday, and killed three civilians, including a young girl, a Pakistani official was quoted as saying by Reuters.

&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Indian officials said two civilians died when Pakistani shells hit India&#39;s side of the contested border.

&nbsp;

A statement released by the Indian Army on Friday evening also said that militants at the LoC mutilated the body of an Indian soldier they had&nbsp;killed before crossing back into Pakistan.

&nbsp;

They did so &quot;supported by covering fire from Pakistan Army posts,&quot; the statement said. &quot;This act will invite an appropriate response.&quot;

&nbsp;

Shelling by both the South Asian countries has been going on since the September 18 Uri attack in Kashmir when 19 Indian soldiers were killed.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Islamabad and New Delhi have also used international platforms to hurl&nbsp;a slew of allegations at each other in the past few weeks.

&nbsp;

On Thursday, each expelled&nbsp;a diplomat from the other country. India accused the Pakistani diplomat of running a spy ring and Pakistan cited &quot;deep concern&quot; about the activities of the Indian diplomat, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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Cross-border shelling by India, Pakistan has been going on since Sep 18 Uri attack that killed 19 Indian soldiers

Pakistan violated ceasefire by using mortar shells in Kathua sector in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir at around 7:20 am today, said Border Security Force (BSF), the border guarding force of India, Indian news agency PTI reported. The BSF said that it had retaliated with small arms and that there were no casualties. #PakRangers violate ceasefire in RS Pura and Kathua sectors along International Border in J&K: #BSF. — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 29, 2016 × Meanwhile, a BSF soldier injured during the ceasefire violations by Pakistan in Macchil sector along the Line of Control (LoC) on Friday, also succumbed to his injuries today. This comes a day after Indian Army said that militants mutilated the body of an Indian soldier along the de facto border between the countries. #BSF jawan Nitin Subhash killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops in Macchil sector along #LoC. — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 29, 2016 × Bloodshed along border Tensions continue to fester between India and Pakistan. The nuclear-armed neighbours traded accusations of cross-border violations on Friday, international news agency Reuters reported. Late on Friday night, the Indian Army said that Pakistan had violated ceasefire along the LoC in Sundarbani and Pallanwala sectors in Rajouri and Jammu districts, Indian daily DNA reported. Indian troops shelled villages along the LoC in Pak-administered Kashmir on Friday, and killed three civilians, including a young girl, a Pakistani official was quoted as saying by Reuters. Meanwhile, Indian officials said two civilians died when Pakistani shells hit India's side of the contested border. A statement released by the Indian Army on Friday evening also said that militants at the LoC mutilated the body of an Indian soldier they had killed before crossing back into Pakistan. They did so "supported by covering fire from Pakistan Army posts," the statement said. "This act will invite an appropriate response." Shelling by both the South Asian countries has been going on since the September 18 Uri attack in Kashmir when 19 Indian soldiers were killed. Islamabad and New Delhi have also used international platforms to hurl a slew of allegations at each other in the past few weeks. On Thursday, each expelled a diplomat from the other country. India accused the Pakistani diplomat of running a spy ring and Pakistan cited "deep concern" about the activities of the Indian diplomat, Reuters reported. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Pakistan accused of fresh ceasefire violations in Jammu, another Indian soldier dies

Pakistan&#39;s Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday said that two Pakistani nationals were killed in firing along the working boundary in the Chaprar sector.

Eight civilians were also injured in the &quot;cross-border firing by the Indian forces&quot;, the ISPR statement said.

Another civilian who was injured by Indian fire on October 25 died from his injuries at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Kharian today, Dawn reported.

Military sources said Pakistani troops had &quot;effectively&quot; hit a number of Indian posts along the Line of Control and working boundary. &quot;Five Indian soldiers have been shot while four Indian posts destroyed in Bhimber sector in exchange of fire since yesterday&rdquo;, the Dawn reported officials as saying.

The director general (South Asia and Saarc) of the Pakistani ministry of foreign affairs summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner JP Singh on Wednesday to lodge a protest against ceasefire violations by Indian forces in the Chaprar and Harpal sectors, and across the Line of Control in the Bhimber sector, a Foreign Office (FO) statement said.

Pakistan&#39;s FO spokesperson Nafees Zakaria last week alleged that India had committed more than 90 ceasefire violations in 2016.

Meanwhile, India&#39;s Border Security Force (BSF) claimed Pakistan had violated the ceasefire in the R S Pura sector along the border in India&#39;s Jammu, killing one BSF soldier on Wednesday.

The Indian army said the Pakistan Rangers have hit civilian areas and Indian paramilitary posts in two sectors, R S Pura and Arnia, with heavy mortar and small arms fire.

&quot;Assistant sub-inspector of BSF A K Upadhayay was injured when a shell exploded near him in RS Pura sector. He received splinter injuries to his hand,&quot; a BSF spokesman said. He later succumbed to his injuries.

He said the BSF gave a &quot;befitting reply&quot; to the Pakistani shooting. No casualties had been reported, but authorities have ordered the closure of schools and advised people to mover to safer ground.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

Pakistan says two civilians were killed in Wednesday's firing, India says Border Security Force soldier killed

Pakistan's Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday said that two Pakistani nationals were killed in firing along the working boundary in the Chaprar sector. Eight civilians were also injured in the "cross-border firing by the Indian forces", the ISPR statement said. Another civilian who was injured by Indian fire on October 25 died from his injuries at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Kharian today, Dawn reported. Military sources said Pakistani troops had "effectively" hit a number of Indian posts along the Line of Control and working boundary. "Five Indian soldiers have been shot while four Indian posts destroyed in Bhimber sector in exchange of fire since yesterday”, the Dawn reported officials as saying. The director general (South Asia and Saarc) of the Pakistani ministry of foreign affairs summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner JP Singh on Wednesday to lodge a protest against ceasefire violations by Indian forces in the Chaprar and Harpal sectors, and across the Line of Control in the Bhimber sector, a Foreign Office (FO) statement said. Pakistan's FO spokesperson Nafees Zakaria last week alleged that India had committed more than 90 ceasefire violations in 2016. Meanwhile, India's Border Security Force (BSF) claimed Pakistan had violated the ceasefire in the R S Pura sector along the border in India's Jammu, killing one BSF soldier on Wednesday. The Indian army said the Pakistan Rangers have hit civilian areas and Indian paramilitary posts in two sectors, R S Pura and Arnia, with heavy mortar and small arms fire. "Assistant sub-inspector of BSF A K Upadhayay was injured when a shell exploded near him in RS Pura sector. He received splinter injuries to his hand," a BSF spokesman said. He later succumbed to his injuries. He said the BSF gave a "befitting reply" to the Pakistani shooting. No casualties had been reported, but authorities have ordered the closure of schools and advised people to mover to safer ground. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India, Pakistan continue blame game over cross-border firing

Many of the &quot;terrorists&quot; arrested by Pakistan in the last three years have links to Indian and Afghan intelligence agencies, according to Pakistan&#39;s Intelligence Bureau.

Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director General Aftab Sultan also said that foreign players and anti-state elements were plotting to botch the lucrative China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Pakistan intelligence agency chief made these comments at a Senate standing committee meeting on Tuesday months after an arrested spy named Kulbhushan Jadhav disclosed his links with Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India&#39;s primary foreign intelligence bureau.&nbsp;

&quot;Out of the 865 terrorists arrested during the last three years, a significant number had connections with India&rsquo;s RAW and the Afghan NDS (National Directorate of Security),&rdquo; said the chief of intelligence agency, Pakistan daily Dawn reported.

He also said they were keeping a &quot;close eye&quot;&nbsp;on the anti-state elements who are keen on sabotaging the multi-billion dollar CPEC project.

&ldquo;We will not allow the militant organizations and foreign intelligence agencies to succeed in their design to sabotage CPEC,&rdquo; Sultan said during the Tuesday meeting, Pakistan daily The Nation reported.

Besides the Indian and Afghan intelligence agencies, the other groups that are a threat to the CPEC project are:&nbsp;Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan ((TTP) Lashker-e-Jhangvi, East Turkmenistan Islamic Movement and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan.

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a $45 billion project that encompasses several development works aimed to augment and refurbish infrastructure in Pakistan. The 3,218 km-long corridor will add 700,000 direct jobs between 2015 and 20130 and boost the domestic economy by 2.5 per cent, according to a <a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/pk/Documents/risk/pak-china-eco-corridor-deloittepk-noexp.pdf">Deloitte report</a>.

Spy&#39;s links with India

Pakistan has long been concerned about India&#39;s involvement in Balochistan.

Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s arrest&nbsp;in March during a raid in Balochistan&#39;s Chaman area&nbsp;was key for Pakistan as he confessed to being a RAW spy and a former Indian Navy officer.&nbsp;

&quot;I am basically the man for Mr Anil Kumar Gupta who is the joint secretary of RAW and his contacts in Pakistan,&quot; he said in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfBGf6mS4es">confessional video</a>.

India admitted Jadhav was a former navy officer but denied his connection with RAW.

(WION)

Pakistan's Intelligence Bureau chief Aftab Sultan also spoke of foreign threat to the lucrative China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

Many of the "terrorists" arrested by Pakistan in the last three years have links to Indian and Afghan intelligence agencies, according to Pakistan's Intelligence Bureau. Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director General Aftab Sultan also said that foreign players and anti-state elements were plotting to botch the lucrative China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Pakistan intelligence agency chief made these comments at a Senate standing committee meeting on Tuesday months after an arrested spy named Kulbhushan Jadhav disclosed his links with Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India's primary foreign intelligence bureau. "Out of the 865 terrorists arrested during the last three years, a significant number had connections with India’s RAW and the Afghan NDS (National Directorate of Security),” said the chief of intelligence agency, Pakistan daily Dawn reported. He also said they were keeping a "close eye" on the anti-state elements who are keen on sabotaging the multi-billion dollar CPEC project. “We will not allow the militant organizations and foreign intelligence agencies to succeed in their design to sabotage CPEC,” Sultan said during the Tuesday meeting, Pakistan daily The Nation reported. Besides the Indian and Afghan intelligence agencies, the other groups that are a threat to the CPEC project are: Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan ((TTP) Lashker-e-Jhangvi, East Turkmenistan Islamic Movement and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a $45 billion project that encompasses several development works aimed to augment and refurbish infrastructure in Pakistan. The 3,218 km-long corridor will add 700,000 direct jobs between 2015 and 20130 and boost the domestic economy by 2.5 per cent, according to a Deloitte report. Spy's links with India Pakistan has long been concerned about India's involvement in Balochistan. Kulbhushan Jadhav's arrest in March during a raid in Balochistan's Chaman area was key for Pakistan as he confessed to being a RAW spy and a former Indian Navy officer. "I am basically the man for Mr Anil Kumar Gupta who is the joint secretary of RAW and his contacts in Pakistan," he said in a confessional video. India admitted Jadhav was a former navy officer but denied his connection with RAW. (WION)

Many terrorists arrested in Pakistan 'have links to Indian, Afghan intelligence agencies', says Pak Intelligence Bureau

Peace talks between Islamabad and New Delhi remain suspended, Pakistan&#39;s top diplomat Sartaj Aziz said on Friday.

&quot;No backdoor diplomacy going on between Pakistan and India,&rdquo; Pakistan Prime Minister&rsquo;s Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told Express News channel.

Aziz also accused India of blaming Pakistan after every terrorist attack in their country &quot;without providing any solid evidence&quot;.

He also refuted reports that Pakistan was marginalised in international fora.

He said Pakistan was moving in the right direction, citing its closeness to China.

The diplomat said Islamabad continues to enjoy good&nbsp;bilateral relations with western countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.

He was responding to queries after a recent newspaper report written by Cyril Almeida suggested that the civilian government feared international isolation if homegrown jihadis were not cracked down by the Pakistani establishment.

&#39;Nervous&#39; India

Pakistan&#39;s Foreign Office also suggested that India&#39;s cross-LoC attack in Pakistan-administered Kashmir late last month was a &quot;diplomatic offensive&quot; to mask its poor human rights record in Kashmir, Dawn reported.

Its&nbsp;spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said India&#39;s &quot;nervousness&quot; was evident during its &quot;ceasefire violations along the LoC (Line of Control is a border that separates India and Pakistan)&quot;.

The Foreign Office put the spotlight on the plight of people residing in India-administered Kashmir, saying: &quot;Kashmiri people have been barred from offering prayers for 17 consecutive weeks.&rdquo;

A wave of violent protests ripped through India&#39;s Kashmir after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed by Indian security forces in a July 8 encounter. More than 80 people have been killed so far in the state, which has been in a shutdown mode for over three months.

(WION)

Pakistan's top diplomat Sartaj Aziz also rejected suggestions that Islamabad had been isolated in international fora

Peace talks between Islamabad and New Delhi remain suspended, Pakistan's top diplomat Sartaj Aziz said on Friday. "No backdoor diplomacy going on between Pakistan and India,” Pakistan Prime Minister’s Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told Express News channel. Aziz also accused India of blaming Pakistan after every terrorist attack in their country "without providing any solid evidence". He also refuted reports that Pakistan was marginalised in international fora. He said Pakistan was moving in the right direction, citing its closeness to China. The diplomat said Islamabad continues to enjoy good bilateral relations with western countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. He was responding to queries after a recent newspaper report written by Cyril Almeida suggested that the civilian government feared international isolation if homegrown jihadis were not cracked down by the Pakistani establishment. 'Nervous' India Pakistan's Foreign Office also suggested that India's cross-LoC attack in Pakistan-administered Kashmir late last month was a "diplomatic offensive" to mask its poor human rights record in Kashmir, Dawn reported. Its spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said India's "nervousness" was evident during its "ceasefire violations along the LoC (Line of Control is a border that separates India and Pakistan)". The Foreign Office put the spotlight on the plight of people residing in India-administered Kashmir, saying: "Kashmiri people have been barred from offering prayers for 17 consecutive weeks.” A wave of violent protests ripped through India's Kashmir after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed by Indian security forces in a July 8 encounter. More than 80 people have been killed so far in the state, which has been in a shutdown mode for over three months. (WION)

India accuses us of every terror attack without solid evidence, says Pak's foreign minister

Chinese analysts believe India&#39;s decision to seal its border with Pakistan reflected a &quot;Cold War mentality&quot;&nbsp;as it would hurt bilateral trade between the two countries, Chinese newspaper Global Times reported.

&quot;India is&nbsp;making a very irrational decision, since no exhaustive investigation has been conducted after the Uri incident, and no evidence proves Pakistan is behind the attack,&quot; Hu Zhiyong, a research fellow of the Institute of International Relations of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, said.

Hu also felt that&nbsp;it was important for the Kashmir issue to be resolved soon.&nbsp;

Wang Dehua, director of the Institute for Southern and Central Asian Studies at the Shanghai Municipal Center for International Studies, also believes that sealing the border would heighten tensions between the countries. &quot;The country&#39;s decision reflects its Cold War mentality, and would only cause deeper hatred among residents living in Indian- and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir,&quot; he said.

He also felt that getting China, Pakistan and India on one side would get difficult in future.

India is planning to completely close its border with Pakistan by December 2018 amid a&nbsp;surge in infiltration bids by jihadis.

Relations between India and Pakistan have hit a new low following the attack on an Indian Army installation in Uri, Kashmir, on September 18. Eighteen soldiers were killed in the attack by four heavily-armed men, who New Delhi believes were supported by Islamabad.

India subsequently conducted surgical strikes to eliminate terror launch pads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on the intervening night of September 28 and 29.

The rising ceasefire violations across the Line of Control (the border separating the two South Asian nations) has been cited by New Delhi as another reason to shut its 3,323-kilometre border. Recently, an unnamed senior Indian Army official said Pakistan was guilty of violating ceasefire 25 times since India launched the surgical strikes in the last week of September.

(WION)

&nbsp;

Chinese analysts reckon New Delhi's 'irrational' decision would hurt bilateral trade and 'cause deeper hatred' among Kashmiris

Chinese analysts believe India's decision to seal its border with Pakistan reflected a "Cold War mentality" as it would hurt bilateral trade between the two countries, Chinese newspaper Global Times reported. "India is making a very irrational decision, since no exhaustive investigation has been conducted after the Uri incident, and no evidence proves Pakistan is behind the attack," Hu Zhiyong, a research fellow of the Institute of International Relations of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, said. Hu also felt that it was important for the Kashmir issue to be resolved soon. Wang Dehua, director of the Institute for Southern and Central Asian Studies at the Shanghai Municipal Center for International Studies, also believes that sealing the border would heighten tensions between the countries. "The country's decision reflects its Cold War mentality, and would only cause deeper hatred among residents living in Indian- and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir," he said. He also felt that getting China, Pakistan and India on one side would get difficult in future. India is planning to completely close its border with Pakistan by December 2018 amid a surge in infiltration bids by jihadis. Relations between India and Pakistan have hit a new low following the attack on an Indian Army installation in Uri, Kashmir, on September 18. Eighteen soldiers were killed in the attack by four heavily-armed men, who New Delhi believes were supported by Islamabad. India subsequently conducted surgical strikes to eliminate terror launch pads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on the intervening night of September 28 and 29. The rising ceasefire violations across the Line of Control (the border separating the two South Asian nations) has been cited by New Delhi as another reason to shut its 3,323-kilometre border. Recently, an unnamed senior Indian Army official said Pakistan was guilty of violating ceasefire 25 times since India launched the surgical strikes in the last week of September. (WION)

India's decision to seal Pakistan border reflects 'Cold War mentality'

The encounter in Pampore town of Indian Kashmir entered the&nbsp;second day on Tuesday (October 11) as security forces continued to fight militants holed up in a government building.

An unspecified number of militants stormed the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) on the outskirts of Pampore town early on Monday (October 10) morning.

Intermittent firing and explosions were heard from inside the building, which was partially damaged by fire. The security forces have cordoned off the area.

An Indian soldier was injured in the gunfight on Monday.

A 48-hour long gun battle took place in the same complex in February this year. Seven people, including a civilian, three paramilitary commandos of the army and three militants were killed in the encounter.

The attack comes amid heightened tension between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan even as repeated ceasefire violations along the border are keeping the province on the edge.

Soldiers last week shot dead three suspected militants who tried to raid an army base in Kupwara district.

There has been a spate in militant attacks since India on September 29 announced surgical strikes against suspected militants attempting to infiltrate from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

(Reuters)

An unspecified number of militants have been holed up in a government building on the outskirts of Pampore, Kashmir

The encounter in Pampore town of Indian Kashmir entered the second day on Tuesday (October 11) as security forces continued to fight militants holed up in a government building. An unspecified number of militants stormed the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) on the outskirts of Pampore town early on Monday (October 10) morning. Intermittent firing and explosions were heard from inside the building, which was partially damaged by fire. The security forces have cordoned off the area. An Indian soldier was injured in the gunfight on Monday. A 48-hour long gun battle took place in the same complex in February this year. Seven people, including a civilian, three paramilitary commandos of the army and three militants were killed in the encounter. The attack comes amid heightened tension between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan even as repeated ceasefire violations along the border are keeping the province on the edge. Soldiers last week shot dead three suspected militants who tried to raid an army base in Kupwara district. There has been a spate in militant attacks since India on September 29 announced surgical strikes against suspected militants attempting to infiltrate from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. (Reuters)

Kashmir: Gunfight between Indian security forces and militants enters second day

Pakistan has said India&#39;s surgical strikes last month were &quot;routine cross-border firing&quot; and that its army had an important role to play when it came to forging a policy for India.

Pakistan&#39;s high commissioner to India Abdul Basit, speaking to Indian newspaper The Times of India, also refuted India&#39;s claim of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani being a terrorist.&nbsp;

Basit said that had India conducted surgical strikes on Pakistani soil, they &nbsp;would have &quot;responded immediately and proportionately&quot;. He also urged India to not create &quot;false expectations&quot; by making tall claims.

&quot;We did not see anything extraordinary on September 29. It was routine cross-LoC firing in which 2 of our soldiers were martyred,&quot; said Basit, who was appointed as the high commissioner to India in 2014.&nbsp;

&quot;If you want to describe this cross-LoC firing as a surgical strike, we cannot stop you,&quot; he told the Indian daily. LoC is an abbreviation of Line of Control, a de facto border that divides Pakistan and India.

Basit also played down any talks of a full-scale war with their neighbours. &quot;I would not like to think along those lines...&nbsp;I would&nbsp;never entertain such thoughts,&quot; he said.

Basit responded to India&#39;s perception of the army in Pakistan having more clout than the civilian government. He justified that since issues related to India are &quot;security related... the army has an important role to play&quot;.

&quot;It (the country&#39;s army) has important inputs to give. So to&nbsp;expect that it will not have any role in Pakistan&#39;s India policy... is incorrect,&quot; the envoy said.

Basit also maintained that there was no rift between the military and the Nawaz Sharif-led government over its future course of action.

Pakistan daily Dawn had reported a few days back that the civilian government wanted to take action against elements who are perceived as terrorists by India and the United States. The report further stated that the government had asked the military not to interfere&nbsp;when it cracked down on such elements.

He also refused to label Burhan Wani as a terrorist. Commander of a militant Kashmiri separatist group, Wani was gunned down by Indian security forces in a July 8 encounter, after which the state of Kashmir witnessed a wave of anti-India protests across the state.

&quot;Are you suggesting that the hundreds of thousands who came out for his funeral were supporting a terrorist?&quot; the diplomat said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Ambassador to the US Jalil Abbas Jilani concurred with Basit, saying that &quot;going to war was not an option at all&quot;.&nbsp;Jilani was speaking to reporters on&nbsp;the sidelines of the annual fall meeting of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

(WION)

Abdul Basit also said the Pakistan military played an 'important role' in forging country's policy towards India

Pakistan has said India's surgical strikes last month were "routine cross-border firing" and that its army had an important role to play when it came to forging a policy for India. Pakistan's high commissioner to India Abdul Basit, speaking to Indian newspaper The Times of India, also refuted India's claim of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani being a terrorist. Basit said that had India conducted surgical strikes on Pakistani soil, they would have "responded immediately and proportionately". He also urged India to not create "false expectations" by making tall claims. "We did not see anything extraordinary on September 29. It was routine cross-LoC firing in which 2 of our soldiers were martyred," said Basit, who was appointed as the high commissioner to India in 2014. "If you want to describe this cross-LoC firing as a surgical strike, we cannot stop you," he told the Indian daily. LoC is an abbreviation of Line of Control, a de facto border that divides Pakistan and India. Basit also played down any talks of a full-scale war with their neighbours. "I would not like to think along those lines... I would never entertain such thoughts," he said. Basit responded to India's perception of the army in Pakistan having more clout than the civilian government. He justified that since issues related to India are "security related... the army has an important role to play". "It (the country's army) has important inputs to give. So to expect that it will not have any role in Pakistan's India policy... is incorrect," the envoy said. Basit also maintained that there was no rift between the military and the Nawaz Sharif-led government over its future course of action. Pakistan daily Dawn had reported a few days back that the civilian government wanted to take action against elements who are perceived as terrorists by India and the United States. The report further stated that the government had asked the military not to interfere when it cracked down on such elements. He also refused to label Burhan Wani as a terrorist. Commander of a militant Kashmiri separatist group, Wani was gunned down by Indian security forces in a July 8 encounter, after which the state of Kashmir witnessed a wave of anti-India protests across the state. "Are you suggesting that the hundreds of thousands who came out for his funeral were supporting a terrorist?" the diplomat said. Meanwhile, Pakistan Ambassador to the US Jalil Abbas Jilani concurred with Basit, saying that "going to war was not an option at all". Jilani was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the annual fall meeting of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. (WION)

Surgical strikes were routine cross-border firing, says Pakistan envoy

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