The banned Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad's (JeM) shadow militant outfit Kashmir Tigers has made it to headlines after it claimed responsibility for the Kathua terror attack.&nbsp;

On July 8, at least five&nbsp;army personnel, which included a Junior Commissioned Officer, lost their lives and several others were injured after the Indian Army convoy was attacked in the remote Machedi area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district.

The patrolling party was suddenly ambushed by the heavily armed terrorists who belonged to the Kashmir Tigers, according to the militant outfit.

<h2>All about Kashmir Tigers - the shadow militant outfit in J&amp;K</h2>

The militant outfit Kashmir Tigers' name first made it to the headlines in January 2021 after the abrogation of Article 370 in India's Jammu and Kashmir.

The police said that this was a shadow group of the terror outfit&nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammad. It had claimed responsibility for carrying out a grenade attack in South Kashmir in June 2021.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kulgam-encounter-soldier-killed-4-terrorists-eliminated-says-police-738560">Kulgam encounter: Two Indian soldier killed, six terrorists eliminated, says police</a>

In December 2021, the militant outfit attacked a police bus in Srinagar, in which three were killed and 11 others were injured.

After the scrapping of Article 370, various new militant outfits like Kashmir Tigers have been blamed by the police for the attacks.&nbsp;

Two of those - The Resistance Front (TRF) and People Against Fascist Forces (PAFF) - have remained prominent. Through time, it has appeared that outfits like Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish have remained operative in the background.

According to the security forces, the nomenclature of these militant outfits has gone through a visible change. Earlier, the names had religious connotations, however, now they appear to be “secular” in nature.

“Pakistan is under pressure to increase the pitch of militancy in J&amp;K but can’t ignore the FATF,” a police officer said, as quoted by The Indian Express.

Watch:&nbsp;J&amp;K: Five Indian Army soldiers killed in ambush, terrorists ambush Army convoy in Kathua district

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jk-five-indian-army-soldiers-killed-in-ambush-terrorists-ambush-army-convoy-in-kathua-district-739124/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“Since the names of Lashkar and Jaish are associated with Pakistan and have a religious connotation, they decided to change the names. It is also an attempt to portray militancy as secular and indigenous," he added.

According to the police officials, these new outfits have been trying to present it like the Valley is filled with militants.&nbsp;

“On the ground, we have only around 150 to 200 militants. We have three or four major groups, which have different modules named differently,” said the police officer.

Speaking about the “secular” nature of J&amp;K militancy, the police officials have hinted at the members of different outfits being essentially the same.

(With inputs from agencies)

The banned Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad's (JeM) shadow militant outfit Kashmir Tigers has made it to headlines after it claimed responsibility for the Kathua terror attack.

The banned Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad's (JeM) shadow militant outfit Kashmir Tigers has made it to headlines after it claimed responsibility for the Kathua terror attack. On July 8, at least five army personnel, which included a Junior Commissioned Officer, lost their lives and several others were injured after the Indian Army convoy was attacked in the remote Machedi area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district. The patrolling party was suddenly ambushed by the heavily armed terrorists who belonged to the Kashmir Tigers, according to the militant outfit. All about Kashmir Tigers - the shadow militant outfit in J&K The militant outfit Kashmir Tigers' name first made it to the headlines in January 2021 after the abrogation of Article 370 in India's Jammu and Kashmir. The police said that this was a shadow group of the terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad. It had claimed responsibility for carrying out a grenade attack in South Kashmir in June 2021. Also Read: Kulgam encounter: Two Indian soldier killed, six terrorists eliminated, says police In December 2021, the militant outfit attacked a police bus in Srinagar, in which three were killed and 11 others were injured. After the scrapping of Article 370, various new militant outfits like Kashmir Tigers have been blamed by the police for the attacks. Two of those - The Resistance Front (TRF) and People Against Fascist Forces (PAFF) - have remained prominent. Through time, it has appeared that outfits like Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish have remained operative in the background. According to the security forces, the nomenclature of these militant outfits has gone through a visible change. Earlier, the names had religious connotations, however, now they appear to be “secular” in nature. “Pakistan is under pressure to increase the pitch of militancy in J&K but can’t ignore the FATF,” a police officer said, as quoted by The Indian Express. Watch: J&K: Five Indian Army soldiers killed in ambush, terrorists ambush Army convoy in Kathua district “Since the names of Lashkar and Jaish are associated with Pakistan and have a religious connotation, they decided to change the names. It is also an attempt to portray militancy as secular and indigenous," he added. According to the police officials, these new outfits have been trying to present it like the Valley is filled with militants. “On the ground, we have only around 150 to 200 militants. We have three or four major groups, which have different modules named differently,” said the police officer. Speaking about the “secular” nature of J&K militancy, the police officials have hinted at the members of different outfits being essentially the same. (With inputs from agencies)

Who are Kashmir Tigers? JeM's shadow militant outfit which carried out Kathua terror attack

Two terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) were killed in an encounter in the Mirhama area of Kulgam in South Kashmir.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir police said that going by the appearance of both the killed terrorists, they look like Pakistani terrorists however the identification is being ascertained.&nbsp;

A cordon and search operation was launched after receiving a specific input about the presence of terrorists in the Mirhama area of Kulgam by the Police and Army (09RR) in the area.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jammu-kashmir-11-civilians-killed-in-last-two-weeks-421871/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

During the search operation, as the search party proceeded towards the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired indiscriminately upon the search party which was retaliated resulting in an encounter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/nia-chief-visits-jammu-encounter-site-security-forces-on-high-alert-ahead-of-pm-modis-visit-473156" hreflang="en">NIA chief visits Jammu encounter site; high alert ahead of PM Modi's visit</a>

"In the ensuing encounter, two terrorists of JeM outfit killed so far and their bodies have been retrieved from the encounter site. &nbsp;Based on the credible source report and as per physical appearance, both the killed terrorists seem to be Pakistani JeM terrorists however, their identification is being ascertained," said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir Police.&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir Police also said that out of two local terrorists involved in the killing of two RPF jawans at Kakapora in South Kashmir. One terrorist has been arrested while the other terrorist will be either arrested or killed soon.&nbsp;

The police also recovered incriminating materials, arms, and ammunition from the site of the encounter. All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Two terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) were killed in an encounter in the Mirhama area of Kulgam in South Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir police said that going by the appearance of both the killed terrorists, they look like Pakistani terrorists however the identification is being ascertained.

Two terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) were killed in an encounter in the Mirhama area of Kulgam in South Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir police said that going by the appearance of both the killed terrorists, they look like Pakistani terrorists however the identification is being ascertained. A cordon and search operation was launched after receiving a specific input about the presence of terrorists in the Mirhama area of Kulgam by the Police and Army (09RR) in the area. During the search operation, as the search party proceeded towards the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired indiscriminately upon the search party which was retaliated resulting in an encounter. Also read | NIA chief visits Jammu encounter site; high alert ahead of PM Modi's visit "In the ensuing encounter, two terrorists of JeM outfit killed so far and their bodies have been retrieved from the encounter site. Based on the credible source report and as per physical appearance, both the killed terrorists seem to be Pakistani JeM terrorists however, their identification is being ascertained," said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir Police. The Jammu and Kashmir Police also said that out of two local terrorists involved in the killing of two RPF jawans at Kakapora in South Kashmir. One terrorist has been arrested while the other terrorist will be either arrested or killed soon. The police also recovered incriminating materials, arms, and ammunition from the site of the encounter. All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation.

Two Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists killed in Kulgam encounter

Pulwama attack: Timeline of events

India has Pakistan to expedite the Mumbai 26/11 trials, Pathankot investigation even as it rejected Pakistani assertion after a Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court acquitted of all four accused, including Swami Aseemanand in the Samjhauta Attack &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria was summoned by acting foreign secretary in Islamabad after the Samjhauta verdict by a special court in Panchkula, Haryana.&nbsp;

Indian High Commissioner highlighted that the due process of law was followed by the Indian Courts and emphasised the lack of cooperation from Pakistan government including Court summons not delivered to Pakistan witnesses in the case. The summons sent by Indian courts were returned by Pakistani foreign office and not served.

Ajay Bisaria also asked Islamabad to expedite the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack in which New Delhi has already given evidence.

Its been 10 years since the attacks which took place in Mumbai in 2008 but the mastermind of 26/11 like Hafiz Saeed continues to roam freely in Pakistan.

The High Commission also shared India's concerns at the lack of progress in Pathankot airbase terror attack case investigation.

India had arranged a visit of a five-member Pakistani investigation team to the air base after the attack and shared the evidence of Pakistan based terror group's role in the attack.&nbsp;

Islamabad was also reminded that no credible steps have been taken against United Nations-listed and Pakistan based terror groups Jaish-e-Mohammad despite a detailed dossier having been shared after Pulwama attack.

J-e-Mo was the group behind the Pulwama terror attack and 2016 Pathankote attack.

India has Pakistan to expedite the Mumbai 26/11 trials, Pathankot investigation even as it rejected Pakistani assertion after a Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court acquitted of all four accused, including Swami Aseemanand in the Samjhauta Attack The Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria was summoned by acting foreign secretary in Islamabad after the Samjhauta verdict by a special court in Panchkula, Haryana.

India has Pakistan to expedite the Mumbai 26/11 trials, Pathankot investigation even as it rejected Pakistani assertion after a Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court acquitted of all four accused, including Swami Aseemanand in the Samjhauta Attack The Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria was summoned by acting foreign secretary in Islamabad after the Samjhauta verdict by a special court in Panchkula, Haryana. Indian High Commissioner highlighted that the due process of law was followed by the Indian Courts and emphasised the lack of cooperation from Pakistan government including Court summons not delivered to Pakistan witnesses in the case. The summons sent by Indian courts were returned by Pakistani foreign office and not served. Ajay Bisaria also asked Islamabad to expedite the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack in which New Delhi has already given evidence. Its been 10 years since the attacks which took place in Mumbai in 2008 but the mastermind of 26/11 like Hafiz Saeed continues to roam freely in Pakistan. The High Commission also shared India's concerns at the lack of progress in Pathankot airbase terror attack case investigation. India had arranged a visit of a five-member Pakistani investigation team to the air base after the attack and shared the evidence of Pakistan based terror group's role in the attack. Islamabad was also reminded that no credible steps have been taken against United Nations-listed and Pakistan based terror groups Jaish-e-Mohammad despite a detailed dossier having been shared after Pulwama attack. J-e-Mo was the group behind the Pulwama terror attack and 2016 Pathankote attack.

India asks Pakistan to take credible steps against JeM; expedite 26/11 trial, Pathankot probe

Pakistan Air Force chief on Monday asked his officers to keep their "guard up" as the challenges facing the country "are not over yet", amid heightened tensions with India following the Pulwama terror attack and aerial combat between the two forces.

Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan made the remarks during a visit to the forward operating bases (FOB), where he met combat and ground crew, air defence and engineering personnel, troops and civilian staff, a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) spokesperson was quoted as saying by Dawn newspaper.

Tensions between India and Pakistan flared up after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir on February 14.

Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting what it said was a JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. The next day, Pakistan retaliated with a large air formation, comprising 24 fighter jets, including F-16s.

"The challenges are not over yet, and we should keep our guards up and always be ready to respond to any aggression from the adversary," Khan said, referring to the Indian air strikes in Balakot.

Recalling the shooting down of an Indian aircraft by PAF jets last week, the air chief said the entire nation is "proud of PAF, which did exceptionally well in safeguarding the sovereignty of our country in the recent conflict with the enemy."

An Indian pilot was captured by the Pakistani forces.

On Thursday, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan told a special joint sitting of Parliament that his government was releasing the pilot as a "peace gesture".

The pilot returned to India from Pakistan on Friday to a hero's welcome, nearly 60 hours after he was captured following a dogfight when his MiG 21 was shot down.

The move was seen as a step by Pakistan to de-escalate tensions with India, but the air chief instructed PAF personnel to not let their guards down.&nbsp;

Pakistan Air Force chief on Monday asked his officers to keep their "guard up" as the challenges facing the country "are not over yet", amid heightened tensions with India following the Pulwama terror attack and aerial combat between the two forces.

Pakistan Air Force chief on Monday asked his officers to keep their "guard up" as the challenges facing the country "are not over yet", amid heightened tensions with India following the Pulwama terror attack and aerial combat between the two forces. Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan made the remarks during a visit to the forward operating bases (FOB), where he met combat and ground crew, air defence and engineering personnel, troops and civilian staff, a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) spokesperson was quoted as saying by Dawn newspaper. Tensions between India and Pakistan flared up after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir on February 14. Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting what it said was a JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. The next day, Pakistan retaliated with a large air formation, comprising 24 fighter jets, including F-16s. "The challenges are not over yet, and we should keep our guards up and always be ready to respond to any aggression from the adversary," Khan said, referring to the Indian air strikes in Balakot. Recalling the shooting down of an Indian aircraft by PAF jets last week, the air chief said the entire nation is "proud of PAF, which did exceptionally well in safeguarding the sovereignty of our country in the recent conflict with the enemy." An Indian pilot was captured by the Pakistani forces. On Thursday, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan told a special joint sitting of Parliament that his government was releasing the pilot as a "peace gesture". The pilot returned to India from Pakistan on Friday to a hero's welcome, nearly 60 hours after he was captured following a dogfight when his MiG 21 was shot down. The move was seen as a step by Pakistan to de-escalate tensions with India, but the air chief instructed PAF personnel to not let their guards down.

'Challenges not over yet, keep your guard up,' Pakistan Air chief tells officers

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-terror-attack-pakistans-denial-mode-on-jaish-involvement-continues-200626">Masood Azhar</a>, the founder of the dreaded terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), is suspected to be afflicted with renal failure and is under regular dialysis at an army hospital in Rawalpindi in Pakistan, officials said here Saturday.

This suggestion of security officials came after Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the JeM chief is "unwell".

"Recent reports indicate that Masood Azhar is now afflicted with renal failure and is under treatment and regular dialysis at the army hospital in Rawalpindi, the headquarters of the Pakistan Army," a senior security official said.

Qureshi said Thursday: "He is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is unwell to the extent that he can't leave his house, because he's really unwell".

The Jaish-e-Mohammad chief was a close associate of Osama bin Laden, terror motivator in several African countries and also known by many as the Pakistani cleric who brought jihad into the religious discourse at mosques in the UK, the official said.

The influence of the 50-year-old terror mastermind was so huge that, when he was released by India in exchange for freeing the hijacked Indian Airlines aircraft IC-814 on December 31, 1999 in Kandahar, Laden hosted a banquet for him the same night.

In the banquet, Laden recalled how he and Azhar had first worked together in 1993, the official said.

Azhar was arrested for preaching jihad in Jammu and Kashmir in 1994. One of his British recruits, Omar Shaikh, as a member of the terrorist group Harkat-ul-Ansar (HuA), kidnapped four western tourists in India in 1994 in order to secure the release of Azhar.

However, security agencies succeeded in releasing the hostages and arresting Shaikh.

Again in 1995, five western tourists were kidnapped by HuA and eventually killed in order to gain the release of Azhar.

Almost immediately after Azhar's release, Jaish-e-Mohammad was formed and it carried out its first suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir in April 2000 by striking the Badami Bagh cantonment in Srinagar.

The 24-year-old bomber, Asif Sadiq, was one of Azhar's earliest recruits and student from Birmingham. At this time, Azhar also began using several al-Qaeda recruits.

In 1979-1989, after he suffered injuries in the Soviet?Afghan War, he was chosen as the head of Harkat-ul-Ansar's department of motivation.

In the early 1990s, Azhar became the general secretary of Harkat-ul-Ansar and visited international locations to recruit, raise funds and spread the message of pan-Islamism.

Among his destinations were Zambia, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, the United Kingdom and Albania.

He also went to Kenya to meet an al-Qaida affiliate of Somalia in 1993 and in August 1993, Azhar entered the UK for a speaking, fund-raising, and recruitment tour with the message of jihad.

Azhar made contacts in Britain with people who helped to provide training and logistical support for terrorist plots.

In January 1993, Azhar visited Bangladesh along with Sajjad Afghani, a terrorist leader to facilitate the intrusion of Afghani to India.

Azhar was part of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen or Harkat-ul-Ansar, when he was arrested in 1994 in India for spreading hate.

Azhar formed Jaish-e-Mohammad after his release in 1999 when Indian Airlines flight IC 814 was hijacked and taken to Kandahar.

Since then, the JeM has been involved in terror attacks in the country.

The terror group was responsible for the attack on Indian Parliament on December 13, 2001 in which nine security personnel and officials were killed.

On January 2, 2016, a heavily armed group of JeM attacked the Pathankot airbase in which seven security personnel were killed.

The JeM also carried out the attack on Uri brigade headquarters on September 18, 2016, killing 17 soldiers and injuring 30 others.

On February 14 this year, the JeM carried out a suicide attack on a CRPF bus in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir killing 40 Jawans.

Masood Azhar, the founder of the dreaded terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), is suspected to be afflicted with renal failure and is under regular dialysis at an army hospital in Rawalpindi in Pakistan, officials said here Saturday.

Masood Azhar, the founder of the dreaded terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), is suspected to be afflicted with renal failure and is under regular dialysis at an army hospital in Rawalpindi in Pakistan, officials said here Saturday. This suggestion of security officials came after Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the JeM chief is "unwell". "Recent reports indicate that Masood Azhar is now afflicted with renal failure and is under treatment and regular dialysis at the army hospital in Rawalpindi, the headquarters of the Pakistan Army," a senior security official said. Qureshi said Thursday: "He is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is unwell to the extent that he can't leave his house, because he's really unwell". The Jaish-e-Mohammad chief was a close associate of Osama bin Laden, terror motivator in several African countries and also known by many as the Pakistani cleric who brought jihad into the religious discourse at mosques in the UK, the official said. The influence of the 50-year-old terror mastermind was so huge that, when he was released by India in exchange for freeing the hijacked Indian Airlines aircraft IC-814 on December 31, 1999 in Kandahar, Laden hosted a banquet for him the same night. In the banquet, Laden recalled how he and Azhar had first worked together in 1993, the official said. Azhar was arrested for preaching jihad in Jammu and Kashmir in 1994. One of his British recruits, Omar Shaikh, as a member of the terrorist group Harkat-ul-Ansar (HuA), kidnapped four western tourists in India in 1994 in order to secure the release of Azhar. However, security agencies succeeded in releasing the hostages and arresting Shaikh. Again in 1995, five western tourists were kidnapped by HuA and eventually killed in order to gain the release of Azhar. Almost immediately after Azhar's release, Jaish-e-Mohammad was formed and it carried out its first suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir in April 2000 by striking the Badami Bagh cantonment in Srinagar. The 24-year-old bomber, Asif Sadiq, was one of Azhar's earliest recruits and student from Birmingham. At this time, Azhar also began using several al-Qaeda recruits. In 1979-1989, after he suffered injuries in the Soviet?Afghan War, he was chosen as the head of Harkat-ul-Ansar's department of motivation. In the early 1990s, Azhar became the general secretary of Harkat-ul-Ansar and visited international locations to recruit, raise funds and spread the message of pan-Islamism. Among his destinations were Zambia, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, the United Kingdom and Albania. He also went to Kenya to meet an al-Qaida affiliate of Somalia in 1993 and in August 1993, Azhar entered the UK for a speaking, fund-raising, and recruitment tour with the message of jihad. Azhar made contacts in Britain with people who helped to provide training and logistical support for terrorist plots. In January 1993, Azhar visited Bangladesh along with Sajjad Afghani, a terrorist leader to facilitate the intrusion of Afghani to India. Azhar was part of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen or Harkat-ul-Ansar, when he was arrested in 1994 in India for spreading hate. Azhar formed Jaish-e-Mohammad after his release in 1999 when Indian Airlines flight IC 814 was hijacked and taken to Kandahar. Since then, the JeM has been involved in terror attacks in the country. The terror group was responsible for the attack on Indian Parliament on December 13, 2001 in which nine security personnel and officials were killed. On January 2, 2016, a heavily armed group of JeM attacked the Pathankot airbase in which seven security personnel were killed. The JeM also carried out the attack on Uri brigade headquarters on September 18, 2016, killing 17 soldiers and injuring 30 others. On February 14 this year, the JeM carried out a suicide attack on a CRPF bus in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir killing 40 Jawans.

JeM chief Masood Azhar suspected to be suffering from renal failure, undergoes regular dialysis

Pakistani authorities have suspended the Samjhauta Express train service between Pakistan and India until further notice, a media report said Thursday, amidst tense bilateral ties in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.

The train departs on Monday and Thursday from Lahore.

The Samjhauta Express train service between Pakistan and India has been suspended until further notice, DawnNewsTV reported on Thursday citing railway authorities.

The biweekly train was scheduled to depart from Lahore with 16 passengers.

It embarked on its journey from Karachi but the passengers are stuck at Lahore railway station, the report said.

The Samjhauta Express, named after the Hindi word for "agreement", comprises six sleeper coaches and an AC 3-tier coach. The train service was started on July 22, 1976 under the Shimla Agreement that settled the 1971 war between the two nations.

In the wake of the Pulwama terror attack by the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan.

India carried out air strikes against the biggest training camp of JeM in Balakot. In the operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for suicide attacks were eliminated.

The facility at Balakot was headed by Yousuf Azhar, the brother-in-law of the JeM chief.

At least 40 CRPF personnel were killed and many injured on February 14 in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a JeM suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.&nbsp;

Pakistani authorities have suspended the Samjhauta Express train service between Pakistan and India until further notice, a media report said Thursday, amidst tense bilateral ties in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.

Pakistani authorities have suspended the Samjhauta Express train service between Pakistan and India until further notice, a media report said Thursday, amidst tense bilateral ties in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack. The train departs on Monday and Thursday from Lahore. The Samjhauta Express train service between Pakistan and India has been suspended until further notice, DawnNewsTV reported on Thursday citing railway authorities. The biweekly train was scheduled to depart from Lahore with 16 passengers. It embarked on its journey from Karachi but the passengers are stuck at Lahore railway station, the report said. The Samjhauta Express, named after the Hindi word for "agreement", comprises six sleeper coaches and an AC 3-tier coach. The train service was started on July 22, 1976 under the Shimla Agreement that settled the 1971 war between the two nations. In the wake of the Pulwama terror attack by the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan. India carried out air strikes against the biggest training camp of JeM in Balakot. In the operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for suicide attacks were eliminated. The facility at Balakot was headed by Yousuf Azhar, the brother-in-law of the JeM chief. At least 40 CRPF personnel were killed and many injured on February 14 in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a JeM suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

Pakistan suspends Samjhauta Express train service amid escalating tension

Since India's pre-dawn airstrikes on&nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) launch pads on Tuesday&nbsp;in retaliation to terror attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama on February 14th, tension has been on the rise between the two nuclear neighbours.&nbsp;On Wednesday, Indian forces shot down one aircraft belonging to the Pakistan Air Force(PAF) as it sought to target Indian military installations. India also lost one MiG-21 aircraft and declared a pilot was missing in action.

Here are the top 10 developments.

<ul>
	<li>According to news agency ANI, NSA Ajit Doval and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had a telephonic conversation on Wednesday night. During call the Pompeo said that the US supported India’s decision to take action against JeM terror camp on Pakistani soil. Remember India's external affairs minister also spoke to Pompeo on Tuesday in the aftermath of the Indian strikes on JeM camps in Pakistan.</li>
	<li>US, France, UK have proposed listing of Jaish e Mohammad(JeM) chief Masood Azhar according to news agency Reuters. Listing under the 1267 committee of United Nations Security Council will freeze his assets and put him global no flight list. The French government last week said it will be proposing his listing.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will embark on a visit to UAE for 2-day Organisation of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers meet on March 1,2. This is for the first time India has been invited as a guest. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister SM Qureshi has threatened to boycott the meet if India is not disinvited.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>India has pointed out to the contradictions and repeated flip flop of Pakistan over its claim on the capture of an Indian Air Force pilot. Highlighting the contradictory statements made by the Pakistani Army post the capture of an IAF personnel, a top source told WION, "The DG ISPR had tweeted that there is only one Indian pilot in Pakistan's custody." The Pakistan PM also in his statements mentioned "Pilots".&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Pakistani airspace remains closed in the aftermath of strikes launched by the country on Indian military installations. Jet Airways in a statement said due to the closure of Pakistani airspace, flights to and from India will not fly over Pakistan and re-routed to ensure safety and security of its operation. Thai Airways cancelled its Europe flights while Air Canada has cancelled flights to India.</li>
	<li>India has slammed Pakistan at the 40th session of the human rights council. In an addressed by India's permanent representative Rajiv Chander United Nations Offices in Geneva said, "We expect that Pakistan lives up to its commitments and takes follow up actions to dismantle all Jaish E Mohammad and other camps and hold the terrorist accountable for the actions".</li>
	<li>The US has called India and Pakistan to cease all cross-border military activity and return to stability. The US state department urged both sides to take "immediate steps to de-escalate the situation, including direct communication." Adding, further military activity will exacerbate the situation.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The four Indians stranded in Lahore are likely to come back to India by Wagha today. They are stuck in Lahore since all flights in Pakistani airspace were grounded in the backdrop of Pakistan strikes on Indian military installations. Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities have said that they have suspended Samjotha express. &nbsp;</li>
	<li>Indian Ambassador to US Harsh Shringla has said that New Delhi will not keep quiet to any act of terrorism. According to news agency PTI, Shringla said India will be giving "appropriate response" to all terrorism incidents. He also called on Pakistan to meet its international obligations to crackdown on terrorist networks and safe havens within its territory.</li>
	<li>The Indian markets opened in positive. The markets have been trading in negative in the backdrop of India Pakistan tensions for the last 2 days. Pakistan's karachi stock exchange has fallen more than 2000 points in last 2 days.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Since India's pre-dawn airstrikes on Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) launch pads on Tuesday in retaliation to terror attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama on February 14th, tension has been on the rise between the two nuclear neighbours.

Since India's pre-dawn airstrikes on Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) launch pads on Tuesday in retaliation to terror attack on CRPF personnel in Pulwama on February 14th, tension has been on the rise between the two nuclear neighbours. On Wednesday, Indian forces shot down one aircraft belonging to the Pakistan Air Force(PAF) as it sought to target Indian military installations. India also lost one MiG-21 aircraft and declared a pilot was missing in action. Here are the top 10 developments. According to news agency ANI, NSA Ajit Doval and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had a telephonic conversation on Wednesday night. During call the Pompeo said that the US supported India’s decision to take action against JeM terror camp on Pakistani soil. Remember India's external affairs minister also spoke to Pompeo on Tuesday in the aftermath of the Indian strikes on JeM camps in Pakistan. US, France, UK have proposed listing of Jaish e Mohammad(JeM) chief Masood Azhar according to news agency Reuters. Listing under the 1267 committee of United Nations Security Council will freeze his assets and put him global no flight list. The French government last week said it will be proposing his listing. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will embark on a visit to UAE for 2-day Organisation of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers meet on March 1,2. This is for the first time India has been invited as a guest. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister SM Qureshi has threatened to boycott the meet if India is not disinvited. India has pointed out to the contradictions and repeated flip flop of Pakistan over its claim on the capture of an Indian Air Force pilot. Highlighting the contradictory statements made by the Pakistani Army post the capture of an IAF personnel, a top source told WION, "The DG ISPR had tweeted that there is only one Indian pilot in Pakistan's custody." The Pakistan PM also in his statements mentioned "Pilots". Pakistani airspace remains closed in the aftermath of strikes launched by the country on Indian military installations. Jet Airways in a statement said due to the closure of Pakistani airspace, flights to and from India will not fly over Pakistan and re-routed to ensure safety and security of its operation. Thai Airways cancelled its Europe flights while Air Canada has cancelled flights to India. India has slammed Pakistan at the 40th session of the human rights council. In an addressed by India's permanent representative Rajiv Chander United Nations Offices in Geneva said, "We expect that Pakistan lives up to its commitments and takes follow up actions to dismantle all Jaish E Mohammad and other camps and hold the terrorist accountable for the actions". The US has called India and Pakistan to cease all cross-border military activity and return to stability. The US state department urged both sides to take "immediate steps to de-escalate the situation, including direct communication." Adding, further military activity will exacerbate the situation. The four Indians stranded in Lahore are likely to come back to India by Wagha today. They are stuck in Lahore since all flights in Pakistani airspace were grounded in the backdrop of Pakistan strikes on Indian military installations. Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities have said that they have suspended Samjotha express. Indian Ambassador to US Harsh Shringla has said that New Delhi will not keep quiet to any act of terrorism. According to news agency PTI, Shringla said India will be giving "appropriate response" to all terrorism incidents. He also called on Pakistan to meet its international obligations to crackdown on terrorist networks and safe havens within its territory. The Indian markets opened in positive. The markets have been trading in negative in the backdrop of India Pakistan tensions for the last 2 days. Pakistan's karachi stock exchange has fallen more than 2000 points in last 2 days.

India-Pakistan standoff: Top 10 developments 

Protests were held at various places on Saturday in Nepal over Pulwama terror attack in which over 40 security personnel were killed.

Hundreds of people gathered at Parsa, Majottari Rupandehi and other adjoining districts staged demonstration, condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with India, according to officials.

Over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed on February 14 in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) rammed a vehicle carrying a huge quantity of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

Meanwhile, the staff members working in the Indian Mission in Nepal donated their one day salary for the fallen soldiers.

"We have decided to donate our one day salary for the family members of the deceased soldiers who were deliberately targeted for doing their job.

"Around hundred people, who are currently working in the Indian Embassy, have made the contribution because we firmly believe that terrorism cannot be justified in any way and we are with our Indian friends," said an Indian Embassy staffer.

A candlelight vigil was also observed on Friday.

Protests were held at various places on Saturday in Nepal over Pulwama terror attack in which over 40 security personnel were killed. Hundreds of people gathered at Parsa, Majottari Rupandehi and other adjoining districts staged demonstration, condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with India, according to officials.

Protests were held at various places on Saturday in Nepal over Pulwama terror attack in which over 40 security personnel were killed. Hundreds of people gathered at Parsa, Majottari Rupandehi and other adjoining districts staged demonstration, condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with India, according to officials. Over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed on February 14 in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) rammed a vehicle carrying a huge quantity of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district. Meanwhile, the staff members working in the Indian Mission in Nepal donated their one day salary for the fallen soldiers. "We have decided to donate our one day salary for the family members of the deceased soldiers who were deliberately targeted for doing their job. "Around hundred people, who are currently working in the Indian Embassy, have made the contribution because we firmly believe that terrorism cannot be justified in any way and we are with our Indian friends," said an Indian Embassy staffer. A candlelight vigil was also observed on Friday.

Protests in Nepal against Pulwama terror attack

Brigadier Harbir Singh, who was injured in an operation against Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists on Monday in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, had cut short his leave to lead his soldiers from the front, a senior army officer said Tuesday.

"Brigadier Harbir Singh, who is among the injured, was on leave at home. When he realised at midnight that the operation has started, he cut short his leave voluntarily and rejoined," General Officer Commanding of Army's 15 Corps Lt Gen KJS Dhillon told reporters.

Lt Gen Dhillon was briefing reporters about the operation that led to elimination of three Jaish terrorists who were responsible for the suicide car bomb attack on CRPF on February 14 in which 40 security personnel were killed.

"He (Brigadier Singh) came back to Kashmir and went straight to the operational site. He was leading his men from the front. DIG Amit Kumar (who was also injured) again was leading his men from the front and you would see from the injuries to our officers, it shows our commanders were leading the operation from the front and we were able to achieve nil civilian casualties," Lt Gen Dhillon said.

He said the Army officers will continue to lead from the front during operations in future as well.

Major VS Dhoundiyal, three Army soldiers and a policeman were killed in the gun battle at Pinglan in Pulwama district on Monday. Several other personnel including DIG Kumar, Brigadier Singh, a Lt Colonel and a captain were among the injured.

He said all the personnel, who sustained injuries during Monday's operation as well as those injured in the car bomb attack last week, were now stable and undergoing treatment.

Asked about the high number of casualties in the operation, Lt Gen Dhillon said the security forces wanted to avoid any civilian casualties.

"There were two to three main reasons for it. We did not want civilian casualties. As you are aware, other than one civilian casualty, which happened due to terrorist fire in the initial stages itself, not a single civilian has been injured in this operation that lasted 17 hours. That is the risk we took, we took it on our chin," he added.

Lt Gen Dhillon asked people to not go near the encounter sites.

"At the same time, I would like to convey to people to please stay away from the encounter site during the encounter and after the encounter for your own safety. During the encounter crossfire, something can go wrong and after the encounter because of the leftover explosives, it can cause injury or death," he said.

Brigadier Harbir Singh, who was injured in an operation against Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists on Monday in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, had cut short his leave to lead his soldiers from the front, a senior army officer said Tuesday.

Brigadier Harbir Singh, who was injured in an operation against Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists on Monday in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, had cut short his leave to lead his soldiers from the front, a senior army officer said Tuesday. "Brigadier Harbir Singh, who is among the injured, was on leave at home. When he realised at midnight that the operation has started, he cut short his leave voluntarily and rejoined," General Officer Commanding of Army's 15 Corps Lt Gen KJS Dhillon told reporters. Lt Gen Dhillon was briefing reporters about the operation that led to elimination of three Jaish terrorists who were responsible for the suicide car bomb attack on CRPF on February 14 in which 40 security personnel were killed. "He (Brigadier Singh) came back to Kashmir and went straight to the operational site. He was leading his men from the front. DIG Amit Kumar (who was also injured) again was leading his men from the front and you would see from the injuries to our officers, it shows our commanders were leading the operation from the front and we were able to achieve nil civilian casualties," Lt Gen Dhillon said. He said the Army officers will continue to lead from the front during operations in future as well. Major VS Dhoundiyal, three Army soldiers and a policeman were killed in the gun battle at Pinglan in Pulwama district on Monday. Several other personnel including DIG Kumar, Brigadier Singh, a Lt Colonel and a captain were among the injured. He said all the personnel, who sustained injuries during Monday's operation as well as those injured in the car bomb attack last week, were now stable and undergoing treatment. Asked about the high number of casualties in the operation, Lt Gen Dhillon said the security forces wanted to avoid any civilian casualties. "There were two to three main reasons for it. We did not want civilian casualties. As you are aware, other than one civilian casualty, which happened due to terrorist fire in the initial stages itself, not a single civilian has been injured in this operation that lasted 17 hours. That is the risk we took, we took it on our chin," he added. Lt Gen Dhillon asked people to not go near the encounter sites. "At the same time, I would like to convey to people to please stay away from the encounter site during the encounter and after the encounter for your own safety. During the encounter crossfire, something can go wrong and after the encounter because of the leftover explosives, it can cause injury or death," he said.

Army officer cut short his leave to lead soldiers in Pulwama encounter

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/leaders-at-all-party-meeting-strongly-condemn-dastardly-terror-act-of-14th-february-197746">Home Minister Rajnath Singh</a> on Tuesday reviewed the security situation in the country, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, where 40 CRPF Jawans were killed in an audacious terror attack last week, officials said.

Five security personnel, including a major, were martyred in the state on Monday in an encounter in which three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists, including two top commanders believed to be behind the February 14 Pulwama terror attack, were also eliminated.

During the meeting, the home minister was briefed about the prevailing security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, including along the Indo-Pak border, a home ministry official said.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval too participated in the meeting which was attended by Union home secretary Rajiv Gauba, director of intelligence bureau Rajiv Jain besides others.

The meeting also took stock of the steps being taken to hunt down the terrorists operating in Jammu and Kashmir and how to check attempts of infiltrations from across the border.

The home minister directed the officials to ensure that all possible steps should be taken against the terrorists currently operating in Kashmir valley and protection of innocent Kashmiris living in different parts of the country, the official said.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a JeM suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.

The bus was part of a convoy of 78 vehicles carrying CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar.

Lt Gen KJS Dhillon, commander of Army's Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said on Tuesday that anyone who picks up the gun will be eliminated.

He also requested mothers of Kashmiri terrorists to persuade their sons to surrender.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reviewed the security situation in the country, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, where 40 CRPF Jawans were killed in an audacious terror attack last week, officials said.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reviewed the security situation in the country, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, where 40 CRPF Jawans were killed in an audacious terror attack last week, officials said. Five security personnel, including a major, were martyred in the state on Monday in an encounter in which three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists, including two top commanders believed to be behind the February 14 Pulwama terror attack, were also eliminated. During the meeting, the home minister was briefed about the prevailing security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, including along the Indo-Pak border, a home ministry official said. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval too participated in the meeting which was attended by Union home secretary Rajiv Gauba, director of intelligence bureau Rajiv Jain besides others. The meeting also took stock of the steps being taken to hunt down the terrorists operating in Jammu and Kashmir and how to check attempts of infiltrations from across the border. The home minister directed the officials to ensure that all possible steps should be taken against the terrorists currently operating in Kashmir valley and protection of innocent Kashmiris living in different parts of the country, the official said. Forty CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a JeM suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying explosives into their bus in Pulwama district. The bus was part of a convoy of 78 vehicles carrying CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar. Lt Gen KJS Dhillon, commander of Army's Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said on Tuesday that anyone who picks up the gun will be eliminated. He also requested mothers of Kashmiri terrorists to persuade their sons to surrender.

After Pulwama attack, Rajnath Singh reviews security situation in J&K

Pakistan on Sunday said that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which claimed responsibility for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/crpf-convoy-attacked-in-jammu-kashmirs-pulwama-death-toll-climbs-to-40-197468">Pulwama terror attack</a>, was banned in 2002 and Islamabad was fulfilling its obligations on sanctions as per the law.

At least 40 CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-encounter-between-security-forces-and-terrorists-197988">Jammu and Kashmir</a> when a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) suicide bomber rammed a vehicle with explosives into their bus.

Pakistan-based terror group JeM claimed responsibility for the attack on the CRPF convoy.

In a major diplomatic offensive against Islamabad after the attack, India has highlighted Pakistan's role in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

India has slammed Pakistan for stating that it had no role in the Pulwama attack carried out by Pakistan-based terror group JeM, saying Islamabad could not claim that it was unaware of the presence of terror groups on its soil as the links of such outfits to the country were there for everyone to see.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said: "JeM has claimed responsibility for the attack. The organisation and its leadership are located in Pakistan."

Pakistani ministers had shared the same podium with UN-proscribed terrorists, Kumar said.

Kumar said India demands that Pakistan should take immediate and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from territories under its control to create a conducive atmosphere in the region, free of terror.

But Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal rejected India's allegation that Pakistan was behind the attack.

"JeM remains a proscribed entity in Pakistan since 2002 and Pakistan is implementing its obligations on sanctions implementation," he said.

Faisal said Pakistan rejected India's allegations because these were made within a short time from the attack and without carrying out any investigations.

"These knee-jerk and pre-conceived accusations were nevertheless consistent with well-rehearsed tactics from Indian playbook after such incidents in the past," he said.

As for Indian assertions about "JeM claims of responsibility" and purported "video of the attacker", he questioned the selective and self-serving standards that India adhered to in this respect.

Faisal said, on the one hand, India accepted the unverified social media content as "gold standard" but was not ready to accept the "confessions" by its national Kulbhushan Jadhav for perpetrating violence in Pakistan.

He said India needed to introspect and respond to questions about its security and intelligence lapses that led to this attack. India owes an explanation on reports of Adil Ahmed Dar's arrest and custody since 2017.

Pakistan desired normalisation of relations with India and in his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Imran Khan followed his intention of taking two steps if India takes one, with the proposal for both Foreign Ministers to meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Faisal said.

"It was India which cancelled the meeting on baseless pretexts," he said.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Sunday said that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which claimed responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack, was banned in 2002 and Islamabad was fulfilling its obligations on sanctions as per the law.

Pakistan on Sunday said that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which claimed responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack, was banned in 2002 and Islamabad was fulfilling its obligations on sanctions as per the law. At least 40 CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) suicide bomber rammed a vehicle with explosives into their bus. Pakistan-based terror group JeM claimed responsibility for the attack on the CRPF convoy. In a major diplomatic offensive against Islamabad after the attack, India has highlighted Pakistan's role in using terrorism as an instrument of state policy. India has slammed Pakistan for stating that it had no role in the Pulwama attack carried out by Pakistan-based terror group JeM, saying Islamabad could not claim that it was unaware of the presence of terror groups on its soil as the links of such outfits to the country were there for everyone to see. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said: "JeM has claimed responsibility for the attack. The organisation and its leadership are located in Pakistan." Pakistani ministers had shared the same podium with UN-proscribed terrorists, Kumar said. Kumar said India demands that Pakistan should take immediate and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from territories under its control to create a conducive atmosphere in the region, free of terror. But Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal rejected India's allegation that Pakistan was behind the attack. "JeM remains a proscribed entity in Pakistan since 2002 and Pakistan is implementing its obligations on sanctions implementation," he said. Faisal said Pakistan rejected India's allegations because these were made within a short time from the attack and without carrying out any investigations. "These knee-jerk and pre-conceived accusations were nevertheless consistent with well-rehearsed tactics from Indian playbook after such incidents in the past," he said. As for Indian assertions about "JeM claims of responsibility" and purported "video of the attacker", he questioned the selective and self-serving standards that India adhered to in this respect. Faisal said, on the one hand, India accepted the unverified social media content as "gold standard" but was not ready to accept the "confessions" by its national Kulbhushan Jadhav for perpetrating violence in Pakistan. He said India needed to introspect and respond to questions about its security and intelligence lapses that led to this attack. India owes an explanation on reports of Adil Ahmed Dar's arrest and custody since 2017. Pakistan desired normalisation of relations with India and in his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Imran Khan followed his intention of taking two steps if India takes one, with the proposal for both Foreign Ministers to meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Faisal said. "It was India which cancelled the meeting on baseless pretexts," he said.

Pakistan says it is fulfilling sanctions obligations against JeM

A Pakistan-based militant group, Jaish-e-Mohammad, has taken responsibility for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-terror-attack-nia-begins-investigation-7-detained-after-raids-197621">the deadliest attack on security forces in Indian Kashmir</a> in 30 years of insurgency, ratcheting up tension between the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours.

India says the group and its leader, Masood Azhar, enjoy free rein in Pakistan, and demands that Pakistan acts to stop militant groups operating from its soil.

Pakistan condemned the Thursday bomb attack that killed 44 paramilitary policemen but denied any complicity.

India has blamed Jaish for a series of attacks including a 2001 raid on its parliament in New Delhi that led to India mobilising its military on the border, bringing the foes to the brink of a fourth war.

Who are the Jaish-e-Mohammad and what have they done?

Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), or Army of Mohammad, has ties to other Sunni militant groups in Pakistan such as Lashka-e-Taiba (LeT) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. It was banned in Pakistan in 2002 but US&nbsp;authorities say it still operates there openly.

Founded in 2000 after the release of Azhar from an Indian prison in exchange for 155 hostages from a hijacked Indian Airlines plane, it has claimed responsibility for numerous suicide bombings in Kashmir, India's only Muslim-majority state, which is also claimed by Pakistan.

The group, which aims to unite Kashmir with Pakistan, has repeatedly caused tension between India and Pakistan. Along with LeT, it was involved in attacks in 2001 on the Indian parliament and the Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly building.

Pakistan rejects Indian accusations that it harbours and sustains the group. Pakistani authorities have linked JeM with two assassination attempts on former President Pervez Musharraf in 2003 as well as the kidnap and murder of US&nbsp;journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002.

Where do they operate and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/jem-chief-masood-azhar-his-plan-origin-and-motive-to-target-india-197567">who is Masood Azhar</a>?&nbsp;

While Kashmir is the focus of Jaish operations, the group was based in Bhawalpur, a dust-blown Pakistani town on the border with India in the south of Punjab province. Media reports and Indian intelligence sources have suggested that a walled headquarters, as well as another large premises on the outskirts of the city, are used to recruit and train youngsters from the impoverished region.

The Jaish is listed as one of 33 banned organisations by Pakistan's National Counter-Terrorism Authority, which states on its website that the ban came on Jan. 14, 2002. But the group has never hidden its existence, frequently issuing videos threatening India, and also the United States.

After a period of silence, the portly Azhar surfaced in a video in 2014, boasting of 300 suicide bombers at his command and threatening to kill PM Narendra Modi if he became India's prime minister.

Despite many rumours, his whereabouts have been officially unknown since a 2016 attack on an Indian air force base in Pathankot in Indian Punjab.

What is the diplomatic wrangling over the group?

In 2001, the UN&nbsp;Security Council blacklisted the Jaish, tying it to al Qaeda, and accusing it of participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing or perpetrating of al Qaeda acts.

But the group has floated in and out of the shadows and a US&nbsp;State Department report last year said Pakistan had not cracked down on the activities of JeM and other groups that aim mainly to operate outside its territory.

"The government failed to significantly limit LeT and JeM from openly raising money, recruiting, and training in Pakistan", it said.

While Jaish was blacklisted by the UN&nbsp;Security Council, India's efforts to get Azhar sanctioned have been blocked by China, it says. China has put a technical hold each time India has pushed the issue in the council.

On Friday, China said it condemned the latest attack in Kashmir, and noted that Jaish, which claimed the attack, was already on a UN&nbsp;sanctions list. As for its leader is concerned, the relevant committee had rules and processes for listing people, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.

A Pakistan-based militant group, Jaish-e-Mohammad, has taken responsibility for the deadliest attack on security forces in Indian Kashmir in 30 years of insurgency, ratcheting up tension between the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours.

A Pakistan-based militant group, Jaish-e-Mohammad, has taken responsibility for the deadliest attack on security forces in Indian Kashmir in 30 years of insurgency, ratcheting up tension between the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours. India says the group and its leader, Masood Azhar, enjoy free rein in Pakistan, and demands that Pakistan acts to stop militant groups operating from its soil. Pakistan condemned the Thursday bomb attack that killed 44 paramilitary policemen but denied any complicity. India has blamed Jaish for a series of attacks including a 2001 raid on its parliament in New Delhi that led to India mobilising its military on the border, bringing the foes to the brink of a fourth war. Who are the Jaish-e-Mohammad and what have they done? Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), or Army of Mohammad, has ties to other Sunni militant groups in Pakistan such as Lashka-e-Taiba (LeT) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. It was banned in Pakistan in 2002 but US authorities say it still operates there openly. Founded in 2000 after the release of Azhar from an Indian prison in exchange for 155 hostages from a hijacked Indian Airlines plane, it has claimed responsibility for numerous suicide bombings in Kashmir, India's only Muslim-majority state, which is also claimed by Pakistan. The group, which aims to unite Kashmir with Pakistan, has repeatedly caused tension between India and Pakistan. Along with LeT, it was involved in attacks in 2001 on the Indian parliament and the Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly building. Pakistan rejects Indian accusations that it harbours and sustains the group. Pakistani authorities have linked JeM with two assassination attempts on former President Pervez Musharraf in 2003 as well as the kidnap and murder of US journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002. Where do they operate and who is Masood Azhar? While Kashmir is the focus of Jaish operations, the group was based in Bhawalpur, a dust-blown Pakistani town on the border with India in the south of Punjab province. Media reports and Indian intelligence sources have suggested that a walled headquarters, as well as another large premises on the outskirts of the city, are used to recruit and train youngsters from the impoverished region. The Jaish is listed as one of 33 banned organisations by Pakistan's National Counter-Terrorism Authority, which states on its website that the ban came on Jan. 14, 2002. But the group has never hidden its existence, frequently issuing videos threatening India, and also the United States. After a period of silence, the portly Azhar surfaced in a video in 2014, boasting of 300 suicide bombers at his command and threatening to kill PM Narendra Modi if he became India's prime minister. Despite many rumours, his whereabouts have been officially unknown since a 2016 attack on an Indian air force base in Pathankot in Indian Punjab. What is the diplomatic wrangling over the group? In 2001, the UN Security Council blacklisted the Jaish, tying it to al Qaeda, and accusing it of participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing or perpetrating of al Qaeda acts. But the group has floated in and out of the shadows and a US State Department report last year said Pakistan had not cracked down on the activities of JeM and other groups that aim mainly to operate outside its territory. "The government failed to significantly limit LeT and JeM from openly raising money, recruiting, and training in Pakistan", it said. While Jaish was blacklisted by the UN Security Council, India's efforts to get Azhar sanctioned have been blocked by China, it says. China has put a technical hold each time India has pushed the issue in the council. On Friday, China said it condemned the latest attack in Kashmir, and noted that Jaish, which claimed the attack, was already on a UN sanctions list. As for its leader is concerned, the relevant committee had rules and processes for listing people, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.

Explainer: Jaish-e-Mohammad, the Pakistan-based militants, at heart of tension with India

A terrorist rammed a vehicle laden with explosives into a convoy carrying CRPF personnel on Thursday afternoon in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama.&nbsp;

Here is what we know so far of the attack:&nbsp;

70 vehicles: The bus that was attacked Thursday was travelling in a convoy of 70 vehicles

2,500 personnel: There were a total of 2,500 personnel in the convoy

Jammu-Srinagar highway: The convoy was attacked on the Jammu-Srinagar highway near Awantipora in the state's Pulwama district. The convoy had been travelling from Jammu to Srinagar

3.15 pm: The attack took place at 3.15pm on Thursday

Bus was rammed: An explosive-laden vehicle was rammed into the bus carrying the CRPF jawans

JeM claims responsibilty: The Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed, in a text message sent to the Kashmiri news agency GNS, responsibilty for the attack

Adil Ahmad from Kakapora: Police identified the man who carried out the attack as Adil Ahmad Dar from Kakapora in Pulwama. They said that he joined the terror group in 2018.&nbsp;

200 kgs of explosive: The news agency IANS said Dar used 200 kgs of explosive, probably RDX, in the attack

A terrorist rammed a vehicle laden with explosives into a convoy carrying CRPF personnel on Thursday afternoon in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. Here is what we know so far of the attack: 70 vehicles: The bus that was attacked Thursday was travelling in a convoy of 70 vehicles 2,500 personnel: There were a total of 2,500 personnel in the convoy Jammu-Srinagar highway: The convoy was attacked on the Jammu-Srinagar highway near Awantipora in the state's Pulwama district.

A terrorist rammed a vehicle laden with explosives into a convoy carrying CRPF personnel on Thursday afternoon in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. Here is what we know so far of the attack: 70 vehicles: The bus that was attacked Thursday was travelling in a convoy of 70 vehicles 2,500 personnel: There were a total of 2,500 personnel in the convoy Jammu-Srinagar highway: The convoy was attacked on the Jammu-Srinagar highway near Awantipora in the state's Pulwama district. The convoy had been travelling from Jammu to Srinagar 3.15 pm: The attack took place at 3.15pm on Thursday Bus was rammed: An explosive-laden vehicle was rammed into the bus carrying the CRPF jawans JeM claims responsibilty: The Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed, in a text message sent to the Kashmiri news agency GNS, responsibilty for the attack Adil Ahmad from Kakapora: Police identified the man who carried out the attack as Adil Ahmad Dar from Kakapora in Pulwama. They said that he joined the terror group in 2018. 200 kgs of explosive: The news agency IANS said Dar used 200 kgs of explosive, probably RDX, in the attack

Pulwama attack: What we know so far

The Punjab Police is on alert after its counter-intelligence wing on Thursday informed that six to seven Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists are "planning to move towards Delhi" from the state.

Police commissioners and district police chiefs have been put on alert following the input, according to a letter issued by the Punjab Inspector General of Police (Counter Intelligence) office.&nbsp;

The letter stated that "according to an input, a group of 6-7 JeM terrorists are reportedly in Punjab, India (possibly in Ferozepur area) and are planning to move towards Delhi from Punjab side."

The letter has been sent to all police officials in Punjab. They have been asked to set up checkpoints at all important routes, conduct strict vehicle inspection and take suitable countermeasures for all sensitive locations, it stated.

The letter stated that police areas along the India-Pakistan border have been asked to coordinate with the Border Security Force (BSF). 
The officers have been advised to plan and implement precautionary measures to thwart any untoward incident, it said.&nbsp;

The Punjab Police is on alert after its counter-intelligence wing on Thursday informed that six to seven Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists are "planning to move towards Delhi" from the state.

The Punjab Police is on alert after its counter-intelligence wing on Thursday informed that six to seven Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists are "planning to move towards Delhi" from the state. Police commissioners and district police chiefs have been put on alert following the input, according to a letter issued by the Punjab Inspector General of Police (Counter Intelligence) office. The letter stated that "according to an input, a group of 6-7 JeM terrorists are reportedly in Punjab, India (possibly in Ferozepur area) and are planning to move towards Delhi from Punjab side." The letter has been sent to all police officials in Punjab. They have been asked to set up checkpoints at all important routes, conduct strict vehicle inspection and take suitable countermeasures for all sensitive locations, it stated. The letter stated that police areas along the India-Pakistan border have been asked to coordinate with the Border Security Force (BSF). The officers have been advised to plan and implement precautionary measures to thwart any untoward incident, it said.

Punjab Police on alert after input on JeM terrorists in state, moving towards Delhi

The quick deterioration in Indo-Pak relations amid unprecedented turbulence in Kashmir in India has pushed the security establishment on the edge to counter the coming onslaught from a mix of battle hardy foreign terrorists and local militants both along the LoC and within the Valley. 
 
About 60-70 battle-hardened terrorists from the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) are ready to infiltrate into India from eight launch pads in Pak-cantrolled Kashmir (PoK). A sizeable number of them are foreign militants. 
 
Intelligence agencies in India say Pakistan&#39;s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) had held a meeting with the United Jihad Council (UJC) and top LeT, JeM and HuM commanders in Muzzafarabad on August 14 and they have been assigned specific areas to be attacked. 
 
The intelligence inputs suggest that the ISI is pushing in more terrorists through sustained infiltration and funneling money through various channels. The fresh lot of terrorists carry far more sophisticated arms and technological equipment than seen earlier. 
 
Security forces are expecting intensified attacks both along the LoC and on Indian Army bunker camps that check infiltration bids inside the Valley. 
 
On Tuesday, Indian home minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir with national security adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, Indian home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and chiefs of intelligence agencies and other top civil and security officials. But news from Kashmir was bad: four civilian casualties were reported from the rather peaceful central region. 
 
Singh cautioned security forces to keep casualties, both civilian and security personnel, to the bare minimum. 
 
Unverified inputs suggest that the ISI has already succeeded in infiltrating hardened Afghani terrorists, who specialise in lethal attacks on the army, into Kashmir, and is trying to push even more to increase the heat in the valley. 
 
Agencies are increasingly becoming wary of a situation, where a deadly cocktail of battle-hardened foreign terrorists and local Hizbul militants can play havoc in the valley. 
 
What is troubling the agencies even more is that intelligence-based counter-insurgency operations within the valley have almost come to a standstill since the last one month. The cloak-and-dagger network of informants has turned cold to a great extent due to the massive uprising, in which demarcation between &quot;with us or against us&quot; has become far too clear. 
 
Worse still, the massive turbulence has upset the counterinsurgency (CI) grid so much, that security forces have, for the first time in 26 years, suspended all operations in the Kashmir plains. 
 
The CRPF operation in Nowhatta, in downtown Srinagar on August 15, in which commandant Pramod Kumar was martyred, stands out as the lone CI operation in the past one and a half months. 
 
While the Indian Army intercepted the infiltrating militants and neutralised some of them in Nowgam and Machhil sectors on the LoC, suffering collateral damage, not a single raid or counterinsurgency operation was conducted in the plains in the last one month. 
 
Facing paucity of resources in the face of massive unrest, all field units have been directed to maintain only vigil over the activities and movement of militants and avoid raids or counterinsurgency operations in populated areas &quot;during the period of turbulence&quot;. 
 
&quot;No reason has been specified, though it is clear enough that operations have been suspended for fear of mob attacks and civilian casualties,&quot; said a senior official. 
 
The official pointed out that, on over a dozen occasions in 2015-16, people of neighbouring villages gathered around the site of Indian Army and Special Operation Group (SOG) operations and disrupted or attempted to disrupt them, particularly in south Kashmir. 
 
On one occasion, people of Padgampora and neighbouring villages in Pulwama district, helped a group of six heavily armed militants to escape from a cordoned area. Reports that a huge assembly of people was planning to storm the EDI complex forced the Indian Army to end the operation quickly on February 22 this year, despite the death of two of its captains. 
 
On certain occasions, sources said, militants covering themselves in civilian demonstrations opened fire on police or security forces who observed restraint, fearing civilian casualties. 
 
&quot;Even on August 9, we spotted three armed militants in a protest demonstration at Lalpora in Lolab area of Kupwara district. We did not strike them as there was every apprehension of civilian casualties,&quot; said an officer of security forces. 
 
(This story first appeared on DNA)&nbsp;

Intelligence inputs suggest that the ISI is pushing in more terrorists through sustained infiltration

The quick deterioration in Indo-Pak relations amid unprecedented turbulence in Kashmir in India has pushed the security establishment on the edge to counter the coming onslaught from a mix of battle hardy foreign terrorists and local militants both along the LoC and within the Valley. About 60-70 battle-hardened terrorists from the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) are ready to infiltrate into India from eight launch pads in Pak-cantrolled Kashmir (PoK). A sizeable number of them are foreign militants. Intelligence agencies in India say Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) had held a meeting with the United Jihad Council (UJC) and top LeT, JeM and HuM commanders in Muzzafarabad on August 14 and they have been assigned specific areas to be attacked. The intelligence inputs suggest that the ISI is pushing in more terrorists through sustained infiltration and funneling money through various channels. The fresh lot of terrorists carry far more sophisticated arms and technological equipment than seen earlier. Security forces are expecting intensified attacks both along the LoC and on Indian Army bunker camps that check infiltration bids inside the Valley. On Tuesday, Indian home minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir with national security adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, Indian home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and chiefs of intelligence agencies and other top civil and security officials. But news from Kashmir was bad: four civilian casualties were reported from the rather peaceful central region. Singh cautioned security forces to keep casualties, both civilian and security personnel, to the bare minimum. Unverified inputs suggest that the ISI has already succeeded in infiltrating hardened Afghani terrorists, who specialise in lethal attacks on the army, into Kashmir, and is trying to push even more to increase the heat in the valley. Agencies are increasingly becoming wary of a situation, where a deadly cocktail of battle-hardened foreign terrorists and local Hizbul militants can play havoc in the valley. What is troubling the agencies even more is that intelligence-based counter-insurgency operations within the valley have almost come to a standstill since the last one month. The cloak-and-dagger network of informants has turned cold to a great extent due to the massive uprising, in which demarcation between "with us or against us" has become far too clear. Worse still, the massive turbulence has upset the counterinsurgency (CI) grid so much, that security forces have, for the first time in 26 years, suspended all operations in the Kashmir plains. The CRPF operation in Nowhatta, in downtown Srinagar on August 15, in which commandant Pramod Kumar was martyred, stands out as the lone CI operation in the past one and a half months. While the Indian Army intercepted the infiltrating militants and neutralised some of them in Nowgam and Machhil sectors on the LoC, suffering collateral damage, not a single raid or counterinsurgency operation was conducted in the plains in the last one month. Facing paucity of resources in the face of massive unrest, all field units have been directed to maintain only vigil over the activities and movement of militants and avoid raids or counterinsurgency operations in populated areas "during the period of turbulence". "No reason has been specified, though it is clear enough that operations have been suspended for fear of mob attacks and civilian casualties," said a senior official. The official pointed out that, on over a dozen occasions in 2015-16, people of neighbouring villages gathered around the site of Indian Army and Special Operation Group (SOG) operations and disrupted or attempted to disrupt them, particularly in south Kashmir. On one occasion, people of Padgampora and neighbouring villages in Pulwama district, helped a group of six heavily armed militants to escape from a cordoned area. Reports that a huge assembly of people was planning to storm the EDI complex forced the Indian Army to end the operation quickly on February 22 this year, despite the death of two of its captains. On certain occasions, sources said, militants covering themselves in civilian demonstrations opened fire on police or security forces who observed restraint, fearing civilian casualties. "Even on August 9, we spotted three armed militants in a protest demonstration at Lalpora in Lolab area of Kupwara district. We did not strike them as there was every apprehension of civilian casualties," said an officer of security forces. (This story first appeared on DNA)

Pak's intelligence agency, terrorists meet to keep Jammu & Kashmir on boil: Indian intelligence