India has dished out to Pakistan what it had been asking for years. Pakistan had been testing India’s patience by carrying out dastardly attacks through its band of home-grown terrorists in Kashmir and other parts of the country. But for how long? It had to happen. India needed to give a strong reply to Pakistan to stop it in its tracks.&nbsp;

For how long could Pakistan expect India to sit quietly as it went about continuing with its state policy of terror? A loud and clear message has been delivered to Pakistan that India will not hesitate in going inside the Pakistani territory to hunt out terrorists and their camps. &nbsp;

Here are the key takeaways:&nbsp; 
 
Meticulous planning: The air strike was well-timed and carefully planned. It is not easy to carry out aerial attacks during the hours of darkness when operations get hampered due to lower visibility. But Indian Air Force chose 3.30 am local time to exploit the advantages to maximum effect when its Mirage 2000 fighter jets dropped bombs on JeM terrorist camp in Pakistan's Balakot. In less than 30 minutes, 12 Mirage 2000 fighter jets completed the job with precision by eliminating the terror camp, which had taken the responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack in which at least 40 CRPF personnel were martyred. Though exact figures are not readily available, a large number of militants and their leaders and handlers (some reports put the figure between 200 and 300) were killed. &nbsp; 
 
Pakistan caught napping: Pakistan least expected India to cross the Line of Control and conduct airstrikes inside its territory. Pakistan knew of impending response from India in the wake of the outrage following the Pulwama terror attack. Expecting India to carry out another surgical attack following the Uri attack last year, it had moved away several terror launch pads and training facilities from the line of control dividing Kashmir. But the least it had expected that India will dare to launch air strikes on its soil. This is the first time India has resorted to aerial bombing over the disputed border since the 1971 war. Indian warplanes had not crossed the Line of Control even during the brief Kargil conflict in 1999. &nbsp;

Zero tolerance towards terrorism: A hard and decisive message has been delivered to Pakistan that India will not hesitate in taking punitive measures if the former continued with its malicious designs. India had earlier indicated a change of its approach when it carried out surgical strikes in Pakistan occupied Kashmir inflicting heavy casualties on terrorists 10 days after the Uri attack in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed. &nbsp;With Pakistan disregarding all calls from India and the world leaders to close terror camps operating from its soil and prevent infiltration of terrorists into Kashmir, such a reply was long overdue. &nbsp;

Prepared for escalation: The air strike also conveys Indian leadership’s readiness for an all-out confrontation if Pakistan chooses to escalate the situation. Thus far, New Delhi had been held hostage to Islamabad’s manipulation and the threat of use of nuclear weapons if India dared any limited strikes on Pakistan. It resisted the military response, despite the massive outcry back home, for fear of escalation of hostilities. But New Delhi has decided to bite the bullet by extracting revenge on both the occasions. This marks a tectonic shift from India’s earlier stand when it used to share information of terror attacks with Pakistan in the hope that the latter will live up to its promise and take any concrete action against the terrorist groups operating from its soil. &nbsp;

Message to the world: With the world leaders baulking at India’s repeated requests for concerted and timely action against terrorism, New Delhi has decided to walk the talk. India has also sent out a strong signal to the global community that enough is enough and it reserves the right to self-defence against cross-border terrorism. India is unlikely to face any resistance given the global community’s strong condemnation of the Pulwama terror attacks and support to New Delhi. In fact, the US national security advisor John Bolton had gone on to say that Washington supported India's right to 'self-defence' from 'cross-border terrorism'.&nbsp;

What does it augur: There is no doubt that India’s military action has upped the ante and the world is concerned about the escalation of hostilities. The Indo-Pakistan relations have taken a severe hit and there does not seem a ray of hope of any betterment in the situation in the very near future. Any miscalculation by either of the two countries can bring them to the brink of a full-fledged war which does not augur well. Both countries should practice restraint and bide time to give peace another chance.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

India has dished out to Pakistan what it had been asking for years. Pakistan had been testing India’s patience by carrying out dastardly attacks through its band of home-grown terrorists in Kashmir and other parts of the country.

India has dished out to Pakistan what it had been asking for years. Pakistan had been testing India’s patience by carrying out dastardly attacks through its band of home-grown terrorists in Kashmir and other parts of the country. But for how long? It had to happen. India needed to give a strong reply to Pakistan to stop it in its tracks. For how long could Pakistan expect India to sit quietly as it went about continuing with its state policy of terror? A loud and clear message has been delivered to Pakistan that India will not hesitate in going inside the Pakistani territory to hunt out terrorists and their camps. Here are the key takeaways: Meticulous planning: The air strike was well-timed and carefully planned. It is not easy to carry out aerial attacks during the hours of darkness when operations get hampered due to lower visibility. But Indian Air Force chose 3.30 am local time to exploit the advantages to maximum effect when its Mirage 2000 fighter jets dropped bombs on JeM terrorist camp in Pakistan's Balakot. In less than 30 minutes, 12 Mirage 2000 fighter jets completed the job with precision by eliminating the terror camp, which had taken the responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack in which at least 40 CRPF personnel were martyred. Though exact figures are not readily available, a large number of militants and their leaders and handlers (some reports put the figure between 200 and 300) were killed. Pakistan caught napping: Pakistan least expected India to cross the Line of Control and conduct airstrikes inside its territory. Pakistan knew of impending response from India in the wake of the outrage following the Pulwama terror attack. Expecting India to carry out another surgical attack following the Uri attack last year, it had moved away several terror launch pads and training facilities from the line of control dividing Kashmir. But the least it had expected that India will dare to launch air strikes on its soil. This is the first time India has resorted to aerial bombing over the disputed border since the 1971 war. Indian warplanes had not crossed the Line of Control even during the brief Kargil conflict in 1999. Zero tolerance towards terrorism: A hard and decisive message has been delivered to Pakistan that India will not hesitate in taking punitive measures if the former continued with its malicious designs. India had earlier indicated a change of its approach when it carried out surgical strikes in Pakistan occupied Kashmir inflicting heavy casualties on terrorists 10 days after the Uri attack in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed. With Pakistan disregarding all calls from India and the world leaders to close terror camps operating from its soil and prevent infiltration of terrorists into Kashmir, such a reply was long overdue. Prepared for escalation: The air strike also conveys Indian leadership’s readiness for an all-out confrontation if Pakistan chooses to escalate the situation. Thus far, New Delhi had been held hostage to Islamabad’s manipulation and the threat of use of nuclear weapons if India dared any limited strikes on Pakistan. It resisted the military response, despite the massive outcry back home, for fear of escalation of hostilities. But New Delhi has decided to bite the bullet by extracting revenge on both the occasions. This marks a tectonic shift from India’s earlier stand when it used to share information of terror attacks with Pakistan in the hope that the latter will live up to its promise and take any concrete action against the terrorist groups operating from its soil. Message to the world: With the world leaders baulking at India’s repeated requests for concerted and timely action against terrorism, New Delhi has decided to walk the talk. India has also sent out a strong signal to the global community that enough is enough and it reserves the right to self-defence against cross-border terrorism. India is unlikely to face any resistance given the global community’s strong condemnation of the Pulwama terror attacks and support to New Delhi. In fact, the US national security advisor John Bolton had gone on to say that Washington supported India's right to 'self-defence' from 'cross-border terrorism'. What does it augur: There is no doubt that India’s military action has upped the ante and the world is concerned about the escalation of hostilities. The Indo-Pakistan relations have taken a severe hit and there does not seem a ray of hope of any betterment in the situation in the very near future. Any miscalculation by either of the two countries can bring them to the brink of a full-fledged war which does not augur well. Both countries should practice restraint and bide time to give peace another chance. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Balakot operation: India serves it right and tight to Pakistan

India strikes back: IAF enters deep into Pak territory, 350 JeM terrorists killed while sleeping

Top Jaish leadership wiped out as IAF strikes on terror launch pads

Does it make sense for India to get words of help from a superpower called the United States of America that no longer behaves like one? Does it make sense for India to have hostile neighbours when it has the world's fastest-growing major economy? Should it do something that could exacerbate tensions that affects the mood of investors?&nbsp;

Tough challenges face Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence after last week's horrendous car bomb attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists on a convoy of Central Reserve Police Force jawans at Pulwama in Kashmir, in which at least 40 men were martyred.

It is fine to light candles to mourn the victims and cry out in outrage against Pakistan's help for jihadi terror groups on its soil, and fine for the Army to carry out retaliatory operations as it happened in the aftermath of the attack. But one harsh reality remains: the world has changed so much, that a painstakingly built-up diplomatic advantage that India had in cornering Pakistan after the 9/11 attacks in New York by Al Qaeda in 2001 and then the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai in 2008 has been considerably eroded by the flow of events since then.

What this means is that even as India reserves the right to secure its territory from attackers and terrorists, it is a lonely game in which it has to walk diplomatic tightropes all around.

Pakistan is neither the failed state it is often painted to be, nor isolated in the international community. While Indians lit candles to mourn dead jawans, Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad was playing chauffeur to Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman, whose team pledged $20 billion investments into Pakistan - and that is about Rs 140,000 crore! Contrast that with the fact that the annual export from Pakistan to India affected by New Delhi withdrawing the Most Favoured Nation status to Pakistan is less than $ 0.5 billion.

China, which has rejected India's attempts at the United Nations to declare Jaish-e-Mohammed's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist despite overwhelming evidence is clearly not helping India in containing terrorism. Please also recall that Pakistan's then army chief and later miltary dictator Pervez Musharraf was in Beijing when the Kargil war broke out in 1999 - under his supervision.

Last month, Pakistan and China decided to widen the scope of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), including expansion of activities in the Gwadar Port in Balochistan. CPEC passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and involves investments estimated at $62 billion - and that is worth about Rs 440,000 crore! The Chinese dragon won't spew that kind of money without a quid-pro-quo. Beijing's mandarins now have a clear access to the Arabian Sea through Pakistan.

All this is happening while the US is busy pulling its troops out of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

India now has to deal with a new geopolitical reality in which Washington is less interested in policing the planet while China is helping Pakistan. Some of that Saudi money coming into Pakistan may well trickle towards jihadi groups. Islamabad is cleverly hedging its bets by keeping both the Saudis and the Chinese happy. Failed state, did someone say?&nbsp;

Meanwhile, as India warms up to Iran, Saudi Arabia is slamming Tehran for blaming it for an attack last week that killed 27 members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard. Tehran, after blaming the Saudis, now blames Pakistan. It is all very messy but it is vital to note the attack took place on the Iranian side of Balochistan.

Officially, everybody condemns terrorism but ground realities are different.

India now has the lever of trade to tackle Beijing. China is the leading maker or exporter of smartphones sold in India and its investors are hot in India's digital economy. The RSS-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek a ban on Chinese companies in India. India imported Chinese goods worth $68 billion in 2017 and its exports to China was about $16 billion.&nbsp;

India's best bet could stem from the fact that the US and China are also in the middle of a trade war while Beijing badly needs help to boost its sagging economy. But India also gets investments into India from China, with billion-dollar-valuation startups like PayTm gaining significantly. It is a complicated chessboard, but trade seems to be the best lever India can use to make China see reason.&nbsp;

Indians lighting candles for Pulwama victims may well pause a moment to think of the dragon in the neighbourhood. The government could do with some help.

 
(This article was originally published on Zee News. Read the <a href="https://zeenews.india.com/blogs/lonely-after-pulwama-indias-diplomatic-challenge-as-saudi-arabia-and-china-embrace-pakistan-2181690.html">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

Does it make sense for India to get words of help from a superpower called the United States of America that no longer behaves like one? Does it make sense for India to have hostile neighbours when it has the world's fastest-growing major economy?

Does it make sense for India to get words of help from a superpower called the United States of America that no longer behaves like one? Does it make sense for India to have hostile neighbours when it has the world's fastest-growing major economy? Should it do something that could exacerbate tensions that affects the mood of investors? Tough challenges face Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence after last week's horrendous car bomb attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists on a convoy of Central Reserve Police Force jawans at Pulwama in Kashmir, in which at least 40 men were martyred. It is fine to light candles to mourn the victims and cry out in outrage against Pakistan's help for jihadi terror groups on its soil, and fine for the Army to carry out retaliatory operations as it happened in the aftermath of the attack. But one harsh reality remains: the world has changed so much, that a painstakingly built-up diplomatic advantage that India had in cornering Pakistan after the 9/11 attacks in New York by Al Qaeda in 2001 and then the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai in 2008 has been considerably eroded by the flow of events since then. What this means is that even as India reserves the right to secure its territory from attackers and terrorists, it is a lonely game in which it has to walk diplomatic tightropes all around. Pakistan is neither the failed state it is often painted to be, nor isolated in the international community. While Indians lit candles to mourn dead jawans, Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad was playing chauffeur to Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman, whose team pledged $20 billion investments into Pakistan - and that is about Rs 140,000 crore! Contrast that with the fact that the annual export from Pakistan to India affected by New Delhi withdrawing the Most Favoured Nation status to Pakistan is less than $ 0.5 billion. China, which has rejected India's attempts at the United Nations to declare Jaish-e-Mohammed's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist despite overwhelming evidence is clearly not helping India in containing terrorism. Please also recall that Pakistan's then army chief and later miltary dictator Pervez Musharraf was in Beijing when the Kargil war broke out in 1999 - under his supervision. Last month, Pakistan and China decided to widen the scope of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), including expansion of activities in the Gwadar Port in Balochistan. CPEC passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and involves investments estimated at $62 billion - and that is worth about Rs 440,000 crore! The Chinese dragon won't spew that kind of money without a quid-pro-quo. Beijing's mandarins now have a clear access to the Arabian Sea through Pakistan. All this is happening while the US is busy pulling its troops out of Afghanistan. India now has to deal with a new geopolitical reality in which Washington is less interested in policing the planet while China is helping Pakistan. Some of that Saudi money coming into Pakistan may well trickle towards jihadi groups. Islamabad is cleverly hedging its bets by keeping both the Saudis and the Chinese happy. Failed state, did someone say? Meanwhile, as India warms up to Iran, Saudi Arabia is slamming Tehran for blaming it for an attack last week that killed 27 members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard. Tehran, after blaming the Saudis, now blames Pakistan. It is all very messy but it is vital to note the attack took place on the Iranian side of Balochistan. Officially, everybody condemns terrorism but ground realities are different. India now has the lever of trade to tackle Beijing. China is the leading maker or exporter of smartphones sold in India and its investors are hot in India's digital economy. The RSS-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek a ban on Chinese companies in India. India imported Chinese goods worth $68 billion in 2017 and its exports to China was about $16 billion. India's best bet could stem from the fact that the US and China are also in the middle of a trade war while Beijing badly needs help to boost its sagging economy. But India also gets investments into India from China, with billion-dollar-valuation startups like PayTm gaining significantly. It is a complicated chessboard, but trade seems to be the best lever India can use to make China see reason. Indians lighting candles for Pulwama victims may well pause a moment to think of the dragon in the neighbourhood. The government could do with some help. (This article was originally published on Zee News. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India faces diplomatic challenge as Saudi Arabia and China embrace Pakistan

Yet another tragic terror incident in Kashmir! It’s so serious that it has shaken the soul of the nation once again.&nbsp;

There is no change in Pakistan-sponsored terrorists’ strategy. But the methodology adopted this time is new. A bus carrying CRPF personnel was attacked by a suicide bomber driving an explosive-laden car alongside the running convoy in Pulwama. More than 40 CRPF personnel were killed and many others were critically injured. Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed, ready with a video of the local suicide bomber Adil Ahmad Dar, has promptly claimed credit for organising this terror attack. Its new tactics, and likely repetition in J&amp;K, will definitely cause more challenges for the security forces and the government.

How did they manage to organise such a planned attack? This and related investigations are in progress by the J&amp;K Police and the National Investigation Agency. These are being reported every minute in the media. My comments are on more fundamental issues.

Terrorism in J&amp;K has two dimensions: Internal and external. The latter is related to Pakistan with which India has a running territorial dispute and a violence-prone boundary or Line of Control. Both dimensions, though linked, require integrated and well-coordinated policies and a comprehensive grand strategy. Unfortunately, there has been a lack of focus on our policies/grand strategy, if there were any.

Internal dimension

In J&amp;K, we have had several political failures. The last one was the PDP-BJP coalition, formed on March 1, 2015. We forgot that PDP rose to power with solid support of Jamaat-e-Islami elements in South Kashmir. Its ideology would not gel with that of BJP. The resultant coalition failure, rise of radicalisation, and further deterioration of law-and-order situation was no surprise. It also gave large space to the separatists; so much that even mainstream politicians felt compelled to tow their line and often coerce security forces to dilute safety and security measures.&nbsp;

These failures and the deteriorating situation have led to an approach that has put the security forces on the forefront. A hard military strategy without a proper political strategy does not succeed. They now have to take the flak from the local population and from those in the government if there is any mistake or collateral damage. The political and social aspects — contact with local communities and local development initiatives — have been lost.

Terrorism is not just a military problem. It is primarily a major socio-political-economic problem. A pure military approach, given the lack or fragility of the institutional framework in operational areas, can worsen the situation.

Security forces are meant to handle terrorists and violence, not the rise of radicalisation, or the separatists’ calls for hartals and marshalling of stone-pelters.&nbsp;

Worldwide, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations have not succeeded unless the ideologues have been neutralised. In India, we not only give them more outreach space but also state security, communication and other facilities. We claim that they are being funded by the ISI and yet do not block their bank accounts. We also allow them to take telephone calls from Pakistani ministers.&nbsp;

Now that we have Governor’s rule in J&amp;K, here are a few suggestions:

The Governor should reactivate the United Headquarter (UHQ) and meet regularly to ensure better civil-military coordination and its effectiveness.

Take immediate steps to isolate and neutralise Hurriyat leaders and other separatists and withdraw all their government-funded facilities.

The Governor should hold separate regular meetings with political leaders, civil society leaders, educational networks, youth organisations, NGOs, business leaders and local professionals. Local development initiatives should play a role with government as a supportive partner.

Arrest radicalisation attempts in schools, colleges and religious institutes.

Security grid in South Kashmir, lifeline to Srinagar, should be further strengthened to deal with the current terrorist situation.

External dimension

Causing terrorism in India is a decades-old Pakistani state policy, sponsored and controlled by Pakistani Army. Terror outfits like Lashkar and Jaish are only cheap tools. For justice, it is necessary to book or neutralise their leaders like Hafiz Saeed and Maulana Masood Azhar. However, that is unlikely to deter Pakistani Army from changing its policy. Pakistan can find many more such already trained terror leaders. In fact, even if J&amp;K issue is somehow resolved, its anti-India policy is unlikely to change. In its present polity, Pakistan does not believe in sub-continental geo-political stability and co-existence.

Pakistan’s quest to destabilise India and keep the pot boiling in J&amp;K will not change. Another surgical strike on terrorists’ camps will not lead to deterrence or dissuasion. In any case, it has already lost its surprise element and political or strategic impact. The government could consider taking covert action in Pakistan. A major military option requires not only capacity assessment but also its build-up, if necessary. More importantly, it cannot be left to the armed forces alone as has been stated in public by some of our political leaders. A major strike or a limited war option is a national issue. It requires political will, diplomatic push, economic sustenance, and advanced preparations. We should prepare our grounds well. A half-hearted or a divided national power should never be employed in a conflict, without adequate escalation control politico-military ability.&nbsp;

I am happy that despite forthcoming elections, all opposition parties have extended full support to the government at this juncture. It is now up to the government to keep them adequately briefed and take their views and suggestions. We had an almost similar political climate during the Kargil war. India’s national security should always take precedence over our political ideologies and interests.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-pakistan-s-thirst-for-violence-2720901">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Yet another tragic terror incident in Kashmir! It’s so serious that it has shaken the soul of the nation once again. There is no change in Pakistan-sponsored terrorists’ strategy.

Yet another tragic terror incident in Kashmir! It’s so serious that it has shaken the soul of the nation once again. There is no change in Pakistan-sponsored terrorists’ strategy. But the methodology adopted this time is new. A bus carrying CRPF personnel was attacked by a suicide bomber driving an explosive-laden car alongside the running convoy in Pulwama. More than 40 CRPF personnel were killed and many others were critically injured. Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed, ready with a video of the local suicide bomber Adil Ahmad Dar, has promptly claimed credit for organising this terror attack. Its new tactics, and likely repetition in J&K, will definitely cause more challenges for the security forces and the government. How did they manage to organise such a planned attack? This and related investigations are in progress by the J&K Police and the National Investigation Agency. These are being reported every minute in the media. My comments are on more fundamental issues. Terrorism in J&K has two dimensions: Internal and external. The latter is related to Pakistan with which India has a running territorial dispute and a violence-prone boundary or Line of Control. Both dimensions, though linked, require integrated and well-coordinated policies and a comprehensive grand strategy. Unfortunately, there has been a lack of focus on our policies/grand strategy, if there were any. Internal dimension In J&K, we have had several political failures. The last one was the PDP-BJP coalition, formed on March 1, 2015. We forgot that PDP rose to power with solid support of Jamaat-e-Islami elements in South Kashmir. Its ideology would not gel with that of BJP. The resultant coalition failure, rise of radicalisation, and further deterioration of law-and-order situation was no surprise. It also gave large space to the separatists; so much that even mainstream politicians felt compelled to tow their line and often coerce security forces to dilute safety and security measures. These failures and the deteriorating situation have led to an approach that has put the security forces on the forefront. A hard military strategy without a proper political strategy does not succeed. They now have to take the flak from the local population and from those in the government if there is any mistake or collateral damage. The political and social aspects — contact with local communities and local development initiatives — have been lost. Terrorism is not just a military problem. It is primarily a major socio-political-economic problem. A pure military approach, given the lack or fragility of the institutional framework in operational areas, can worsen the situation. Security forces are meant to handle terrorists and violence, not the rise of radicalisation, or the separatists’ calls for hartals and marshalling of stone-pelters. Worldwide, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations have not succeeded unless the ideologues have been neutralised. In India, we not only give them more outreach space but also state security, communication and other facilities. We claim that they are being funded by the ISI and yet do not block their bank accounts. We also allow them to take telephone calls from Pakistani ministers. Now that we have Governor’s rule in J&K, here are a few suggestions: The Governor should reactivate the United Headquarter (UHQ) and meet regularly to ensure better civil-military coordination and its effectiveness. Take immediate steps to isolate and neutralise Hurriyat leaders and other separatists and withdraw all their government-funded facilities. The Governor should hold separate regular meetings with political leaders, civil society leaders, educational networks, youth organisations, NGOs, business leaders and local professionals. Local development initiatives should play a role with government as a supportive partner. Arrest radicalisation attempts in schools, colleges and religious institutes. Security grid in South Kashmir, lifeline to Srinagar, should be further strengthened to deal with the current terrorist situation. External dimension Causing terrorism in India is a decades-old Pakistani state policy, sponsored and controlled by Pakistani Army. Terror outfits like Lashkar and Jaish are only cheap tools. For justice, it is necessary to book or neutralise their leaders like Hafiz Saeed and Maulana Masood Azhar. However, that is unlikely to deter Pakistani Army from changing its policy. Pakistan can find many more such already trained terror leaders. In fact, even if J&K issue is somehow resolved, its anti-India policy is unlikely to change. In its present polity, Pakistan does not believe in sub-continental geo-political stability and co-existence. Pakistan’s quest to destabilise India and keep the pot boiling in J&K will not change. Another surgical strike on terrorists’ camps will not lead to deterrence or dissuasion. In any case, it has already lost its surprise element and political or strategic impact. The government could consider taking covert action in Pakistan. A major military option requires not only capacity assessment but also its build-up, if necessary. More importantly, it cannot be left to the armed forces alone as has been stated in public by some of our political leaders. A major strike or a limited war option is a national issue. It requires political will, diplomatic push, economic sustenance, and advanced preparations. We should prepare our grounds well. A half-hearted or a divided national power should never be employed in a conflict, without adequate escalation control politico-military ability. I am happy that despite forthcoming elections, all opposition parties have extended full support to the government at this juncture. It is now up to the government to keep them adequately briefed and take their views and suggestions. We had an almost similar political climate during the Kargil war. India’s national security should always take precedence over our political ideologies and interests. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Pakistan’s quest to keep the pot boiling in J&K will not change

Minutes after India withdrew 'Most Favoured Nation' status accorded to Pakistan, Congress President Rahul Gandhi came out in support of the government and termed the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-terror-attack-india-summons-pakistan-high-commission-lodges-strong-protest-197574">Pulwama terror attack</a> on the CRPF convoy as ''terrible tragedy'' and said ''no force can divide or break India''.&nbsp;

&nbsp;''This type of violence done against our soldiers is absolutely disgusting. We are all standing together with our jawans. No force can divide or break this country,'' he said.&nbsp;

Congress president also full support for the government and the security forces in the matter.&nbsp;

Gandhi said ''This is a time of mourning, sadness and respect. We are fully supporting the government of India and our security forces. We are not going to get into any other conversation apart from this''.

The former prime minister and Congress leader Manmohan Singh also expressed his condolences.&nbsp;

''Today is the day of mourning. Our country has lost close to 40 armed forces jawans and our foremost duty is to convey to their families that we are with them. We shall never compromise with the terrorist forces,'' Singh said.

A suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group had rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus in Pulwama district&nbsp;on Thursday evening killing around 40 personnel and leaving many critically wounded.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly&nbsp;condemned&nbsp;the incident today and held a meeting with top members of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

PM Modi said all Indians are angry right now after the terror attack at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday evening.

In the CCS meeting, India decided to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-withdraws-most-favoured-nation-status-accorded-to-pakistan-after-pulwama-attack-197539">withdraw Most Favoured Nation(MFN)</a>&nbsp;status to Pakistan.

Minutes after India withdrew 'Most Favoured Nation' status accorded to Pakistan, Congress President Rahul Gandhi came out in support of the government and termed the Pulwama terror attack on the CRPF convoy as ''terrible tragedy'' and said ''no force can divide or break India''.

Minutes after India withdrew 'Most Favoured Nation' status accorded to Pakistan, Congress President Rahul Gandhi came out in support of the government and termed the Pulwama terror attack on the CRPF convoy as ''terrible tragedy'' and said ''no force can divide or break India''. ''This type of violence done against our soldiers is absolutely disgusting. We are all standing together with our jawans. No force can divide or break this country,'' he said. Congress president also full support for the government and the security forces in the matter. Gandhi said ''This is a time of mourning, sadness and respect. We are fully supporting the government of India and our security forces. We are not going to get into any other conversation apart from this''. The former prime minister and Congress leader Manmohan Singh also expressed his condolences. ''Today is the day of mourning. Our country has lost close to 40 armed forces jawans and our foremost duty is to convey to their families that we are with them. We shall never compromise with the terrorist forces,'' Singh said. A suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group had rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus in Pulwama district on Thursday evening killing around 40 personnel and leaving many critically wounded. Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the incident today and held a meeting with top members of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). PM Modi said all Indians are angry right now after the terror attack at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday evening. In the CCS meeting, India decided to withdraw Most Favoured Nation(MFN) status to Pakistan.

We stand by govt and our jawans, no force can divide India: Rahul on Pulwama attack

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Friday announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the family of CRPF jawan Vijay Soreng, a soldier from the state who was killed in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-terror-attack-nia-begins-investigation-7-detained-after-raids-197621">Pulwama terror attack</a>.

Das also assured a job to the kin of the martyr.

The chief minister while paying tribute to the deceased soldiers, said, "Martyrs don't die, they attain heaven. Our government will give Rs 10 lakh and a job to the kin of Vijay Soreng, the jawaan from Jharkhand who got martyred in Pulwama."

In the deadliest attack on security forces in Kashmir, over 40 CRPF personnel were killed on Thursday when their convoy was targeted by a suspected suicide bomber of Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad in Pulwama district on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.

The convoy of 78 buses, in which around 2500 CRPF personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar, came under attack at around 3.15 pm at Ladhu Modi Lethpora.

Earlier in September 2016, an Army camp was stormed by terrorists in Uri, killing 19 soldiers.

Prior to that, 28 BSF personnel were killed in an attack on a convoy of the paramilitary force in 2004.

&nbsp;

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Friday announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the family of CRPF jawan Vijay Soreng, a soldier from the state who was killed in the Pulwama terror attack.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Friday announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the family of CRPF jawan Vijay Soreng, a soldier from the state who was killed in the Pulwama terror attack. Das also assured a job to the kin of the martyr. The chief minister while paying tribute to the deceased soldiers, said, "Martyrs don't die, they attain heaven. Our government will give Rs 10 lakh and a job to the kin of Vijay Soreng, the jawaan from Jharkhand who got martyred in Pulwama." In the deadliest attack on security forces in Kashmir, over 40 CRPF personnel were killed on Thursday when their convoy was targeted by a suspected suicide bomber of Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad in Pulwama district on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. The convoy of 78 buses, in which around 2500 CRPF personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar, came under attack at around 3.15 pm at Ladhu Modi Lethpora. Earlier in September 2016, an Army camp was stormed by terrorists in Uri, killing 19 soldiers. Prior to that, 28 BSF personnel were killed in an attack on a convoy of the paramilitary force in 2004.

Pulwama attack: Jharkhand CM announces solatium, job to family of deceased soldier

The involvement of Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) in Thursday's<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/reject-insinuation-by-india-to-link-pulwama-attack-to-pak-without-investigation-pak-government-197496"> terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir </a>has raised serious questions about the role of the Pakistani spy agency, ISI, in it, American experts on South Asia have said.

The Pakistan-based JeM has claimed responsibility for the attack that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-countries-should-uphold-responsibility-to-deny-safe-haven-to-terrorists-says-us-after-pulwama-attack-197497">left over 40 CRPF</a> personnel dead and many critically wounded.&nbsp;

The experts said the terror strike shows the United States has failed to persuade Pakistan to act against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/adil-ahmad-dar-the-man-who-carried-out-the-pulwama-attack-197476">Jaish-e-Mohammad</a> and other terrorist groups.

"The self-proclaimed involvement of JeM in the attack raises serious questions about the role of the ISI in supporting the masterminds of this operation," Bruce Riedel, a former CIA analyst, told PTI.

The terrorist attack, which has direct footprints inside Pakistan, poses the first major challenges to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, said Riedel, who is now a scholar at the Brookings Institute think-tank.&nbsp;

"This will be a real challenge for Imran Khan, the first serious challenge of his administration," he said.

Anish Goel, a former National Security Council official in the previous Obama administration, said the horrific attack highlights just how actively Pakistan-based terrorist groups still operate in Kashmir.

"By claiming such quick credit for the attack, Jaish-e-Mohammed is clearly indicating that they will continue to cause trouble in the region and stoke tensions between Pakistan and India," he said.

"In the wake of this attack, there will likely be increased pressure on Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi to take action against all militant groups still active in Kashmir," said Goel.

Alyssa Ayres from the Council on Foreign Relations said, "Unfortunately, the attack also shows the limits of US and international policy efforts to date to persuade Pakistan to take serious action against these groups. The urgent question is what else the international community can do."

According to Moeed Yusuf from the US Institute of Peace, the current situation has all the making of an India-Pakistan crisis.&nbsp;

"Prime Minister Modi cannot take it lying down but Pakistan isn't going to be able to absorb any Indian action either. Things are simply too tense between India and Pakistan," he said.

Ironically, the biggest deterrent to any escalation is the presence of Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman in the region, he said.&nbsp;

"Salman arrives in Pakistan on Friday and is coming to India too. His visit will be seriously overshadowed. The Saudi relationship is too important for either side to want that to happen," he noted.

"I think the damage to India-Pakistan relations is going to be immense, even if the situation doesn't escalate. The hope was that India and Pakistan will get back to talking after the Indian elections later this year. I think the hawks on both sides are going to make it very difficult for that to happen now," Yusuf said.&nbsp;

"Terrorist attacks as in Kashmir are not possible without an ideology or theology that justifies terrorism and brainwashes its followers that massacring others leads a person to paradise. The terrorist mindset must be removed along with the terrorist infrastructure on the ground," said noted Hindu scholar David Frawley.

The latest attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed is another example of how Pakistan's intelligence services continue to sponsor terrorist incursions into India, Washington-based Hindu American Foundation said.

"While it's heartening to see that a wide swath of the international community is unequivocally condemning the attack, such statements of solidarity must be backed up by actions which help bring to an end the ability of such terrorist groups to kill with impunity and destabilize the region," the foundation said.

Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP)-USA in a statement demanded that United Nations designate Masood Azhar as global terrorist.

"China should be ashamed of itself in blocking Azhar's ban at the UN. Indian diaspora demands that if Pakistan is sincere in seeking peace with India, it should arrest Maulana Masood Azhar and his cohorts and disband all terrorist organisations station in Pakistan."&nbsp;

"Pakistan is a pariah nation anyhow and if it wants to exist in the real world, it should not play games, resort to lies, and abet terrorism. It should get rid of all terrorist organization from its soil," it said. &nbsp;

The involvement of Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) in Thursday's terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir has raised serious questions about the role of the Pakistani spy agency, ISI, in it, American experts on South Asia have said.

The involvement of Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) in Thursday's terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir has raised serious questions about the role of the Pakistani spy agency, ISI, in it, American experts on South Asia have said. The Pakistan-based JeM has claimed responsibility for the attack that left over 40 CRPF personnel dead and many critically wounded. The experts said the terror strike shows the United States has failed to persuade Pakistan to act against Jaish-e-Mohammad and other terrorist groups. "The self-proclaimed involvement of JeM in the attack raises serious questions about the role of the ISI in supporting the masterminds of this operation," Bruce Riedel, a former CIA analyst, told PTI. The terrorist attack, which has direct footprints inside Pakistan, poses the first major challenges to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, said Riedel, who is now a scholar at the Brookings Institute think-tank. "This will be a real challenge for Imran Khan, the first serious challenge of his administration," he said. Anish Goel, a former National Security Council official in the previous Obama administration, said the horrific attack highlights just how actively Pakistan-based terrorist groups still operate in Kashmir. "By claiming such quick credit for the attack, Jaish-e-Mohammed is clearly indicating that they will continue to cause trouble in the region and stoke tensions between Pakistan and India," he said. "In the wake of this attack, there will likely be increased pressure on Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi to take action against all militant groups still active in Kashmir," said Goel. Alyssa Ayres from the Council on Foreign Relations said, "Unfortunately, the attack also shows the limits of US and international policy efforts to date to persuade Pakistan to take serious action against these groups. The urgent question is what else the international community can do." According to Moeed Yusuf from the US Institute of Peace, the current situation has all the making of an India-Pakistan crisis. "Prime Minister Modi cannot take it lying down but Pakistan isn't going to be able to absorb any Indian action either. Things are simply too tense between India and Pakistan," he said. Ironically, the biggest deterrent to any escalation is the presence of Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman in the region, he said. "Salman arrives in Pakistan on Friday and is coming to India too. His visit will be seriously overshadowed. The Saudi relationship is too important for either side to want that to happen," he noted. "I think the damage to India-Pakistan relations is going to be immense, even if the situation doesn't escalate. The hope was that India and Pakistan will get back to talking after the Indian elections later this year. I think the hawks on both sides are going to make it very difficult for that to happen now," Yusuf said. "Terrorist attacks as in Kashmir are not possible without an ideology or theology that justifies terrorism and brainwashes its followers that massacring others leads a person to paradise. The terrorist mindset must be removed along with the terrorist infrastructure on the ground," said noted Hindu scholar David Frawley. The latest attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed is another example of how Pakistan's intelligence services continue to sponsor terrorist incursions into India, Washington-based Hindu American Foundation said. "While it's heartening to see that a wide swath of the international community is unequivocally condemning the attack, such statements of solidarity must be backed up by actions which help bring to an end the ability of such terrorist groups to kill with impunity and destabilize the region," the foundation said. Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP)-USA in a statement demanded that United Nations designate Masood Azhar as global terrorist. "China should be ashamed of itself in blocking Azhar's ban at the UN. Indian diaspora demands that if Pakistan is sincere in seeking peace with India, it should arrest Maulana Masood Azhar and his cohorts and disband all terrorist organisations station in Pakistan." "Pakistan is a pariah nation anyhow and if it wants to exist in the real world, it should not play games, resort to lies, and abet terrorism. It should get rid of all terrorist organization from its soil," it said.

Involvement of JeM raises Pak's ISI role in Pulwama attack: Ex-CIA analyst

A day after Pulwama attack that killed over 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, diplomacy took centre stage as the Ministry of External Affairs briefed envoys of P5 countries, Gulf, Europe, Japan, South Korea on Pakistan’s role in Thursday's terror attack. ASEAN envoys have also been called on Saturday for a briefing.

Sources told WION that, all the heads of missions were "left in no doubt about the role played by Pakistan based and supported Jaish-e-Mohammed in the terrorist attack" and "our demand that Pakistan ceases forthwith all support and financing to terror groups operating from areas under their control".&nbsp;

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale highlighted the role played by "Pakistan in using terrorism as an instrument of its state policy".

Indian Foreign Secretary also met the Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaohui in Delhi and conveyed the Pakistani role in the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

UN-designated Pakistan-based terrorist group <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/jem-chief-masood-azhar-his-plan-origin-and-motive-to-target-india-197567">Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM)</a> claimed responsibility for the terror attack.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-terror-attack-nia-begins-investigation-7-detained-after-raids-197621">NIA begins </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-terror-attack-nia-begins-investigation-7-detained-after-raids-197621">investigation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-terror-attack-nia-begins-investigation-7-detained-after-raids-197621"> in Pulwama terror attack, 7 detained after raids</a>

As part of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decision, India will be taking action to diplomatically isolate Pakistan. CCS which was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting on the aftermath of the terror attack on Friday morning. &nbsp;

Briefing the media after Cabinet Committee on Security, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, "MEA will initiate all possible steps and I am referring to all possible diplomatic steps which have to be taken to ensure the complete isolation of Pakistan from the international community for having a direct hand in this incident".

After the Uri attack, India along with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, had boycotted the SAARC Summit in Islamabad.

New Delhi also announced that it will be <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-mfn-status-to-pakistan-what-it-means-how-it-impacts-trade-197569">withdrawing the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan</a>. Under the status, a country grants equal trade advantages like low tariff or high import quota.

India will ask the world to form a consensus on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) which it had introduced more than two decades ago at the United Nation.

Pakistan High Commissioner summoned

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Friday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-terror-attack-india-summons-pakistan-high-commission-lodges-strong-protest-197574">summoned Pakistan High Commissioner</a> and issued a "very strong demarche" in connection with the terror attack.

Sources tell WION that India conveyed that Pakistan must take "immediate and verifiable action" against the JeM. New Delhi asked Islamabad that "it must immediately stop any groups or individuals associated with terrorism operating from its territories".&nbsp;

India also rejected the statement made by the foreign ministry of Pakistan on Thursday. Pakistan had said it, "strongly reject any insinuation by elements in the Indian government and media circles that seek to link the attack to the State of Pakistan without investigations".

This is the second time this year when the Pak envoy has been summoned. He was summoned in January after Pakistan Foreign Minister SM Qureshi had made a phone call to pro-Pakistan Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

In all, as many as 7 times a Pakistan High Commissioner has been summoned under the Modi-government since 2014.

China doesn't budge on Masood Azhar

But <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jem-has-been-included-in-security-council-counter-terrorism-list-we-have-dealt-with-masood-azhar-issue-professionally-china-197566">China's stance on Masood Azhar</a>, the chief of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM), did not change. When asked about if China will now allow Azhar to be listed as a terrorist, China foreign ministry spokesperson said, "JeM has been included in the Security Council terrorism sanctions list. China will continue to handle the relevant sanctions issue in a constructive and responsible manner."&nbsp;

The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on terrorism said, "Chinese side firmly opposes and strongly condemns terrorism in any form, hoping regional countries join hands together to confront the threat of terrorism so as to maintain the regional peace and security".

Remember, China repeatedly blocked listing of Masood Azhar as an internationally designated terrorist under the UNSC 1267 Committee. India, in February 2016, had approached the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee with the proposal to designate Masood Azhar under the 1267 sanction regime. While the US, UK and France backed India's bid, China continued to block it.

China was the only country that took time to condemn the attack and the last of the P5 -- Permanent five countries of UNSC -- to react.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi wrote to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and condemned the terror attack. In the letter, he expressed "deep sympathy to families of the victims and injured" and "stressed that the Chinese side resolutely opposes and strongly condemns all forms of terrorism."

China and Pakistan call themselves as "all-weather friends" with the Chinese economic project China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through the country, providing Beijing with a lucrative link with West Asia. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Sources: All Heads of Missions were left in no doubt about the role played by Pakistan based&amp;supported Jaish-e-Mohammed in the terror attack&amp;our demand that Pakistan ceases forthwith all support&amp;financing to terror groups operating from areas under their control. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PulwamaAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PulwamaAttack</a> <a href="https://t.co/irSXe0ij6P">https://t.co/irSXe0ij6P</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1096408159407742977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The US came heavy on Pakistan. The White House in a strong statement hit out at Islamabad. The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-calls-on-pakistan-to-immediately-end-support-to-all-terrorist-groups-white-house-197523">United States called on Pakistan</a>&nbsp;"to end immediately the support and safe haven provided to all terrorist groups operating on its soil, whose only goal is to sow chaos, violence, and terror in the region".

It further said, "this attack only strengthens our resolve to bolster counterterrorism, cooperation and coordination between the United States and India".

The US State Department was quick to react and in a statement said, "We call on all countries to uphold their responsibilities pursuant to UN Security Council resolutions to deny safe haven and support for terrorists".

Later in the day, American National Security Advisor (NSA) John Bolton spoke to NSA Ajit Doval.

Eleven US senators, 15 members of US house of representatives have condemned the Pulwama attack.

India's neighbours - Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan - and major countries in the world like Russia, UK, Germany, France, Australia, Israel, Iran, UAE have strongly come out in strong support of New Delhi.&nbsp;

According to reports, representatives from 20 countries, including Germany, Hungary, Italy, the European Union, Canada, Britain, Russia, Israel, Australia and Japan arrived at the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday evening.&nbsp;

Diplomats from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Nepal were also present at the MEA office.

A day after Pulwama attack that killed over 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, diplomacy took centre stage as the Ministry of External Affairs briefed envoys of P5 countries, Gulf, Europe, Japan, South Korea on Pakistan’s role in Thursday's terror attack.

A day after Pulwama attack that killed over 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, diplomacy took centre stage as the Ministry of External Affairs briefed envoys of P5 countries, Gulf, Europe, Japan, South Korea on Pakistan’s role in Thursday's terror attack. ASEAN envoys have also been called on Saturday for a briefing. Sources told WION that, all the heads of missions were "left in no doubt about the role played by Pakistan based and supported Jaish-e-Mohammed in the terrorist attack" and "our demand that Pakistan ceases forthwith all support and financing to terror groups operating from areas under their control". Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale highlighted the role played by "Pakistan in using terrorism as an instrument of its state policy". Indian Foreign Secretary also met the Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaohui in Delhi and conveyed the Pakistani role in the Pulwama attack. UN-designated Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) claimed responsibility for the terror attack. Also read: NIA begins investigation in Pulwama terror attack, 7 detained after raids As part of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decision, India will be taking action to diplomatically isolate Pakistan. CCS which was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting on the aftermath of the terror attack on Friday morning. Briefing the media after Cabinet Committee on Security, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, "MEA will initiate all possible steps and I am referring to all possible diplomatic steps which have to be taken to ensure the complete isolation of Pakistan from the international community for having a direct hand in this incident". After the Uri attack, India along with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, had boycotted the SAARC Summit in Islamabad. New Delhi also announced that it will be withdrawing the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan. Under the status, a country grants equal trade advantages like low tariff or high import quota. India will ask the world to form a consensus on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) which it had introduced more than two decades ago at the United Nation. Pakistan High Commissioner summoned Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Friday summoned Pakistan High Commissioner and issued a "very strong demarche" in connection with the terror attack. Sources tell WION that India conveyed that Pakistan must take "immediate and verifiable action" against the JeM. New Delhi asked Islamabad that "it must immediately stop any groups or individuals associated with terrorism operating from its territories". India also rejected the statement made by the foreign ministry of Pakistan on Thursday. Pakistan had said it, "strongly reject any insinuation by elements in the Indian government and media circles that seek to link the attack to the State of Pakistan without investigations". This is the second time this year when the Pak envoy has been summoned. He was summoned in January after Pakistan Foreign Minister SM Qureshi had made a phone call to pro-Pakistan Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. In all, as many as 7 times a Pakistan High Commissioner has been summoned under the Modi-government since 2014. China doesn't budge on Masood Azhar But China's stance on Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM), did not change. When asked about if China will now allow Azhar to be listed as a terrorist, China foreign ministry spokesperson said, "JeM has been included in the Security Council terrorism sanctions list. China will continue to handle the relevant sanctions issue in a constructive and responsible manner." The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on terrorism said, "Chinese side firmly opposes and strongly condemns terrorism in any form, hoping regional countries join hands together to confront the threat of terrorism so as to maintain the regional peace and security". Remember, China repeatedly blocked listing of Masood Azhar as an internationally designated terrorist under the UNSC 1267 Committee. India, in February 2016, had approached the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee with the proposal to designate Masood Azhar under the 1267 sanction regime. While the US, UK and France backed India's bid, China continued to block it. China was the only country that took time to condemn the attack and the last of the P5 -- Permanent five countries of UNSC -- to react. Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi wrote to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and condemned the terror attack. In the letter, he expressed "deep sympathy to families of the victims and injured" and "stressed that the Chinese side resolutely opposes and strongly condemns all forms of terrorism." China and Pakistan call themselves as "all-weather friends" with the Chinese economic project China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through the country, providing Beijing with a lucrative link with West Asia. Sources: All Heads of Missions were left in no doubt about the role played by Pakistan based&supported Jaish-e-Mohammed in the terror attack&our demand that Pakistan ceases forthwith all support&financing to terror groups operating from areas under their control. #PulwamaAttack https://t.co/irSXe0ij6P — ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2019 × The US came heavy on Pakistan. The White House in a strong statement hit out at Islamabad. The United States called on Pakistan "to end immediately the support and safe haven provided to all terrorist groups operating on its soil, whose only goal is to sow chaos, violence, and terror in the region". It further said, "this attack only strengthens our resolve to bolster counterterrorism, cooperation and coordination between the United States and India". The US State Department was quick to react and in a statement said, "We call on all countries to uphold their responsibilities pursuant to UN Security Council resolutions to deny safe haven and support for terrorists". Later in the day, American National Security Advisor (NSA) John Bolton spoke to NSA Ajit Doval. Eleven US senators, 15 members of US house of representatives have condemned the Pulwama attack. India's neighbours - Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan - and major countries in the world like Russia, UK, Germany, France, Australia, Israel, Iran, UAE have strongly come out in strong support of New Delhi. According to reports, representatives from 20 countries, including Germany, Hungary, Italy, the European Union, Canada, Britain, Russia, Israel, Australia and Japan arrived at the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday evening. Diplomats from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Nepal were also present at the MEA office.

Pulwama attack: Diplomacy takes centerstage as India prepares to isolate Pakistan, briefs envoys of P5 countries

We stand united with India: World leaders extend solidarity over Pulwama terror attack

New Delhi on Friday summoned Pakistan's High commissioner Sohail Mehmood and lodged a strong protest against the Pulwama attacked that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel on Thursday. Pakistan based <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-calls-on-pakistan-to-immediately-end-support-to-all-terrorist-groups-white-house-197523">terrorist group</a> <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jem-has-been-included-in-security-council-counter-terrorism-list-we-have-dealt-with-masood-azhar-issue-professionally-china-197566">Jaish-e-Mohammad</a> (JEM) had claimed responsibility for the attack.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale summoned Pakistan High Commissioner today afternoon and issued a "very strong demarche" in connection to the Pulwama terror attack.

Sources tell WION that India conveyed that Pakistan must take "immediate and verifiable action" against the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/adil-ahmad-dar-the-man-who-carried-out-the-pulwama-attack-197476">JEM</a>. New Delhi asked Islamabad that "it must immediately stop any groups or individuals associated with terrorism operating from its territories".&nbsp;

India also rejected the statement made by the Pak foreign ministry on Thursday. Pakistan had said it, "strongly rejects any insinuation by elements in the Indian government and media circles that seek to link the attack to the State of Pakistan without investigations".

Islamabad had even made flip-flops while issuing the release by first issuing it, later withdrawing it to issue another one with minor changes.

This is the second time this year when the Pak envoy has been summoned. He was summoned in January after Pakistan Foreign Minister SM Qureshi had made a phone call to pro-Pakistan Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

In all, as many as 7 times a Pakistan High Commissioner has been summoned under the Modi-government since 2014.

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Sources: Foreign Secretary summoned the Pakistan High Commissioner to the Ministry of External Affairs today and issued a very strong demarche in connection with the terrorist attack in Pulwama <a href="https://t.co/aQnu5zIHNL">https://t.co/aQnu5zIHNL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1096333204397666310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group had rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus in Pulwama district&nbsp;on Thursday evening killing around 40 personnel and leaving many critically wounded.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly&nbsp;condemned&nbsp;the incident today and held a meeting with top members of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

PM Modi said all Indians are angry right now after the terror attack at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday evening.

"I pay tribute to soldiers who lost their lives at Pulwama. Our security forces have been given full freedom. We have full faith in their bravery," PM Modi said.

"I understand sentiments of those criticising us but I want to urge them, it is an emotional time, stay away from political one-upmanship,"&nbsp;the prime minister insisted.

In the CCS meeting, India decided to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-mfn-status-to-pakistan-what-it-means-how-it-impacts-trade-197569">withdraw Most Favoured Nation(MFN)</a>&nbsp;status to Pakistan.

New Delhi on Friday summoned Pakistan's High commissioner Sohail Mehmood and lodged a strong protest against the Pulwama attacked that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel on Thursday.

New Delhi on Friday summoned Pakistan's High commissioner Sohail Mehmood and lodged a strong protest against the Pulwama attacked that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel on Thursday. Pakistan based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JEM) had claimed responsibility for the attack. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale summoned Pakistan High Commissioner today afternoon and issued a "very strong demarche" in connection to the Pulwama terror attack. Sources tell WION that India conveyed that Pakistan must take "immediate and verifiable action" against the JEM. New Delhi asked Islamabad that "it must immediately stop any groups or individuals associated with terrorism operating from its territories". India also rejected the statement made by the Pak foreign ministry on Thursday. Pakistan had said it, "strongly rejects any insinuation by elements in the Indian government and media circles that seek to link the attack to the State of Pakistan without investigations". Islamabad had even made flip-flops while issuing the release by first issuing it, later withdrawing it to issue another one with minor changes. This is the second time this year when the Pak envoy has been summoned. He was summoned in January after Pakistan Foreign Minister SM Qureshi had made a phone call to pro-Pakistan Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. In all, as many as 7 times a Pakistan High Commissioner has been summoned under the Modi-government since 2014. Sources: Foreign Secretary summoned the Pakistan High Commissioner to the Ministry of External Affairs today and issued a very strong demarche in connection with the terrorist attack in Pulwama https://t.co/aQnu5zIHNL — ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2019 × A suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group had rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus in Pulwama district on Thursday evening killing around 40 personnel and leaving many critically wounded. Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the incident today and held a meeting with top members of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). PM Modi said all Indians are angry right now after the terror attack at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday evening. "I pay tribute to soldiers who lost their lives at Pulwama. Our security forces have been given full freedom. We have full faith in their bravery," PM Modi said. "I understand sentiments of those criticising us but I want to urge them, it is an emotional time, stay away from political one-upmanship," the prime minister insisted. In the CCS meeting, India decided to withdraw Most Favoured Nation(MFN) status to Pakistan.

Pulwama terror attack: India summons Pakistan High Commissioner, lodges strong protest

Curfew has been imposed in Jammu after scores of people took to the streets and blocked the Jammu-Pathankot national highway on Friday to protest against the deadly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-terror-attack-india-summons-pakistan-high-commission-lodges-strong-protest-197574">terror attack</a> which claimed the lives of around 40 CRPF personnel.

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC have also been imposed in Jammu, while data services in various districts of the state have been suspended in the wake of protests by locals.

"In order to maintain law and order, public tranquillity and to protect life and property of the general public, in the exercise of the power vested in me under Section 144 CrPC, I hereby impose curfew in the Jammu city," read a letter signed by Jammu's district magistrate Ramesh Kumar.

Security has been beefed up in the state to prevent further attack.

Speaking to ANI, Udhampur Superintendent of Police Rajiv Pandey said, "Paramilitary, as well as army jawans, have been deployed to foil any other incident if any. We have increased our vigil in Jammu-Kashmir national highway, special checkpoints have been established at various parts, checking and frisking has also been increased." &nbsp;

While demanding a befitting reply to the terrorists, protesters raised slogans against Pakistan and militants supporters in Kashmir and widely criticized the brutal killing in the blast.

Speaking the ANI, ABVP leader Naman Dogra said, "I want to request the government to take action against Pakistan so that it does not dare to repeat its mistake."

A section of people agitating also condemned the government for not looking after the safety of the soldiers. "I want to ask the politician why there is proper security for your caravan, but not for the CRPF jawans," said a local.

In Mumbai too, locals took to streets to protest against the terror attack.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-mfn-status-to-pakistan-what-it-means-how-it-impacts-trade-197569">Narendra Modi </a>assured that those behind the Pulwama terror attack will be “definitely punished” for the "grave mistake" committed.

The CRPF personnel were killed when their convoy was targeted on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday.

The convoy comprised 78 buses in which around 2500 personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar.

Soon after, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which is based in Pakistan and backed by the Pakistani administration, claimed responsibility for the attack and said it was carried out by its suicide bomber.

Curfew has been imposed in Jammu after scores of people took to the streets and blocked the Jammu-Pathankot national highway on Friday to protest against the deadly terror attack which claimed the lives of around 40 CRPF personnel.

Curfew has been imposed in Jammu after scores of people took to the streets and blocked the Jammu-Pathankot national highway on Friday to protest against the deadly terror attack which claimed the lives of around 40 CRPF personnel. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC have also been imposed in Jammu, while data services in various districts of the state have been suspended in the wake of protests by locals. "In order to maintain law and order, public tranquillity and to protect life and property of the general public, in the exercise of the power vested in me under Section 144 CrPC, I hereby impose curfew in the Jammu city," read a letter signed by Jammu's district magistrate Ramesh Kumar. Security has been beefed up in the state to prevent further attack. Speaking to ANI, Udhampur Superintendent of Police Rajiv Pandey said, "Paramilitary, as well as army jawans, have been deployed to foil any other incident if any. We have increased our vigil in Jammu-Kashmir national highway, special checkpoints have been established at various parts, checking and frisking has also been increased." While demanding a befitting reply to the terrorists, protesters raised slogans against Pakistan and militants supporters in Kashmir and widely criticized the brutal killing in the blast. Speaking the ANI, ABVP leader Naman Dogra said, "I want to request the government to take action against Pakistan so that it does not dare to repeat its mistake." A section of people agitating also condemned the government for not looking after the safety of the soldiers. "I want to ask the politician why there is proper security for your caravan, but not for the CRPF jawans," said a local. In Mumbai too, locals took to streets to protest against the terror attack. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that those behind the Pulwama terror attack will be “definitely punished” for the "grave mistake" committed. The CRPF personnel were killed when their convoy was targeted on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday. The convoy comprised 78 buses in which around 2500 personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar. Soon after, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which is based in Pakistan and backed by the Pakistani administration, claimed responsibility for the attack and said it was carried out by its suicide bomber.

Pulwama terror attack: Curfew imposed in Jammu as widespread protests erupt

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) cancelled all political programmes it had planned in the wake of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-terror-attack-india-summons-pakistan-high-commission-lodges-strong-protest-197574">Pulwama terror attack</a> in which as many as forty Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed on Thursday.

Speaking to media, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public meeting in Madhya Pradesh's Itarsi has been cancelled, and party president Amit Shah will not hold any rallies in Odisha and Chhattisgarh today, as scheduled. Patra assured the public that despite gruesome terror attacks, the Centre will not stop carrying out developmental work across the country.

"We will continue to work in order to develop our country. No developmental activities will be stopped because of such terror attacks. The agenda of the terrorist is to create obstructions in the path of development, but we will not let them succeed," the BJP spokesperson said.

On Thursday, Congress president Rahul Gandhi also cancelled a lunch with envoys of G-20 countries which was slated to be held today. Moreover, his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called off her first press conference, stating that it was not an appropriate time to talk politics and observed silence for the slain CRPF soldiers.

As many as 40 CRPF personnel were killed when their convoy was targeted on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday.

The convoy comprised 78 buses in which around 2500 personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar.

Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was caused by a suicide bomber, according to a local news agency.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) cancelled all political programmes it had planned in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack in which as many as forty Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed on Thursday.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) cancelled all political programmes it had planned in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack in which as many as forty Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed on Thursday. Speaking to media, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public meeting in Madhya Pradesh's Itarsi has been cancelled, and party president Amit Shah will not hold any rallies in Odisha and Chhattisgarh today, as scheduled. Patra assured the public that despite gruesome terror attacks, the Centre will not stop carrying out developmental work across the country. "We will continue to work in order to develop our country. No developmental activities will be stopped because of such terror attacks. The agenda of the terrorist is to create obstructions in the path of development, but we will not let them succeed," the BJP spokesperson said. On Thursday, Congress president Rahul Gandhi also cancelled a lunch with envoys of G-20 countries which was slated to be held today. Moreover, his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called off her first press conference, stating that it was not an appropriate time to talk politics and observed silence for the slain CRPF soldiers. As many as 40 CRPF personnel were killed when their convoy was targeted on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Thursday. The convoy comprised 78 buses in which around 2500 personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar. Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was caused by a suicide bomber, according to a local news agency.

Pulwama terror attack: BJP cancels all political programmes

The worst terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed over 40 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/over-200-kg-of-explosives-was-used-in-pulwamas-terror-attack-197469">Central Reserve Police Force</a> (CRPF) men on Thursday saw immediate global condemnation. The responsibility for the attack in Pulwama district was claimed by Pakistan-based terror group <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/crpf-convoy-attacked-in-jammu-kashmirs-pulwama-death-toll-climbs-to-40-197468">Jaish-e-Mohammad</a>.&nbsp;

US ambassador to India Kenneth Juster tweeted, "US Mission in India strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. The United States stands alongside India in confronting terror and defeating it."

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The U.S. Mission in India strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack in Jammu &amp; Kashmir. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. The United States stands alongside India in confronting terror and defeating it. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KashmirTerrorAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KashmirTerrorAttack</a>
— Ken Juster (@USAmbIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbIndia/status/1096049604431351814?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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French Ambassador Alexandre Ziegler said, "Our thoughts go out to the families of the fallen soldiers." and "France has always been and always will be by India’s side in the fight against terrorism in all its forms."

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France most firmly condemns the heinous attack perpetrated in Jammu &amp; Kashmir. Our thoughts go out to the families of the fallen soldiers. 
 
France has always been and always will be by India’s side in the fight against terrorism in all its forms.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pulwama?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pulwama</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KashmirTerrorAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KashmirTerrorAttack</a>
— Alexandre Ziegler (@FranceinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/FranceinIndia/status/1096059616914477058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In an official statement, the Russian Embassy said, it "condemns in the strongest terms the horrific terrorist attack in Kashmir’s Pulwama district, &nbsp;which claimed precious lives of more than 40 CRPF personnel and left numerous people injured."

Calling for a strong response to terror, Russian embassy also said on Twitter, "We denounce terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reiterate the need to combat these inhuman acts with a decisive and collective response without any double standards."

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/RusEmbIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RusEmbIndia</a> condemns in the strongest terms the horrific terrorist attack in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kashmir</a>’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pulwama?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pulwama</a> district, which claimed precious lives of more than 40 CRPF personnel and left numerous people injured.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pulwamaterrorattack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pulwamaterrorattack</a><a href="https://twitter.com/mfa_russia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mfa_russia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndEmbMoscow?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndEmbMoscow</a> <a href="https://t.co/di2JTjQZXx">pic.twitter.com/di2JTjQZXx</a>
— Russia in India (@RusEmbIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/RusEmbIndia/status/1096079381724839936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The response in the neighbourhood was also quick.&nbsp;

Maldives President &nbsp;Ibrahim Mohamed Solih tweeted, "I strongly condemn the deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir today killing at least 40 people. We send our thoughts and prayers to those affected. The Maldives will continue to work with India and the international community to combat terrorism in our region and the world at large."

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I strongly condemn the deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir today killing at least 40 people. We send our thoughts and prayers to those affected. The Maldives will continue to work with India and the international community to combat terrorism in our region and the world at large.
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih/status/1096080320560918529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid wrote a message to external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj condemning the terrorist attack and conveying sympathy to the Government and people of the Republic of India.&nbsp;

In a message on Twitter, Shahid said, "The Maldives is fully committed to the fight against terrorism and will continue to work closely with India, and the international community in eliminating this global menace."

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Strongly condemn the suicide terrorist attack on the convoy carrying Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir today. I extend my prayers and condolences to the bereaved families of the dead and injured.<a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a>
— Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid/status/1096070487095037952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was one of the first foreign leaders to speak to PM Narendra Modi during which he expresses his condolences on the terror attack.&nbsp;

In a statement, Nepal government said, "In line with its principled position, Nepal unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and believes that such heinous acts of terrorism cannot be justified on any ground."

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in a tweet also expressed his condolences. He said, "I strongly condemn the brutal terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pulwama district — the worst ever terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since 1989. I express my condolences to @narendramodi and the families of police officers who lost their lives."

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I strongly condemn the brutal terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pulwama district — the worst ever terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since 1989. I express my condolences to <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and the families of police officers who lost their lives.
— Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) <a href="https://twitter.com/RW_UNP/status/1096066531857858561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa tweeted, "The world should continue to combat terrorism."&nbsp;

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I condemn the terror attack in Jammu &amp; Kashmir that attacked a convoy, killing 44 soldiers. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. The world should continue to combat terrorism.
— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) <a href="https://twitter.com/PresRajapaksa/status/1096076315956981761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Bhutanese foreign minister said, " Shocked and saddened to hear of the dastardly terrorist attack in Kashmir" adding, "Hope the perpetrators will be brought to justice."

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Shocked and saddened to hear of the dastardly terrorist attack in Kashmir, which has resulted in the loss of 30 precious human lives. We strongly condemn this heinous attack and express our solidarity with the families of the victims, and the people and Government of India.
— ForeignMinisterBhutan (@FMBhutan) <a href="https://twitter.com/FMBhutan/status/1096067678211469312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist&nbsp;rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a bus ferrying CRPF jawans&nbsp;on Thursday in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sacrifices-of-our-brave-security-personnel-shall-not-go-in-vain-modi-says-after-pulwama-attack-197456"> Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama</a> killing 40 people.

The attack also left dozens injured — body parts could be seen strewn around the site of the attack — and a steadily-climbing death toll.&nbsp;

Police said they had identified the terrorist who had carried out the attack as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/adil-ahmad-dar-the-man-who-carried-out-the-pulwama-attack-197476">Adil Ahmad Dar</a> from Kakapora in Pulwama, and that he joined the Jaish-e-Mohammed in 2018.&nbsp;

A news agency ANI&nbsp;reported that National Security Adviser Ajit Doval was overseeing the situation in Kashmir and that he was being briefed by senior CRPF officials.&nbsp;

The worst terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) men on Thursday saw immediate global condemnation. The responsibility for the attack in Pulwama district was claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad.

The worst terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) men on Thursday saw immediate global condemnation. The responsibility for the attack in Pulwama district was claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad. US ambassador to India Kenneth Juster tweeted, "US Mission in India strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. The United States stands alongside India in confronting terror and defeating it." The U.S. Mission in India strongly condemns today’s terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. The United States stands alongside India in confronting terror and defeating it. #KashmirTerrorAttack — Ken Juster (@USAmbIndia) February 14, 2019 × French Ambassador Alexandre Ziegler said, "Our thoughts go out to the families of the fallen soldiers." and "France has always been and always will be by India’s side in the fight against terrorism in all its forms." France most firmly condemns the heinous attack perpetrated in Jammu & Kashmir. Our thoughts go out to the families of the fallen soldiers. France has always been and always will be by India’s side in the fight against terrorism in all its forms.#Pulwama #KashmirTerrorAttack — Alexandre Ziegler (@FranceinIndia) February 14, 2019 × In an official statement, the Russian Embassy said, it "condemns in the strongest terms the horrific terrorist attack in Kashmir’s Pulwama district, which claimed precious lives of more than 40 CRPF personnel and left numerous people injured." Calling for a strong response to terror, Russian embassy also said on Twitter, "We denounce terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reiterate the need to combat these inhuman acts with a decisive and collective response without any double standards." .@RusEmbIndia condemns in the strongest terms the horrific terrorist attack in #Kashmir’s #Pulwama district, which claimed precious lives of more than 40 CRPF personnel and left numerous people injured.#pulwamaterrorattack@mfa_russia @MEAIndia @IndEmbMoscow pic.twitter.com/di2JTjQZXx — Russia in India (@RusEmbIndia) February 14, 2019 × The response in the neighbourhood was also quick. Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih tweeted, "I strongly condemn the deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir today killing at least 40 people. We send our thoughts and prayers to those affected. The Maldives will continue to work with India and the international community to combat terrorism in our region and the world at large." I strongly condemn the deadly terrorist attack in Kashmir today killing at least 40 people. We send our thoughts and prayers to those affected. The Maldives will continue to work with India and the international community to combat terrorism in our region and the world at large. — Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) February 14, 2019 × Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Shahid wrote a message to external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj condemning the terrorist attack and conveying sympathy to the Government and people of the Republic of India. In a message on Twitter, Shahid said, "The Maldives is fully committed to the fight against terrorism and will continue to work closely with India, and the international community in eliminating this global menace." Strongly condemn the suicide terrorist attack on the convoy carrying Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir today. I extend my prayers and condolences to the bereaved families of the dead and injured.@MEAIndia — Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) February 14, 2019 × Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was one of the first foreign leaders to speak to PM Narendra Modi during which he expresses his condolences on the terror attack. In a statement, Nepal government said, "In line with its principled position, Nepal unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and believes that such heinous acts of terrorism cannot be justified on any ground." Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in a tweet also expressed his condolences. He said, "I strongly condemn the brutal terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pulwama district — the worst ever terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since 1989. I express my condolences to @narendramodi and the families of police officers who lost their lives." I strongly condemn the brutal terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pulwama district — the worst ever terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since 1989. I express my condolences to @narendramodi and the families of police officers who lost their lives. — Ranil Wickremesinghe (@RW_UNP) February 14, 2019 × Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa tweeted, "The world should continue to combat terrorism." I condemn the terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir that attacked a convoy, killing 44 soldiers. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. The world should continue to combat terrorism. — Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) February 14, 2019 × The Bhutanese foreign minister said, " Shocked and saddened to hear of the dastardly terrorist attack in Kashmir" adding, "Hope the perpetrators will be brought to justice." Shocked and saddened to hear of the dastardly terrorist attack in Kashmir, which has resulted in the loss of 30 precious human lives. We strongly condemn this heinous attack and express our solidarity with the families of the victims, and the people and Government of India. — ForeignMinisterBhutan (@FMBhutan) February 14, 2019 × A Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a bus ferrying CRPF jawans on Thursday in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama killing 40 people. The attack also left dozens injured — body parts could be seen strewn around the site of the attack — and a steadily-climbing death toll. Police said they had identified the terrorist who had carried out the attack as Adil Ahmad Dar from Kakapora in Pulwama, and that he joined the Jaish-e-Mohammed in 2018. A news agency ANI reported that National Security Adviser Ajit Doval was overseeing the situation in Kashmir and that he was being briefed by senior CRPF officials.

US, Russia, France condemn Pulwama terror attack

Over 100 kg explosive used in Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF jawans

Forty CRPF jawans were killed on Thursday in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama after a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the bus they were travelling in.&nbsp;

Dozens of people were injured in the attack.&nbsp;

The bus the CRPF jawans had been travelling in was turned into a mangled heap of iron, and body parts could be seen strewn around the area.&nbsp;

A CRPF official said the bus had been travelling in a convoy of some 70 vehicles.

He added that the convoy had been travelling from Jammu to Srinagar.&nbsp;

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CRPF Official on Pulwama attack: There were 70 vehicles in the convoy and one of the vehicles came under attack. The convoy was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. <a href="https://t.co/B0SaEEU5wE">https://t.co/B0SaEEU5wE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1096009638473015297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Police said they have identified the terrorist who carried out Thursday's attack as Adil Ahmad from Kakapora in Pulwama. And that he joined the Jaish-e-Mohammed in 2018.&nbsp;

The terror group has claimed responsibility for the incident, they added.&nbsp;

ANI added that the Jaish-e-Mohammed had claimed responsibility for the attack in a text message sent to the Kashmiri news agency GNS.

CRPF Director General RR Bhatnagar said there were 2,500 security personnel in the convoy. He added that an "investigation is underway" and the "injured being taken care of".

Zulfiqar Hassan, IG CRPF (Operations) added that the Jammu and Kashmir Police are investigating the attack. He added that the injured have been "shifted to hospital" and that a "post-blast analysis is being done at the spot".&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also spoke to Bhatnagar about the attack.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Zulfiqar Hassan, IG CRPF(Operations) on Pulwama blast: J&amp;K Police has taken up the investigation. The injured shifted to hospital. Post-blast analysis being done at the spot <a href="https://t.co/BsOi2nJhfh">pic.twitter.com/BsOi2nJhfh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1096012786797293568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The bus carrying the CRPF jawans was attacked on the Srinagar-Jammu highway in Pulwama's Awantipora area, a police official told PTI.

Further details are awaited, he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

Forty CRPF jawans were killed on Thursday in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama after a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the bus they were travelling in.

Forty CRPF jawans were killed on Thursday in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama after a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the bus they were travelling in. Dozens of people were injured in the attack. The bus the CRPF jawans had been travelling in was turned into a mangled heap of iron, and body parts could be seen strewn around the area. A CRPF official said the bus had been travelling in a convoy of some 70 vehicles. He added that the convoy had been travelling from Jammu to Srinagar. CRPF Official on Pulwama attack: There were 70 vehicles in the convoy and one of the vehicles came under attack. The convoy was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. https://t.co/B0SaEEU5wE — ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2019 × Police said they have identified the terrorist who carried out Thursday's attack as Adil Ahmad from Kakapora in Pulwama. And that he joined the Jaish-e-Mohammed in 2018. The terror group has claimed responsibility for the incident, they added. ANI added that the Jaish-e-Mohammed had claimed responsibility for the attack in a text message sent to the Kashmiri news agency GNS. CRPF Director General RR Bhatnagar said there were 2,500 security personnel in the convoy. He added that an "investigation is underway" and the "injured being taken care of". Zulfiqar Hassan, IG CRPF (Operations) added that the Jammu and Kashmir Police are investigating the attack. He added that the injured have been "shifted to hospital" and that a "post-blast analysis is being done at the spot". Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also spoke to Bhatnagar about the attack. Zulfiqar Hassan, IG CRPF(Operations) on Pulwama blast: J&K Police has taken up the investigation. The injured shifted to hospital. Post-blast analysis being done at the spot pic.twitter.com/BsOi2nJhfh — ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2019 × The bus carrying the CRPF jawans was attacked on the Srinagar-Jammu highway in Pulwama's Awantipora area, a police official told PTI. Further details are awaited, he added. (With inputs from PTI)

J&K: 40 CRPF jawans killed in Awantipora after JeM terrorist rams explosive-laden vehicle into their bus

Delhi police arrests 2 Jaish terrorists ahead of Republic Day

UN Security Council (UNSC) member France has backed India&#39;s proposal to designate Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist, days after China blocked India&#39;s move.

French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said that since Masood Azhar&#39;s JeM had already been designated a terrorist organisation, there were &quot;very strong arguments in favour&quot; of such a move.

&nbsp;&quot;Jaish-e-Mohammad is already included in the (Sanctions) Committee&#39;s list of terrorist organisations, therefore, there are very strong arguments in favour of listing its chief, as India has requested,&quot; the French foreign minister, who is on a four-day visit to India said.

Without naming China directly, he said: &quot;The international community&#39;s determination to combat terrorism must be the same everywhere, regardless of the threat.&quot;

&quot;That&#39;s why&quot;, he said, France not only supported but also co-sponsored the Indian request at the UNSC.

In February 2015, India submitted a proposal to the 15-member 1267 Sanctions Committee of the UNSC to list Azhar as an international terrorist for allegedly masterminding the attack on an airbase in Pathankot in 2015.

China imposed a &quot;technical hold&quot; on the Indian proposal twice before blocking it on December 30, the only country to do so.

&quot;We regret that, despite our joint efforts and wide support from the Committee, unanimity could not be reached,&quot; said Ayrault, whose country is a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

He said France will now discuss with India what should be done. &quot;India knows it can count on our support,&quot; he added.

The French foreign minister, whose country has faced a number of terror attacks over the last few years, pitched for a &quot;decisive action&quot; against &nbsp;Pakistan-based terror groups like LeT, JeM and Hizbul Mujahideen which are &quot;targeting&quot; India.

&quot;France has very firmly condemned the terrorist attacks against India, including the recent one in Uri, and reiterated its full solidarity with India in its combat against terrorism,&quot; he said.

He emphasised that all countries should fight effectively against terrorism &quot;originating from their territory or territories under their control&quot;.

&quot;We particularly want to see decisive action taken, in keeping with international law, against terrorist groups targeting India, particularly the Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Jaish-e-Mohammad and the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen,&quot; he said in an obvious reference to Pakistan from where these outfits are believed to have been operating.

The French minister also defended the Indian Army&#39;s &#39;&quot;surgical strikes&quot; against terrorist camps across the LoC in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in September 2016.

&quot;Nothing can justify terrorism, which must be fought everywhere with equal determination. When a country is faced with a terrorist threat of this nature, it has the 
right to defend itself,&quot; he said.

Ayrault also spoke about the scope of cooperation between India and his country in combating terror. &quot;France and India are both victims of terrorism, and they are in full solidarity vis-a-vis this scourge,&quot; he said, adding that the fight against terrorism is one of the cornerstones of India and France&#39;s strategic partnership.

In concrete terms, he said, France and India hold &quot;constant and very operational exchanges&quot; on the terrorist threat.

&quot;We have a bilateral working group that brings together all the players concerned over counter-terrorism, and, among others, cooperation with regard to investigations and between our respective intervention units, the GIGN from the French side, and the National Security Guards from the Indian side. I welcome the development of all these cooperations,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

Azhar, a resident of Bahawalpur in Pakistan, was one of the three terrorists freed by India in exchange of 166 hostages of Indian Airlines plane IC-814 which was hijacked to Kandahar in December 1999.

At that time, Azhar was a member of the Harkat-ul Mujahideen, and soon after his release, he floated the Jaish-e-Mohammad in Pakistan which carried out several attacks in India, including on the Parliament in December 2001.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

 
&nbsp;

Its foreign minister said there were 'very strong arguments' to blacklist Masood as his group is already considered a terrorist organisation

UN Security Council (UNSC) member France has backed India's proposal to designate Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist, days after China blocked India's move. French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said that since Masood Azhar's JeM had already been designated a terrorist organisation, there were "very strong arguments in favour" of such a move. "Jaish-e-Mohammad is already included in the (Sanctions) Committee's list of terrorist organisations, therefore, there are very strong arguments in favour of listing its chief, as India has requested," the French foreign minister, who is on a four-day visit to India said. Without naming China directly, he said: "The international community's determination to combat terrorism must be the same everywhere, regardless of the threat." "That's why", he said, France not only supported but also co-sponsored the Indian request at the UNSC. In February 2015, India submitted a proposal to the 15-member 1267 Sanctions Committee of the UNSC to list Azhar as an international terrorist for allegedly masterminding the attack on an airbase in Pathankot in 2015. China imposed a "technical hold" on the Indian proposal twice before blocking it on December 30, the only country to do so. "We regret that, despite our joint efforts and wide support from the Committee, unanimity could not be reached," said Ayrault, whose country is a permanent member of the UN Security Council. He said France will now discuss with India what should be done. "India knows it can count on our support," he added. The French foreign minister, whose country has faced a number of terror attacks over the last few years, pitched for a "decisive action" against Pakistan-based terror groups like LeT, JeM and Hizbul Mujahideen which are "targeting" India. "France has very firmly condemned the terrorist attacks against India, including the recent one in Uri, and reiterated its full solidarity with India in its combat against terrorism," he said. He emphasised that all countries should fight effectively against terrorism "originating from their territory or territories under their control". "We particularly want to see decisive action taken, in keeping with international law, against terrorist groups targeting India, particularly the Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Jaish-e-Mohammad and the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen," he said in an obvious reference to Pakistan from where these outfits are believed to have been operating. The French minister also defended the Indian Army's '"surgical strikes" against terrorist camps across the LoC in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in September 2016. "Nothing can justify terrorism, which must be fought everywhere with equal determination. When a country is faced with a terrorist threat of this nature, it has the right to defend itself," he said. Ayrault also spoke about the scope of cooperation between India and his country in combating terror. "France and India are both victims of terrorism, and they are in full solidarity vis-a-vis this scourge," he said, adding that the fight against terrorism is one of the cornerstones of India and France's strategic partnership. In concrete terms, he said, France and India hold "constant and very operational exchanges" on the terrorist threat. "We have a bilateral working group that brings together all the players concerned over counter-terrorism, and, among others, cooperation with regard to investigations and between our respective intervention units, the GIGN from the French side, and the National Security Guards from the Indian side. I welcome the development of all these cooperations," he said. Azhar, a resident of Bahawalpur in Pakistan, was one of the three terrorists freed by India in exchange of 166 hostages of Indian Airlines plane IC-814 which was hijacked to Kandahar in December 1999. At that time, Azhar was a member of the Harkat-ul Mujahideen, and soon after his release, he floated the Jaish-e-Mohammad in Pakistan which carried out several attacks in India, including on the Parliament in December 2001. (WION with inputs from PTI)

France backs India's bid to designate Masood Azhar as terrorist by UN

China has stonewalled India&#39;s request to blacklist Jaish-e-Mohammad chief&nbsp;Maulana Masood Azhar, New Delhi said, in a move that could ratchet up tensions between the two countries.

India has been pushing to include the Jaish leader&#39;s name in the&nbsp;UN Security Council blacklist of groups linked to al Qaeda.

New Delhi believes Azhar orchestrated a deadly&nbsp;attack on an Indian air base in January.

China had previously put a &#39;technical hold&#39; on the move in April.

While Jaish-e-Mohammad has been blacklisted by the UN Security Council, its chief is yet to be red-flagged.

&quot;We had expected China would have been more understanding of the danger posed to all by terrorism,&quot; Indian foreign ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup&nbsp;said in a statement.

Swarup added that the inability of the international community to take the step showed the &quot;prevalence of double standards in the fight against terrorism&quot;.

The spokesperson added that New Delhi was surprised by Beijing&#39;s decision.

China&#39;s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment late on Friday evening.

China had two options in front of them -- either to prolong the &quot;hold&quot;, which would mean that Azhar would be banned due to activation of UNSC&#39;s resolution 1267, or &quot;block&quot; India&#39;s effort.&nbsp;

India has long accused its neighbour Pakistan of using Jaish-e-Mohammad as a front to mount attacks on Indian soil, including in the disputed Kashmir region.&nbsp;Pakistan, however, denies giving any aid to Kashmir-based militants.

If Azhar was blacklisted by the UN Security Council, he would face a global travel ban and asset freeze.

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

China, which put a 'technical hold' on the move in April, has now blocked it, India's foreign ministry said

China has stonewalled India's request to blacklist Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Maulana Masood Azhar, New Delhi said, in a move that could ratchet up tensions between the two countries. India has been pushing to include the Jaish leader's name in the UN Security Council blacklist of groups linked to al Qaeda. New Delhi believes Azhar orchestrated a deadly attack on an Indian air base in January. China had previously put a 'technical hold' on the move in April. While Jaish-e-Mohammad has been blacklisted by the UN Security Council, its chief is yet to be red-flagged. "We had expected China would have been more understanding of the danger posed to all by terrorism," Indian foreign ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said in a statement. Swarup added that the inability of the international community to take the step showed the "prevalence of double standards in the fight against terrorism". The spokesperson added that New Delhi was surprised by Beijing's decision. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment late on Friday evening. China had two options in front of them -- either to prolong the "hold", which would mean that Azhar would be banned due to activation of UNSC's resolution 1267, or "block" India's effort. India has long accused its neighbour Pakistan of using Jaish-e-Mohammad as a front to mount attacks on Indian soil, including in the disputed Kashmir region. Pakistan, however, denies giving any aid to Kashmir-based militants. If Azhar was blacklisted by the UN Security Council, he would face a global travel ban and asset freeze. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

China blocks India's request for UN to blacklist JeM chief Masood Azhar