India and Pakistan are embroiled in cross-border firing, as Pakistan violates ceasefire for the 15th consecutive day. India launched Operation Sindoor in retaliation to the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam.

India-Pakistan War: Pakistan opens strikes, drone attacks in Jammu, Rajasthan, Punjab

NEW DELHI: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir made a surprise visit to India on Thursday to meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, amid escalating tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad.

Saudi Minister Adel al-Jubeir to visit Pakistan after his India trip amid India-Pakistan war

India-Pakistan War: India shoots down all Pakistan missiles and drones | India foils Pak attack

Pakistan opened drone strikes on India's Jammu, Rajasthan, Punjab, which India shot down, shooting down all missile Pak missiles and drones

India-Pakistan War: Over 50 drones shot down by air defence units | India shoots down Pak missiles

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, testing of air raid sirens was conducted at New Delhi's ITO by the Directorate of Civil Defence on Friday (May 9). &nbsp;Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Verma is also present at the spot. It was carried out for a period of 15-20 minutes. &nbsp;The sirens were heard around a radius of 4 km, a police officer said. As per reports, the Delhi government is planning to install 40 more air raid sirens in Delhi-NCR.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-magnck75-jrma4kel-uuv8r1v9">
Air raid sirens being tested at central Delhi's ITO area . . . . (Source: ANI) <a href="https://t.co/2yv96QeSjz">pic.twitter.com/2yv96QeSjz</a>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1920786120125579572?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
The city police emphasised that Friday&rsquo;s operation was only a trial. For example, a mock drill was conducted for school students and locals on Wednesday as per the Centre&rsquo;s orders to prepare people in case of any emergency.
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Today, Directorate of Civil Defence will be testing Air Raid Sirens installed at PWD HQ, ITO. The testing will commence at 3.00 PM and be carried out for a period of 15-20 minutes. It&rsquo;s just an exercise, you need not to panic, kindly cooperate with the agencies. <a href="https://t.co/98dgIMeEah">pic.twitter.com/98dgIMeEah</a>
&mdash; Delhi Government (@DelhiGovDigital) <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiGovDigital/status/1920732626907697160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
In a statement before the drill, the Delhi government asked people not to panic when the testing of air raid sirens installed at the Public Works Department Headquarters at ITO would be done.
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"Axis of preparedness" Visual of various police Stations and other parts of Delhi as part of nationwide civil defense mock drill. Let's cooperate &amp; test our emergency response systems!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DPUpdates?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DPUpdates</a> <a href="https://t.co/LfKwCU4Clr">pic.twitter.com/LfKwCU4Clr</a>
&mdash; Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiPolice/status/1920378415384850601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-used-uas-grid-system-to-foil-pakistans-attack-on-military-targets-what-is-uas-9049151">India used UAS Grid System to foil Pak's attack on military targets: Know about this efficient defence system in India's arsenal</a>
<h2>Operation Sindoor&nbsp;</h2>
The Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 at 1.05am to 1.30 am. Briefing the country on Operation Sindoor, women officers Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri informed that India exercised its right to respond and hit nine terror targets, including terror camps and launchpads, in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). They said that India's actions were measured and non-escalatory, proportionate and responsible.
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-war-operation-sindoor-pahalgam-terror-attack-turkey-azerbaijan-airlines-turkish-airlines-ban-9049675">#BoycottTurkeyAzerbaijan trends: Indian travel agencies say no to Turks, end tie up with Turkish airlines | Here's why</a>
The Indian Defence Ministry in a press release said on May 8 that India is committed to non-escalation but won't shy away from providing a suitable response to Pakistan. As per the press release, on the night of 07-08 May 2025, "Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in northern and western India." Using drones and missiles, Pakistani forces targeted several civilian areas in the region, including the cities of Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj and India responded.
Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/operation-sindoor-masood-azhars-brother-abdul-rauf-air-india-ic814-hijack-daniel-pearl-behading-and-attacks-he-planned-in-india-9050464">Operation Sindoor likely killed Masood Azhar's brother Abdul Rauf: IC814 hijack and attacks he planned in India - LIST</a>
<h2>Pahalgam terror attack</h2>
A terror attack on April 22 in Baisaran Valley of Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam district killed 26 tourists. An offshoot of the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) - The Resistance Front (TRF) - claimed responsibility for the attack.
After the attack, India launched a series of actions against Pakistan. The Indian government put into abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled its diplomats, called back Indian officials from Islamabad, and closed the Attari border, its airspace for Pakistani flights and ships, parcels and imports from Pakistan. New Delhi has also blocked the Instagram accounts of several Pakistani cricketers and celebrities.
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/colonel-sofiya-qureshi-who-co-led-operation-sindoor-briefing-was-once-lauded-by-supreme-court-9049044" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who co-led Operation Sindoor briefing, was once lauded by Supreme Court</a>

India News | Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, testing of air raid sirens was conducted at New Delhi's ITO by the Directorate of Civil Defence

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, testing of air raid sirens was conducted at New Delhi's ITO by the Directorate of Civil Defence on Friday (May 9). Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Verma is also present at the spot. It was carried out for a period of 15-20 minutes. The sirens were heard around a radius of 4 km, a police officer said. As per reports, the Delhi government is planning to install 40 more air raid sirens in Delhi-NCR. Air raid sirens being tested at central Delhi's ITO area . . . . (Source: ANI) pic.twitter.com/2yv96QeSjz — WION (@WIONews) May 9, 2025 The city police emphasised that Friday’s operation was only a trial. For example, a mock drill was conducted for school students and locals on Wednesday as per the Centre’s orders to prepare people in case of any emergency. Today, Directorate of Civil Defence will be testing Air Raid Sirens installed at PWD HQ, ITO. The testing will commence at 3.00 PM and be carried out for a period of 15-20 minutes. It’s just an exercise, you need not to panic, kindly cooperate with the agencies. pic.twitter.com/98dgIMeEah — Delhi Government (@DelhiGovDigital) May 9, 2025 In a statement before the drill, the Delhi government asked people not to panic when the testing of air raid sirens installed at the Public Works Department Headquarters at ITO would be done. "Axis of preparedness" Visual of various police Stations and other parts of Delhi as part of nationwide civil defense mock drill. Let's cooperate & test our emergency response systems!#DPUpdates pic.twitter.com/LfKwCU4Clr — Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) May 8, 2025 Read More | India used UAS Grid System to foil Pak's attack on military targets: Know about this efficient defence system in India's arsenal Operation Sindoor The Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 at 1.05am to 1.30 am. Briefing the country on Operation Sindoor, women officers Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri informed that India exercised its right to respond and hit nine terror targets, including terror camps and launchpads, in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). They said that India's actions were measured and non-escalatory, proportionate and responsible. Read More | #BoycottTurkeyAzerbaijan trends: Indian travel agencies say no to Turks, end tie up with Turkish airlines | Here's why The Indian Defence Ministry in a press release said on May 8 that India is committed to non-escalation but won't shy away from providing a suitable response to Pakistan. As per the press release, on the night of 07-08 May 2025, "Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in northern and western India." Using drones and missiles, Pakistani forces targeted several civilian areas in the region, including the cities of Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj and India responded. Read More | Operation Sindoor likely killed Masood Azhar's brother Abdul Rauf: IC814 hijack and attacks he planned in India - LIST Pahalgam terror attack A terror attack on April 22 in Baisaran Valley of Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam district killed 26 tourists. An offshoot of the banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) - The Resistance Front (TRF) - claimed responsibility for the attack. After the attack, India launched a series of actions against Pakistan. The Indian government put into abeyance the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled its diplomats, called back Indian officials from Islamabad, and closed the Attari border, its airspace for Pakistani flights and ships, parcels and imports from Pakistan. New Delhi has also blocked the Instagram accounts of several Pakistani cricketers and celebrities. Read More | Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who co-led Operation Sindoor briefing, was once lauded by Supreme Court

'Do not panic': Air raid sirens tested at Delhi's ITO amid rising India-Pak tensions

As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, a whole other war is being fought on social media. Disinformation and misinformation campaigns are rampant on social media right now. In view of the sensitive situation, it is important not to give in to everything that is being posted. The Press Information Bureau is thwarting all attempts to mislead people about the India-Pakistan war.
One such video doing the rounds shows a barrage of rockets being launched from a heavy MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket Systems). The caption states that it is a video of Pakistan attacking India.&nbsp;
PIB has fact-checked the video. It states that the footage is from a video game and has been online for three years. It has nothing to do with the ongoing war.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/indo-pak-war-pakistan-claims-x-post-asking-international-partners-for-more-loans-fake-says-account-hacked-operation-sindoor-pakistan-war-india-pakistan-war-pahalgam-terror-attack-9050504" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Indo-Pak war: Pakistan claims X post asking for 'more loans' fake, says account hacked</a>
"The video is from a video game and has been online for over 3 years&nbsp;It has no connection to the current India&ndash;Pakistan situation."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-magl1hy8-431748sd-lwxw7yz4">
🚨 Pakistan Propaganda Alert! A video showing a heavy MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket Systems) barrage is being falsely shared as a real Pakistani attack on India.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PIBFactCheck?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PIBFactCheck</a> ✅ The video is from a video game and has been online for over 3 years. ✅ It has no connection to&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/VXAE93YfXs">pic.twitter.com/VXAE93YfXs</a>
&mdash; PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBFactCheck/status/1920724187594797141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
PIB also posted the original link to the video, asking people to verify everything before sharing. The YouTube description of the video mentions that it is a "simulation video".&nbsp;
An aggressive social media campaign spreading fake news is running from Pakistan. Most of these handles originate from Pakistan. Unaware of their authenticity, people share these videos, inadvertently believing what isn't real. These videos and posts have been flagged to be either unrelated, fake or fabricated.
<h2>Other fake videos being linked to India-Pakistan war</h2>
A video from Jalandhar claims to show a drone attack. However, PIB clarified that it shows a farm fire. "This is an unrelated video of a farm fire. The video has the time 7:39 PM, while the drone attack began later. Do not share this video."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-magl2qzx-xx6shq2z-fnyzv4tz">
Drone Attack in Jalandhar⁉️ This drone strike video from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jalandhar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jalandhar</a> is widely circulating on social media<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PIBFactCheck?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PIBFactCheck</a> * This is an unrelated video of a farm fire. The video has the time 7:39 PM, while the drone attack began later. * Do not share this video. See the&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/IRBjq2KOTQ">pic.twitter.com/IRBjq2KOTQ</a>
&mdash; PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBFactCheck/status/1920573308502004108?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
Another video allegedly shows that an Indian Post was destroyed by the Pakistani Army. PIB wrote, "The claim is completely false, and the video is staged."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-magl3qey-sq0qg0id-45maggtd">
🚨 Staged Video Alert 🚨 Fake video is being circulated by Pakistani handles alleging that an Indian Post was destroyed by the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistani</a> Army 🔍 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PIBFactCheck?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PIBFactCheck</a>: ✅ The claim is completely false, and the video is staged ❌ There is no unit called &ldquo;20 Raj Battalion" in the&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/959rc9OrTH">pic.twitter.com/959rc9OrTH</a>
&mdash; PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIBFactCheck/status/1920563445700890909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
"There is no unit called &ldquo;20 Raj Battalion" in the #IndianArmy. This is part of a coordinated propaganda campaign aimed at creating panic and misleading the public."
&nbsp;

PIB fact-check: PIB has fact-checked a video showing a heavy MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket Systems) shooting rockets. Here's the truth about it. India News Trending

As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, a whole other war is being fought on social media. Disinformation and misinformation campaigns are rampant on social media right now. In view of the sensitive situation, it is important not to give in to everything that is being posted. The Press Information Bureau is thwarting all attempts to mislead people about the India-Pakistan war. One such video doing the rounds shows a barrage of rockets being launched from a heavy MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket Systems). The caption states that it is a video of Pakistan attacking India. PIB has fact-checked the video. It states that the footage is from a video game and has been online for three years. It has nothing to do with the ongoing war. Also Read: Indo-Pak war: Pakistan claims X post asking for 'more loans' fake, says account hacked "The video is from a video game and has been online for over 3 years It has no connection to the current India–Pakistan situation." 🚨 Pakistan Propaganda Alert! A video showing a heavy MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket Systems) barrage is being falsely shared as a real Pakistani attack on India.#PIBFactCheck ✅ The video is from a video game and has been online for over 3 years. ✅ It has no connection to… pic.twitter.com/VXAE93YfXs — PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 9, 2025 PIB also posted the original link to the video, asking people to verify everything before sharing. The YouTube description of the video mentions that it is a "simulation video". An aggressive social media campaign spreading fake news is running from Pakistan. Most of these handles originate from Pakistan. Unaware of their authenticity, people share these videos, inadvertently believing what isn't real. These videos and posts have been flagged to be either unrelated, fake or fabricated. Other fake videos being linked to India-Pakistan war A video from Jalandhar claims to show a drone attack. However, PIB clarified that it shows a farm fire. "This is an unrelated video of a farm fire. The video has the time 7:39 PM, while the drone attack began later. Do not share this video." Drone Attack in Jalandhar⁉️ This drone strike video from #Jalandhar is widely circulating on social media#PIBFactCheck * This is an unrelated video of a farm fire. The video has the time 7:39 PM, while the drone attack began later. * Do not share this video. See the… pic.twitter.com/IRBjq2KOTQ — PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 8, 2025 Another video allegedly shows that an Indian Post was destroyed by the Pakistani Army. PIB wrote, "The claim is completely false, and the video is staged." 🚨 Staged Video Alert 🚨 Fake video is being circulated by Pakistani handles alleging that an Indian Post was destroyed by the #Pakistani Army 🔍 #PIBFactCheck: ✅ The claim is completely false, and the video is staged ❌ There is no unit called “20 Raj Battalion" in the… pic.twitter.com/959rc9OrTH — PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 8, 2025 "There is no unit called “20 Raj Battalion" in the #IndianArmy. This is part of a coordinated propaganda campaign aimed at creating panic and misleading the public."

India-Pak war PIB Fact Check: Video of multiple rocket launches is from a simulation

As the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor on Wednesday, in retaliation to the loss of 26 lives in the Pahalgam terror attack, the nation resonated with chants of 'Jai Hind'. The phrase has long symbolised unity, courage, and unparalleled patriotism.
However, it is crucial to understand the origin of this iconic phrase, and why it continues to hold such a deep significance in the Indian armed forces and beyond?
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/operation-sindoor-indias-rafale-vs-pakistans-f-16-which-fighter-jet-is-more-deadly-9044149">Operation Sindoor: How India&rsquo;s Rafale scores over Pakistan&rsquo;s F-16</a>
<h2>The origin</h2>
'Jai Hind', in other words, 'Victory to India', was coined by Zain-ul Abideen Hasan (later Abid Hasan Safrani) in the year 1941 while he was stationed in Germany alongside Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. As Netaji laid the foundation of the Indian National Army, also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, he adopted 'Jai Hind' as the official greeting to unify the soldiers of diverse backgrounds.
Before 'Jai Hind', military units were fragmented by regional or religious greetings such as 'Sat Sri Akal', 'Jai Ramji Ki', and 'Salaam Alaikum'. Bose and Hasan saw the need for a more inclusive salutation. 'Jai Hindustan Ki' was coined and later shortened to 'Jai Hind'&mdash;a crisp and secular phrase that rallied all the soldiers under one banner.
z̄Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/india-news/operation-sindoor-top-6-rifles-in-service-with-the-indian-army-9048897">Operation Sindoor: Top 6 rifles in service with the Indian Army</a>
<h2>Institutional legacy of the INA</h2>
The INA which was initially formed by Captain Mohan Singh in 1942 and later revived by Bose in 1943, grew to over 50,000 soldiers. Several brave officers like Major General Shahnawaz Khan, Colonel Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon and Colonel Prem Sehgal, famously faced trial by the British at the Red Fort. This stirred nationwide support for the independence movement.
<h2>Post-Independence military adoption</h2>
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/operation-sindoor-indias-top-7-cross-border-operations-and-their-code-names-9048608">Operation Sindoor: India&rsquo;s top 7 cross-border operations and their code names</a>
After 1947, India&rsquo;s military moved away from the old British traditions and hence, 'Jai Hind' was formally adopted as a salutation and greeting within the Indian Armed Forces. This reflected a sovereign and democratic identity of an independent India.
Used by officers and soldiers alike, 'Jai Hind' a symbol of pride in service, today concludes official speeches, and serves as a unifying phrase across ranks and regions.

Before 'Jai Hind', military units were fragmented by regional or religious greetings such as 'Sat Sri Akal', 'Jai Ramji Ki', and 'Salaam Alaikum'.

As the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor on Wednesday, in retaliation to the loss of 26 lives in the Pahalgam terror attack, the nation resonated with chants of 'Jai Hind'. The phrase has long symbolised unity, courage, and unparalleled patriotism. However, it is crucial to understand the origin of this iconic phrase, and why it continues to hold such a deep significance in the Indian armed forces and beyond? Also Read: Operation Sindoor: How India’s Rafale scores over Pakistan’s F-16 The origin 'Jai Hind', in other words, 'Victory to India', was coined by Zain-ul Abideen Hasan (later Abid Hasan Safrani) in the year 1941 while he was stationed in Germany alongside Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. As Netaji laid the foundation of the Indian National Army, also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, he adopted 'Jai Hind' as the official greeting to unify the soldiers of diverse backgrounds. Before 'Jai Hind', military units were fragmented by regional or religious greetings such as 'Sat Sri Akal', 'Jai Ramji Ki', and 'Salaam Alaikum'. Bose and Hasan saw the need for a more inclusive salutation. 'Jai Hindustan Ki' was coined and later shortened to 'Jai Hind'—a crisp and secular phrase that rallied all the soldiers under one banner. z̄Also Read: Operation Sindoor: Top 6 rifles in service with the Indian Army Institutional legacy of the INA The INA which was initially formed by Captain Mohan Singh in 1942 and later revived by Bose in 1943, grew to over 50,000 soldiers. Several brave officers like Major General Shahnawaz Khan, Colonel Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon and Colonel Prem Sehgal, famously faced trial by the British at the Red Fort. This stirred nationwide support for the independence movement. Post-Independence military adoption Also Read: Operation Sindoor: India’s top 7 cross-border operations and their code names After 1947, India’s military moved away from the old British traditions and hence, 'Jai Hind' was formally adopted as a salutation and greeting within the Indian Armed Forces. This reflected a sovereign and democratic identity of an independent India. Used by officers and soldiers alike, 'Jai Hind' a symbol of pride in service, today concludes official speeches, and serves as a unifying phrase across ranks and regions.

Indo-Pak War: Why 'Jai Hind' is more than just a slogan for the Indian Army

Amid the ongoing India-Pakistan war, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shifted remaining matches of the franchise-based Pakistan Super League (PSL) season X to UAE. The news was confirmed by the PCB in a statement in wee hours of Friday (May 9).
"The PCB confirms that the remaining fixtures of the HBL PSL X have been shifted to the UAE," read the statement by the board.
The following fixtures will be rescheduled accordingly as per the statement
&bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;Karachi Kings v Peshawar Zalmi&nbsp; &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;Peshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars&nbsp; &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;Islamabad United v Karachi Kings&nbsp; &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;Multan Sultans v Quetta Gladiators&nbsp; &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;Qualifier&nbsp; &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;Eliminator 1 &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;Eliminator 2&nbsp; &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp;Final&nbsp;
"The exact schedule of matches, outlining the dates and venues, will be shared in due course," added the cricket board.
This comes after late evening on Thursday (May 8), Pakistan launched drone and artillery attack on multiple locations in India's Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan.&nbsp;
The Indian defence forces, in a swift reply, intercepted eight missiles targeted towards various locations in J&amp;K. Indian armed forces also responded back to the attacks in various states firmly as well.
Earlier in the day, in a briefing addressing the media, the India government information bureau said: Indian armed forces targeted air defence radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan.&nbsp;
"Indian response has been in the same domain with the same intensity as Pakistan. It has been reliably learnt that an air defence system at Lahore has been neutralised."
The response came after "on the night of May 7 and 8, Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in northern and western India."
The armed forces have downed Pakistan&rsquo;s air defence units of HQ-9. Citing sources, news agency ANI reported that Pakistan's air defence missile launchers have been damaged heavily.

Indo-Pak War: Amid the ongoing India-Pakistan war, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shifted remaining matches of the franchise-based Pakistan Super League (PSL) season X to UAE. sports pakistan India news

Amid the ongoing India-Pakistan war, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has shifted remaining matches of the franchise-based Pakistan Super League (PSL) season X to UAE. The news was confirmed by the PCB in a statement in wee hours of Friday (May 9). "The PCB confirms that the remaining fixtures of the HBL PSL X have been shifted to the UAE," read the statement by the board. The following fixtures will be rescheduled accordingly as per the statement • Karachi Kings v Peshawar Zalmi • Peshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars • Islamabad United v Karachi Kings • Multan Sultans v Quetta Gladiators • Qualifier • Eliminator 1 • Eliminator 2 • Final "The exact schedule of matches, outlining the dates and venues, will be shared in due course," added the cricket board. This comes after late evening on Thursday (May 8), Pakistan launched drone and artillery attack on multiple locations in India's Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan. The Indian defence forces, in a swift reply, intercepted eight missiles targeted towards various locations in J&K. Indian armed forces also responded back to the attacks in various states firmly as well. Earlier in the day, in a briefing addressing the media, the India government information bureau said: Indian armed forces targeted air defence radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan. "Indian response has been in the same domain with the same intensity as Pakistan. It has been reliably learnt that an air defence system at Lahore has been neutralised." The response came after "on the night of May 7 and 8, Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in northern and western India." The armed forces have downed Pakistan’s air defence units of HQ-9. Citing sources, news agency ANI reported that Pakistan's air defence missile launchers have been damaged heavily.

Indo-Pak War | PCB shifts remaining matches of PSL X to UAE

Amid the ongoing attack by Pakistan, blackout has been reported in part of Punjab including Amritsar. Blackout has been reported in Rajasthan's border city of Barmer. The security forces have foiled Pakistan's drone attack in Jammu. Mobile connectivity, meanwhile, is down in the various part of the city.

India-Pakistan War: No losses from Pak's attack says Indian Military | India says all under control

EAM Jaishankar speaks to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is in touch with all three service chief and CDS and is reviewing the ongoing security situation as Pakistan launched unprovoked attack against India.

India-Pakistan War: Indian army neutralizes Pakistan attack | Jaishankar warns Pak of firm response

India-Pakistan War: Drones effectively engaged by Indian Air defence systems

A total blackout was enforced in several parts of the border districts of Kutch and Banaskantha in Gujarat on Thursday amid escalating tension between India and Pakistan, officials said as reported by PTI.

Both Kutch and Banaskantha districts share a border with Pakistan.

India-Pakistan War BREAKING: Officials say no need to panic, blackout activated in cities

India-Pakistan War: Blackout enforced in Srinagar, Leh, Chandigarh | Drone attacks in Jammu, Punjab

Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Pakistani drones were intercepted in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer, air sirens were heard in and a complete blackout was enforced in parts of Rajasthan and Punjab. India has said that military stations of Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur was targeted by Pakistan using missiles and drones. India confirmed that there are no losses and the threat was neutralised by Indian Armed Forces.

Jammu Kashmir Attack: Mobile connectivity down in parts of Jammu, complete blackout instilled

India-Pakistan War: Pakistani launches artillery and drone attacks on Jammu

As tensions rise between India and Pakistan, U.S. President Donald Trump has stepped forward offering to mediate, while US urges both nations to de-escalate the conflict urgently.

India-Pakistan War: Donald Trump has offered to mediate as US urges urgent de-escalation

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India-Pakistan War LIVE: Indian army foils Pak attacks in J&K; blackout in part of Rajasthan, Punjab

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Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, explosions and fire like sounds were heard in Channi area of Jammu. Following which, blackout was seen in the city.

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Beyond tactical manoeuvres and territorial defence, the conflict is remembered for the lives given in silence and strength. Among the many who did not return, five soldiers stand as symbols of duty and resolve.

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Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26 to celebrate India's historic victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War of 1999. The day is marked&nbsp;as a tribute to the sacrifice and bravery of the Indian soldiers who defended our nation. This year the nation&nbsp;marks the 25th anniversary of this momentous event in Indian&nbsp;history, for which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Dras, in the Kargil district in Ladakh, on July 26, 2024.

<h2>Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024: History</h2>

The history of Kargil Vijay Diwas begins&nbsp;during a&nbsp;period of heightened tensions&nbsp;between India and Pakistan, following&nbsp;the war in 1971, which led to the creation of Bangladesh.

The tensions between the two nations were also running high after each of them&nbsp;tested their nuclear weapons in 1998.

In the winter of&nbsp;1998-1999,&nbsp;Pakistani forces secretly infiltrated the strategic locations of the Dras and Batalik regions in Ladakh&nbsp;to observe the movement along India's NH 1A and potentially&nbsp;gain control. This was despite&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;signing&nbsp;the Lahore Declaration in February 1999 to resolve the Kashmir issue.&nbsp;

At first, the Indian Army&nbsp;mistook the infiltrators for extremist terrorists, but they later realised that the threat&nbsp;was much bigger and launched a counterattack against the&nbsp;Pakistani forces. India mobilised about 200,000 soldiers, marking the beginning&nbsp;of the Kargil War.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jail-or-hell-indian-minister-lays-out-choice-for-pakistan-sponsored-terrorists-in-jammu-and-kashmir-743909">'Jail or Hell': Indian minister lays out choice for Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir</a>

<h2>Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024: Significance</h2>

Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated to honour the courage of the Indian armed forces as well as the 527 soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

The Indian forces regained control over the region despite the tough terrain and climate, forcing Pakistan to withdraw. This day is also seen as a symbol of unity&nbsp;and a way to show gratitude to&nbsp;our armed&nbsp;forces for keeping Indian borders safe from threats.

<h2>Heroes of the Kargil War</h2>

Kargil Vijay Diwas&nbsp;is a tribute to the valour and sacrifice our soldiers displayed for the nation.&nbsp;

Captain Vikram Batra:&nbsp;Captain Batra led his team and recaptured Point 4875, even after being injured. His iconic "Ye dil mange more!" is still remembered. He was part of the 13 JAK Rifles regiment and was awarded Param Vir Chakra, the highest honour of the nation posthumously.

Rifleman Sanjay Kumar:&nbsp;Kumar, also part of the 13 JAK Rifles, fought the enemies even after getting multiple injuries at Point 4875. He was awarded Param Vir Chakra for his valour.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kupwara-encounter-terrorist-killed-one-soldier-injured-743786">Kupwara encounter: Terrorist killed, one soldier injured</a>

Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey:&nbsp;Lieutenant&nbsp;Pandey of the 1/11 Gorkha Rifles regiment displayed courage and leadership in clearing enemy positions. He was honoured by Param Vir Chakra posthumously.

Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav:&nbsp;Despite being seriously injured, Yadav (18 Grenadiers) helped in capturing important enemy bunkers and bravely fought at Tiger Hill. He was only 19 years old and was awarded Param Vir Chakra.

Major Rajesh Adhikari:&nbsp;Major&nbsp;Adhikari (18 Grenadiers) was leading a mission to seize an enemy bunker at Tololing. Despite being severely injured, he fought until his last breath. He was honoured with Maha Vir Chakra.

These heroes of Kargil displayed the highest form&nbsp;of valour and their sacrifice will always be remembered and honoured.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26 to celebrate India's historic victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War of 1999. The day is marked as a tribute to the sacrifice and bravery of the Indian soldiers who defended our nation.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26 to celebrate India's historic victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War of 1999. The day is marked as a tribute to the sacrifice and bravery of the Indian soldiers who defended our nation. This year the nation marks the 25th anniversary of this momentous event in Indian history, for which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Dras, in the Kargil district in Ladakh, on July 26, 2024. Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024: History The history of Kargil Vijay Diwas begins during a period of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following the war in 1971, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. The tensions between the two nations were also running high after each of them tested their nuclear weapons in 1998. In the winter of 1998-1999, Pakistani forces secretly infiltrated the strategic locations of the Dras and Batalik regions in Ladakh to observe the movement along India's NH 1A and potentially gain control. This was despite Pakistan signing the Lahore Declaration in February 1999 to resolve the Kashmir issue. At first, the Indian Army mistook the infiltrators for extremist terrorists, but they later realised that the threat was much bigger and launched a counterattack against the Pakistani forces. India mobilised about 200,000 soldiers, marking the beginning of the Kargil War. Also Read | 'Jail or Hell': Indian minister lays out choice for Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024: Significance Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated to honour the courage of the Indian armed forces as well as the 527 soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation. The Indian forces regained control over the region despite the tough terrain and climate, forcing Pakistan to withdraw. This day is also seen as a symbol of unity and a way to show gratitude to our armed forces for keeping Indian borders safe from threats. Heroes of the Kargil War Kargil Vijay Diwas is a tribute to the valour and sacrifice our soldiers displayed for the nation. Captain Vikram Batra: Captain Batra led his team and recaptured Point 4875, even after being injured. His iconic "Ye dil mange more!" is still remembered. He was part of the 13 JAK Rifles regiment and was awarded Param Vir Chakra, the highest honour of the nation posthumously. Rifleman Sanjay Kumar: Kumar, also part of the 13 JAK Rifles, fought the enemies even after getting multiple injuries at Point 4875. He was awarded Param Vir Chakra for his valour. Also Read | Kupwara encounter: Terrorist killed, one soldier injured Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey: Lieutenant Pandey of the 1/11 Gorkha Rifles regiment displayed courage and leadership in clearing enemy positions. He was honoured by Param Vir Chakra posthumously. Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav: Despite being seriously injured, Yadav (18 Grenadiers) helped in capturing important enemy bunkers and bravely fought at Tiger Hill. He was only 19 years old and was awarded Param Vir Chakra. Major Rajesh Adhikari: Major Adhikari (18 Grenadiers) was leading a mission to seize an enemy bunker at Tololing. Despite being severely injured, he fought until his last breath. He was honoured with Maha Vir Chakra. These heroes of Kargil displayed the highest form of valour and their sacrifice will always be remembered and honoured. (With inputs from agencies)

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024: History, significance and all you need to know about Kargil heroes

The Indo-Pak War of 1971 began on December 3, and within a week, the top brass in the US was contemplating strategies to give India a bloody nose.

This betrayal by the United States came to light in 2005 when America’s National Security Archive (NSA) released a series of classified documents from the State Department.

The documents revealed how USA’s attitude towards the Indo-Pak war was shaped by its desire to bury the hatchet with communist China.

Many believe Washington DC wanted to protect Pakistan’s interests at any cost during the 1971 war as it sought Islamabad’s help in setting in motion its ‘Ping Pong Diplomacy’ with Beijing.

Apparently, it was Pakistan’s Yahya Khan who helped arrange the notable 1972 visit to China by Richard Nixon, the then US president. It was not merely a coincidence that the visit came just months after the Indo-Pak war ended on December 16.

<h2>The Betrayal</h2>

In the 1970s, the US viewed South Asia through the prism of the ultimate superiority of the US-Pakistan relationship. Pakistan had to be reinforced as it was necessary to demonstrate to China that the US never leaves its allies hanging when push comes to shove.

The documents revealed by security archives indicated how Henry Kissinger, the then US National Security Advisor (NSA), viewed India as a Soviet “stooge” and a force that needed to be kept in check to save ally Pakistan.

On December 8, both Nixon and Kissinger agreed to dispatch planes to Pakistan. They also sent an aircraft carrier and other naval forces in the Bay of Bengal to intimidate India which was “supported by Soviet arms.”

On December 10, the duo reportedly involved China in their discussion. Kissinger subtly encouraged China to take military action against India in return for security guarantees should the Soviets ever invade.

“If the People's Republic were to consider the situation on the Indian subcontinent a threat to security, and if it took measures to protect its security, the US would oppose efforts of others to interfere with the People's Republic,” Kissinger was quoted as saying in the documents.

The US defined the Indo-Pak war as a crisis in South Asia aimed at weakening its ally Pakistan and orchestrated by the Soviets and their ally India.

The US-Pakistan relationship was so vital to Nixon that his administration even downplayed the reports of the ongoing genocide in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) even as its consular office in Dacca (now Dhaka) privately criticised the attitude.

<h2>US, a two-headed snake?</h2>

Astonishingly, while the US administration in 1971 encouraged China to act against India, it also assured India of military support in case China engages on its northern frontier in the Himalayas.

A Times of India report from 2011 showed communications between the Indian embassy in Washington and the government in New Delhi. It highlighted how the US offered India “all out” help if China were to enter the Indo-Pak standoff to favour its all-weather friend.

Watch:&nbsp;Independence Day 2023: Geopolitics is changing, India becoming voice of global south: PM Modi

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Indian ambassador to the US in 1971, LK Jha reported to New Delhi after having a meeting with Kissinger, “He (Kissinger) said that in a 1962 type of situation, US will not hesitate to give all-out help to India against China, and there is no change of position on this.”

Not just that, a few weeks prior, Kissinger told the then-Indian Defence Minister Jagjivan Ram, “I might tell you that we would take a very grave view of any Chinese move against India.”

<h2>“Bit*h Indira”</h2>

The declassified documents also revealed how Kissinger viewed the Indian leadership. In November 1971, a month before the war, India’s then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited Washington DC. Her motive was to urge the US to step up efforts to stop the ongoing genocide in East Pakistan against nationalist Bengalis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-independence-day-2023-pm-modi-to-unfurl-national-flag-from-ramparts-of-iconic-red-fort-in-delhi-625505">Also read:&nbsp;Independence Day: PM Modi says India becoming voice of global south</a>

When Indira left the US, Kissinger reportedly said, “Indians are bastards anyway. They are starting a war there [in Bangladesh] … While [Indira Gandhi] was a bitch, … she will not be able to go home and say that the United States didn’t give her a warm reception.”

<h2>China’s response</h2>

Although the US was itself sceptical of China’s capabilities to attack India, it just wanted to pile pressure on the Indian forces.

Kissinger and Nixon were soon informed that China was not prepared militarily to cause a headache for India. USA’s sources in Beijing confirmed that China would urge both warring sides to exercise restraint and nothing more than that.

China’s then Defence Minister Lin Biao had just died in September 1971 during a trip to Mongolia, and the Chinese didn’t want to jump straight into the hellfire just to serve American interests.

A few days later, Pakistan surrendered in Dhaka.

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&nbsp;

The Indo-Pak War of 1971 began on December 3, and within a week, the top brass in the US was contemplating strategies to give India a bloody nose. This betrayal by the United States came to light in 2005 when America’s National Security Archive (NSA) released a series of classified documents from the State Department.

The Indo-Pak War of 1971 began on December 3, and within a week, the top brass in the US was contemplating strategies to give India a bloody nose. This betrayal by the United States came to light in 2005 when America’s National Security Archive (NSA) released a series of classified documents from the State Department. The documents revealed how USA’s attitude towards the Indo-Pak war was shaped by its desire to bury the hatchet with communist China. Many believe Washington DC wanted to protect Pakistan’s interests at any cost during the 1971 war as it sought Islamabad’s help in setting in motion its ‘Ping Pong Diplomacy’ with Beijing. Apparently, it was Pakistan’s Yahya Khan who helped arrange the notable 1972 visit to China by Richard Nixon, the then US president. It was not merely a coincidence that the visit came just months after the Indo-Pak war ended on December 16. The Betrayal In the 1970s, the US viewed South Asia through the prism of the ultimate superiority of the US-Pakistan relationship. Pakistan had to be reinforced as it was necessary to demonstrate to China that the US never leaves its allies hanging when push comes to shove. The documents revealed by security archives indicated how Henry Kissinger, the then US National Security Advisor (NSA), viewed India as a Soviet “stooge” and a force that needed to be kept in check to save ally Pakistan. On December 8, both Nixon and Kissinger agreed to dispatch planes to Pakistan. They also sent an aircraft carrier and other naval forces in the Bay of Bengal to intimidate India which was “supported by Soviet arms.” On December 10, the duo reportedly involved China in their discussion. Kissinger subtly encouraged China to take military action against India in return for security guarantees should the Soviets ever invade. “If the People's Republic were to consider the situation on the Indian subcontinent a threat to security, and if it took measures to protect its security, the US would oppose efforts of others to interfere with the People's Republic,” Kissinger was quoted as saying in the documents. The US defined the Indo-Pak war as a crisis in South Asia aimed at weakening its ally Pakistan and orchestrated by the Soviets and their ally India. The US-Pakistan relationship was so vital to Nixon that his administration even downplayed the reports of the ongoing genocide in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) even as its consular office in Dacca (now Dhaka) privately criticised the attitude. US, a two-headed snake? Astonishingly, while the US administration in 1971 encouraged China to act against India, it also assured India of military support in case China engages on its northern frontier in the Himalayas. A Times of India report from 2011 showed communications between the Indian embassy in Washington and the government in New Delhi. It highlighted how the US offered India “all out” help if China were to enter the Indo-Pak standoff to favour its all-weather friend. Watch: Independence Day 2023: Geopolitics is changing, India becoming voice of global south: PM Modi × Indian ambassador to the US in 1971, LK Jha reported to New Delhi after having a meeting with Kissinger, “He (Kissinger) said that in a 1962 type of situation, US will not hesitate to give all-out help to India against China, and there is no change of position on this.” Not just that, a few weeks prior, Kissinger told the then-Indian Defence Minister Jagjivan Ram, “I might tell you that we would take a very grave view of any Chinese move against India.” “Bit*h Indira” The declassified documents also revealed how Kissinger viewed the Indian leadership. In November 1971, a month before the war, India’s then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited Washington DC. Her motive was to urge the US to step up efforts to stop the ongoing genocide in East Pakistan against nationalist Bengalis. Also read: Independence Day: PM Modi says India becoming voice of global south When Indira left the US, Kissinger reportedly said, “Indians are bastards anyway. They are starting a war there [in Bangladesh] … While [Indira Gandhi] was a bitch, … she will not be able to go home and say that the United States didn’t give her a warm reception.” China’s response Although the US was itself sceptical of China’s capabilities to attack India, it just wanted to pile pressure on the Indian forces. Kissinger and Nixon were soon informed that China was not prepared militarily to cause a headache for India. USA’s sources in Beijing confirmed that China would urge both warring sides to exercise restraint and nothing more than that. China’s then Defence Minister Lin Biao had just died in September 1971 during a trip to Mongolia, and the Chinese didn’t want to jump straight into the hellfire just to serve American interests. A few days later, Pakistan surrendered in Dhaka. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Explained | When Pakistan's ally US pushed China to attack India during Indo-Pak war of 1971

Victory is assured when the civilians join hands with the army. The Kargil victory was possible not only because of the brave soldiers, the civilians, too, played a major role in throwing out the intruders.

In the Kargil war, the Indian Army gave a befitting reply to Pakistan, whose army breached the Line of Control and attacked the Drass Valley of the Kargil district 23 years ago. The story of the bravery of the Indian army is known to every citizen, but very few are aware of how civilians joined hands with the army in fighting the battle. And, if these civilians are called civil soldiers, it wouldn't be wrong.&nbsp;

Notably, the civilians did not fight with weapons, but their role&nbsp;was&nbsp;as important as that of an Indian soldier.&nbsp;

Located right below Tiger Hill, around 8 kilometres from the Drass valley is another valley called Mashku Valley. And, in this small hamlet lives Yaar Mohammad Khan.&nbsp;

Yar Mohammad Khan, 65, was the first person who witnessed and saw the intruders from Pakistan in Drass valley. He directly went to the Indian Army base and apprised them of the presence of Pakistani Army men in the area.

He had found two packs of cigarettes, which were made in Pakistan, and he took these to show to the commanding officer of the Indian Army.&nbsp;

On May 8, 1999, Khan informed the Indian Army about the presence of the Pakistani army men; and, on May 13, the Pakistan Army launched the attack at various points.&nbsp;

Khan, along with the eight Sikh Regiment soldiers and 18 Grenadier Regiment&nbsp;of the Indian Army went to conquer Tiger Hill and Batra Top. Khan not only worked as a guide to the Indian army in the tough terrain but also helped them to transport arms and ammunition on horses at night. He was with the Indian army when both the peaks were re-captured.&nbsp;

“I was working as a porter and when I was crossing the area, I found two packs of cigarettes which were made in Pakistan. I directly went to the Indian Army’s commanding officer and asked him to check. &nbsp;He told me that he will take a team with him. He believed me when he saw those cigarette packets. I had informed on May 8 and on May 13 Pakistani Army started firing. The war started in the Tololing area. I was with 8 Sikh Regiment soldiers&nbsp;and 18 Grenadier Regiment&nbsp;on Tiger Hill, they started firing after that it was 18 grenadiers.” said Yaar Mohammad Khan.&nbsp;

At that time there were hardly any civilians in the area, but Yaar Mohammad Khan didn’t leave and provided all the help to the Indian army.

“There was not a single person in the area. I didn’t leave but I let my family go. I went to Tiger and Batra Hills with the army. I brought 350 horses from the Amarnath Yatra. We are Indians and will always be. I am from these mountains and I was making sure they receive all the support.” added Khan.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/500692" hreflang="en">India marks Kargil Diwas 2022: All you need to know about the 1999 war</a>

At the start of the Kargil war, everyone in Drass valley was leaving. The place was occupied by the Indian Army soldiers and the journalists working in the area. But there was one person who never left Drass valley despite all the shelling. That is Naseem Ahmad, who was running a small tea stall outside the premises of Drass Police station.&nbsp;

Naseem never shut the tea stall and made sure that every Indian army soldier crossing the area had tea at the stall. While the area was being bombarded with bombs and bullets, Naseem chose to stay put and serve the soldiers of his country.&nbsp;

“ During the war, it was only journalists, the Indian Army and me. I was a little scared, but the army men needed our help also. I used to make food for the soldiers. It was an extremely bad situation. The shelling was so bad that the ground used to shake a lot. I had a narrow escape in one of the shelling incidents. I am proud of the fact that I was able to provide food to our soldiers,"&nbsp;said&nbsp;Naseem Ahmad, a tea stall owner.&nbsp;

Apart from these two 'civilian soldiers', dozens of youth played a key role in the war in their own way to help the Indian Army to re-take the peaks that were captured by the enemy army.&nbsp;

Victory is assured when the civilians join hands with the army. The Kargil victory was possible not only because of the brave soldiers, the civilians, too, played a major role in throwing out the intruders.

Victory is assured when the civilians join hands with the army. The Kargil victory was possible not only because of the brave soldiers, the civilians, too, played a major role in throwing out the intruders. In the Kargil war, the Indian Army gave a befitting reply to Pakistan, whose army breached the Line of Control and attacked the Drass Valley of the Kargil district 23 years ago. The story of the bravery of the Indian army is known to every citizen, but very few are aware of how civilians joined hands with the army in fighting the battle. And, if these civilians are called civil soldiers, it wouldn't be wrong. Notably, the civilians did not fight with weapons, but their role was as important as that of an Indian soldier. Located right below Tiger Hill, around 8 kilometres from the Drass valley is another valley called Mashku Valley. And, in this small hamlet lives Yaar Mohammad Khan. Yar Mohammad Khan, 65, was the first person who witnessed and saw the intruders from Pakistan in Drass valley. He directly went to the Indian Army base and apprised them of the presence of Pakistani Army men in the area. He had found two packs of cigarettes, which were made in Pakistan, and he took these to show to the commanding officer of the Indian Army. On May 8, 1999, Khan informed the Indian Army about the presence of the Pakistani army men; and, on May 13, the Pakistan Army launched the attack at various points. Khan, along with the eight Sikh Regiment soldiers and 18 Grenadier Regiment of the Indian Army went to conquer Tiger Hill and Batra Top. Khan not only worked as a guide to the Indian army in the tough terrain but also helped them to transport arms and ammunition on horses at night. He was with the Indian army when both the peaks were re-captured. “I was working as a porter and when I was crossing the area, I found two packs of cigarettes which were made in Pakistan. I directly went to the Indian Army’s commanding officer and asked him to check. He told me that he will take a team with him. He believed me when he saw those cigarette packets. I had informed on May 8 and on May 13 Pakistani Army started firing. The war started in the Tololing area. I was with 8 Sikh Regiment soldiers and 18 Grenadier Regiment on Tiger Hill, they started firing after that it was 18 grenadiers.” said Yaar Mohammad Khan. At that time there were hardly any civilians in the area, but Yaar Mohammad Khan didn’t leave and provided all the help to the Indian army. “There was not a single person in the area. I didn’t leave but I let my family go. I went to Tiger and Batra Hills with the army. I brought 350 horses from the Amarnath Yatra. We are Indians and will always be. I am from these mountains and I was making sure they receive all the support.” added Khan. Also read | India marks Kargil Diwas 2022: All you need to know about the 1999 war At the start of the Kargil war, everyone in Drass valley was leaving. The place was occupied by the Indian Army soldiers and the journalists working in the area. But there was one person who never left Drass valley despite all the shelling. That is Naseem Ahmad, who was running a small tea stall outside the premises of Drass Police station. Naseem never shut the tea stall and made sure that every Indian army soldier crossing the area had tea at the stall. While the area was being bombarded with bombs and bullets, Naseem chose to stay put and serve the soldiers of his country. “ During the war, it was only journalists, the Indian Army and me. I was a little scared, but the army men needed our help also. I used to make food for the soldiers. It was an extremely bad situation. The shelling was so bad that the ground used to shake a lot. I had a narrow escape in one of the shelling incidents. I am proud of the fact that I was able to provide food to our soldiers," said Naseem Ahmad, a tea stall owner. Apart from these two 'civilian soldiers', dozens of youth played a key role in the war in their own way to help the Indian Army to re-take the peaks that were captured by the enemy army.

How civilians helped Indian Army to throw out Pak intruders during 1999 Kargil war

This is not the first time India and Pakistan are trying to make peace.&nbsp;

It has happened quite a few times in the last six&nbsp;years, even more in the last seven decades.

But all attempts have faltered often after highly-charged summits and high-profile visits.

Watch |&nbsp;

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So there is a reason to be sceptical.

Each time a peace agreement was reached, Islamabad promised to uphold it.

However, it threw all diplomatic nicety and border restraint to the winds.

What has changed in the last six years, is India's response.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-pakistan-is-offering-peace-with-india-371510">Why Pakistan is offering peace with India</a>

New Delhi struck at Pakistan's terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

History tells us that India-Pak peace is littered with many false dawns and this report explores why there is not any guarantee of any amity anytime soon.&nbsp;

In 2014, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a>&nbsp;took oath as the Prime Minister of India and in attendance were dignitaries from all SAARC nations, including the then PM of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif.

This was the first time that a Pakistani leader was attending the oath-taking of an Indian prime minister-designate.

There was optimism in the air.

"I pointed out that we were at the beginning of our respective tenures with a clear mandate. This provides us the opportunity of meeting the hopes and aspirations of our peoples, that we will succeed in turning a new page in our relations," Sharif had said during that time.&nbsp;

In 2015, New Delhi returned the courtesy, and in a surprise visit, Modi stopped over in Lahore shortly after his visit to Afghanistan.

The Indian PM was there to wish Sharif on his granddaughter's wedding.

Seasoned observers of Indo-Pak ties received the news with excitement and hope.

But Pakistan's army generals were miffed with the growing camaraderie and exactly a year later, the weather changed dramatically.&nbsp;

On January 2, 2016, there was a terror attack in Pathankot.

The Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force was targeted, killing one civilian and seven security personnel.&nbsp;

It led to a breakdown in Indo-Pak relations.

This was just the beginning of Islamabad's naked aggression.&nbsp;

On September 18, 2016, there was another terror attack and this time the site was Uri.&nbsp;

It was the deadliest attack on the Indian security forces in two decades which killed at least 19 soldiers.&nbsp;

The perpetrator was the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), a terror group financed by the Pakistani deep state.

It quashed all hopes of a thaw with New Delhi responding by striking terror pads in Pak-occupied Kashmir.

In the four years that followed, the equation between both nations saw several flashpoints.

And the biggest was the 2019 Pulwama attack when the JeM targeted a CRPF convoy with a car laden with explosives.

As many as 49 security personnel lost their lives and several others received injuries.&nbsp;

India avenged these deaths with the Balakot airstrikes with the air force wiping out the biggest training camp of JeM.&nbsp;

The last year was one of the most active years at the Line of Control (LoC).&nbsp;

There were at least 4,600 ceasefire violations by Pakistan and a total of 46 security personnel were killed.

The ceasefire agreement reached on February 25 is a largely tactical move.

There's no guarantee that it would sustain because nothing much has changed materially on the ground.

On the diplomatic front, the rhetoric hasn't been toned down either.&nbsp;

Islamabad in collusion with other nations has kept the rhetorical fire on Kashmir alive on global platforms.

On the security front, Pakistan is openly trying to resurrect the Khalistan movement.

Pakistan Army's drones have been seized in Punjab and new terror groups have emerged in Kashmir with more secular names like "The Resistance Front".&nbsp;

The situation is hardly conducive to any kind of a thaw and Islamabad may be extending an olive branch.

There is neither any evidence of a fundamental shift in its policy on terror nor on the main bone of contention between the two countries: Kashmir.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

This is not the first time India and Pakistan are trying to make peace. It has happened quite a few times in the last six years, even more in the last seven decades.

This is not the first time India and Pakistan are trying to make peace. It has happened quite a few times in the last six years, even more in the last seven decades. But all attempts have faltered often after highly-charged summits and high-profile visits. Watch | So there is a reason to be sceptical. Each time a peace agreement was reached, Islamabad promised to uphold it. However, it threw all diplomatic nicety and border restraint to the winds. What has changed in the last six years, is India's response. Also read | Why Pakistan is offering peace with India New Delhi struck at Pakistan's terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. History tells us that India-Pak peace is littered with many false dawns and this report explores why there is not any guarantee of any amity anytime soon. In 2014, Narendra Modi took oath as the Prime Minister of India and in attendance were dignitaries from all SAARC nations, including the then PM of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif. This was the first time that a Pakistani leader was attending the oath-taking of an Indian prime minister-designate. There was optimism in the air. "I pointed out that we were at the beginning of our respective tenures with a clear mandate. This provides us the opportunity of meeting the hopes and aspirations of our peoples, that we will succeed in turning a new page in our relations," Sharif had said during that time. In 2015, New Delhi returned the courtesy, and in a surprise visit, Modi stopped over in Lahore shortly after his visit to Afghanistan. The Indian PM was there to wish Sharif on his granddaughter's wedding. Seasoned observers of Indo-Pak ties received the news with excitement and hope. But Pakistan's army generals were miffed with the growing camaraderie and exactly a year later, the weather changed dramatically. On January 2, 2016, there was a terror attack in Pathankot. The Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force was targeted, killing one civilian and seven security personnel. It led to a breakdown in Indo-Pak relations. This was just the beginning of Islamabad's naked aggression. On September 18, 2016, there was another terror attack and this time the site was Uri. It was the deadliest attack on the Indian security forces in two decades which killed at least 19 soldiers. The perpetrator was the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), a terror group financed by the Pakistani deep state. It quashed all hopes of a thaw with New Delhi responding by striking terror pads in Pak-occupied Kashmir. In the four years that followed, the equation between both nations saw several flashpoints. And the biggest was the 2019 Pulwama attack when the JeM targeted a CRPF convoy with a car laden with explosives. As many as 49 security personnel lost their lives and several others received injuries. India avenged these deaths with the Balakot airstrikes with the air force wiping out the biggest training camp of JeM. The last year was one of the most active years at the Line of Control (LoC). There were at least 4,600 ceasefire violations by Pakistan and a total of 46 security personnel were killed. The ceasefire agreement reached on February 25 is a largely tactical move. There's no guarantee that it would sustain because nothing much has changed materially on the ground. On the diplomatic front, the rhetoric hasn't been toned down either. Islamabad in collusion with other nations has kept the rhetorical fire on Kashmir alive on global platforms. On the security front, Pakistan is openly trying to resurrect the Khalistan movement. Pakistan Army's drones have been seized in Punjab and new terror groups have emerged in Kashmir with more secular names like "The Resistance Front". The situation is hardly conducive to any kind of a thaw and Islamabad may be extending an olive branch. There is neither any evidence of a fundamental shift in its policy on terror nor on the main bone of contention between the two countries: Kashmir.

Why India needs to look at history as Pakistan pretends to extend hand of peace

Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Thursday that it was time for India and Pakistan to "bury the past and move forward" as he asserted that the peace between the two neighbours would help to "unlock" the potential of South and Central Asia.

Addressing a session of the first-ever Islamabad Security Dialogue here, Gen Bajwa also said that the potential for regional peace and development always remained hostage to the disputes and issues between Pakistan and India - the two "nuclear-armed neighbours".

Watch |&nbsp;

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"We feel it is time to bury the past and move forward," he said, adding that the responsibility for a meaningful dialogue rested with India.

India last month said that it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence. India has said the onus is on Pakistan to create an environment free of terror and hostility.

India has also told Pakistan that "talks and terror" cannot go together and has asked Islamabad to take demonstrable steps against terror groups responsible for launching various attacks on India.

"Our neighbour will have to create a conducive environment, particularly&nbsp;in Kashmir, Gen Bajwa said, adding that any effort to improve ties without addressing the core issue would be vulnerable to external political factors.

"The Kashmir issue is at the heart of this. It is important to understand that without the resolution of the Kashmir dispute through peaceful means, the process will always remain susceptible to derailment to politically motivated bellicosity,"&nbsp;he said.

The army, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 70 plus years of existence, has hitherto wielded considerable power in the matters of security and foreign policy.

Gen Bajwa's remarks came a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan made a similar statement at the same venue.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pakistan-makes-another-peace-offer-to-india-371523">Watch |</a>

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Prime Minister Khan said on Wednesday India will be benefitted economically by having peace with Pakistan as it will enable New Delhi to directly access the resource-rich Central Asia region through Pakistani territory.

"India will have to take the first step. Unless they do so, we cannot do much," Khan said while delivering the inaugural address at the launch of the two-day dialogue.

Khan said that having a direct route to the Central Asian region will economically benefit India. Central Asia is rich in oil and gas.

Central Asia, in the modern context, generally includes five resource-rich countries -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Gen Bajwa also said that peace between Pakistan and India would help to "unlock the potential of South and Central Asia" by ensuring connectivity between East and West Asia.

Though both Prime Minister Khan and Gen Bajwa didn't specify the minimum steps that India should take, many experts in Pakistan believe that some positive measures in Kashmir could ease pressure on the Pakistan government before entering into talks or restoring the normal diplomatic ties.

Gen Bajwa also talked about poverty, which he said was linked with the regional tensions that had hindered the regional connectivity and integration.

"Despite being impoverished, we end up spending a lot of our money on defence, which naturally comes at the expense of human development," he said.

However, he added that Pakistan was resisting the temptation to become part of the arms race or increase defence budget despite rising security challenges.

"This has not been easy, especially when you live in a hostile and unstable neighbourhood. But having said that, let me say that we are ready to improve our environment by resolving all our outstanding issues with our neighbours through dialogue in a dignified and peaceful manner," he said.

India and Pakistan had announced on February 25 that they have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and other sectors.

Ties between India and Pakistan nose-dived after a terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in 2016 by terror groups based in the neighbouring country. Subsequent attacks, including one on the Indian Army camp in Uri, further deteriorated the relationship.

The relationship dipped further after India's warplanes pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan on February 26, 2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.

The relations deteriorated after India announced withdrawing special powers of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcation of the state into two union territories in August 2019.

Talking about the concept of national security, Gen Bajwa said that it was not just about protecting countries from external and internal threat.

"Today, the leading drivers of change in the world are demography, economy and technology. However, one issue that remains central to this concept is economic security and cooperation,"&nbsp;he said.

He said that since national security involved ensuring human security, national progress and development, it was not solely the function of the armed forces and required a national effort to safeguard a nation.&nbsp;

Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Thursday that it was time for India and Pakistan to "bury the past and move forward" as he asserted that the peace between the two neighbours would help to "unlock" the potential of South and Central Asia.

Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Thursday that it was time for India and Pakistan to "bury the past and move forward" as he asserted that the peace between the two neighbours would help to "unlock" the potential of South and Central Asia. Addressing a session of the first-ever Islamabad Security Dialogue here, Gen Bajwa also said that the potential for regional peace and development always remained hostage to the disputes and issues between Pakistan and India - the two "nuclear-armed neighbours". Watch | "We feel it is time to bury the past and move forward," he said, adding that the responsibility for a meaningful dialogue rested with India. India last month said that it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence. India has said the onus is on Pakistan to create an environment free of terror and hostility. India has also told Pakistan that "talks and terror" cannot go together and has asked Islamabad to take demonstrable steps against terror groups responsible for launching various attacks on India. "Our neighbour will have to create a conducive environment, particularly in Kashmir, Gen Bajwa said, adding that any effort to improve ties without addressing the core issue would be vulnerable to external political factors. "The Kashmir issue is at the heart of this. It is important to understand that without the resolution of the Kashmir dispute through peaceful means, the process will always remain susceptible to derailment to politically motivated bellicosity," he said. The army, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 70 plus years of existence, has hitherto wielded considerable power in the matters of security and foreign policy. Gen Bajwa's remarks came a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan made a similar statement at the same venue. Watch | Prime Minister Khan said on Wednesday India will be benefitted economically by having peace with Pakistan as it will enable New Delhi to directly access the resource-rich Central Asia region through Pakistani territory. "India will have to take the first step. Unless they do so, we cannot do much," Khan said while delivering the inaugural address at the launch of the two-day dialogue. Khan said that having a direct route to the Central Asian region will economically benefit India. Central Asia is rich in oil and gas. Central Asia, in the modern context, generally includes five resource-rich countries -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Gen Bajwa also said that peace between Pakistan and India would help to "unlock the potential of South and Central Asia" by ensuring connectivity between East and West Asia. Though both Prime Minister Khan and Gen Bajwa didn't specify the minimum steps that India should take, many experts in Pakistan believe that some positive measures in Kashmir could ease pressure on the Pakistan government before entering into talks or restoring the normal diplomatic ties. Gen Bajwa also talked about poverty, which he said was linked with the regional tensions that had hindered the regional connectivity and integration. "Despite being impoverished, we end up spending a lot of our money on defence, which naturally comes at the expense of human development," he said. However, he added that Pakistan was resisting the temptation to become part of the arms race or increase defence budget despite rising security challenges. "This has not been easy, especially when you live in a hostile and unstable neighbourhood. But having said that, let me say that we are ready to improve our environment by resolving all our outstanding issues with our neighbours through dialogue in a dignified and peaceful manner," he said. India and Pakistan had announced on February 25 that they have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and other sectors. Ties between India and Pakistan nose-dived after a terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in 2016 by terror groups based in the neighbouring country. Subsequent attacks, including one on the Indian Army camp in Uri, further deteriorated the relationship. The relationship dipped further after India's warplanes pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan on February 26, 2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The relations deteriorated after India announced withdrawing special powers of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcation of the state into two union territories in August 2019. Talking about the concept of national security, Gen Bajwa said that it was not just about protecting countries from external and internal threat. "Today, the leading drivers of change in the world are demography, economy and technology. However, one issue that remains central to this concept is economic security and cooperation," he said. He said that since national security involved ensuring human security, national progress and development, it was not solely the function of the armed forces and required a national effort to safeguard a nation.

Pak Army Chief Gen Bajwa says it's time to bury the past and move forward 

A Pakistan politician claimed that fearing an attack by India, the Imran Khan Government had abruptly released Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

In a speech in the National Assembly, Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader Ayaz Sadiq said that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had in an important meeting pointed out that if Pakistan did not release Abhinandan Varthaman, India would attack Pakistan "that night by 9 pm."

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“General Bajwa came into the Room &amp; his Legs were Shaking. Foreign Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/SMQureshiPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SMQureshiPTI</a> said- For God’s sake let Abhinandan go, India’s about to attack Pakistan at 9PM.”- Ayaz Sadiq in Parliament of Pakistan. 
Now this is on Record of Proceedings in Pakistan’s Parliament.😂🤣 <a href="https://t.co/i1LqpwoFNS">pic.twitter.com/i1LqpwoFNS</a>
— Vaibhav Singh (@vaibhavUP65) <a href="https://twitter.com/vaibhavUP65/status/1321492991454769153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The PML-N leader told opposition leaders that Qureshi in a meeting with the parliamentary leaders, including PPP and PML-N and Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, had asked for Abhinandan to be let free.

"I remember Shah Mahmood Qureshi was in the meeting in which Imran Khan had refused to attend and Chief of Army Staff General Bajwa came into the room, his legs were shaking and he was perspiring.&nbsp;

Foreign Minister said for God`s sake let Abhinandan go, India`s about to attack Pakistan at 9 PM", Sadiq recounted the events of the important meeting. Dunya News further quoted Sadiq as saying that the opposition has supported the government in all issues including Abhinandan but will not be able to further support it.

Wing Commander Varthaman shot into limelight after he shot down a Pakistani aircraft F-16, which had transgressed into the Indian airspace during a dog fight between Indian and Pakistani air force on February 27, 2019 and in the process, his plane crossed over to Pakistani side and was shot down.&nbsp;

Abhinandan was returned to India from the Attari-Wagah border on March 1, 2019. He has been awarded the Vir Chakra on Independence Day by President Ram Nath Kovind for his exemplary bravery. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A Pakistan politician claimed that fearing an attack by India, the Imran Khan Government had abruptly released Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

A Pakistan politician claimed that fearing an attack by India, the Imran Khan Government had abruptly released Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. In a speech in the National Assembly, Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader Ayaz Sadiq said that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had in an important meeting pointed out that if Pakistan did not release Abhinandan Varthaman, India would attack Pakistan "that night by 9 pm." “General Bajwa came into the Room & his Legs were Shaking. Foreign Minister @SMQureshiPTI said- For God’s sake let Abhinandan go, India’s about to attack Pakistan at 9PM.”- Ayaz Sadiq in Parliament of Pakistan. Now this is on Record of Proceedings in Pakistan’s Parliament.😂🤣 pic.twitter.com/i1LqpwoFNS — Vaibhav Singh (@vaibhavUP65) October 28, 2020 × The PML-N leader told opposition leaders that Qureshi in a meeting with the parliamentary leaders, including PPP and PML-N and Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, had asked for Abhinandan to be let free. "I remember Shah Mahmood Qureshi was in the meeting in which Imran Khan had refused to attend and Chief of Army Staff General Bajwa came into the room, his legs were shaking and he was perspiring. Foreign Minister said for God`s sake let Abhinandan go, India`s about to attack Pakistan at 9 PM", Sadiq recounted the events of the important meeting. Dunya News further quoted Sadiq as saying that the opposition has supported the government in all issues including Abhinandan but will not be able to further support it. Wing Commander Varthaman shot into limelight after he shot down a Pakistani aircraft F-16, which had transgressed into the Indian airspace during a dog fight between Indian and Pakistani air force on February 27, 2019 and in the process, his plane crossed over to Pakistani side and was shot down. Abhinandan was returned to India from the Attari-Wagah border on March 1, 2019. He has been awarded the Vir Chakra on Independence Day by President Ram Nath Kovind for his exemplary bravery. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan was scared of Indian attack: Truth behind Abhinandan's release revealed

India armed forces were ready to wipe out Pakistan's forward bridges had Islamabad's 'military adventure' been successful in response to the Balakot aerial strikes, said Former Air Force chief BS Dhanoa.

He also added that "our military posture was very offensive". 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-was-scared-of-indian-attack-truth-behind-abhinandans-release-revealed-338667">Also read | Former Indian Air Force Chief BS Dhanoa. (Image source: Wikipedia)</a>

His remarks came after Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader Ayaz Sadiq said in the National Assembly that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had in an important meeting pointed out that if Pakistan did not release Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, India would attack Pakistan "that night by 9 pm".

In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that he had warned Pakistan of consequences if it did not return Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman.

The result of the counter-terrorism operation in Balakot has been a topic of political debate in India.

"Abhinandan's father and I served together. So, when Abhinandan ejected I told him that we could not get Ahuja back, but will definitely get Abhinandan back. During the Kargil war, my flight commander Ahuja was captured and shot dead. That was playing on my mind. I told him that there are two parts. The main pressure on Pakistan was diplomatic and political. But there was also a military posture," Dhanoa told ANI.

"The way he (Pakistan MP) is saying that 'Pair 'kaanp rahe the' (legs were trembling). It is because the military posture was very offensive... God forbid if there are military misadventure on 27th and hit some of our military installations, we were in a position to wipe out their forward brigades. They know what our capability is," he said.

Wing Commander Varthaman had shot down a Pakistani aircraft F-16, which had transgressed into the Indian airspace during a dog fight between Indian and Pakistani air force on February 27, 2019, and in the process, his plane crossed over to Pakistani side and was shot down. Abhinandan was returned to India from the Attari-Wagah border on March 1, 2019.

Dhanoa, who was the Indian Air Force chief when the aerial strikes took place in Pakistan, said that Indian military could not strike to secure Abhinandan's release but it could do it to put pressure on the Pakistan military.

"But that decision is political. Whether we need to go to war. Suppose strike on 27th had been successful, then to what extent do we respond. Do we respond with a full-scale war or only hitting their forward brigades opposite us? This is a political decision," he said.

Abhinandan has been awarded the Vir Chakra on Independence Day by President Ram Nath Kovind for his exemplary bravery.

(With inputs from ANI)

India armed forces were ready to wipe out Pakistan's forward bridges had Islamabad's 'military adventure' been successful in response to the Balakot aerial strikes, said Former Air Force chief BS Dhanoa.

India armed forces were ready to wipe out Pakistan's forward bridges had Islamabad's 'military adventure' been successful in response to the Balakot aerial strikes, said Former Air Force chief BS Dhanoa. He also added that "our military posture was very offensive". Also read | Former Indian Air Force Chief BS Dhanoa. (Image source: Wikipedia) His remarks came after Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leader Ayaz Sadiq said in the National Assembly that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had in an important meeting pointed out that if Pakistan did not release Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, India would attack Pakistan "that night by 9 pm". In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that he had warned Pakistan of consequences if it did not return Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman. The result of the counter-terrorism operation in Balakot has been a topic of political debate in India. "Abhinandan's father and I served together. So, when Abhinandan ejected I told him that we could not get Ahuja back, but will definitely get Abhinandan back. During the Kargil war, my flight commander Ahuja was captured and shot dead. That was playing on my mind. I told him that there are two parts. The main pressure on Pakistan was diplomatic and political. But there was also a military posture," Dhanoa told ANI. "The way he (Pakistan MP) is saying that 'Pair 'kaanp rahe the' (legs were trembling). It is because the military posture was very offensive... God forbid if there are military misadventure on 27th and hit some of our military installations, we were in a position to wipe out their forward brigades. They know what our capability is," he said. Wing Commander Varthaman had shot down a Pakistani aircraft F-16, which had transgressed into the Indian airspace during a dog fight between Indian and Pakistani air force on February 27, 2019, and in the process, his plane crossed over to Pakistani side and was shot down. Abhinandan was returned to India from the Attari-Wagah border on March 1, 2019. Dhanoa, who was the Indian Air Force chief when the aerial strikes took place in Pakistan, said that Indian military could not strike to secure Abhinandan's release but it could do it to put pressure on the Pakistan military. "But that decision is political. Whether we need to go to war. Suppose strike on 27th had been successful, then to what extent do we respond. Do we respond with a full-scale war or only hitting their forward brigades opposite us? This is a political decision," he said. Abhinandan has been awarded the Vir Chakra on Independence Day by President Ram Nath Kovind for his exemplary bravery. (With inputs from ANI)

Was ready to wipe out Pakistan's forward brigades after Balakot: Former IAF chief BS Dhanoa

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