Actor Sunny Deol's Gadar 2&nbsp;is one of the most anticipated movies of the year. On Wednesday, the trailer of&nbsp;the film was launched at an event in Mumbai. While addressing the media, the actor-turned-politician blamed politics for the hatred between Pakistan and India.

<h2>What did Sunny Deol say?&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</h2>

Speaking to the media, the actor, who is making his on-screen comeback with Gadar 2, said that the people of the neighbouring country have "equal love" for each other. 
 
"It is all not about what to give and what to take, it is about humanity. There shouldn't be any fights. There is equal love on both sides.'' Further speaking in Hindi, Deol added, as per NDTV,&nbsp;''Yeh siyasi khel hota hai jo sab nafratein paida karta hai. (It is the political game that gives birth to hatred), and you will see the same in this film as well.'' 
 
"Janata nahi koi chahti ki ek dusre ke sath hum jhagda kare. (People don't want us to fight with each other). After all, we are from the same land," the actor added.&nbsp;

After teasing the audience with several&nbsp;posters and short glimpses, the makers of Gadar 2 unveiled the trailer for the movie. The trailer showed Sunny reprising his iconic role of Tara Singh and Ameesha Patel as Sakeena,&nbsp;however, the life of the couple turns upside down when their&nbsp;son, played by Utkarsh Sharma, gets stuck in Pakistan. 
&nbsp;

Gadar 2 trailer 
 
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To save the life of his son and bring him back to India, Tara Singh crosses the border once again. The trailer is full of action and thrills.

The movie is a sequel to the 2001 blockbuster romantic action movie Gadar: Ek Prem Katha. The first part was helmed by Anil Sharma and featured Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel in the lead roles.The movie will hit theatres on August 11.

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Actor Sunny Deol's Gadar 2 is one of the most anticipated movies of the year. On Wednesday, the trailer of the film was launched at an event in Mumbai. While addressing the media, the actor-turned-politician blamed politics for the hatred between Pakistan and India.

Actor Sunny Deol's Gadar 2 is one of the most anticipated movies of the year. On Wednesday, the trailer of the film was launched at an event in Mumbai. While addressing the media, the actor-turned-politician blamed politics for the hatred between Pakistan and India. What did Sunny Deol say? Speaking to the media, the actor, who is making his on-screen comeback with Gadar 2, said that the people of the neighbouring country have "equal love" for each other. "It is all not about what to give and what to take, it is about humanity. There shouldn't be any fights. There is equal love on both sides.'' Further speaking in Hindi, Deol added, as per NDTV, ''Yeh siyasi khel hota hai jo sab nafratein paida karta hai. (It is the political game that gives birth to hatred), and you will see the same in this film as well.'' "Janata nahi koi chahti ki ek dusre ke sath hum jhagda kare. (People don't want us to fight with each other). After all, we are from the same land," the actor added. After teasing the audience with several posters and short glimpses, the makers of Gadar 2 unveiled the trailer for the movie. The trailer showed Sunny reprising his iconic role of Tara Singh and Ameesha Patel as Sakeena, however, the life of the couple turns upside down when their son, played by Utkarsh Sharma, gets stuck in Pakistan. Gadar 2 trailer To save the life of his son and bring him back to India, Tara Singh crosses the border once again. The trailer is full of action and thrills. The movie is a sequel to the 2001 blockbuster romantic action movie Gadar: Ek Prem Katha. The first part was helmed by Anil Sharma and featured Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel in the lead roles.The movie will hit theatres on August 11. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sunny Deol reflects on India-Pakistan relations, says 'political game leads to hatred'

The Indian government reportedly informed the Delhi high court that the accidental firing of a BrahMos combat missile into Pakistan last year cost the state exchequer Rs 240 million. On Monday, it also justified the decision of dismissing three Indian Air Force (IAF) officers for gross negligence, Hindustan Times reported.&nbsp;

The government has filed an affidavit regarding Wing Commander Abhinav Sharma's removal from the Indian Air Force as a result of the error. Sharma was one of three IAF officers that were fired.&nbsp;

The centre said that the firing harmed the country's ties with its neighbour. Earlier this year in March, the Union government told the Delhi high court that the misfired BrahMos combat missile could have led to a warlike situation between the two countries.&nbsp;

As quoted by the report, the Union government said, "Considering the sensitive nature of the subject matter having widespread ramifications for the security of the State, a conscious and considered decision was taken in good faith to terminate the service of the petitioner under the President's pleasure clause."

"Such a decision has been taken in the Indian Air Force after 23 years as facts and circumstances of the case warranted such action," it added.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that, in the affidavit, the Centre said that the trial of three officers by a court martial was "inexpedient".&nbsp;

It further added "the international community was interested to know the important practical details regarding the firing of missile".&nbsp;

As quoted by the report, the Union government said: "Considering the sensitive nature of the subject matter having widespread ramifications for the security of the State, a conscious and considered decision was taken in good faith to terminate the service of the petitioner under the President’s pleasure clause. Such a decision has been taken in the Indian Air Force after 23 years as facts and circumstances of the case warranted such action."&nbsp;

Wing Commander Sharma, the petitioner, challenged the termination order issued against him under Section 18 of the Air Force Act of 1950. He was assigned as an engineering officer when the incident occurred.&nbsp;

<h2>'Decision of&nbsp;termination&nbsp;was&nbsp;just'</h2>

The Centre argued that&nbsp;the decision of&nbsp;termination&nbsp;was objective and&nbsp;just. It added that it was absolutely necessary because of the unusual nature of the subject matter.&nbsp;

It stated that, in addition to posing a possible hazard to any airborne/ground object/personnel and inflicting damage to the IAF and the nation's prestige, the&nbsp;firing cost the government money.

The reply mentioned, "It is indeed ironic that the petitioner has attempted to shift his blame to other officers knowing fully well that his failures contributed significantly to the launch of the missile."&nbsp;

The unintentional firing occurred on March 9, 2022, and Pakistan registered a protest with India the next day. According to the defence ministry, the missile was fired unintentionally.&nbsp;

The ministry stated at the time that it was caused by a technical malfunction during standard missile maintenance, and that the government took the event seriously.&nbsp;

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The Indian government reportedly informed the Delhi high court that the accidental firing of a BrahMos combat missile into Pakistan last year cost the state exchequer Rs 240 million.

The Indian government reportedly informed the Delhi high court that the accidental firing of a BrahMos combat missile into Pakistan last year cost the state exchequer Rs 240 million. On Monday, it also justified the decision of dismissing three Indian Air Force (IAF) officers for gross negligence, Hindustan Times reported. The government has filed an affidavit regarding Wing Commander Abhinav Sharma's removal from the Indian Air Force as a result of the error. Sharma was one of three IAF officers that were fired. The centre said that the firing harmed the country's ties with its neighbour. Earlier this year in March, the Union government told the Delhi high court that the misfired BrahMos combat missile could have led to a warlike situation between the two countries. As quoted by the report, the Union government said, "Considering the sensitive nature of the subject matter having widespread ramifications for the security of the State, a conscious and considered decision was taken in good faith to terminate the service of the petitioner under the President's pleasure clause." "Such a decision has been taken in the Indian Air Force after 23 years as facts and circumstances of the case warranted such action," it added. The report mentioned that, in the affidavit, the Centre said that the trial of three officers by a court martial was "inexpedient". It further added "the international community was interested to know the important practical details regarding the firing of missile". As quoted by the report, the Union government said: "Considering the sensitive nature of the subject matter having widespread ramifications for the security of the State, a conscious and considered decision was taken in good faith to terminate the service of the petitioner under the President’s pleasure clause. Such a decision has been taken in the Indian Air Force after 23 years as facts and circumstances of the case warranted such action." Wing Commander Sharma, the petitioner, challenged the termination order issued against him under Section 18 of the Air Force Act of 1950. He was assigned as an engineering officer when the incident occurred. 'Decision of termination was just' The Centre argued that the decision of termination was objective and just. It added that it was absolutely necessary because of the unusual nature of the subject matter. It stated that, in addition to posing a possible hazard to any airborne/ground object/personnel and inflicting damage to the IAF and the nation's prestige, the firing cost the government money. The reply mentioned, "It is indeed ironic that the petitioner has attempted to shift his blame to other officers knowing fully well that his failures contributed significantly to the launch of the missile." The unintentional firing occurred on March 9, 2022, and Pakistan registered a protest with India the next day. According to the defence ministry, the missile was fired unintentionally. The ministry stated at the time that it was caused by a technical malfunction during standard missile maintenance, and that the government took the event seriously. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'BrahMos missile misfiring into Pakistan cost India Rs 240 million'

India has blasted Pakistan over Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto's provocative comments on Kashmir. Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson of India's Ministry of External Affairs, said on Thursday (January 5), that India has several times reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an "inalienable and integral" part of the country. Bagchi was responding to a query on Sharif&nbsp;writing&nbsp;on his official Twitter handle that "peace" and "development" in South Asia are linked to the resolution of the "Kashmir dispute".&nbsp;

From a rise in terrorism to&nbsp;economic challenges, Pakistan is facing multiple crises currently, and instead of focusing on his nation's dire situation, the Pakistani prime minister said that India "must reverse" its actions of August 5, referring to the revocation of the special status of J&amp;K, which took place in 2019 following the removal of Article 370 and Article 35A.&nbsp;

During a press briefing, Bagchi said, "We've reiterated multiple times that J&amp;K is an inalienable and integral part of India. Article 370 is entirely a matter of India as well as our Constitution and it's a sovereign matter. We don't see what their locus is on this and so such interference does not help at all and it does not succeed."&nbsp;

Watch his address here:&nbsp;

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This is not the first time when Pakistan leadership has tried to wade into Kashmir issue, Shehbaz had also launched an anti-India tirade at the 77th session of UNGA last year when he was urging for help after the unprecedented floods in Pakistan and their disastrous impact on the residents.&nbsp;

But he then switched to Kashmir and said that "sustainable peace and stability in South Asia, however, remains contingent upon a just and lasting solution to Jammu &amp; Kashmir dispute."

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India has blasted Pakistan over Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto's provocative comments on Kashmir. Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson of India's Ministry of External Affairs, said on Thursday (January 5), that India has several times reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an "inalienable and integral" part of the country.

India has blasted Pakistan over Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto's provocative comments on Kashmir. Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson of India's Ministry of External Affairs, said on Thursday (January 5), that India has several times reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an "inalienable and integral" part of the country. Bagchi was responding to a query on Sharif writing on his official Twitter handle that "peace" and "development" in South Asia are linked to the resolution of the "Kashmir dispute". From a rise in terrorism to economic challenges, Pakistan is facing multiple crises currently, and instead of focusing on his nation's dire situation, the Pakistani prime minister said that India "must reverse" its actions of August 5, referring to the revocation of the special status of J&K, which took place in 2019 following the removal of Article 370 and Article 35A. During a press briefing, Bagchi said, "We've reiterated multiple times that J&K is an inalienable and integral part of India. Article 370 is entirely a matter of India as well as our Constitution and it's a sovereign matter. We don't see what their locus is on this and so such interference does not help at all and it does not succeed." Watch his address here: × This is not the first time when Pakistan leadership has tried to wade into Kashmir issue, Shehbaz had also launched an anti-India tirade at the 77th session of UNGA last year when he was urging for help after the unprecedented floods in Pakistan and their disastrous impact on the residents. But he then switched to Kashmir and said that "sustainable peace and stability in South Asia, however, remains contingent upon a just and lasting solution to Jammu & Kashmir dispute." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH: India slams Pakistan over PM Shehbaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto's remarks on Kashmir

In a letter congratulating Pakistan's New Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Indian PM Narendra Modi has asked him to build "normal neighbourly relations" between the two countries which will be for "the benefit of the region".&nbsp;

The letter was sent last week after PM Sharif took charge as the new Pakistani prime minister after Imran Khan lost a vote of confidence in the National Assembly.&nbsp;

The letter sent on April 12 called for "constructive engagement" reminding the Pakistani side that "India remains committed to advancing peace, security and prosperity in the region".&nbsp;

By protocol and tradition, Indian PMs have written/spoken to the incoming leader of Pakistan. In 2013, the then Indian PM Manmohan Singh had written to then-PM Nawaz Sharif and in 2019, PM Modi had spoken to then-PM Imran Khan after his victory in the elections.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/pm-modi-pak-pm-shehbaz-sharif-to-meet-in-tashkent-471798">PM Modi, Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif to meet in Tashkent?</a>

PM Modi in the letter to the new Pakistani PM also raised the issue of terror calling for "an environment free of terror and violence" which would allow "us to focus our attention on the development and progress of our people".&nbsp;

New Delhi has multiple times raised the issue of cross border terrorism from Pakistan and Islamabad's support to anti-India terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.&nbsp;

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Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif had reciprocated and written back to PM Modi on Saturday (April 16). In his letter, PM Sharif had called for "meaningful engagement" between the two countries but linked it with the "resolution of all outstanding disputes, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir".&nbsp;

While the comments on Kashmir are a reiteration of Islamabad's long-standing policy, the lack of rhetoric seen under Imran Khan's Prime Ministership could become an opening for any future peace talks.

In the letter, Shehbaz Sharif, who has also been the longest-serving chief minister of Pakistan's Punjab province said, "We believe that peaceful and cooperative ties between Pakistan and India are imperative for progress and socio-economic uplift of our people and the region".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/gujarat-first-stop-on-uk-pm-boris-johnsons-india-visit-india-highly-valued-strategic-partner-for-the-uk-471574">Gujarat first stop on UK PM Boris Johnson's India visit: 'India highly valued strategic partner for the UK'</a>

In the letter mentioning the issue of terror, he said, "our sacrifices and contribution in fighting and eliminating terrorism are well known and globally acknowledged."&nbsp;

Since taking charge, both sides have seen exchanges on Twitter as well. On April 11 PM Modi had tweeted a congratulatory message to Sharif, who had reciprocated with a message stating that Pakistan desires peaceful and cooperative ties with India, on April 12.&nbsp;

No formal talks have happened between India and Pakistan for years now. After India removed special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan had suspended train and road linkages and recalled its envoy.&nbsp;

Currently, Indian and Pakistani missions in their respective countries work at half the strength and at the deputy envoy level. Pakistan also suspended trade ties, barring Pharma products.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;'All outstanding issues must be solved via dialogue,' Pakistan PM Sharif writes to Indian PM Modi

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In a letter congratulating Pakistan's New Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Indian PM Narendra Modi has asked him to build "normal neighbourly relations" between the two countries which will be for "the benefit of the region".

In a letter congratulating Pakistan's New Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Indian PM Narendra Modi has asked him to build "normal neighbourly relations" between the two countries which will be for "the benefit of the region". The letter was sent last week after PM Sharif took charge as the new Pakistani prime minister after Imran Khan lost a vote of confidence in the National Assembly. The letter sent on April 12 called for "constructive engagement" reminding the Pakistani side that "India remains committed to advancing peace, security and prosperity in the region". By protocol and tradition, Indian PMs have written/spoken to the incoming leader of Pakistan. In 2013, the then Indian PM Manmohan Singh had written to then-PM Nawaz Sharif and in 2019, PM Modi had spoken to then-PM Imran Khan after his victory in the elections. ALSO READ | PM Modi, Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif to meet in Tashkent? PM Modi in the letter to the new Pakistani PM also raised the issue of terror calling for "an environment free of terror and violence" which would allow "us to focus our attention on the development and progress of our people". New Delhi has multiple times raised the issue of cross border terrorism from Pakistan and Islamabad's support to anti-India terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif had reciprocated and written back to PM Modi on Saturday (April 16). In his letter, PM Sharif had called for "meaningful engagement" between the two countries but linked it with the "resolution of all outstanding disputes, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir". While the comments on Kashmir are a reiteration of Islamabad's long-standing policy, the lack of rhetoric seen under Imran Khan's Prime Ministership could become an opening for any future peace talks. In the letter, Shehbaz Sharif, who has also been the longest-serving chief minister of Pakistan's Punjab province said, "We believe that peaceful and cooperative ties between Pakistan and India are imperative for progress and socio-economic uplift of our people and the region". ALSO READ | Gujarat first stop on UK PM Boris Johnson's India visit: 'India highly valued strategic partner for the UK' In the letter mentioning the issue of terror, he said, "our sacrifices and contribution in fighting and eliminating terrorism are well known and globally acknowledged." Since taking charge, both sides have seen exchanges on Twitter as well. On April 11 PM Modi had tweeted a congratulatory message to Sharif, who had reciprocated with a message stating that Pakistan desires peaceful and cooperative ties with India, on April 12. No formal talks have happened between India and Pakistan for years now. After India removed special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan had suspended train and road linkages and recalled its envoy. Currently, Indian and Pakistani missions in their respective countries work at half the strength and at the deputy envoy level. Pakistan also suspended trade ties, barring Pharma products. WATCH | 'All outstanding issues must be solved via dialogue,' Pakistan PM Sharif writes to Indian PM Modi ×

PM Narendra Modi asks Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif to 'build normal neighbourly relations'

India is&nbsp;considering reopening the Kartarpur corridor ahead of Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab on November 19.

Gurupurab is is the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru and founder of Sikhism - Guru Nanak. The corridor was suspended in March last year when India had shut its border as the COVID-19&nbsp;crisis spread across the world.&nbsp;

Sources said, "India is considering opening&nbsp;the Kartarpur corridor". The corridor provides rare visa-free travel from India to Pakistan and vice versa for pilgrims to pray at the holy Gurudwara Darbar Sahib.

The Gurudwara is considered to be one of the holiest places in Sikhism. It is&nbsp;believed to be the final resting place of Guru Nanak. The 4.7 km long corridor was opened with much fanfare on November 9, 2019 on Gurpurab.&nbsp;

The development comes even as India is slowly opening up for international travellers as the COVID-19&nbsp;crisis abates and vaccination increases. On Monday, India opened for foreign tourists after twenty&nbsp;months.​

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Delhi had called on PM Modi for the opening of the corridor.&nbsp;Party chief Paramjit Singh Sarna said, "we have a very strong feeling that the central government will generously accept our demands for the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib passage".

India is considering reopening the Kartarpur corridor ahead of Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab on November 19. Gurupurab is is the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru and founder of Sikhism - Guru Nanak.

India is considering reopening the Kartarpur corridor ahead of Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab on November 19. Gurupurab is is the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru and founder of Sikhism - Guru Nanak. The corridor was suspended in March last year when India had shut its border as the COVID-19 crisis spread across the world. Sources said, "India is considering opening the Kartarpur corridor". The corridor provides rare visa-free travel from India to Pakistan and vice versa for pilgrims to pray at the holy Gurudwara Darbar Sahib. The Gurudwara is considered to be one of the holiest places in Sikhism. It is believed to be the final resting place of Guru Nanak. The 4.7 km long corridor was opened with much fanfare on November 9, 2019 on Gurpurab. The development comes even as India is slowly opening up for international travellers as the COVID-19 crisis abates and vaccination increases. On Monday, India opened for foreign tourists after twenty months. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Delhi had called on PM Modi for the opening of the corridor. Party chief Paramjit Singh Sarna said, "we have a very strong feeling that the central government will generously accept our demands for the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib passage".

India considering reopening Kartarpur corridor

Pakistan's parliament reverberated with "Modi, Modi" chants as foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was speaking on the issue of cartoon row in France. | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pulwama-was-great-achievement-under-imran-khans-leadership-admits-pak-minister-fawad-choudhry-338807">Also Read:&nbsp;Pulwama was great achievement under Imran Khan's leadership, admits Pak minister</a>

Balochistan MPs began raising Modi chants as Qureshi was speaking even as the opposition repeatedly disrupted his speech.

Watch:

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Qureshi could not ignore the chants and pointed to PML-N's Khawaja Asif saying that "it seems Narendra Modi's soul has entered in him".

Pakistan's foreign minister has been at the centre of controversy after PML(N) leader Ayaz Sadiq said that Qureshi in a meeting had pointed out that if Pakistan did not release India's IAF pilot <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-was-scared-of-indian-attack-truth-behind-abhinandans-release-revealed-338667">Abhinandan</a> Varthaman, India would attack Pakistan that night "by 9 pm."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bajwas-legs-were-shaking-who-is-pmln-leader-ayaz-sadiq-338795">Also Read:&nbsp;'Bajwa's legs were shaking': Who is PML(N) leader Ayaz Sadiq?</a>

Sadiq said the meeting included PPP and PML-N leaders as "Chief of Army Staff General Bajwa came into the room, his legs were shaking and he was perspiring". Pakistan PM Imran Khan had refused to attend the meeting.

Wing Commander Varthaman's MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft was shot down by Pakistan's F-16 fighter during a dog fight on February 27 last year. Pakistan later returned Abhinandan to India who came back from the Attari-Wagah border on March 1, 2019.

Pakistan's parliament reverberated with "Modi, Modi" chants as foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was speaking on the issue of cartoon row in France. | Also Read: Pulwama was great achievement under Imran Khan's leadership, admits Pak minister Balochistan MPs began raising Modi chants as Qureshi was speaking even as the opposition repeatedly disrupted his speech.

Pakistan's parliament reverberated with "Modi, Modi" chants as foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was speaking on the issue of cartoon row in France. | Also Read: Pulwama was great achievement under Imran Khan's leadership, admits Pak minister Balochistan MPs began raising Modi chants as Qureshi was speaking even as the opposition repeatedly disrupted his speech. Watch: Qureshi could not ignore the chants and pointed to PML-N's Khawaja Asif saying that "it seems Narendra Modi's soul has entered in him". Pakistan's foreign minister has been at the centre of controversy after PML(N) leader Ayaz Sadiq said that Qureshi in a meeting had pointed out that if Pakistan did not release India's IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, India would attack Pakistan that night "by 9 pm." Also Read: 'Bajwa's legs were shaking': Who is PML(N) leader Ayaz Sadiq? Sadiq said the meeting included PPP and PML-N leaders as "Chief of Army Staff General Bajwa came into the room, his legs were shaking and he was perspiring". Pakistan PM Imran Khan had refused to attend the meeting. Wing Commander Varthaman's MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft was shot down by Pakistan's F-16 fighter during a dog fight on February 27 last year. Pakistan later returned Abhinandan to India who came back from the Attari-Wagah border on March 1, 2019.

'Modi, Modi' chants in Pakistan Parliament as Qureshi speaks

Two Pakistan High Commission officials caught red-handed trying to source information as part of espionage will be crossing border later today. They were declared persona non grata on Sunday by India for spying in the country.

Watch Video:&nbsp;

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The two&nbsp;officials of Pakistani High Commission, Abdi Hussain Abid, aged 42 and Tahir Khan, aged 44 were nabbed in a restaurant in Delhi's Karol Bagh while trying to source sensitive document on a specific tip. A trap was laid and they were apprehended. They had come in a diplomatic car of Pakistan mission and visuals showed a broken windshield of the vehicle.

WION had accessed exclusive video of the operation which was carried out on Sunday. In the video, Abid can be seen crossing the road while Tahir keeping an eye from a distance.&nbsp;

WION was the first channel to break the story on Sunday evening and had also reported how they had roamed around with fake Indian identity. The authorities recovered a fake Aadhar card by the name of Nazir Gotam, resident of Geeta Colony. Other than this, authorities recovered two&nbsp;Apple iPhone and Rs 15,000 in cash.

Explaining how two&nbsp;officials were apprehended by "Indian law enforcement authorities for indulging in espionage activities" the ministry of external affairs in a release said, "the government has declared both these officials persona non grata for indulging in activities incompatible with their status as members of a diplomatic mission and asked them to leave the country within 24&nbsp;hours."

The Pakistani &nbsp;Charge de Affaires was issued a demarche in which India strongly protested "with regard to the activities of these officials" and "asked to ensure that no member of its diplomatic mission should indulge in activities inimical to India or behave in a manner incompatible with their diplomatic status."

Last time such an incident happened was in 2016.Back in 2016, India had declared one Pakistani high commission official Mehmood Akhtar as persona non grata after being apprehended by Indian law enforcement authorities while receiving sensitive documents.

Abid Hussain Abid (42 year) and resident of Shekhpura, Punjab, Pakistan and Mohd Tahir (44 yrs) is resident of F-11/6, Islamabad, Pakistan.

According to Indian government in a statement made in Parliament on December 2016, during his interrogation, Akhtar revealed that he belonged to Baloch Regiment of Pakistan Army and had joined Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) on deputation. He was posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi since September 2013.

The Pakistan High Commissioner was summoned by the Foreign Secretary with India registering a strong protest on the activities of Mehmood Akhtar.

That day itself, in an apparent tit-for-tat, Pakistan declared an Assistant Personnel and Welfare Officer in the Indian High Commission in Islamabad Surjeet Singh as persona non-grata.

Two Pakistan High Commission officials caught red-handed trying to source information as part of espionage will be crossing border later today. They were declared persona non grata on Sunday by India for spying in the country.

Two Pakistan High Commission officials caught red-handed trying to source information as part of espionage will be crossing border later today. They were declared persona non grata on Sunday by India for spying in the country. Watch Video: The two officials of Pakistani High Commission, Abdi Hussain Abid, aged 42 and Tahir Khan, aged 44 were nabbed in a restaurant in Delhi's Karol Bagh while trying to source sensitive document on a specific tip. A trap was laid and they were apprehended. They had come in a diplomatic car of Pakistan mission and visuals showed a broken windshield of the vehicle. WION had accessed exclusive video of the operation which was carried out on Sunday. In the video, Abid can be seen crossing the road while Tahir keeping an eye from a distance. WION was the first channel to break the story on Sunday evening and had also reported how they had roamed around with fake Indian identity. The authorities recovered a fake Aadhar card by the name of Nazir Gotam, resident of Geeta Colony. Other than this, authorities recovered two Apple iPhone and Rs 15,000 in cash. Explaining how two officials were apprehended by "Indian law enforcement authorities for indulging in espionage activities" the ministry of external affairs in a release said, "the government has declared both these officials persona non grata for indulging in activities incompatible with their status as members of a diplomatic mission and asked them to leave the country within 24 hours." The Pakistani Charge de Affaires was issued a demarche in which India strongly protested "with regard to the activities of these officials" and "asked to ensure that no member of its diplomatic mission should indulge in activities inimical to India or behave in a manner incompatible with their diplomatic status." Last time such an incident happened was in 2016.Back in 2016, India had declared one Pakistani high commission official Mehmood Akhtar as persona non grata after being apprehended by Indian law enforcement authorities while receiving sensitive documents. Abid Hussain Abid (42 year) and resident of Shekhpura, Punjab, Pakistan and Mohd Tahir (44 yrs) is resident of F-11/6, Islamabad, Pakistan. According to Indian government in a statement made in Parliament on December 2016, during his interrogation, Akhtar revealed that he belonged to Baloch Regiment of Pakistan Army and had joined Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) on deputation. He was posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi since September 2013. The Pakistan High Commissioner was summoned by the Foreign Secretary with India registering a strong protest on the activities of Mehmood Akhtar. That day itself, in an apparent tit-for-tat, Pakistan declared an Assistant Personnel and Welfare Officer in the Indian High Commission in Islamabad Surjeet Singh as persona non-grata.

Pakistan espionage case: Expelled officials to cross Wagha-Attari border

India has registered strong protests with Islamabad after Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) vessel attacked two Indian fishing boats on Sunday.

The incident took place off the coast of Gujarat at the international maritime border and during the attack one Indian fisherman was injured.&nbsp;

The ministry of external affairs in a note verbale condemned the "deplorable and unprofessional act" by the PMSA vessel, calling it a contravention of international laws. New Delhi in the note verbale asked Pakistan to desist from such acts.

Pakistan Maritime Security Agency is a uniform service branch within the Pakistan Navy and looks after the country's maritime interests. The vessel attacked two Indian fishing boats--Omkar and Mahasagar.

Earlier in the day, India had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-demarches-pakistan-over-killing-of-civilians-in-ceasefire-violations-292312">demarched </a>Pakistan over the killing of three of its civilians in ceasefire violations. Pakistan in ceasefire violation on April 12 in Chowkibal and Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir had killed three Indian civilians including a women and a minor child.

India in its demarche said, that killing goes beyond "humanitarian norms and professional military conduct" and called on Islamabad to "desist from such acts immediately."Pakistan in ceasefire violation had killed 34-year-old Shamima Begum, 17-year-old Javid Ahmad Khan of Reddi Chowkibal and 8-year old Zeeshan Bashir, resident of Tumna.

Even as the world is coordinating a global response on COVID-19 crisis, Pakistan has been increasingly belligerent and has tried to increase tension in the region. The increased ceasefire violation has been a continues affair in last few months and week.

India has registered strong protests with Islamabad after Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) vessel attacked two Indian fishing boats on Sunday. The incident took place off the coast of Gujarat at the international maritime border and during the attack one Indian fisherman was injured.

India has registered strong protests with Islamabad after Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) vessel attacked two Indian fishing boats on Sunday. The incident took place off the coast of Gujarat at the international maritime border and during the attack one Indian fisherman was injured. The ministry of external affairs in a note verbale condemned the "deplorable and unprofessional act" by the PMSA vessel, calling it a contravention of international laws. New Delhi in the note verbale asked Pakistan to desist from such acts. Pakistan Maritime Security Agency is a uniform service branch within the Pakistan Navy and looks after the country's maritime interests. The vessel attacked two Indian fishing boats--Omkar and Mahasagar. Earlier in the day, India had demarched Pakistan over the killing of three of its civilians in ceasefire violations. Pakistan in ceasefire violation on April 12 in Chowkibal and Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir had killed three Indian civilians including a women and a minor child. India in its demarche said, that killing goes beyond "humanitarian norms and professional military conduct" and called on Islamabad to "desist from such acts immediately."Pakistan in ceasefire violation had killed 34-year-old Shamima Begum, 17-year-old Javid Ahmad Khan of Reddi Chowkibal and 8-year old Zeeshan Bashir, resident of Tumna. Even as the world is coordinating a global response on COVID-19 crisis, Pakistan has been increasingly belligerent and has tried to increase tension in the region. The increased ceasefire violation has been a continues affair in last few months and week.

India slams Pakistan after its vessels attack Indian fishing boats

India has demarche Pakistan over the killing of three of its civilians in ceasefire violations. Pakistan in ceasefire violation on April 12 in Chowkibal and Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir had killed three Indian civilians including a women and a minor child.

India in its demarche said, that killing goes beyond "humanitarian norms and professional military conduct" and called on Islamabad to "desist from such acts immediately."

Pakistan in ceasefire violation had killed 34-year-old Shamima Begum, 17-year-old Javid Ahmad Khan of Reddi Chowkibal and 8-year old Zeeshan Bashir, resident of Tumna.

India also called Pakistan to "adhere" to the 2003 ceasefire Understanding.

India has demarche Pakistan over the killing of three of its civilians in ceasefire violations. Pakistan in ceasefire violation on April 12 in Chowkibal and Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir had killed three Indian civilians including a women and a minor child.

India has demarche Pakistan over the killing of three of its civilians in ceasefire violations. Pakistan in ceasefire violation on April 12 in Chowkibal and Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir had killed three Indian civilians including a women and a minor child. India in its demarche said, that killing goes beyond "humanitarian norms and professional military conduct" and called on Islamabad to "desist from such acts immediately." Pakistan in ceasefire violation had killed 34-year-old Shamima Begum, 17-year-old Javid Ahmad Khan of Reddi Chowkibal and 8-year old Zeeshan Bashir, resident of Tumna. India also called Pakistan to "adhere" to the 2003 ceasefire Understanding.

India demarches Pakistan over killing of civilians in ceasefire violations

India should move <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-slams-india-calling-talks-167114">to resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue</a>, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday.&nbsp;

His remarks came a day after six civilians were killed after an explosive went off at an encounter site in Kulgam district of South Kashmir.

"Strongly condemn the new cycle of killings of innocent Kashmiris...By Indian security forces," Khan tweeted.

"It is time India realise it must move to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue in accordance with the UN SC resolutions &amp; the wishes of the Kashmiri people," he said.&nbsp;

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Strongly condemn the new cycle of killings of innocent Kashmiris in IOK by Indian security forces. It is time India realised it must move to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue in accordance with the UN SC resolutions &amp; the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1054232985317318656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Three militants were killed Sunday in an encounter with security forces in Kulgam district, while six civilians lost their lives in a blast following the gunfight there.&nbsp;

It is not the first time Khan has spoken about Kashmir.

In September, New Delhi called off a meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan, citing killings of Indian security personnel by Pakistan-based entities and the release of Pakistani postage stamps "glorifying a terrorist and terrorism".&nbsp;

In his victory speech after the July elections, Khan expressed his willingness to improve Pakistan's ties with India and said that his government would like the leaders of the two sides to resolve all disputes, including the core issue of Kashmir, through talks.&nbsp;

He said good India-Pakistan relations will be beneficial for the entire region.

India maintains that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and Pakistan is in illegal occupation of a part of the state's territory.

India should move to resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday. His remarks came a day after six civilians were killed after an explosive went off at an encounter site in Kulgam district of South Kashmir.

India should move to resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday. His remarks came a day after six civilians were killed after an explosive went off at an encounter site in Kulgam district of South Kashmir. "Strongly condemn the new cycle of killings of innocent Kashmiris...By Indian security forces," Khan tweeted. "It is time India realise it must move to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue in accordance with the UN SC resolutions & the wishes of the Kashmiri people," he said. Strongly condemn the new cycle of killings of innocent Kashmiris in IOK by Indian security forces. It is time India realised it must move to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue in accordance with the UN SC resolutions & the wishes of the Kashmiri people. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 22, 2018 × Three militants were killed Sunday in an encounter with security forces in Kulgam district, while six civilians lost their lives in a blast following the gunfight there. It is not the first time Khan has spoken about Kashmir. In September, New Delhi called off a meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan, citing killings of Indian security personnel by Pakistan-based entities and the release of Pakistani postage stamps "glorifying a terrorist and terrorism". In his victory speech after the July elections, Khan expressed his willingness to improve Pakistan's ties with India and said that his government would like the leaders of the two sides to resolve all disputes, including the core issue of Kashmir, through talks. He said good India-Pakistan relations will be beneficial for the entire region. India maintains that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and Pakistan is in illegal occupation of a part of the state's territory.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan again calls for dialogue with India to resolve Kashmir issue

Pakistan on Thursday asked India to take steps to resume bilateral talks instead of issuing "provocative" statements.

Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal made the remarks in response to a query about Home Minister Rajnath Singh's statement that India will not open fire first, but if Pakistan does so, it would unleash a volley of fire.

"India should walk the talk and refrain from provocative statements. Our armed forces practice restraint but have the capacity and are ever vigilant to give a befitting response to any threat to the motherland," Faisal said.

He claimed that India was violating the ceasefire agreement and 23 civilians were killed so far in 2018 and more than 100 others injured in over 1,000 ceasefire violations.

To a question, he said that "there is no confirmation of any hand-shake or a formal meeting" between Prime Ministers of Pakistan and India during the recently concluded CHOGM meet in London.

He also confirmed that Pakistani troops will be part of military exercises under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation ambit along with other members including India.&nbsp

To a question, Faisal said that US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Alice Wells, was in Islamabad earlier this week for talks and Pakistan briefed her about the situation in Kashmir as well as there was discussion about Afghanistan.

He said Pakistan's relations with Russia were constantly improving as evident from recent visits by Foreign Minister, Chief of Army Staff and National Security Adviser to Russia

Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal made the remarks in response to a query about Home Minister Rajnath Singh's statement that India will not open fire first, but if Pakistan does so, it would unleash a volley of fire

Pakistan on Thursday asked India to take steps to resume bilateral talks instead of issuing "provocative" statements. Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal made the remarks in response to a query about Home Minister Rajnath Singh's statement that India will not open fire first, but if Pakistan does so, it would unleash a volley of fire. "India should walk the talk and refrain from provocative statements. Our armed forces practice restraint but have the capacity and are ever vigilant to give a befitting response to any threat to the motherland," Faisal said. He claimed that India was violating the ceasefire agreement and 23 civilians were killed so far in 2018 and more than 100 others injured in over 1,000 ceasefire violations. To a question, he said that "there is no confirmation of any hand-shake or a formal meeting" between Prime Ministers of Pakistan and India during the recently concluded CHOGM meet in London. He also confirmed that Pakistani troops will be part of military exercises under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation ambit along with other members including India. To a question, Faisal said that US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Alice Wells, was in Islamabad earlier this week for talks and Pakistan briefed her about the situation in Kashmir as well as there was discussion about Afghanistan. He said Pakistan's relations with Russia were constantly improving as evident from recent visits by Foreign Minister, Chief of Army Staff and National Security Adviser to Russia

Pakistan urges India to take steps for bilateral talks

India is expected to continue with its diplomatic offensive against Pakistan on the issue of terrorism originating from there when it plays host to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and leaders of Brazil and South Africa at the Summit of five-nation BRICS grouping here on Sunday.

Even preceding the BRICS Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to raise these issues with Putin and Xi on Saturday when a series of bilateral meetings are slated at the seaside venue.

With the summit&nbsp;taking place within weeks of Uri terror strike by Pak-based terrorists, India will be forceful in its demand at BRICS Summit, which will also have a BIMSTEC outreach meet, for intensified efforts to tackle terrorism including action against countries providing safe havens to terrorists and arming them.

India has made strong references both at UNGA as well as G-20 regarding Pakistan&#39;s continued support to cross-border terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, without naming Pakistan at G-20, had said that &quot;one single nation in South Asia&quot; is spreading &quot;agents of terror&quot; in the region and it must be isolated while External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the UNGA had said confessions of captured terrorists involved in terror strikes in India including in Uri &quot;is a living proof of Pakistan&#39;s complicity in cross-border terror&quot;.

Apart from the heads of governments of BRICS to attend the Summit on October 16, Prime Ministers of Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar (State Counsellor) will be here to participate in the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach meet.

New Delhi will also make all out efforts to revive Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) when Prime Ministers of Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar (State Counsellor) attend the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach meet.

This also assumes significance given the collapse of recent SAARC Summit after four countries apart from India pulled out of the meet to be hosted by Pakistan over the issue of cross-border terrorism, maintaining that environment was not conducive to hold such an event.

Indian officials have made it clear that India&#39;s effort would be to have strong language in the BRICS outcome document on terrorism including how to deal with countries that provide sanctuaries, safe havens and finances.&nbsp;

&quot;Terrorism is a global problem. It cannot be tackled individually and has to be tackled collectively. We cannot have a differential policy towards terrorism. There is no good terrorist or bad terrorist. So, these are the issues on which there will reiteration of national positions,&quot; Secretary (Economic Relations) in External Affairs Ministry Amar Sinha had said.

During the meeting of NSAs of BRICS grouping, India had strongly pitched that action should not only be taken against sources of finances but also sources from where terrorists get arms and ammunition.

Three MoUs including those on cooperation in the area of environment and customs have been agreed upon by the BRICS countries, Sinha had said, adding the pact pertaining to customs will help in breaking the trade barriers between these countries.

The other key issues to be taken up during these significant diplomatic outreach events include cooperation in areas of economy, tourism, connectivity, cultural, education and sports.

The main BRICS Summit on October 16 will begin with a photo opportunity followed by restricted talks between the leaders and later a meeting of business captains from the member-countries. In the second half, after the speech of the leaders, there will be BRICS and BIMSTEC retreat. 
&nbsp;

Security situation in Afghanistan, Syria and Sudan is also expected to be discussed when the BRICS leaders take up important regional and international issues.&nbsp;

(PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to raise the issue with Russian President Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping

India is expected to continue with its diplomatic offensive against Pakistan on the issue of terrorism originating from there when it plays host to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and leaders of Brazil and South Africa at the Summit of five-nation BRICS grouping here on Sunday. Even preceding the BRICS Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to raise these issues with Putin and Xi on Saturday when a series of bilateral meetings are slated at the seaside venue. With the summit taking place within weeks of Uri terror strike by Pak-based terrorists, India will be forceful in its demand at BRICS Summit, which will also have a BIMSTEC outreach meet, for intensified efforts to tackle terrorism including action against countries providing safe havens to terrorists and arming them. India has made strong references both at UNGA as well as G-20 regarding Pakistan's continued support to cross-border terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, without naming Pakistan at G-20, had said that "one single nation in South Asia" is spreading "agents of terror" in the region and it must be isolated while External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the UNGA had said confessions of captured terrorists involved in terror strikes in India including in Uri "is a living proof of Pakistan's complicity in cross-border terror". Apart from the heads of governments of BRICS to attend the Summit on October 16, Prime Ministers of Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar (State Counsellor) will be here to participate in the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach meet. New Delhi will also make all out efforts to revive Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) when Prime Ministers of Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar (State Counsellor) attend the BRICS-BIMSTEC outreach meet. This also assumes significance given the collapse of recent SAARC Summit after four countries apart from India pulled out of the meet to be hosted by Pakistan over the issue of cross-border terrorism, maintaining that environment was not conducive to hold such an event. Indian officials have made it clear that India's effort would be to have strong language in the BRICS outcome document on terrorism including how to deal with countries that provide sanctuaries, safe havens and finances. "Terrorism is a global problem. It cannot be tackled individually and has to be tackled collectively. We cannot have a differential policy towards terrorism. There is no good terrorist or bad terrorist. So, these are the issues on which there will reiteration of national positions," Secretary (Economic Relations) in External Affairs Ministry Amar Sinha had said. During the meeting of NSAs of BRICS grouping, India had strongly pitched that action should not only be taken against sources of finances but also sources from where terrorists get arms and ammunition. Three MoUs including those on cooperation in the area of environment and customs have been agreed upon by the BRICS countries, Sinha had said, adding the pact pertaining to customs will help in breaking the trade barriers between these countries. The other key issues to be taken up during these significant diplomatic outreach events include cooperation in areas of economy, tourism, connectivity, cultural, education and sports. The main BRICS Summit on October 16 will begin with a photo opportunity followed by restricted talks between the leaders and later a meeting of business captains from the member-countries. In the second half, after the speech of the leaders, there will be BRICS and BIMSTEC retreat. Security situation in Afghanistan, Syria and Sudan is also expected to be discussed when the BRICS leaders take up important regional and international issues. (PTI)

India expected to continue diplomatic offensive against Pak terror at BRICS summit

India&#39;s defence minister Manohar Parrikar today said it would take &quot;some days&quot; to secure the release of the Army jawan who &quot;inadvertently&quot; crossed over into Pakistan because of the prevailing tensions between the two South Asian countries.

&nbsp;

The minister, however, assured that a &quot;well-established mechanism&quot; had been activated to bring the soldier back, Indian news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The army jawan, Chandu Babulal Chavan, from 37 Rashtriya Rifles (a branch of the Indian Army under the authority of the Indian ministry of Defence) had crossed over to the other side of the Line of Control on September 30.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;He had crossed over which happens in border areas. There is a well-established mechanism through DGMO (Director General of Military Operations) which has been activated. Since the situation is tense right now, it will take some days to bring the soldier back,&quot; the minister, while inaugurating a cleanliness drive, said.

&nbsp;

Parrikar also said that people should remain alert and report anything unusual to the police.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Indian Army on Thursday announced that it had conducted surgical strikes on five terrorist launchpads across the Line of Control in Pakistan-administered Kashmir killing several militants.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistan, however, denied the strikes and instead claimed it had captured one Indian soldier while he was trying to cross the LoC during cross-border shelling. Pakistani media also quoted the country&#39;s security forces as saying that eight Indian soldiers had been killed in the cross-border firing.

&nbsp;

The Indian army dismissed these claims, stating that that there was no relation between the surgical strikes and the soldier crossing the border the next day.

&nbsp;

&quot;Such inadvertent crossing by army and civilians are not unusual on either side. They are returned through existing mechanisms,&quot; the Indian Army had said in an official statement.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India&#39;s surgical strikes were a direct response to the attack by Pakistani militants in Uri on September 18 that claimed the lives of 19 soldiers.

&nbsp;

After an increase in derogatory comments between the two sides, Parrikar on Saturday likened Pakistan to a patient under the influence of anaesthesia. &nbsp;&quot;It is just like anaesthesia. When anaesthesia is given, you don&#39;t realise the surgery is over. It&#39;s been two days and Pakistan has still no idea what has happened,&quot; he had said.

&nbsp;

Indian interior minister Rajnath Singh had called up the family of the solider on Friday and assured them that efforts are being made to secure his release.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Chavan&#39;s grandmother had passed away after hearing the news of his crossing over to Pakistan, according to local media reports.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged fresh fire across their border on Saturday even as UN chief Ban Ki-moon offered to mediate. However, there were no reports of activity on Sunday.

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

India says the soldier was captured after he 'inadvertently' crossed over into the Pakistani side of the Line of Control

India's defence minister Manohar Parrikar today said it would take "some days" to secure the release of the Army jawan who "inadvertently" crossed over into Pakistan because of the prevailing tensions between the two South Asian countries. The minister, however, assured that a "well-established mechanism" had been activated to bring the soldier back, Indian news agency PTI reported. The army jawan, Chandu Babulal Chavan, from 37 Rashtriya Rifles (a branch of the Indian Army under the authority of the Indian ministry of Defence) had crossed over to the other side of the Line of Control on September 30. "He had crossed over which happens in border areas. There is a well-established mechanism through DGMO (Director General of Military Operations) which has been activated. Since the situation is tense right now, it will take some days to bring the soldier back," the minister, while inaugurating a cleanliness drive, said. Parrikar also said that people should remain alert and report anything unusual to the police. Indian Army on Thursday announced that it had conducted surgical strikes on five terrorist launchpads across the Line of Control in Pakistan-administered Kashmir killing several militants. Pakistan, however, denied the strikes and instead claimed it had captured one Indian soldier while he was trying to cross the LoC during cross-border shelling. Pakistani media also quoted the country's security forces as saying that eight Indian soldiers had been killed in the cross-border firing. The Indian army dismissed these claims, stating that that there was no relation between the surgical strikes and the soldier crossing the border the next day. "Such inadvertent crossing by army and civilians are not unusual on either side. They are returned through existing mechanisms," the Indian Army had said in an official statement. India's surgical strikes were a direct response to the attack by Pakistani militants in Uri on September 18 that claimed the lives of 19 soldiers. After an increase in derogatory comments between the two sides, Parrikar on Saturday likened Pakistan to a patient under the influence of anaesthesia. "It is just like anaesthesia. When anaesthesia is given, you don't realise the surgery is over. It's been two days and Pakistan has still no idea what has happened," he had said. Indian interior minister Rajnath Singh had called up the family of the solider on Friday and assured them that efforts are being made to secure his release. Chavan's grandmother had passed away after hearing the news of his crossing over to Pakistan, according to local media reports. Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged fresh fire across their border on Saturday even as UN chief Ban Ki-moon offered to mediate. However, there were no reports of activity on Sunday. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Will take few days to secure release of soldier who crossed into Pakistan: India's defence minister

At a joint press briefing organised by the Indian defence and foreign ministries, the director general of military operations (DGMO) and the spokesperson for the Indian foreign ministry said today that the Indian army conducted a &quot;surgical strike&quot; last night on &quot;five terrorist launchpads&quot; across the line of control dividing India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

The DGMO, Lt General Ranbir Singh, said the strike had caused &quot;significant&quot; casualties, that he had called his Pakistani counterpart &mdash;&nbsp;as is protocol &mdash; to inform him of the operation, and that the operation was no longer active.&nbsp;

But sources told WION the strikes were carried out on eight different terrorist hideouts across five launchpads (used to cross over to the Indian side), that 38 terrorists were killed in under one hour, and that Indian army special forces had been paradropped onto the hideouts which were between 500 mts to 2 kms across the LoC.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash">#IndianArmy</a> conducted surgical strikes y&#39;day, to foil infiltration attempts; resulting in significant casualties to terrorists: DGMO <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi">@adgpi</a> <a href="https://t.co/mkv6FmdhMY">pic.twitter.com/mkv6FmdhMY</a>
&mdash; PIB India (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/781400640954126336">September 29, 2016</a></blockquote>
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ANI reported that the operation lasted from 12.30 am to 4.30 am.&nbsp;

On the Pakistani side, the Dawn newspaper said the Pakistani army &quot;rubbishes reports&quot; of an Indian surgical strike. The Pakistani army said instead that there had &quot;cross-border fire initiated and conducted by India&quot;, and that two Pakistani army men had died in the firing.&nbsp;

ANI quoted the Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as saying, &quot;We condemn this attack, our desire for peace should not be interpreted as our weakness.&quot;&nbsp;

And that &quot;we are ready for the safety and defence of our country&quot;.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Army also dismissed India&#39;s statements, saying it is a &quot;lie&quot;.&nbsp;

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Indian claim that terrorist launching pad in Pakistan were targeted is lie: Pakistan Army.
&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/781475274579779585">September 29, 2016</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Pakistan&#39;s&nbsp;Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) also refuted India&#39;s claim, saying &quot;the notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by India&nbsp;to create false effects&quot;.

&quot;This quest by Indian establishment to create media hype by rebranding cross-border fire as surgical strike is fabrication of truth. Pakistan has made it clear that if there is a surgical strike on Pakistani soil, same will be strongly responded,&quot; said the ISPR in a statement, Geo News reported.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISPR?src=hash">#ISPR</a> says there was no <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/surgicalstrike?src=hash">#surgicalstrike</a> by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash">#India</a>, instead there had been cross border fire initiated by India. <a href="https://t.co/bXr7qWo8qz">pic.twitter.com/bXr7qWo8qz</a>
&mdash; PTV World (@WorldPTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/WorldPTV/status/781424905413943296">September 29, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Later, ISPR said two of their army personnel were killed in a heavy exchange of firing between India and Pakistan troops along the border.&nbsp;&ldquo;Pakistani troops befittingly responded to Indian unprovoked firing on the LoC in Bhimber, Hotspring Kel and Lipa sectors,&quot; a statement released by ISPR said.

Hours after the attack, India&#39;s home minister Rajnath Singh phoned Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and urged him to quickly start evacuating people living in villages that lie within ten kilometres of the international border. Schools and other establishments located close to the border have also been asked&nbsp;to shut down. The Indian state of Punjab is bordered by Pakistan to the west.

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Punjab: Villages near Attari sector being evacuated after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SurgicalStrike?src=hash">#SurgicalStrike</a> conducted by Indian Army. <a href="https://t.co/ma9D7SMCp2">pic.twitter.com/ma9D7SMCp2</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/781461020329902080">29 September 2016</a></blockquote>
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On September 18, eighteen Indian soldiers had died in a terror attack on an army camp in Uri, Kashmir. The attack was blamed on terrorists sent in from Pakistan, and the Indian Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi had at the time assured the Indian public that the country would respond at a &quot;time and place of its choosing&quot;.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Indian stock indices fell sharply as news of the strikes broke. The Sensex fell 465 points to 27,955 and the Nifty fell 108 points to 8,637.&nbsp;The Indian rupee also slid 49 paise (intra-day) against the US dollar&nbsp;to trade at 66.95.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange also took a 500-point hit after the news broke.

(WION)

WION has learnt that 38 terrorists were killed in under an hour in the midnight operation

At a joint press briefing organised by the Indian defence and foreign ministries, the director general of military operations (DGMO) and the spokesperson for the Indian foreign ministry said today that the Indian army conducted a "surgical strike" last night on "five terrorist launchpads" across the line of control dividing India and Pakistan. The DGMO, Lt General Ranbir Singh, said the strike had caused "significant" casualties, that he had called his Pakistani counterpart — as is protocol — to inform him of the operation, and that the operation was no longer active. But sources told WION the strikes were carried out on eight different terrorist hideouts across five launchpads (used to cross over to the Indian side), that 38 terrorists were killed in under one hour, and that Indian army special forces had been paradropped onto the hideouts which were between 500 mts to 2 kms across the LoC. #IndianArmy conducted surgical strikes y'day, to foil infiltration attempts; resulting in significant casualties to terrorists: DGMO @adgpi pic.twitter.com/mkv6FmdhMY — PIB India (@PIB_India) September 29, 2016 × ANI reported that the operation lasted from 12.30 am to 4.30 am. On the Pakistani side, the Dawn newspaper said the Pakistani army "rubbishes reports" of an Indian surgical strike. The Pakistani army said instead that there had "cross-border fire initiated and conducted by India", and that two Pakistani army men had died in the firing. ANI quoted the Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as saying, "We condemn this attack, our desire for peace should not be interpreted as our weakness." And that "we are ready for the safety and defence of our country". The Pakistan Army also dismissed India's statements, saying it is a "lie". Indian claim that terrorist launching pad in Pakistan were targeted is lie: Pakistan Army. — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 29, 2016 × Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) also refuted India's claim, saying "the notion of surgical strike linked to alleged terrorists bases is an illusion being deliberately generated by India to create false effects". "This quest by Indian establishment to create media hype by rebranding cross-border fire as surgical strike is fabrication of truth. Pakistan has made it clear that if there is a surgical strike on Pakistani soil, same will be strongly responded," said the ISPR in a statement, Geo News reported. #ISPR says there was no #surgicalstrike by #India, instead there had been cross border fire initiated by India. pic.twitter.com/bXr7qWo8qz — PTV World (@WorldPTV) September 29, 2016 × Later, ISPR said two of their army personnel were killed in a heavy exchange of firing between India and Pakistan troops along the border. “Pakistani troops befittingly responded to Indian unprovoked firing on the LoC in Bhimber, Hotspring Kel and Lipa sectors," a statement released by ISPR said. Hours after the attack, India's home minister Rajnath Singh phoned Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and urged him to quickly start evacuating people living in villages that lie within ten kilometres of the international border. Schools and other establishments located close to the border have also been asked to shut down. The Indian state of Punjab is bordered by Pakistan to the west. Punjab: Villages near Attari sector being evacuated after #SurgicalStrike conducted by Indian Army. pic.twitter.com/ma9D7SMCp2 — ANI (@ANI_news) 29 September 2016 × On September 18, eighteen Indian soldiers had died in a terror attack on an army camp in Uri, Kashmir. The attack was blamed on terrorists sent in from Pakistan, and the Indian Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi had at the time assured the Indian public that the country would respond at a "time and place of its choosing". Meanwhile, the Indian stock indices fell sharply as news of the strikes broke. The Sensex fell 465 points to 27,955 and the Nifty fell 108 points to 8,637. The Indian rupee also slid 49 paise (intra-day) against the US dollar to trade at 66.95. The Pakistan Stock Exchange also took a 500-point hit after the news broke. (WION)

India conducts surgical strikes in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, Pakistan denies

As tensions continue to mount between India and Pakistan in the wake of September 18 terror attack on an Indian army base in Uri sector of Kashmir, China has assured unequivocal support to Pakistan against &quot;foreign aggression&rdquo;, Pakistan daily Dawn has reported.&nbsp; 
 
&ldquo;In case of any [foreign] aggression our country will extend its full support to Pakistan,&rdquo; consul general of China in Pakistan city of &nbsp;Lahore,Yu Boren, was quoted as saying by Punjab chief minister&#39;s office on Friday. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Beijing&#39;s top diplomat conveyed the message during a meeting with Punjab&nbsp;chief minister Shahbaz Sharif.&nbsp; 
 
According to press release issued by the chief minister&#39;s office, &nbsp;China also supports Pakistan&#39;s stance on Kashmir dispute.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;We are and will be siding with Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. There is no justification for atrocities on unarmed Kashmiris in (India)-held Kashmir and the Kashmir dispute should be solved in accordance with aspirations of the Kashmiris,&quot; Yu said, according to the report.&nbsp; 
 
The $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic border (CPEC) was another key issue discussed during the meet. According to the CM office, CPEC passes through a part of the disputed region in India because of which India has raised objections over the project.&nbsp; 
 
The Uri attack has triggered a fresh war of words between India and Pakistan. While India has blamed Pakistan for the militant attack on the army base in Uri that killed at least 18 Indian soldiers, Pakistan, denied the allegations and lashed out at India for pinning the blame without any proper investigation.&nbsp; 
 
(WION with inputs from PTI)

The remark by a top Beijing diplomat comes amid mounting tensions between India, Pakistan after the Uri attack

As tensions continue to mount between India and Pakistan in the wake of September 18 terror attack on an Indian army base in Uri sector of Kashmir, China has assured unequivocal support to Pakistan against "foreign aggression”, Pakistan daily Dawn has reported. “In case of any [foreign] aggression our country will extend its full support to Pakistan,” consul general of China in Pakistan city of Lahore,Yu Boren, was quoted as saying by Punjab chief minister's office on Friday. Beijing's top diplomat conveyed the message during a meeting with Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif. According to press release issued by the chief minister's office, China also supports Pakistan's stance on Kashmir dispute. "We are and will be siding with Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. There is no justification for atrocities on unarmed Kashmiris in (India)-held Kashmir and the Kashmir dispute should be solved in accordance with aspirations of the Kashmiris," Yu said, according to the report. The $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic border (CPEC) was another key issue discussed during the meet. According to the CM office, CPEC passes through a part of the disputed region in India because of which India has raised objections over the project. The Uri attack has triggered a fresh war of words between India and Pakistan. While India has blamed Pakistan for the militant attack on the army base in Uri that killed at least 18 Indian soldiers, Pakistan, denied the allegations and lashed out at India for pinning the blame without any proper investigation. (WION with inputs from PTI)

China assures Pakistan of support against 'foreign aggression'

The Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Thursday rejected the Indian authorities blaming Islamabad for the Uri terror strike as &quot;unfounded, baseless and uninvestigated&quot; accusations. 
 
&quot;Minutes after the attack, the Indian authorities blamed Pakistan for the incident without even investigating the matter. I would like to refer you to Adviser Sartaj Aziz&#39;s recent statement that &#39;it is either a strategy or a matter of habit on their part to blame Pakistan for any incident in India, especially in the Kashmir Valley&#39;.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;We totally reject these unfounded, baseless and uninvestigated accusations levelled against Pakistan,&quot; said MoFA spokesperson Nafees Zakaria during a weekly media briefing. 
 
When a reporter asked about the military movement/preparedness on the Line of Control (LoC), especially when there are reports of Pakistan&#39;s airspace closing down in the northern areas, and reports about India&#39;s military repositioning at Uri, the spokesman said: &quot;You referred to some exercises on Pakistan&#39;s side. Let me tell you that these are routine exercises. With regard to the other part of your question, we have seen all those inflammatory and irresponsible statements emanating from India coupled with hype created by the Indian media. Pakistan is a peace loving country, and we pursue our Prime Minister&#39;s vision of peaceful neighbourhood. Having said that let me be clear that our armed forces and the entire nation of Pakistan remain ready to defend our country&#39;s sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs. They were part of routine exercises, which we undertake regularly.&quot; 
 
Responding to a question on whether there is any chance of Pakistan taking part in the investigation of the Uri attack, &quot;You have seen our spirit of cooperation. When the Indians approached us with the formal requests in the case of Mumbai attacks, we extended full cooperation despite the fact that it was India, which was lacking in terms of responding to Pakistan&#39;s requirements. In case of Pathankot attack, we also sent our team over there. Thus, we have extended cooperation in the two instances.&quot; 
 
Asked about some media reports that India may not turn up at the upcoming SAARC Summit, he said, &quot;About participation in SAARC, what you are referring to are media reports, on which I would not comment. We have not received any official intimation in this regard.&quot; 
 
He said he was not aware of any official intimation regarding Prime Minster Narendra Modi&#39;s not attending the upcoming SAARC Summit. Talking about the Pakistani police&#39;s apprehending a number of terrorists allegedly with Indian-made weapons, he said, &quot;We have been consistently highlighting India&#39;s role in subversive and terrorist activities in Pakistan. You may recall that few months back, our law enforcement agencies apprehended a RAW operative who confessed Indian role in terrorist activities in Pakistan especially in Balochistan and Karachi.&quot; 
 
&quot;The recent statement by the Indian Prime Minister on the Independence Day of India was yet another proof of Indian involvement in perpetrating terrorism and terror financing in Pakistan. We have shared dossiers last year with the UN Secretary General as well as the US Government in this regard. We will keep the international community informed regarding fresh evidences, indicating Indian involvement in subversive and terrorist activities in Pakistan.&quot; 
 
Answering a question on BLA chief Brahamdagh Bugti seeking asylum in India, the MoFA spokesman said, &quot;We have seen the media reports in this regard, such developments add to the fact that India is deeply involved in stirring up situation in Balochistan through terror financing and perpetrating terrorism in Pakistan.&quot; 
 
Reacting to US Congressmen like Bob Corner and State officials like spokesperson Richard Olson being critical of Pakistan, he said, &quot;Where there are numerous friends of Pakistan in the US ranks, there are some odd detractors as well. Pakistan&#39;s leadership has, time and again, reiterated our resolve not to allow anyone to use Pakistan&#39;s territory for planning or staging terrorist activities against any other country. Through successful operation Zarb-e-Azb, we have been able to clear FATA of all terrorist groups without discrimination. As part of the National Action Plan, Pakistan has also carried out intelligence-driven law enforcement operations indiscriminately against terrorist elements. There is widespread recognition and appreciation of the world, including the US, on Pakistan&#39;s successes as well as our sacrifices in the counterterrorism efforts.&quot; 
 
When asked how many countries were supporting Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, Zakaria said, &quot;A large number of countries have supported Pakistan on Kashmir. OIC alone is a conglomerate of 57 countries, which has supported Kashmiris&#39; indigenous struggle in unequivocal terms. I would also refer to Premier Li Keqiang&#39;s statement of yesterday, in which he has reassured Pakistan of China&#39;s full support on our stance on Kashmir, and has called on the international community to recognise the severity of the issue. The Italian Defence Minister, on her recent visit to Pakistan, condemned atrocities in Kashmir. She stressed that her country would not tolerate such incidents of gross human rights violations, and would take steps to sensitise people around the world about the grave situation in Kashmir.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
(ANI)

'It is either a strategy or a matter of habit on their part to blame Pakistan for any incident in India, especially in the Kashmir Valley'

The Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Thursday rejected the Indian authorities blaming Islamabad for the Uri terror strike as "unfounded, baseless and uninvestigated" accusations. "Minutes after the attack, the Indian authorities blamed Pakistan for the incident without even investigating the matter. I would like to refer you to Adviser Sartaj Aziz's recent statement that 'it is either a strategy or a matter of habit on their part to blame Pakistan for any incident in India, especially in the Kashmir Valley'. "We totally reject these unfounded, baseless and uninvestigated accusations levelled against Pakistan," said MoFA spokesperson Nafees Zakaria during a weekly media briefing. When a reporter asked about the military movement/preparedness on the Line of Control (LoC), especially when there are reports of Pakistan's airspace closing down in the northern areas, and reports about India's military repositioning at Uri, the spokesman said: "You referred to some exercises on Pakistan's side. Let me tell you that these are routine exercises. With regard to the other part of your question, we have seen all those inflammatory and irresponsible statements emanating from India coupled with hype created by the Indian media. Pakistan is a peace loving country, and we pursue our Prime Minister's vision of peaceful neighbourhood. Having said that let me be clear that our armed forces and the entire nation of Pakistan remain ready to defend our country's sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs. They were part of routine exercises, which we undertake regularly." Responding to a question on whether there is any chance of Pakistan taking part in the investigation of the Uri attack, "You have seen our spirit of cooperation. When the Indians approached us with the formal requests in the case of Mumbai attacks, we extended full cooperation despite the fact that it was India, which was lacking in terms of responding to Pakistan's requirements. In case of Pathankot attack, we also sent our team over there. Thus, we have extended cooperation in the two instances." Asked about some media reports that India may not turn up at the upcoming SAARC Summit, he said, "About participation in SAARC, what you are referring to are media reports, on which I would not comment. We have not received any official intimation in this regard." He said he was not aware of any official intimation regarding Prime Minster Narendra Modi's not attending the upcoming SAARC Summit. Talking about the Pakistani police's apprehending a number of terrorists allegedly with Indian-made weapons, he said, "We have been consistently highlighting India's role in subversive and terrorist activities in Pakistan. You may recall that few months back, our law enforcement agencies apprehended a RAW operative who confessed Indian role in terrorist activities in Pakistan especially in Balochistan and Karachi." "The recent statement by the Indian Prime Minister on the Independence Day of India was yet another proof of Indian involvement in perpetrating terrorism and terror financing in Pakistan. We have shared dossiers last year with the UN Secretary General as well as the US Government in this regard. We will keep the international community informed regarding fresh evidences, indicating Indian involvement in subversive and terrorist activities in Pakistan." Answering a question on BLA chief Brahamdagh Bugti seeking asylum in India, the MoFA spokesman said, "We have seen the media reports in this regard, such developments add to the fact that India is deeply involved in stirring up situation in Balochistan through terror financing and perpetrating terrorism in Pakistan." Reacting to US Congressmen like Bob Corner and State officials like spokesperson Richard Olson being critical of Pakistan, he said, "Where there are numerous friends of Pakistan in the US ranks, there are some odd detractors as well. Pakistan's leadership has, time and again, reiterated our resolve not to allow anyone to use Pakistan's territory for planning or staging terrorist activities against any other country. Through successful operation Zarb-e-Azb, we have been able to clear FATA of all terrorist groups without discrimination. As part of the National Action Plan, Pakistan has also carried out intelligence-driven law enforcement operations indiscriminately against terrorist elements. There is widespread recognition and appreciation of the world, including the US, on Pakistan's successes as well as our sacrifices in the counterterrorism efforts." When asked how many countries were supporting Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, Zakaria said, "A large number of countries have supported Pakistan on Kashmir. OIC alone is a conglomerate of 57 countries, which has supported Kashmiris' indigenous struggle in unequivocal terms. I would also refer to Premier Li Keqiang's statement of yesterday, in which he has reassured Pakistan of China's full support on our stance on Kashmir, and has called on the international community to recognise the severity of the issue. The Italian Defence Minister, on her recent visit to Pakistan, condemned atrocities in Kashmir. She stressed that her country would not tolerate such incidents of gross human rights violations, and would take steps to sensitise people around the world about the grave situation in Kashmir." (ANI)

India blaming Islamabad for Uri strike 'unfounded, uninvestigated' accusations: Pakistan ministry of foreign affairs

India today hoped that the bill introduced by two senior American lawmakers in the US House of Representatives to designate Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism, will be treated with &quot;utmost seriousness&quot;. 
 
External affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup also said India has raised with China the recent Uri attack and Pakistan&#39;s involvement in it as well as the issue of UN designation for Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar by the 1267 Sanctions Committee. 
 
Replying to a query on the &#39;Pakistan State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation Act (HR 6069)&#39; bill by two US Senators, Swarup said, &quot;It reflects the acknowledgement in the US Congress that a country to which the US had channelled so much aid is actually the epicentre of terrorism which has also targeted Americans and American interests. 
 
&quot;The US Congress has also blocked USD 300 million aid to Pakistan under the Coalition Support Fund (CSF) due to Pakistan&#39;s insufficient action against the dreaded Haqqani network. Earlier, the US Congress had also objected to the sale of F-16s (planes) to Pakistan. 
 
&quot;The present bill has been introduced by two of the seniormost and highly respected members of the Congress and I am sure it will be treated with utmost seriousness.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
The bill has been moved by Republican Ted Poe and Democrat Dana Rohrabacher, who is a ranking member of the influential Congressional Committee on Terrorism. 
 
&quot;It is time we stopped paying Pakistan for its betrayal and designate it for what it is: a state sponsor of terrorism,&quot; said Poe, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Terrorism. 
 
Swarup also mentioned that India has taken up with China the Uri attack and banning of Azhar. However, he did not elaborate further. It is understood that the issues have been taken at the &quot;diplomatic level&quot;. China had blocked India&#39;s effort to get Azhar, a Mumbai terror attack mastermind, banned by the UN. 
 
Reacting to reports that Russia has cancelled the joint exercise with Pakistan in PoK, he said India&#39;s &quot;sensitivities&quot; towards Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism are well-known and same was also conveyed to its strategic partner, Russia. 
 
(PTI)

US House of Representatives introduced the 'Pakistan State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation Act' on September 21, days after the Uri attack

India today hoped that the bill introduced by two senior American lawmakers in the US House of Representatives to designate Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism, will be treated with "utmost seriousness". External affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup also said India has raised with China the recent Uri attack and Pakistan's involvement in it as well as the issue of UN designation for Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar by the 1267 Sanctions Committee. Replying to a query on the 'Pakistan State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation Act (HR 6069)' bill by two US Senators, Swarup said, "It reflects the acknowledgement in the US Congress that a country to which the US had channelled so much aid is actually the epicentre of terrorism which has also targeted Americans and American interests. "The US Congress has also blocked USD 300 million aid to Pakistan under the Coalition Support Fund (CSF) due to Pakistan's insufficient action against the dreaded Haqqani network. Earlier, the US Congress had also objected to the sale of F-16s (planes) to Pakistan. "The present bill has been introduced by two of the seniormost and highly respected members of the Congress and I am sure it will be treated with utmost seriousness." The bill has been moved by Republican Ted Poe and Democrat Dana Rohrabacher, who is a ranking member of the influential Congressional Committee on Terrorism. "It is time we stopped paying Pakistan for its betrayal and designate it for what it is: a state sponsor of terrorism," said Poe, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Terrorism. Swarup also mentioned that India has taken up with China the Uri attack and banning of Azhar. However, he did not elaborate further. It is understood that the issues have been taken at the "diplomatic level". China had blocked India's effort to get Azhar, a Mumbai terror attack mastermind, banned by the UN. Reacting to reports that Russia has cancelled the joint exercise with Pakistan in PoK, he said India's "sensitivities" towards Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism are well-known and same was also conveyed to its strategic partner, Russia. (PTI)

India hopes bill to designate Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism will be treated with 'utmost seriousness'

Amid growing strain in ties, India today summoned Pakistani envoy Abdul Basit and issued a strong demarche over Pakistan&#39;s continued support to cross-border terrorism in Kashmir, which has fuelled unrest in the Valley. 
 
Indian foreign secretary S Jaishankar called Basit to his south block office and lodged a strong protest over the issue as he made a specific reference to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist and Pakistani national Bahadur Ali, who was captured recently in north Kashmir during an encounter. 
 
Jaishankar called in the Pakistan envoy and issued a strong demarche on continuing cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. 
 
&quot;Demarche made specific reference to LeT terrorist and Pak national Bahadur Ali who was apprehended recently,&quot; foreign ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. 
 
Ali, born in the Zia Bagga village of Pakistan, was arrested by Indian authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on July 25 with weapons (AK 47 rifle, live rounds, grenades, grenade launcher etc) as also sophisticated communication equipment and other material of Pakistani/ international origin, according to the demarche issued to Basit. 
 
&quot;Bahadur Ali has confessed to our authorities that after training in Lashkar-e-Toiba camps, he was infiltrated into India. He was thereafter in touch with an &#39;operations room&#39; of LeT, receiving instructions to attack Indian security personnel and carry out other terrorist attacks in India,&quot; it said. 
 
Basit&#39;s summoning comes on a day when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to people of Kashmir, which has been witnessing widespread unrest for over a month triggered by the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with the security forces. As many as 55 people have lost their lives in these incidents of violence. The ties between India and Pakistan have seen growing bitterness after Pakistan and its Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made provocative statements on the Kashmir situation in the wake of Wani&#39;s killing on July 8. 
 
Not only did Sharif praise Wani and hailed him as a &quot;martyr&quot; but he also asserted &quot;Kashmir will one day become Pakistan&quot;, a comment which evoked a sharp reaction from Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj, who said his dream of the state becoming a part of his country &quot;will not be realised even at the end of eternity&quot;. 
 
The chill in bilateral relations was on full display during Indian interior minister Rajnath Singh&#39;s visit to Islamabad for a SAARC ministerial meet last week when he and his Pakistani counterpart Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan not only avoided a proper handshake but Singh also left without attending the lunch hosted by Khan. 
 
(PTI) 
&nbsp;

'Demarche made specific reference to LeT terrorist Bahadur Ali who was apprehended recently,' foreign ministry spokesperson said

Amid growing strain in ties, India today summoned Pakistani envoy Abdul Basit and issued a strong demarche over Pakistan's continued support to cross-border terrorism in Kashmir, which has fuelled unrest in the Valley. Indian foreign secretary S Jaishankar called Basit to his south block office and lodged a strong protest over the issue as he made a specific reference to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist and Pakistani national Bahadur Ali, who was captured recently in north Kashmir during an encounter. Jaishankar called in the Pakistan envoy and issued a strong demarche on continuing cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. "Demarche made specific reference to LeT terrorist and Pak national Bahadur Ali who was apprehended recently," foreign ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. Ali, born in the Zia Bagga village of Pakistan, was arrested by Indian authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on July 25 with weapons (AK 47 rifle, live rounds, grenades, grenade launcher etc) as also sophisticated communication equipment and other material of Pakistani/ international origin, according to the demarche issued to Basit. "Bahadur Ali has confessed to our authorities that after training in Lashkar-e-Toiba camps, he was infiltrated into India. He was thereafter in touch with an 'operations room' of LeT, receiving instructions to attack Indian security personnel and carry out other terrorist attacks in India," it said. Basit's summoning comes on a day when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to people of Kashmir, which has been witnessing widespread unrest for over a month triggered by the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with the security forces. As many as 55 people have lost their lives in these incidents of violence. The ties between India and Pakistan have seen growing bitterness after Pakistan and its Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made provocative statements on the Kashmir situation in the wake of Wani's killing on July 8. Not only did Sharif praise Wani and hailed him as a "martyr" but he also asserted "Kashmir will one day become Pakistan", a comment which evoked a sharp reaction from Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj, who said his dream of the state becoming a part of his country "will not be realised even at the end of eternity". The chill in bilateral relations was on full display during Indian interior minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Islamabad for a SAARC ministerial meet last week when he and his Pakistani counterpart Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan not only avoided a proper handshake but Singh also left without attending the lunch hosted by Khan. (PTI)

India summons Pak envoy Abdul Basit over cross-border terror, issues strong demarche

Supporters of more than 40 political parties and hard-line religious groups, some of them proscribed for terror activities, will stage a march starting from Lahore to the capital city of Islamabad in Pakistan to show solidarity over the growing unrest in Kashmir in India. The rally will pledge support from the Pakistani establishment for the &#39;liberation of Kashmir&#39; in India. Pakistan has declared July 19 as Kashmir Solidarity Day. 
 
Tehreek e Azaadi Jammu Kashmir (TAJK), a front group of the banned militant organisation Lashkar e Taiba and its charitable affiliate Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), is organising the rally called &#39;Caravan for Kashmir&#39; starting on Tuesday, following a call by its chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed. 
 
Several militant groups focusing on armed jihad in Indian Kashmir are participating in the rally. Cutting across political and ideological lines, groups like Difa e Pakistan Council &ndash; an alliance of more than 40 parties including JuD, Sipah e Sahiba and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, headed by Maulana Sami ul Haque, also known as founding father of Taliban, will take part. 
 
Mohammad Safi, representative of Hurriyat Conference in Pakistan; PoK-based United Jihad Council led by Syed Salahuddin, Hurriyat Conference, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haque, Awami Muslim League, Muslim Conference, Muslim League (Zia faction) and intellectuals including Abdullah Gul (son of former ISI chief Hamid Gul), Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, former prime minister of PoK, Izazul Haq (son of late President Zia-ul-Haq), will take part in the rally. 
 
The road show starting from Shuhada mosque in Lahore will make its way through Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Jhelum and Rawalpindi before reaching Islamabad. &quot;The route can be covered in four hours, but since lakhs are joining, the rally will stop in main cities where leaders will make speeches. It will reach Islamabad the next day,&#39;&#39; media coordinator TAJK, Nadeem Awan, told dna. 
 
The road show is expected to receive wide support from the villages and districts on the route populated by Kashmiri immigrants who have settled in Punjab province after partition. The province is also a major recruitment ground for armed jihadi groups fighting in Kashmir. 
 
Awan said that Kashmiris living in Pakistan wanted to organise a rally to &quot;express their support to the brothers suffering under the atrocities of the Indian army.&#39;&#39; 
 
&quot;The road show will bring national and international attention to the dreadful situation in Kashmir. It will also let our brothers and sisters in Kashmir know they are not alone. Kashmiris are a part of Pakistani blood,&#39;&#39; he said. 
 
The TAJK had organised a similar road show in 2009 on Kashmir Solidarity Day, attended by the top leadership of jihadi groups including the LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizbul Mujahideen and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. 
 
The rally will collect &#39;funds&#39; or donations from supporters for the Kashmir cause. Awan said that on social media, Kashmiris were posting on shortage of medical supplies and food and money will be collected to send relief across the border. &quot;We will send relief packages of food and medicine. We will also try to send a team of doctors if permission is given for them to travel to Kashmir.&#39;&#39; 
 
The unrest in Kashmir followed by the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani a week ago has caused political frenzy in Pakistan with cabinet ministers in the Nawaz Sharif-led government calling the deaths as &#39;genocide&#39;. 
 
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari accused the foreign policy based on &#39;Sharif-Modi&#39; friendship for failing to address the Kashmir issue. Sharif, the ministry of foreign affairs and LeT chief Saeed issued statements castigating India for &quot;using excessive force against street protestors and civilians&quot;. 
 
The confrontation has resulted in 41 civilian deaths, injuries to over 1,000 persons, censorship on local media and a curfew restricting daily movements to bring the situation under control. 
 
India has rebuffed calls from Pakistan, saying the latter has no right to talk on India&#39;s internal matters. 
 
(DNA)

The rally will seek support from the Pakistani establishment for the 'liberation of Kashmir' in India

Supporters of more than 40 political parties and hard-line religious groups, some of them proscribed for terror activities, will stage a march starting from Lahore to the capital city of Islamabad in Pakistan to show solidarity over the growing unrest in Kashmir in India. The rally will pledge support from the Pakistani establishment for the 'liberation of Kashmir' in India. Pakistan has declared July 19 as Kashmir Solidarity Day. Tehreek e Azaadi Jammu Kashmir (TAJK), a front group of the banned militant organisation Lashkar e Taiba and its charitable affiliate Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), is organising the rally called 'Caravan for Kashmir' starting on Tuesday, following a call by its chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed. Several militant groups focusing on armed jihad in Indian Kashmir are participating in the rally. Cutting across political and ideological lines, groups like Difa e Pakistan Council – an alliance of more than 40 parties including JuD, Sipah e Sahiba and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, headed by Maulana Sami ul Haque, also known as founding father of Taliban, will take part. Mohammad Safi, representative of Hurriyat Conference in Pakistan; PoK-based United Jihad Council led by Syed Salahuddin, Hurriyat Conference, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haque, Awami Muslim League, Muslim Conference, Muslim League (Zia faction) and intellectuals including Abdullah Gul (son of former ISI chief Hamid Gul), Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, former prime minister of PoK, Izazul Haq (son of late President Zia-ul-Haq), will take part in the rally. The road show starting from Shuhada mosque in Lahore will make its way through Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Jhelum and Rawalpindi before reaching Islamabad. "The route can be covered in four hours, but since lakhs are joining, the rally will stop in main cities where leaders will make speeches. It will reach Islamabad the next day,'' media coordinator TAJK, Nadeem Awan, told dna. The road show is expected to receive wide support from the villages and districts on the route populated by Kashmiri immigrants who have settled in Punjab province after partition. The province is also a major recruitment ground for armed jihadi groups fighting in Kashmir. Awan said that Kashmiris living in Pakistan wanted to organise a rally to "express their support to the brothers suffering under the atrocities of the Indian army.'' "The road show will bring national and international attention to the dreadful situation in Kashmir. It will also let our brothers and sisters in Kashmir know they are not alone. Kashmiris are a part of Pakistani blood,'' he said. The TAJK had organised a similar road show in 2009 on Kashmir Solidarity Day, attended by the top leadership of jihadi groups including the LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizbul Mujahideen and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. The rally will collect 'funds' or donations from supporters for the Kashmir cause. Awan said that on social media, Kashmiris were posting on shortage of medical supplies and food and money will be collected to send relief across the border. "We will send relief packages of food and medicine. We will also try to send a team of doctors if permission is given for them to travel to Kashmir.'' The unrest in Kashmir followed by the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani a week ago has caused political frenzy in Pakistan with cabinet ministers in the Nawaz Sharif-led government calling the deaths as 'genocide'. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari accused the foreign policy based on 'Sharif-Modi' friendship for failing to address the Kashmir issue. Sharif, the ministry of foreign affairs and LeT chief Saeed issued statements castigating India for "using excessive force against street protestors and civilians". The confrontation has resulted in 41 civilian deaths, injuries to over 1,000 persons, censorship on local media and a curfew restricting daily movements to bring the situation under control. India has rebuffed calls from Pakistan, saying the latter has no right to talk on India's internal matters. (DNA)

Pakistan: After Hafiz Saeed's call, 40 hardline political parties to collect funds for jihad in Kashmir today