Pakistan certainly needs to do more in its fight against terrorism and the Trump administration expects Islamabad to act against terror groups like the Haqqani network and Lashkar-e-Taiba in same way as it did against al-Qaeda after the 9/11 attacks, a top American official has said.

State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism Nathan Alexander Sales said during a Congressional hearing that the US was "very concerned" over the support for terrorism in any region of the world.

"And I can tell you we have communicated to the Pakistani government at the highest levels that we expect them to do more just like we expected them to act with us after 9/11," Sales said on Wednesday.

"Pakistan has in the past been a very effective counterpart in taking the fight to al-Qaeda. We need them to do the same thing with respect to the Haqqanis, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and the other terrorist groups that are active in the region," he said.

Sales said Pakistan "certainly needs to do more" in the fight against terrorism.

His remarks came after several Congressmen expressed concern over the continued resistance by Pakistan to take satisfactory action against terror groups operating from its soil.

The lawmakers alleged that Pakistan was not doing enough against the terror groups.

"I think they're not doing the job, despite terrorism, because the terrorists come in from Pakistan into Afghanistan, do their mischief, and run back across the border. I think they've been doing that for years," said Congressman Ted Poe, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade.

"They take our money, Million of dollars we give Pakistan every year. It befuddles me why we do that when they don't... And they allow a safe haven for terrorists in their own country that invade another country, namely Afghanistan," Poe alleged.

He, however, praised the State Department for not giving Pakistan funds for counterterrorism.

The State Department's Inspector General filed a report last year that found much of the antiterrorism assistance US had given to Pakistan was not being used, including dozens of courses not implemented.

"I am pleased to hear the Bureau has since repurposed many of the resources that had been sent to Pakistan to other more worthwhile programs. We cannot afford to throw good money after bad. Effective monitoring and evaluation programs are crucial to spotting what is not working and making changes that do," he said.

In his first tweet of the year, US President Donald Trump had expressed his dissatisfaction over Pakistan's reluctance in taking strong action against terrorists.

"The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" Trump tweeted.

He had ordered to stop all security financial assistance to Pakistan.

Pakistan certainly needs to do more in its fight against terrorism and the Trump administration expects Islamabad to act against terror groups like the Haqqani network and Lashkar-e-Taiba in same way as it did against al-Qaeda after the 9/11 attacks, a top American official has said.

Pakistan certainly needs to do more in its fight against terrorism and the Trump administration expects Islamabad to act against terror groups like the Haqqani network and Lashkar-e-Taiba in same way as it did against al-Qaeda after the 9/11 attacks, a top American official has said. State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism Nathan Alexander Sales said during a Congressional hearing that the US was "very concerned" over the support for terrorism in any region of the world. "And I can tell you we have communicated to the Pakistani government at the highest levels that we expect them to do more just like we expected them to act with us after 9/11," Sales said on Wednesday. "Pakistan has in the past been a very effective counterpart in taking the fight to al-Qaeda. We need them to do the same thing with respect to the Haqqanis, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and the other terrorist groups that are active in the region," he said. Sales said Pakistan "certainly needs to do more" in the fight against terrorism. His remarks came after several Congressmen expressed concern over the continued resistance by Pakistan to take satisfactory action against terror groups operating from its soil. The lawmakers alleged that Pakistan was not doing enough against the terror groups. "I think they're not doing the job, despite terrorism, because the terrorists come in from Pakistan into Afghanistan, do their mischief, and run back across the border. I think they've been doing that for years," said Congressman Ted Poe, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade. "They take our money, Million of dollars we give Pakistan every year. It befuddles me why we do that when they don't... And they allow a safe haven for terrorists in their own country that invade another country, namely Afghanistan," Poe alleged. He, however, praised the State Department for not giving Pakistan funds for counterterrorism. The State Department's Inspector General filed a report last year that found much of the antiterrorism assistance US had given to Pakistan was not being used, including dozens of courses not implemented. "I am pleased to hear the Bureau has since repurposed many of the resources that had been sent to Pakistan to other more worthwhile programs. We cannot afford to throw good money after bad. Effective monitoring and evaluation programs are crucial to spotting what is not working and making changes that do," he said. In his first tweet of the year, US President Donald Trump had expressed his dissatisfaction over Pakistan's reluctance in taking strong action against terrorists. "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" Trump tweeted. He had ordered to stop all security financial assistance to Pakistan.

Pakistan certainly needs to do more in its fight terrorism : US

Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) SP Pani on Friday asserted that as many as eight terrorists were neutralised in three different encounters in the Valley since yesterday.

Out of eight terrorists, six of them found had links with two banned terrorist organisations, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen.

"Three encounters have taken place since yesterday. The first encounter took place in Baramulla in which two terrorists linked with Lashkar-e-Taiba were killed. In the second encounter at Anantnag`s Arwani, four terrorists linked with Hizbul Mujahideen were killed," Pani told ANI.

"Another encounter took place in Sopore last night in which two more terrorists were killed. Unfortunately, one soldier has lost his life. In all three encounters, there has been no civilian casualty and no-collateral damage," he said. The operation ended this morning.

Pani also advised citizens to stay away from encounter area. "Encounter site is a prohibited site. At these prohibited sites, unauthorised access must be avoided. Nobody should venture to such sites until it is cleared," the IGP said.&nbsp;

Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) SP Pani on Friday asserted that as many as eight terrorists were neutralised in three different encounters in the Valley since yesterday.

Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) SP Pani on Friday asserted that as many as eight terrorists were neutralised in three different encounters in the Valley since yesterday. Out of eight terrorists, six of them found had links with two banned terrorist organisations, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen. "Three encounters have taken place since yesterday. The first encounter took place in Baramulla in which two terrorists linked with Lashkar-e-Taiba were killed. In the second encounter at Anantnag`s Arwani, four terrorists linked with Hizbul Mujahideen were killed," Pani told ANI. "Another encounter took place in Sopore last night in which two more terrorists were killed. Unfortunately, one soldier has lost his life. In all three encounters, there has been no civilian casualty and no-collateral damage," he said. The operation ended this morning. Pani also advised citizens to stay away from encounter area. "Encounter site is a prohibited site. At these prohibited sites, unauthorised access must be avoided. Nobody should venture to such sites until it is cleared," the IGP said.

2 LeT, 4 Hizbul operatives among eight terrorists killed in 24 hours: IG Kashmir

Multiple petitions&nbsp;filed in the Pakistani courts against the country's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif over his statement on Tuesday seeking action against him for treason.

A politician from Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Sharif party also moved the Sindh high court demanding to restrict Sharif from traveling&nbsp;outside the country as he also sought charges of treason&nbsp;against Sharif.

According to the media report, Party leader Imran Khan has also demanded Sharif to be put on trial.

News agency Reuters quoted Sharif saying,"He hurt the national interest of Pakistan by violating his oath as an ex-prime minister and should be proceeded against for treason."&nbsp;

Similar petitions were also filed by the members of two more political parties -- the Pakistan Awami Tehreek founded by Pakistani-Canadian Islamic scholar Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri and Pakistan zindabad party -- in the Lahore high court.

Some of the petitioners alleged that sharif's remarks appeared prejudicial to the safety and the interests of the state, and they amounted to high treason.

Earlier this week Sharif triggered a controversy by giving an interview to a Pakistan daily during which he said that "Militant organisations are active. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross the border and kill 150 people in Mumbai? Explain it to me. Why can't we complete the trial?"

Following the statement, allegations of Pakistan's involvement in the admission of terrorist in the country were also made by Indian media.

Pakistan's national security committee also held a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Monday to review the statement in detail. After the meeting, the committee unanimously termed the statement <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawazs-statement-on-mumbai-attacks-incorrect-and-misleading-terms-pakistans-nsc-136742">"incorrect and misleading</a>".

NSC meeting also&nbsp;"rejected the allegations and condemned the fallacious assertions", and concluded saying that it continue its efforts to eliminate terrorism on all fronts.&nbsp;

However, Nawaz Sharif defended himself saying that he stood by his comments as he did nothing wrong and that he was seeking answers as to why militants killed 166 people in Mumbai.

On November 26 in 2008, ten Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist sailed to Mumbai from Karachi and carried out coordinated attacks that killed 166 people and injured over 300.&nbsp;

Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) Chief Hafeez Saeed is said to be the mastermind behind 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

Even after ten years of the terror attack in Mumbai, Pakistan has not punished any of the suspects in the case and the trials are stalled in a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-admits-pak-militant-groups-role-in-mumbai-terror-attacks--136372"> Nawaz Sharif admits Pakistan militant group's role in Mumbai terror attacks</a>

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A politician from Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Sharif party also moved to the Sindh high court demanding to restrict Sharif from traveling outside the country

Multiple petitions filed in the Pakistani courts against the country's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif over his statement on Tuesday seeking action against him for treason. A politician from Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Sharif party also moved the Sindh high court demanding to restrict Sharif from traveling outside the country as he also sought charges of treason against Sharif. According to the media report, Party leader Imran Khan has also demanded Sharif to be put on trial. News agency Reuters quoted Sharif saying,"He hurt the national interest of Pakistan by violating his oath as an ex-prime minister and should be proceeded against for treason." Similar petitions were also filed by the members of two more political parties -- the Pakistan Awami Tehreek founded by Pakistani-Canadian Islamic scholar Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri and Pakistan zindabad party -- in the Lahore high court. Some of the petitioners alleged that sharif's remarks appeared prejudicial to the safety and the interests of the state, and they amounted to high treason. Earlier this week Sharif triggered a controversy by giving an interview to a Pakistan daily during which he said that "Militant organisations are active. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross the border and kill 150 people in Mumbai? Explain it to me. Why can't we complete the trial?" Following the statement, allegations of Pakistan's involvement in the admission of terrorist in the country were also made by Indian media. Pakistan's national security committee also held a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Monday to review the statement in detail. After the meeting, the committee unanimously termed the statement "incorrect and misleading". NSC meeting also "rejected the allegations and condemned the fallacious assertions", and concluded saying that it continue its efforts to eliminate terrorism on all fronts. However, Nawaz Sharif defended himself saying that he stood by his comments as he did nothing wrong and that he was seeking answers as to why militants killed 166 people in Mumbai. On November 26 in 2008, ten Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist sailed to Mumbai from Karachi and carried out coordinated attacks that killed 166 people and injured over 300. Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) Chief Hafeez Saeed is said to be the mastermind behind 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Even after ten years of the terror attack in Mumbai, Pakistan has not punished any of the suspects in the case and the trials are stalled in a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court Also read: Nawaz Sharif admits Pakistan militant group's role in Mumbai terror attacks

Multiple petitions filed against Nawaz Sharif seeking treason charges for his 26/11 remarks

Pakistan's national security committee held a meeting on Monday to discuss the statement given by former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the 2008's Mumbai attacks trigering backlash from Indian media.

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was conducted to review the statement in detail after which it unanimously termed the statement "incorrect and misleading."

Pakistan's Geo tv quoted a statement issued by Prime Minister's office reading," the participants observed that it was very unfortunate that the opinion arising out of either misconceptions or grievances was being presented in disregard of concrete facts and realities."

NSC meeting also unanimously "rejected the allegations and condemned the fallacious assertions".&nbsp;

While concluding the meeting, NSC also reportedly said that Pakistan will continue its efforts to eliminate terrorism on all fronts.

During an interview with Pakistan daily, Nawaz Sharif has said, "Militant organisations are active. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross the border and kill 150 people in Mumbai? Explain it to me. Why can't we complete the trial?."

Following the statement, an allegation of Pakistan's involvement in the admission of terrorist in the country was also made.

On May 13, the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) had issued a clarification stating that Nawaz's remarks were "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sharifs-2611-statement-grossly-misinterpreted-pml-n-136615">grossly misinterpreted by Indian media</a>".

Ten Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists had sailed to Mumbai in November 2008 from Karachi and carried out coordinated attacks that killed 166 people and injured over 300. Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) Chief Hafeez Saeed is the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

The case is now in its 10th year, but Pakistan is yet to punish any of the suspects.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was conducted to review the statement in detail after which it unanimously termed the statement 'incorrect and misleading'

Pakistan's national security committee held a meeting on Monday to discuss the statement given by former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the 2008's Mumbai attacks trigering backlash from Indian media. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was conducted to review the statement in detail after which it unanimously termed the statement "incorrect and misleading." Pakistan's Geo tv quoted a statement issued by Prime Minister's office reading," the participants observed that it was very unfortunate that the opinion arising out of either misconceptions or grievances was being presented in disregard of concrete facts and realities." NSC meeting also unanimously "rejected the allegations and condemned the fallacious assertions". While concluding the meeting, NSC also reportedly said that Pakistan will continue its efforts to eliminate terrorism on all fronts. During an interview with Pakistan daily, Nawaz Sharif has said, "Militant organisations are active. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross the border and kill 150 people in Mumbai? Explain it to me. Why can't we complete the trial?." Following the statement, an allegation of Pakistan's involvement in the admission of terrorist in the country was also made. On May 13, the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) had issued a clarification stating that Nawaz's remarks were "grossly misinterpreted by Indian media". Ten Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists had sailed to Mumbai in November 2008 from Karachi and carried out coordinated attacks that killed 166 people and injured over 300. Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) Chief Hafeez Saeed is the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The case is now in its 10th year, but Pakistan is yet to punish any of the suspects. (With inputs from ANI)

Nawaz's statement on Mumbai attacks 'incorrect and misleading' terms Pakistan's NSC

A video has gone viral showing a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant appealing to the ultras to "shun the path of violence".&nbsp;

“My name is Aijaz Ahmad Gojri. I request my other friends -- Suhaib Akhoon, Mohsin Mushtaq Bhat and Nasir Amin Drazi -- who are on the wrong path and have left their families, their good life and living in forests, to return home,” said the militant.

In the two-minute clip, Gojri&nbsp;further said: “I request Nasir to come back as his mother is very ill.”&nbsp;

Gojri is one of the four militants arrested on Wednesday for their alleged involvement in the killing of three boys at Baramulla on April 30.

As per a police spokesman, two of the four militants arrested had involvement in the gunning down of Baramulla residents Irfan Ahmad Sheikh, Haseeb Nabi Khan, and Mohammad Asgar Sheikh.“

We have ample evidence to suggest the hand of the outlawed Lasher-e-Taiba group in instigating violence and killing innocent people in north Kashmir," Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) Swayam Prakash Pani told reporters on Wednesday.

The two-minute clip was shot while the terrorist was in the custody of the Army.

"Pakistan is misleading the youth," &nbsp;Gojri said. He further said the Army could have killed him but instead arrested him, hence giving him a new life. 
&nbsp;

Gojri is one of the four militants arrested on Wednesday for their alleged involvement in the killing of three boys at Baramulla on April 30.

A video has gone viral showing a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant appealing to the ultras to "shun the path of violence". “My name is Aijaz Ahmad Gojri. I request my other friends -- Suhaib Akhoon, Mohsin Mushtaq Bhat and Nasir Amin Drazi -- who are on the wrong path and have left their families, their good life and living in forests, to return home,” said the militant. In the two-minute clip, Gojri further said: “I request Nasir to come back as his mother is very ill.” Gojri is one of the four militants arrested on Wednesday for their alleged involvement in the killing of three boys at Baramulla on April 30. As per a police spokesman, two of the four militants arrested had involvement in the gunning down of Baramulla residents Irfan Ahmad Sheikh, Haseeb Nabi Khan, and Mohammad Asgar Sheikh.“ We have ample evidence to suggest the hand of the outlawed Lasher-e-Taiba group in instigating violence and killing innocent people in north Kashmir," Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) Swayam Prakash Pani told reporters on Wednesday. The two-minute clip was shot while the terrorist was in the custody of the Army. "Pakistan is misleading the youth," Gojri said. He further said the Army could have killed him but instead arrested him, hence giving him a new life.

‘Pakistan misleading the youth,’ says LeT militant in viral video; hails Indian Army for giving ‘new life’

An exiled Kashmiri leader Shaukat Ali Kashmiri has blamed the Pakistan Army for endorsing terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen.

Claiming that the Pakistan civil and political organisation have no control over the Pakistan army he said that the army was using them as its proxies against India.

He said that a deliberate attempt was made by Pakistan to use PoK for 'jihadi' activities and that the army is promoting a philosophy that the world is not permanent and one has to die.&nbsp;

He also said that the majority of these terror outfits were based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The exiled leader highlighted the growing instability and lack of development in Pakistan occupied Kashmir which has forced many people to vacate the region.

He also hit out at the multi-billion&nbsp;CPEC project saying that Pakistan and China's were exploiting the resources from PoK and Gilgit baltistan. He added the funds that were meant for the welfare and development of PoK was diverted for other purposes.

"In the past 70 years, our sources of income, including foreign remittances, were not spent for the welfare and empowerment of the people of PoK. They have established a camp to promote 'jihadi' culture. They have endorsed a philosophy that the world is not permanent and one has to die. They want to exploit the resources and occupy territory but tell Kashmiri that this world is temporary. Here, you don't need a good hospital and education and you don't need to live here but to migrate to Saudi Arabia, Britain and the US to earn money. They have promoted a forced migration, which people are not able to understand," he added.

Claiming that the Pakistan civil and political organisation have no control over the Pakistan army he said that the army was using them as its proxies against India

An exiled Kashmiri leader Shaukat Ali Kashmiri has blamed the Pakistan Army for endorsing terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen. Claiming that the Pakistan civil and political organisation have no control over the Pakistan army he said that the army was using them as its proxies against India. He said that a deliberate attempt was made by Pakistan to use PoK for 'jihadi' activities and that the army is promoting a philosophy that the world is not permanent and one has to die. He also said that the majority of these terror outfits were based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The exiled leader highlighted the growing instability and lack of development in Pakistan occupied Kashmir which has forced many people to vacate the region. He also hit out at the multi-billion CPEC project saying that Pakistan and China's were exploiting the resources from PoK and Gilgit baltistan. He added the funds that were meant for the welfare and development of PoK was diverted for other purposes. "In the past 70 years, our sources of income, including foreign remittances, were not spent for the welfare and empowerment of the people of PoK. They have established a camp to promote 'jihadi' culture. They have endorsed a philosophy that the world is not permanent and one has to die. They want to exploit the resources and occupy territory but tell Kashmiri that this world is temporary. Here, you don't need a good hospital and education and you don't need to live here but to migrate to Saudi Arabia, Britain and the US to earn money. They have promoted a forced migration, which people are not able to understand," he added.

Pakistan army endorsing terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen: Exiled Kashmiri leader

A Pakistani political party placed on the US&nbsp;list of foreign terrorist organisations vowed on Wednesday to continue its political activities and participate in upcoming elections.

The Milli Muslim League (MML) is controlled by Islamist leader Hafiz Saeed, who has a $10 million U.S. bounty on his head. The group shot to prominence after fielding a candidate in a September 2017 by-election to fill a seat vacated by deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

The US State Department on Tuesday termed MML an alias for militant organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), or Army of the Pure, blamed for a bloody 2008 attack in India.

"We clearly state that on US&nbsp;announcements we will not discontinue our political activities at any cost," MML president Saifullah Khalid said, reading from a statement in Karachi.

"Milli Muslim League will fully participate in the 2018 elections and will field candidates from across Pakistan."

Saeed is the founder of LeT, which is also on the U.S. terrorist list and blamed by the United States and India for a four-day militant attack on Mumbai in 2008 in which 166 people were killed.

Saeed has repeatedly denied involvement in the attack.

Images of Saeed appeared on MML campaign posters during rallies held in two major Pakistani cities leading up to by-elections last year.

The party was subsequently barred from participating in polls by Pakistan's electoral commission, a decision that was overturned by the courts.

"We have confidence in our higher judiciary ... MML will be registered and it will emerge as a big national party in future," Khalid said.

Khalid termed the U.S. decision a violation of basic human rights and an open intervention in Pakistan's internal affairs, asking for the State Department to bring evidence before the courts.

"Make no mistake: whatever LeT chooses to call itself, it remains a violent terrorist group. The United States supports all efforts to ensure that LeT does not have a political voice until it gives up violence as a tool of influence," the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

Under pressure from the United States, the United Nations and international institutions to crack down on terrorist financing, Pakistan drew up secret plans last December for a "takeover" of charities linked to Saeed.

Saeed has since taken the government decision to court.

Saeed's freedom in Pakistan, where he holds rallies, has been a thorn in Pakistan’s relations with old rival India and the United States.

The US State Department on Tuesday termed MML an alias for militant organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), or Army of the Pure, blamed for a bloody 2008 attack in India.

A Pakistani political party placed on the US list of foreign terrorist organisations vowed on Wednesday to continue its political activities and participate in upcoming elections. The Milli Muslim League (MML) is controlled by Islamist leader Hafiz Saeed, who has a $10 million U.S. bounty on his head. The group shot to prominence after fielding a candidate in a September 2017 by-election to fill a seat vacated by deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif. The US State Department on Tuesday termed MML an alias for militant organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), or Army of the Pure, blamed for a bloody 2008 attack in India. "We clearly state that on US announcements we will not discontinue our political activities at any cost," MML president Saifullah Khalid said, reading from a statement in Karachi. "Milli Muslim League will fully participate in the 2018 elections and will field candidates from across Pakistan." Saeed is the founder of LeT, which is also on the U.S. terrorist list and blamed by the United States and India for a four-day militant attack on Mumbai in 2008 in which 166 people were killed. Saeed has repeatedly denied involvement in the attack. Images of Saeed appeared on MML campaign posters during rallies held in two major Pakistani cities leading up to by-elections last year. The party was subsequently barred from participating in polls by Pakistan's electoral commission, a decision that was overturned by the courts. "We have confidence in our higher judiciary ... MML will be registered and it will emerge as a big national party in future," Khalid said. Khalid termed the U.S. decision a violation of basic human rights and an open intervention in Pakistan's internal affairs, asking for the State Department to bring evidence before the courts. "Make no mistake: whatever LeT chooses to call itself, it remains a violent terrorist group. The United States supports all efforts to ensure that LeT does not have a political voice until it gives up violence as a tool of influence," the U.S. State Department said in a statement. Under pressure from the United States, the United Nations and international institutions to crack down on terrorist financing, Pakistan drew up secret plans last December for a "takeover" of charities linked to Saeed. Saeed has since taken the government decision to court. Saeed's freedom in Pakistan, where he holds rallies, has been a thorn in Pakistan’s relations with old rival India and the United States.

Hafiz Saeed's MML, designated 'terror group' by US, vows to fight Pak elections

The ED today said it has attached Rs 3 lakh cash of alleged terror funds in connection with its money laundering probe against terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT) which operates in the Kashmir Valley.

The central probe agency said that it attached the cash, in Indian currency, after it was found that the money was the &quot;proceeds of crime&quot; of terrorism and that it was to be delivered to hardcore militant Mohd Hussain Dar alias Raju by his associate Abdul Hamid Lone.

&quot;The attached amount was meant for militant activities,&quot; the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said in a statement.

The agency had registered a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) based on a December 2009 FIR registered by the Sopore police in Jammu and Kashmir.

The ED said that the police had recovered and seized the Rs 3 lakh from Manzoor Ahmed Shaikh&#39;s Sopore-based bakery during a search operation.

The operation was launched on specific information that certain militants were assembling there, the agency said.

&quot;The said amount seized and recovered from the bakery shop was to be delivered to Dar,&quot; the ED said.

It said that an equivalent amount of this fund was to be handed over to the brother of Lone who was a militant operating from the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The agency said Lone, during questioning, had admitted to the ED that his younger brother Abdul Majeed Lone had left India 25 years ago and was settled in Pakistan&#39;s Pindi area.

&quot;During investigation, Lone claimed that the seized amount was related to his fruit business, but he could not produce any documents in this regard.

&quot;The accused persons did not submit any reply to the queries raised during investigation with regard to purpose of handing over the same to Dar at the bakery,&quot; it said.

The ED today said it has attached Rs 3 lakh cash of alleged terror funds in connection with its money laundering probe against terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT) which operates in the Kashmir Valley

The ED today said it has attached Rs 3 lakh cash of alleged terror funds in connection with its money laundering probe against terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT) which operates in the Kashmir Valley. The central probe agency said that it attached the cash, in Indian currency, after it was found that the money was the "proceeds of crime" of terrorism and that it was to be delivered to hardcore militant Mohd Hussain Dar alias Raju by his associate Abdul Hamid Lone. "The attached amount was meant for militant activities," the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said in a statement. The agency had registered a criminal case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) based on a December 2009 FIR registered by the Sopore police in Jammu and Kashmir. The ED said that the police had recovered and seized the Rs 3 lakh from Manzoor Ahmed Shaikh's Sopore-based bakery during a search operation. The operation was launched on specific information that certain militants were assembling there, the agency said. "The said amount seized and recovered from the bakery shop was to be delivered to Dar," the ED said. It said that an equivalent amount of this fund was to be handed over to the brother of Lone who was a militant operating from the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The agency said Lone, during questioning, had admitted to the ED that his younger brother Abdul Majeed Lone had left India 25 years ago and was settled in Pakistan's Pindi area. "During investigation, Lone claimed that the seized amount was related to his fruit business, but he could not produce any documents in this regard. "The accused persons did not submit any reply to the queries raised during investigation with regard to purpose of handing over the same to Dar at the bakery," it said.

Enforcement Directorate attaches Rs 3 lakh terror funds of LeT cadre in Kashmir

Top officials of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaspal-atwals-name-was-removed-from-home-ministrys-blacklist-of-sikh-extremists-months-ago-sources-33783">Home Ministry headed by BJP leader</a> Murli Manohar have reportedly told a parliamentary panel that Sikh youths are being trained by Pakistan&#39;s intelligence agency - ISI- and are targeting several members of the community settled in Canada.

The officials have informed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sikhs-in-pakistan-being-forced-to-convert-to-islam-26984">the Committee on Estimates that Sikh</a> youth are being radicalised through messages being&nbsp;disseminated on the Internet and social media. The report named - Central armed police forces and internal security challenges-evaluation and response mechanism - which was tabled before Parliament on Monday cites Pakistan&#39;s ISI trying to spread its terror plans not only in Punjab but also in other parts of the country.

&quot;Sikh youth are being trained at ISI facilities in Pakistan. Interdictions and interrogations have revealed the use of jailed cadres, unemployed youth, criminals and smugglers by Pakistan-based Sikh terror groups for facilitating terror attacks,&quot; the report said. Sikh youths based or settled in Europe, the US and Canada are also being misguided, the report observes.

&quot;The problem is further accentuated by the fact that the terror groups have started using secure social media platforms and proxy servers etc. To avoid detection by intelligence and law enforcement agencies,&quot; the report notes.

&quot;Activities of radicalised people returning from conflict areas and the threat of lone wolf attack are also a challenge,&quot; it said.

The ministry has told the panel that India continues to be the focus among Pakistan-based terror organizations including &nbsp;Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM), Indian Mujahideen(IM) and SIMI.

&quot;Since its formation in September 2004, CPI(Maoist) has emerged as the most potent among the LWE outfits active in the country,&quot; the report said.

The officials have informed the Committee on Estimates that Sikh youth are being radicalised through messages being disseminated on the Internet and social media.

Top officials of the Home Ministry headed by BJP leader Murli Manohar have reportedly told a parliamentary panel that Sikh youths are being trained by Pakistan's intelligence agency - ISI- and are targeting several members of the community settled in Canada. The officials have informed the Committee on Estimates that Sikh youth are being radicalised through messages being disseminated on the Internet and social media. The report named - Central armed police forces and internal security challenges-evaluation and response mechanism - which was tabled before Parliament on Monday cites Pakistan's ISI trying to spread its terror plans not only in Punjab but also in other parts of the country. "Sikh youth are being trained at ISI facilities in Pakistan. Interdictions and interrogations have revealed the use of jailed cadres, unemployed youth, criminals and smugglers by Pakistan-based Sikh terror groups for facilitating terror attacks," the report said. Sikh youths based or settled in Europe, the US and Canada are also being misguided, the report observes. "The problem is further accentuated by the fact that the terror groups have started using secure social media platforms and proxy servers etc. To avoid detection by intelligence and law enforcement agencies," the report notes. "Activities of radicalised people returning from conflict areas and the threat of lone wolf attack are also a challenge," it said. The ministry has told the panel that India continues to be the focus among Pakistan-based terror organizations including Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM), Indian Mujahideen(IM) and SIMI. "Since its formation in September 2004, CPI(Maoist) has emerged as the most potent among the LWE outfits active in the country," the report said.

Sikh youths from Canada & Europe being trained at ISI facilities in Pak: Home Ministry to parliamentary panel

The continued pressure from United Nations and the US has finally forced <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-extends-ban-on-terror-groups-listed-by-un-32676" target="_blank">Pakistan to declare&nbsp;Hafiz Saeed as a terrorist</a>.

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Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain signed an ordinance on Monday declaring Saeed&#39;s organisation&nbsp;Lashkar-e-Taiba and several other&nbsp;organisations in Pakistan as terrorist&nbsp;outfit.

The ordinance aimed at cracking down terror groups by amending a section of the Anti-Terrorism Act.&nbsp;

The sanctions have been put on al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation and Lashkar-e-Taiba including others.&nbsp;

The amendment enables the authorities to take action against the declared terror outfits.&nbsp;

The United Nations Security Council had prohibited terrorists and individual outfits by sealing their offices and freezing their bank accounts.

The Pakistan authority is bound to take legal action against the terrorist organisation under the obligation of the&nbsp;international force, Financial Action Task Force-(FATF). 
 
The declaration has come at a time when&nbsp;Hafiz Saeed is looking forward to contesting the 2018 Pakistan general elections. He has also formed a party by the name of Milli Muslim League(MML).

The move taken by the Pakistan government was not highlighted much in the media.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain signed an ordinance on Monday declaring Saeed's organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba and several other organisations in Pakistan as terrorist outfit

The continued pressure from United Nations and the US has finally forced Pakistan to declare Hafiz Saeed as a terrorist. × Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain signed an ordinance on Monday declaring Saeed's organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba and several other organisations in Pakistan as terrorist outfit. The ordinance aimed at cracking down terror groups by amending a section of the Anti-Terrorism Act. The sanctions have been put on al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation and Lashkar-e-Taiba including others. The amendment enables the authorities to take action against the declared terror outfits. The United Nations Security Council had prohibited terrorists and individual outfits by sealing their offices and freezing their bank accounts. The Pakistan authority is bound to take legal action against the terrorist organisation under the obligation of the international force, Financial Action Task Force-(FATF). The declaration has come at a time when Hafiz Saeed is looking forward to contesting the 2018 Pakistan general elections. He has also formed a party by the name of Milli Muslim League(MML). The move taken by the Pakistan government was not highlighted much in the media. (With inputs from PTI)

After UN list, Pakistan declares Hafiz Saeed as terrorist

Lashkar-e-Taiba on Monday claimed responsibility for the terror attacks in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sunjwan-army-camp-attack-3-terrorists-killed-operation-on-for-27-hours-32460"> Sunjuwan Army Camp</a> and Srinagar&#39;s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/security-forces-track-terrorists-in-srinagar-encounter-underway-32556">Karan Nagar</a>.&nbsp;

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Lashkar-e-Taiba claims responsibility of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SunjwanArmyCamp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SunjwanArmyCamp</a> and Karan Nagar terror attacks <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/7RU0LgCNMx">pic.twitter.com/7RU0LgCNMx</a>
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It was earlier suspected that the terrorists belonged to Jaish-e-Mohmmad (JeM) network.&nbsp;

The terrorists opened fire at the camp located in &nbsp;Jammu-Pathankot National Highway which claimed lives of six including five security personnel and one civilian.

They struck the camp of the 36 brigade of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry in the early hours on Saturday, triggering a gunbattle.

Two of the attackers in combat gear were also gunned down while nine others - a major, three personnel and five women and children -- were injured in the two-day-long operation.

Also, one CRPF personnel was killed during the encounter with terrorists in Srinagar&#39;s Karan Nagar area on Monday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pregnant-woman-wounded-in-sunjwan-attack-delivers-baby-girl-32488">Also Read:&nbsp;Pregnant woman wounded in Jammu army camp attack delivers baby girl</a>

Earlier, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir tracked down two terrorists who tried to enter the CRPF camp in Srinagar on Monday morning.

Reports had indicated that the terrorists were carrying bags and AK-47 guns. The soldiers immediately opened fire as the terrorists fled the area as CRPF personnel prevented the terrorists from entering the camp.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army began a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-army-begins-clearing-operation-after-terror-attack-32532"> clearing operation</a> after the terrorists attacked a military camp in J&amp;K.

Army spokesperson Lt Col Devender Anand said the Army had found the bodies of three of its personnel and a civilian, taking the toll to six in the attack, and gunned down three terrorists.

&quot;The Army has launched a fire assault as a part of a sanitisation and clearing operation. There was no exchange of fire,&quot; the Army said.

Terrorists had opened fire at the camp located in Jammu-Pathankot National Highway which claimed lives of six including two security personnel and one civilian

Lashkar-e-Taiba on Monday claimed responsibility for the terror attacks in Sunjuwan Army Camp and Srinagar's Karan Nagar. Lashkar-e-Taiba claims responsibility of #SunjwanArmyCamp and Karan Nagar terror attacks #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/7RU0LgCNMx — ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2018 × It was earlier suspected that the terrorists belonged to Jaish-e-Mohmmad (JeM) network. The terrorists opened fire at the camp located in Jammu-Pathankot National Highway which claimed lives of six including five security personnel and one civilian. They struck the camp of the 36 brigade of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry in the early hours on Saturday, triggering a gunbattle. Two of the attackers in combat gear were also gunned down while nine others - a major, three personnel and five women and children -- were injured in the two-day-long operation. Also, one CRPF personnel was killed during the encounter with terrorists in Srinagar's Karan Nagar area on Monday. Also Read: Pregnant woman wounded in Jammu army camp attack delivers baby girl Earlier, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir tracked down two terrorists who tried to enter the CRPF camp in Srinagar on Monday morning. Reports had indicated that the terrorists were carrying bags and AK-47 guns. The soldiers immediately opened fire as the terrorists fled the area as CRPF personnel prevented the terrorists from entering the camp. Meanwhile, the Indian Army began a clearing operation after the terrorists attacked a military camp in J&K. Army spokesperson Lt Col Devender Anand said the Army had found the bodies of three of its personnel and a civilian, taking the toll to six in the attack, and gunned down three terrorists. "The Army has launched a fire assault as a part of a sanitisation and clearing operation. There was no exchange of fire," the Army said.

Lashkar-e-Taiba claims responsibility for Sunjuwan attack

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists were killed in a bike accident in Sopore&#39;s Harpora in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday.

At least one body has been recovered by police and has been identified as Owais Bashir. Further details are awaited.

This comes after LeT on Monday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lashkar-e-taiba-claims-responsibility-for-sunjwan-camp-karan-nagar-attacks-32595">claimed the responsibility </a>of the recent terror attacks at Sunjwan Army Camp and Karan Nagar CRPF camp.

Earlier today, the Supreme Court put an interim stay on any criminal proceedings against Major Aditya Kumar, who has been named in an FIR filed by the Jammu and Kashmir Police for killing civilians during an army firing in Shopian.

One Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel lost his life in the encounter at the 23 Bn CRPF camp in Srinagar`s Karan Nagar, where two armed-terrorists were spotted in the wee hours of Monday.

Earlier on Saturday, terrorists barged into the Sunjwan army camp in Jammu, killing five security personnel and one civilian and six army personnel and six civilians were injured.

At least one body has been recovered by police and has been identified as Owais Bashir.

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists were killed in a bike accident in Sopore's Harpora in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. At least one body has been recovered by police and has been identified as Owais Bashir. Further details are awaited. This comes after LeT on Monday claimed the responsibility of the recent terror attacks at Sunjwan Army Camp and Karan Nagar CRPF camp. Earlier today, the Supreme Court put an interim stay on any criminal proceedings against Major Aditya Kumar, who has been named in an FIR filed by the Jammu and Kashmir Police for killing civilians during an army firing in Shopian. One Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel lost his life in the encounter at the 23 Bn CRPF camp in Srinagar`s Karan Nagar, where two armed-terrorists were spotted in the wee hours of Monday. Earlier on Saturday, terrorists barged into the Sunjwan army camp in Jammu, killing five security personnel and one civilian and six army personnel and six civilians were injured.

J&K: 2 LeT terrorists killed in bike accident

Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed has opened the first office of the Milli Muslim League (MML) in Lahore, days after the Pakistan government said the group would breed violence and extremism in politics while opposing a plea seeking its registration as a political party.

Saeed has confirmed that his organisation Jammat-ud-Dawah (JuD) would contest the 2018 general elections under the banner of the MML.

The MML is the offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and JuD, according to the government.

The MML had challenged the Election Commission&#39;s order in October that had declined its registration as a political party.

Saeed inaugurated the office on Sunday in Lahore&#39;s National Assembly-120 constituency from where a JuD member had contested by-polls in September.

Despite refusal from the interior ministry to register the MML as a political party, Saeed pressed ahead with his plans to take the political plunge.

The Pakistan government has requested a court in Islamabad not to consider Saeed-backed MML&#39;s plea seeking its registration as a political party, saying the group would breed violence and extremism in politics.

The interior ministry has categorically made it clear that the state will not allow mainstreaming of jihad outfits.

Saeed&#39;s visit and opening of political office in Lahore indicate that he has ambitious plans to enter into politics.

During his visit on Mohni Road area adjacent to Data Sahib shrine, he listened to civic problems of people. People welcomed Saeed by showering rose petals on his vehicle in the area. The JuD headquarters in Chauburji also falls in NA-120.

The MML had secured the fourth position with 6,000 votes, double than that of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Jamaat- i-Islami combined.

Saeed, who carries a bounty of US $10 million announced by the US for his role in terror activities, walked free on November 24 after the Pakistan government decided against detaining him further in any other case. He was under detention since January this year.

The banned JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which carried out the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people were killed.

Saeed has confirmed that his organisation Jammat-ud-Dawah (JuD) would contest the 2018 general elections under the banner of the Milli Muslim League (MML).

Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed has opened the first office of the Milli Muslim League (MML) in Lahore, days after the Pakistan government said the group would breed violence and extremism in politics while opposing a plea seeking its registration as a political party. Saeed has confirmed that his organisation Jammat-ud-Dawah (JuD) would contest the 2018 general elections under the banner of the MML. The MML is the offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and JuD, according to the government. The MML had challenged the Election Commission's order in October that had declined its registration as a political party. Saeed inaugurated the office on Sunday in Lahore's National Assembly-120 constituency from where a JuD member had contested by-polls in September. Despite refusal from the interior ministry to register the MML as a political party, Saeed pressed ahead with his plans to take the political plunge. The Pakistan government has requested a court in Islamabad not to consider Saeed-backed MML's plea seeking its registration as a political party, saying the group would breed violence and extremism in politics. The interior ministry has categorically made it clear that the state will not allow mainstreaming of jihad outfits. Saeed's visit and opening of political office in Lahore indicate that he has ambitious plans to enter into politics. During his visit on Mohni Road area adjacent to Data Sahib shrine, he listened to civic problems of people. People welcomed Saeed by showering rose petals on his vehicle in the area. The JuD headquarters in Chauburji also falls in NA-120. The MML had secured the fourth position with 6,000 votes, double than that of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Jamaat- i-Islami combined. Saeed, who carries a bounty of US $10 million announced by the US for his role in terror activities, walked free on November 24 after the Pakistan government decided against detaining him further in any other case. He was under detention since January this year. The banned JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which carried out the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people were killed.

Hafiz Saeed opens party office in Lahore; eyes 2018 elections

Pakistan on Saturday opposed the registration of Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed&#39;s Milli Muslim League (MML) as a political party with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The interior ministry termed the JuD chief&#39;s political wing as an &#39;offshoot of proscribed entities&#39;. It also said that MML is the offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD).

According to a leading Pakistani daily, the ministry&#39;s opposition was&nbsp;based on a security report which said the registration of the MML as a political party would breed violence and extremism in politics.

In its written reply submitted to the Islamabad High Court (IHC), the ministry urged it to not consider MML&rsquo;s plea. &nbsp;

MML-backed candidate Yaqoob Sheikh had secured 5,822 votes and stood fourth in a by-election in Lahore&#39;s National Assembly constituency NA-120 despite the Election Commission of Pakistan not registering the party.

The by-election was held after the Supreme Court disqualified ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif over his alleged involvement in the Panama Papers case.&nbsp;

The MML filed a petition in Islamabad High Court against the ECP&#39;s order that declined its registration as a political party asserting that the interior ministry was &quot;interfering&quot;.

The Interior Ministry termed the JuD chief's political wing as an 'offshoot of proscribed entities'.

Pakistan on Saturday opposed the registration of Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed's Milli Muslim League (MML) as a political party with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The interior ministry termed the JuD chief's political wing as an 'offshoot of proscribed entities'. It also said that MML is the offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD). According to a leading Pakistani daily, the ministry's opposition was based on a security report which said the registration of the MML as a political party would breed violence and extremism in politics. In its written reply submitted to the Islamabad High Court (IHC), the ministry urged it to not consider MML’s plea. MML-backed candidate Yaqoob Sheikh had secured 5,822 votes and stood fourth in a by-election in Lahore's National Assembly constituency NA-120 despite the Election Commission of Pakistan not registering the party. The by-election was held after the Supreme Court disqualified ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif over his alleged involvement in the Panama Papers case. The MML filed a petition in Islamabad High Court against the ECP's order that declined its registration as a political party asserting that the interior ministry was "interfering".

Pakistan government opposes Hafiz Saeed's MML registration as political party

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-rupani-to-continue-as-gujarat-chief-minister-nitin-bhai-patel-his-deputy-bjp-27467" target="_blank">Vijay Rupani to continue as Gujarat chief minister, Nitin Bhai Patel his deputy: BJP</a>

Vijay Rupani will continue as Chief Minister of Gujarat, Nitin Patel his deputy, the BJP announced on Friday. The announcement was made at a meeting conducted by elected BJP candidates under the steer of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who made the announcement.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sachin-tendulkar-releases-video-takes-his-disrupted-rajya-sabha-speech-online-27462" target="_blank">Sachin Tendulkar releases video; takes his disrupted Rajya Sabha speech online</a>

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was supposed to initiate a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sachin-tendulkars-unable-to-lead-debate-as-rajya-sabha-gets-adjourned-27360">debate&nbsp;</a>in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sachin-tendulkars-unable-to-lead-debate-as-rajya-sabha-gets-adjourned-27360">Rajya Sabha yesterday</a>. His speech was disrupted as the Upper House of Parliament was adjourned due to Congress leaders&#39; sloganeering over PM Modi&#39;s remark on former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/adarsh-scam-bombay-high-court-rejects-governors-sanction-to-prosecute-ashok-chavan-27435" target="_blank">Adarsh scam: Bombay High Court rejects Governor&#39;s sanction to prosecute Ashok Chavan</a>

The Bombay High Court on Friday set aside Governor&#39;s sanction to prosecute senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan in the Adarsh scam.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/lashkar-e-taiba-creates-special-security-team-to-protect-hafiz-saeed-27474" target="_blank">Lashkar-e-Taiba forms &#39;special security team&#39; to protect Hafiz Saeed</a>

Lashkar-e-Taiba is reported to have created a &quot;special security team&quot;&nbsp;to provide security cover to global terrorist and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) Chief Hafiz Saeed. Saeed&#39;s LeT&nbsp;security agents would also be armed with&nbsp;ammunition.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-president-calls-us-dishonest-mediator-says-will-not-accept-us-peace-plan-27464" target="_blank">Palestinian President calls US dishonest mediator, says will not accept US peace plan</a>

Mahmud Abbas, the president of Palestine has said that his country will not accept any peace proposal by the United States.&nbsp; He said, &quot;&nbsp;The United States has proven to be a dishonest mediator in the peace process and we will no longer accept any plan from the United States.&quot;

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Here are the top developments this evening

Vijay Rupani to continue as Gujarat chief minister, Nitin Bhai Patel his deputy: BJP Vijay Rupani will continue as Chief Minister of Gujarat, Nitin Patel his deputy, the BJP announced on Friday. The announcement was made at a meeting conducted by elected BJP candidates under the steer of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who made the announcement. Sachin Tendulkar releases video; takes his disrupted Rajya Sabha speech online Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was supposed to initiate a debate in Rajya Sabha yesterday. His speech was disrupted as the Upper House of Parliament was adjourned due to Congress leaders' sloganeering over PM Modi's remark on former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Adarsh scam: Bombay High Court rejects Governor's sanction to prosecute Ashok Chavan The Bombay High Court on Friday set aside Governor's sanction to prosecute senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan in the Adarsh scam. Lashkar-e-Taiba forms 'special security team' to protect Hafiz Saeed Lashkar-e-Taiba is reported to have created a "special security team" to provide security cover to global terrorist and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) Chief Hafiz Saeed. Saeed's LeT security agents would also be armed with ammunition. Palestinian President calls US dishonest mediator, says will not accept US peace plan Mahmud Abbas, the president of Palestine has said that his country will not accept any peace proposal by the United States. He said, " The United States has proven to be a dishonest mediator in the peace process and we will no longer accept any plan from the United States."

WION evening news brief, December 22, 2017

Lashkar-e-Taiba is reported to have created a &quot;special security team&quot;&nbsp;to provide security cover to global terrorist and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) Chief Hafiz Saeed.

Saeed&#39;s LeT&nbsp;security agents would also be armed with&nbsp;ammunition.

WION accessed exclusive photographs showing specially trained LeT men who would provide Hafiz Saeed round the clock security&nbsp;cover,&nbsp;even when Saeed would travel outside Lahore.&nbsp;

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WION accessed exclusive photographs showing specially trained LeT men who would provide Hafiz Saeed round the clock security cover. (WION)
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Hafiz Saeed was supposed to be&nbsp;at GT Road, Gujranwala,&nbsp;Pakistan to give a Khutba or sermon after Friday prayers.

Saeed was recently&nbsp;released from house arrest in Pakistan.&nbsp;

WION accessed exclusive photographs showing specially trained LeT men who would provide security cover to Saeed

Lashkar-e-Taiba is reported to have created a "special security team" to provide security cover to global terrorist and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) Chief Hafiz Saeed. Saeed's LeT security agents would also be armed with ammunition. WION accessed exclusive photographs showing specially trained LeT men who would provide Hafiz Saeed round the clock security cover, even when Saeed would travel outside Lahore. WION accessed exclusive photographs showing specially trained LeT men who would provide Hafiz Saeed round the clock security cover. (WION) × Hafiz Saeed was supposed to be at GT Road, Gujranwala, Pakistan to give a Khutba or sermon after Friday prayers. Saeed was recently released from house arrest in Pakistan.

Lashkar-e-Taiba forms 'special security team' to protect Hafiz Saeed

The US has said it is concerned about JuD chief and Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed running for office in Pakistan despite the &quot;guy&quot; carrying a $10 million bounty on his head for terror activities.

Saeed, also the founder of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, had earlier confirmed that the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) will contest the 2018 general elections in Pakistan under the banner of the Milli Muslim League, which is yet to be registered with the Election Commission.

&quot;Saeed, who was released by Pakistan from house arrest last November resulting in angry reaction from the US, was the mastermind of the Mumbai terrorist attacks and is a leader of Lashkar-e-Taiba,&quot; State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said.

&quot;It&#39;s a group that the US government considers to be a terror organisation. We have many conversations with the government of Pakistan. One of the things that happened recently was that this guy was held on house arrest. Pakistan released him from house arrest, and now there&#39;s word that he may be running for some sort of office,&quot; she said reporters here.

Saeed, who has a USD 10 million American bounty on his head for terror activities, was freed by Pakistan on November 24.

The UN has also designated him as a global terrorist.

&quot;I want to remind folks, we have a USD 10 million Reward for Justice programme that would reward for information that would bring him to justice. So I want to make that clear, so that everybody knows -- USD 10 million, out for this guy. And we would certainly have concerns about him running for office,&quot; Nauert said.

The US had also strongly condemned the release of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leader from house arrest and had called for his immediate re-arrest and prosecution.

However, top Pakistani diplomats based in the US have said that there is no evidence against Saeed.

&quot;I can tell you his organisation that was responsible for those attacks is considered a foreign terror organisation. It&#39;s considered a foreign terror organisation by the US government for a reason, and for a good reason,&quot; Nauert said.

&quot;I would imagine that, if we had any intelligence, and that&#39;s not an area that I can discuss anyway, but we would certainly share it with the Pakistanis on that front. I hope they&#39;ll do the right thing,&quot; Nauert said.

She expressed hope that the Pakistan government would do the right thing and remind the people across the country that he was carrying a US bounty on his head.

The banned JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which carried out the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people, including six Americans, were killed.&nbsp;

The UN has also designated him as a global terrorist.

The US has said it is concerned about JuD chief and Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed running for office in Pakistan despite the "guy" carrying a $10 million bounty on his head for terror activities. Saeed, also the founder of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, had earlier confirmed that the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) will contest the 2018 general elections in Pakistan under the banner of the Milli Muslim League, which is yet to be registered with the Election Commission. "Saeed, who was released by Pakistan from house arrest last November resulting in angry reaction from the US, was the mastermind of the Mumbai terrorist attacks and is a leader of Lashkar-e-Taiba," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said. "It's a group that the US government considers to be a terror organisation. We have many conversations with the government of Pakistan. One of the things that happened recently was that this guy was held on house arrest. Pakistan released him from house arrest, and now there's word that he may be running for some sort of office," she said reporters here. Saeed, who has a USD 10 million American bounty on his head for terror activities, was freed by Pakistan on November 24. The UN has also designated him as a global terrorist. "I want to remind folks, we have a USD 10 million Reward for Justice programme that would reward for information that would bring him to justice. So I want to make that clear, so that everybody knows -- USD 10 million, out for this guy. And we would certainly have concerns about him running for office," Nauert said. The US had also strongly condemned the release of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leader from house arrest and had called for his immediate re-arrest and prosecution. However, top Pakistani diplomats based in the US have said that there is no evidence against Saeed. "I can tell you his organisation that was responsible for those attacks is considered a foreign terror organisation. It's considered a foreign terror organisation by the US government for a reason, and for a good reason," Nauert said. "I would imagine that, if we had any intelligence, and that's not an area that I can discuss anyway, but we would certainly share it with the Pakistanis on that front. I hope they'll do the right thing," Nauert said. She expressed hope that the Pakistan government would do the right thing and remind the people across the country that he was carrying a US bounty on his head. The banned JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which carried out the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people, including six Americans, were killed.

Concerned about Hafiz Saeed running for office in Pakistan, says US

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid floral tribute to the bravehearts who died in the gruesome Parliament attack on 2001 on its 16th anniversary.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, foreign minister Sushma Swaraj, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan&nbsp; were also present.

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Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sonia Gandhi and EAM Sushma Swaraj pay tribute to people who lost lives in 2001 Parliament attack <a href="https://t.co/oiXqvuMp9y">pic.twitter.com/oiXqvuMp9y</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/940819189438312449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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On December 13, 2001, five heavily-armed terrorists belonging to terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), stormed Parliament complex in New Delhi and opened fire indiscriminately.

Around 14 people, mostly security forces and one civilian, were killed in the attack.

The incident took place around 40 minutes after the Parliament was adjourned and about 100 Members of Parliament were present in the building.

Extensive investigations revealed the involvement of four accused namely Afzal Guru, Shaukat Hussain, SAR Geelani and Navjot Sandhu.

Around 14 people, mostly security forces and one civilian, were killed in the attack.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid floral tribute to the bravehearts who died in the gruesome Parliament attack on 2001 on its 16th anniversary. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, foreign minister Sushma Swaraj, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan were also present. Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sonia Gandhi and EAM Sushma Swaraj pay tribute to people who lost lives in 2001 Parliament attack pic.twitter.com/oiXqvuMp9y — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2017 × On December 13, 2001, five heavily-armed terrorists belonging to terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), stormed Parliament complex in New Delhi and opened fire indiscriminately. Around 14 people, mostly security forces and one civilian, were killed in the attack. The incident took place around 40 minutes after the Parliament was adjourned and about 100 Members of Parliament were present in the building. Extensive investigations revealed the involvement of four accused namely Afzal Guru, Shaukat Hussain, SAR Geelani and Navjot Sandhu.

India remembers gruesome Parliament attack, PM pays tribute to martyrs

December 13, 2001 shook the very foundations of Indian democracy. A group of terrorists belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed sneaked past the security cordon around the Parliament of India. The attack killed six Delhi Police personnel and two Parliament Security Service personnel.

Five terrorists were killed.&nbsp;

The attack left a deep scar on the psyche of the nation. We felt vulnerable but, it also strengthened India&#39;s resolve to take the war to the heart of terrorism.&nbsp;

On the sixteenth anniversary of the attack, WION spoke with Radhey Sham Gupta, the&nbsp;then Special Police Commissioner in-charge of anti-terrorist operations, and Danvir Singh, editor of the Indian Defence Review.&nbsp;

WION: Why do you think an attack was launched on the Indian Parliament?

D Singh: When you look back, you realise the grand sinister design of Pakistan towards India that they have had, or rather they still have.

The attack on our Parliament was of a very high significance. It was designed to send a clear-cut message by Pakistanis to the Indians of their invincibility and ability to strike anywhere at free will with complete impunity.

The proxy war unleashed by them had already started to impact the psychology of the Indian state. Kandahar hijack and our response is the testimony to that argument. In quick succession, Pakistan had managed to seize and maintain the momentum of aggression on India after the Kargil defeat.

They had attacked the Kashmir assembly in November that year killing 38 innocent people. The intention of the enemy in carrying out such audacious attacks was to cripple the nervous system of the state. What could have been a better target other than Parliament which is the centre of gravity of Indian democracy and governance system?

WION: What were your first thoughts when you heard that Parliament has been attacked? What was the immediate action you took?

RS Gupta: I was the Special Police Commissioner in-charge of anti-terrorist&nbsp;operations at that time. My first reaction was to direct resources at the attack location and effectively deal with the terrorists -- arresting and neutralising them. Directions were very clear that in achieving our objective, no harm should be done to the MPs and VIPs at Parliament House at any cost. We were also asked to cause minimum damage on our side, both civilian and police.

Rest of the city was placed under full alert and security of all vital installations was reinforced. All Delhi Police units were placed on full emergency under senior officers. Delhi borders were put on full alert too.

WION: What was the scene at Parliament?

RS Gupta: Commissioner of Police Mr Ajay Raj Sharma had already reached Parliament House to lead the response. I too reached Parliament House shortly thereafter. Parliament House had been surrounded on all sides by police forces and units were involved in exchange of fire with terrorists. All five terrorists were neutralised before they could enter Parliament House and indulge in a&nbsp;shootout. A great role was played by Parliament staff in closing the wooden doors of the main Parliament building in time.&nbsp;Unfortunately, nine people were killed and 16 others injured in the attack by the terrorists.

Investigations were taken up immediately. Delhi Police cracked the case in 48 hours

WION: Can you tell us something about the attack that we came to know of only years later and was not evident then?

D Singh: Well!&nbsp;India realised that no matter how hard they battle with these terrorists and kill them in our own territory, we may continue with our losses in terms of precious human lives and seriously impair our psychology and in turn our will to fight. Thus, succumbing to Pakistani pressures and negotiating the Kashmir issue to their advantage.

We realised after the Parliament attack followed by Operation Parakram that the conventional option may not be a viable option. We had to prevent the attacker much before the LoC and preferably much beyond in Pakistani-held territory itself.

To that effect we did two things: firstly, we increased the pressure on the LoC by escalating artillery fire all across, making the proposition expensive to the Pakistanis both in terms of human and material resources. This forced General Musharraf to his knees literally begging for a ceasefire in 2003.

Secondly, we fenced our Line of Control. This was the game changer. Pakistan is still trying to grapple with this challenge. Today we have an upper hand and we have that initiative. Violence levels have reduced drastically in our favour. Also, the surgical strikes conducted have literally turned the tables. What Pakistan endeavoured by staging an attack on Parliament, we have achieved far much more. Pakistani establishment fears our response. India has changed, and they have realised that well.

WION: How do you think the terrorists managed to get in? What have we done to prevent such future attacks?

RS Gupta: The terrorists were able to enter the Parliament House complex by photocopying a Parliament car-parking label. They had recced the area and watched the entry procedure.

Parliament House security has since been reviewed, studied and strengthened.

WION: What is the most memorable image of that attack which has stayed with you from the event?

D Singh: Images of our CRPF jawans battling with these LeT / JeM terrorists with utmost bravery still linger on and remain totally clear in my memory. &nbsp;It was actually these images that conveyed a message that the terrorists sent by Pakistan who are religiously motivated under the ideology of Islam are in fact no-good fighters, rather they are cowards seen running petrified for cover once cornered. 
&nbsp;

On that day, the Parliament of India -- the very nerve centre of the country's democracy -- was attacked by terrorists from the Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammed

December 13, 2001 shook the very foundations of Indian democracy. A group of terrorists belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed sneaked past the security cordon around the Parliament of India. The attack killed six Delhi Police personnel and two Parliament Security Service personnel. Five terrorists were killed. The attack left a deep scar on the psyche of the nation. We felt vulnerable but, it also strengthened India's resolve to take the war to the heart of terrorism. On the sixteenth anniversary of the attack, WION spoke with Radhey Sham Gupta, the then Special Police Commissioner in-charge of anti-terrorist operations, and Danvir Singh, editor of the Indian Defence Review. WION: Why do you think an attack was launched on the Indian Parliament? D Singh: When you look back, you realise the grand sinister design of Pakistan towards India that they have had, or rather they still have. The attack on our Parliament was of a very high significance. It was designed to send a clear-cut message by Pakistanis to the Indians of their invincibility and ability to strike anywhere at free will with complete impunity. The proxy war unleashed by them had already started to impact the psychology of the Indian state. Kandahar hijack and our response is the testimony to that argument. In quick succession, Pakistan had managed to seize and maintain the momentum of aggression on India after the Kargil defeat. They had attacked the Kashmir assembly in November that year killing 38 innocent people. The intention of the enemy in carrying out such audacious attacks was to cripple the nervous system of the state. What could have been a better target other than Parliament which is the centre of gravity of Indian democracy and governance system? WION: What were your first thoughts when you heard that Parliament has been attacked? What was the immediate action you took? RS Gupta: I was the Special Police Commissioner in-charge of anti-terrorist operations at that time. My first reaction was to direct resources at the attack location and effectively deal with the terrorists -- arresting and neutralising them. Directions were very clear that in achieving our objective, no harm should be done to the MPs and VIPs at Parliament House at any cost. We were also asked to cause minimum damage on our side, both civilian and police. Rest of the city was placed under full alert and security of all vital installations was reinforced. All Delhi Police units were placed on full emergency under senior officers. Delhi borders were put on full alert too. WION: What was the scene at Parliament? RS Gupta: Commissioner of Police Mr Ajay Raj Sharma had already reached Parliament House to lead the response. I too reached Parliament House shortly thereafter. Parliament House had been surrounded on all sides by police forces and units were involved in exchange of fire with terrorists. All five terrorists were neutralised before they could enter Parliament House and indulge in a shootout. A great role was played by Parliament staff in closing the wooden doors of the main Parliament building in time. Unfortunately, nine people were killed and 16 others injured in the attack by the terrorists. Investigations were taken up immediately. Delhi Police cracked the case in 48 hours WION: Can you tell us something about the attack that we came to know of only years later and was not evident then? D Singh: Well! India realised that no matter how hard they battle with these terrorists and kill them in our own territory, we may continue with our losses in terms of precious human lives and seriously impair our psychology and in turn our will to fight. Thus, succumbing to Pakistani pressures and negotiating the Kashmir issue to their advantage. We realised after the Parliament attack followed by Operation Parakram that the conventional option may not be a viable option. We had to prevent the attacker much before the LoC and preferably much beyond in Pakistani-held territory itself. To that effect we did two things: firstly, we increased the pressure on the LoC by escalating artillery fire all across, making the proposition expensive to the Pakistanis both in terms of human and material resources. This forced General Musharraf to his knees literally begging for a ceasefire in 2003. Secondly, we fenced our Line of Control. This was the game changer. Pakistan is still trying to grapple with this challenge. Today we have an upper hand and we have that initiative. Violence levels have reduced drastically in our favour. Also, the surgical strikes conducted have literally turned the tables. What Pakistan endeavoured by staging an attack on Parliament, we have achieved far much more. Pakistani establishment fears our response. India has changed, and they have realised that well. WION: How do you think the terrorists managed to get in? What have we done to prevent such future attacks? RS Gupta: The terrorists were able to enter the Parliament House complex by photocopying a Parliament car-parking label. They had recced the area and watched the entry procedure. Parliament House security has since been reviewed, studied and strengthened. WION: What is the most memorable image of that attack which has stayed with you from the event? D Singh: Images of our CRPF jawans battling with these LeT / JeM terrorists with utmost bravery still linger on and remain totally clear in my memory. It was actually these images that conveyed a message that the terrorists sent by Pakistan who are religiously motivated under the ideology of Islam are in fact no-good fighters, rather they are cowards seen running petrified for cover once cornered.

December 13, 2001: The day the heart of India's democracy was attacked

At least three terrorists allegedly from Pakistan were neutralised by a joint team of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Unisoo of Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir, official sources said on Monday.

Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir SP Vaid took to Twitter and said, &quot;In Unisoo, Handwara all the three terrorists apparently Pakistanis have been neutralised by&nbsp;Joint team of J&amp;K Police, RR &amp; CRPF.&nbsp; It has been raining whole night &amp; boys were out there in the cold.&quot;&nbsp;

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In unisoo Handwara all the three terrorists apparently Pakistanis have been neutralised by Joint team of J&amp;K Police, RR &amp;CRPF. It has been raining whole night &amp; boys were out there in the cold.
&mdash; Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) <a href="https://twitter.com/spvaid/status/940040824544411648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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According to police, a local woman also lost her life during the late night cross firing on Sunday as she was trapped in a house where the terrorists were hiding.

Along with the deceased woman, around six to seven people were stuck inside the house and were later rescued by the security forces.

Police said the terrorists were likely to be members of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and arms and ammunition were also recovered from their possession.

A search operation is on in the area.

More details are awaited.&nbsp;

Police said the terrorists were 'apparently Pakistanis'

At least three terrorists allegedly from Pakistan were neutralised by a joint team of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Unisoo of Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir, official sources said on Monday. Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir SP Vaid took to Twitter and said, "In Unisoo, Handwara all the three terrorists apparently Pakistanis have been neutralised by Joint team of J&K Police, RR & CRPF. It has been raining whole night & boys were out there in the cold." In unisoo Handwara all the three terrorists apparently Pakistanis have been neutralised by Joint team of J&K Police, RR &CRPF. It has been raining whole night & boys were out there in the cold. — Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) December 11, 2017 × According to police, a local woman also lost her life during the late night cross firing on Sunday as she was trapped in a house where the terrorists were hiding. Along with the deceased woman, around six to seven people were stuck inside the house and were later rescued by the security forces. Police said the terrorists were likely to be members of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and arms and ammunition were also recovered from their possession. A search operation is on in the area. More details are awaited.

J&K: Three terrorists, 1 woman killed in encounter in Handwara

A third terrorist was killed in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1-soldier-2-terrorists-killed-in-jk-encounter-25870" target="_blank">Qazigund encounter</a> that broke out Monday.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir DGP SP Vaid said a fourth terrorist was captured alive.&nbsp;

He also claimed that the killings and capture meant the group that had attacked the Amarnath Yatra earlier this year had been &quot;wiped out&quot;.&nbsp;

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3 terrorists have been eliminated, 2 have been identified as Pakistani nationals, 1 of them was divisional commander of LeT. The 3rd one is a local. The 3 had also figured in attack on Amarnath Yatris this year. So the entire group has been eliminated: SP Vaid, DGP J&amp;K <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Qazigund?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Qazigund</a> <a href="https://t.co/kJQmdYKe6M">pic.twitter.com/kJQmdYKe6M</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/937916457920294912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Body of third terrorist Yawar a local was also recovered from encounter site &amp; 4th terrorist caught alive in injured condition. Well done boys.
&mdash; Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) <a href="https://twitter.com/spvaid/status/937848284235710465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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With the elimination of Abu Ismail earlier &amp; now these three Abu Mavia , Furkan &amp; Yawar group that attacked Amarnath Yatries is wiped out.
&mdash; Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) <a href="https://twitter.com/spvaid/status/937868781463801856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<a href="http://Seven Amarnath Yatra pilgrims killed in terror attack in Anantnag, Kashmir" target="_blank">Also read: Seven Amarnath Yatra pilgrims killed in terror attack in Anantnag, Kashmir</a>

Two terrorists had been killed in the encounter Monday, which started after they attacked an army convoy heading to Srinagar.&nbsp;

One armyman was killed in the gunbattle, and another injured.&nbsp;

ANI reported that 3G and 2G data services were suspended in Anantnag district after the killing of the three terrorists.

The train service from Qazigund to Baramulla was also suspended.

&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir DGP SP Vaid said a fourth terrorist was captured alive

A third terrorist was killed in the Qazigund encounter that broke out Monday. Jammu and Kashmir DGP SP Vaid said a fourth terrorist was captured alive. He also claimed that the killings and capture meant the group that had attacked the Amarnath Yatra earlier this year had been "wiped out". 3 terrorists have been eliminated, 2 have been identified as Pakistani nationals, 1 of them was divisional commander of LeT. The 3rd one is a local. The 3 had also figured in attack on Amarnath Yatris this year. So the entire group has been eliminated: SP Vaid, DGP J&K #Qazigund pic.twitter.com/kJQmdYKe6M — ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2017 × Body of third terrorist Yawar a local was also recovered from encounter site & 4th terrorist caught alive in injured condition. Well done boys. — Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) December 5, 2017 × With the elimination of Abu Ismail earlier & now these three Abu Mavia , Furkan & Yawar group that attacked Amarnath Yatries is wiped out. — Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) December 5, 2017 × Also read: Seven Amarnath Yatra pilgrims killed in terror attack in Anantnag, Kashmir Two terrorists had been killed in the encounter Monday, which started after they attacked an army convoy heading to Srinagar. One armyman was killed in the gunbattle, and another injured. ANI reported that 3G and 2G data services were suspended in Anantnag district after the killing of the three terrorists. The train service from Qazigund to Baramulla was also suspended.

Qazigund encounter: Third terrorist killed, police say group that attacked Amarnath Yatra 'wiped out'

Pakistan has justified the release of Mumbai terror attack mastermind and JuD chief Hafiz Saeed, claiming that Islamabad was committed to the implementation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)&nbsp;sanctions regime on terrorists.&nbsp;

Hafiz Saeed,&nbsp;who was freed by Pakistan on&nbsp;November&nbsp;24, is the&nbsp;founder of the terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba and the head of the Jamaat-ud-Dawah. He has&nbsp;10 million dollars of American bounty on his head for terror activities and is also a UN and US-designated terrorist.

Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said that Pakistan was committed to the implementation of UNSC 1267 sanctions regime and has taken several steps in this regard while responding to the comments made by the MEA.

&quot;The (MEA) spokesperson took exception to self-serving insinuations,&quot; Faisal said in a statement issued late last night.

Faisal said that courts in Pakistan, pursuant to their constitutional duty, were determined to uphold rule of law and due process for all citizens of Pakistan.

Legal processes were anchored in rule of law, not dictates of politics and posturing, he added.

&quot;It is in the interest of all States to speak and act in a manner that is consistent with the imperatives of adhering to rule of law at the national and international levels,&quot; Faisal said.

He said that Pakistan&#39;s resolve, actions, and successes in the fight against terrorism, terrorist violence and terrorists are unmatched in the world.

&quot;Pakistan condemns and opposes all forms of terrorism by any individual or group,&quot; Faisal further said.

&quot;Saeed&#39;s release confirmed once again the lack of seriousness by the Pakistan government in bringing to justice perpetrators of terrorism, including individuals and entities designated by the UN&quot;, said Raveesh Kumar, the spokesperson of Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).&nbsp;

&quot;It also appears to be an attempt by the Pakistani system to mainstream proscribed terrorists. Pakistan has not changed its policy of shielding and supporting non-state actors and its true face is visible for all to see,&quot; the external affairs ministry spokesperson added.

Hafiz Saeed was under house arrest for 297 days since January.

Saeed&#39;s release after midnight came ahead of the 9th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in which 166 people, including six Americans, were killed.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistan has justified the release of Mumbai terror attack mastermind and JuD chief Hafiz Saeed, claiming that Islamabad was committed to the implementation of UNSC sanctions regime on terrorists.?

Pakistan has justified the release of Mumbai terror attack mastermind and JuD chief Hafiz Saeed, claiming that Islamabad was committed to the implementation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions regime on terrorists. Hafiz Saeed, who was freed by Pakistan on November 24, is the founder of the terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba and the head of the Jamaat-ud-Dawah. He has 10 million dollars of American bounty on his head for terror activities and is also a UN and US-designated terrorist. Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said that Pakistan was committed to the implementation of UNSC 1267 sanctions regime and has taken several steps in this regard while responding to the comments made by the MEA. "The (MEA) spokesperson took exception to self-serving insinuations," Faisal said in a statement issued late last night. Faisal said that courts in Pakistan, pursuant to their constitutional duty, were determined to uphold rule of law and due process for all citizens of Pakistan. Legal processes were anchored in rule of law, not dictates of politics and posturing, he added. "It is in the interest of all States to speak and act in a manner that is consistent with the imperatives of adhering to rule of law at the national and international levels," Faisal said. He said that Pakistan's resolve, actions, and successes in the fight against terrorism, terrorist violence and terrorists are unmatched in the world. "Pakistan condemns and opposes all forms of terrorism by any individual or group," Faisal further said. "Saeed's release confirmed once again the lack of seriousness by the Pakistan government in bringing to justice perpetrators of terrorism, including individuals and entities designated by the UN", said Raveesh Kumar, the spokesperson of Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). "It also appears to be an attempt by the Pakistani system to mainstream proscribed terrorists. Pakistan has not changed its policy of shielding and supporting non-state actors and its true face is visible for all to see," the external affairs ministry spokesperson added. Hafiz Saeed was under house arrest for 297 days since January. Saeed's release after midnight came ahead of the 9th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in which 166 people, including six Americans, were killed. (With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan justifies Hafiz Saeed's release

A Jammu and Kashmir police constable is suspected to have joined the Lashkar-e-Taiba after a photograph of him posing with an AK-47 went viral on social media.&nbsp;

This could be the third such switch -- personnel from the security forces joining the militants -- made this year.&nbsp;

Ishfaq Ahmad Dar, who was posted at the Police Training Centre in Kathua, was reported missing after he failed to return from leave on Monday.

When he did not show up at Kathua, news reports said, his family filed a missing person&#39;s complaint.&nbsp;

A little later, the photograph of him posing with an AK-47 surfaced.&nbsp;

&ldquo;There are reports, we are trying to confirm. The matter is being investigated,&rdquo; the Hindustan Times quoted Kashmir&#39;s Director General of Police SP Vaid as saying.&nbsp;

The Hindustan Times, quoting sources, added that a number of people in Dar&rsquo;s family, including his brother, were policemen.

The Hindustan Times added that in May this year, a constable from Shopian, Syed Naveed Mushtaq, decamped with four service rifles and joined the Hizbul Mujahideen.

And that two months later, Zahoor Ahmad Thokar &mdash; who was with the 173 Territorial Army Engineering regiment at Baramulla &mdash; deserted his unit and joined the militants, taking with him his service AK-47 rifle and three magazines.&nbsp;

Ishfaq Ahmad Dar, who was posted at the Police Training Centre in Kathua, was reported missing after he failed to return from leave on Monday

A Jammu and Kashmir police constable is suspected to have joined the Lashkar-e-Taiba after a photograph of him posing with an AK-47 went viral on social media. This could be the third such switch -- personnel from the security forces joining the militants -- made this year. Ishfaq Ahmad Dar, who was posted at the Police Training Centre in Kathua, was reported missing after he failed to return from leave on Monday. When he did not show up at Kathua, news reports said, his family filed a missing person's complaint. A little later, the photograph of him posing with an AK-47 surfaced. “There are reports, we are trying to confirm. The matter is being investigated,” the Hindustan Times quoted Kashmir's Director General of Police SP Vaid as saying. The Hindustan Times, quoting sources, added that a number of people in Dar’s family, including his brother, were policemen. The Hindustan Times added that in May this year, a constable from Shopian, Syed Naveed Mushtaq, decamped with four service rifles and joined the Hizbul Mujahideen. And that two months later, Zahoor Ahmad Thokar — who was with the 173 Territorial Army Engineering regiment at Baramulla — deserted his unit and joined the militants, taking with him his service AK-47 rifle and three magazines.

Kashmir: Third man from security forces joins militants this year

Mumbai attack mastermind and banned Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed&#39;s name was not on a list of 75 militants the US had handed over to Pakistan, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif said today.

Saeed, who carries a USD 10 million bounty on his head for his role in terror activities, has been under house arrest in Pakistan since January this year.

Foreign Minister Asif told senators during a session of the parliament&#39;s upper house that the US has handed over a list of 75 militants to Pakistan.

&quot;The Haqqani network is on the top of the list but none of the militants are Pakistanis,&quot; Asif was quoted as saying by Express News.

Saeed, a Pakistani citizen, headed the JuD which was listed as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in 2014.

The JuD is the front for the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror outfit which is responsible for numerous terror attacks in India, including the Mumbai terror strike of 2008.

The Afghan-based Haqqani network has carried out a number of kidnappings and attacks against US interests in Afghanistan. The group is also blamed for several attacks against Indian interests in Afghanistan, including the 2008 bombing of the Indian mission in Kabul that killed 58 people.

The US, Asif said, had made a habit of handing over lists of wanted people to Pakistan, which traded them for favours, a matter that needed to be debated.

He said the US had been told that Pakistan no longer had influence over the Afghan Taliban as it did in the past.

&quot;Neither are we supporting them (Afghan Taliban), nor do they need our help,&quot; Asif told the senators during a session of the parliament&#39;s upper house.

&quot;Somebody else is sponsoring them now,&quot; he added, without elaborating on it.

Asif asserted that many of the key Taliban names were now shadow governors in Afghanistan or no longer alive.

On his maiden visit to Pakistan yesterday, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson renewed the US demand for tough action against Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network.

The US handed over a list of 75 militants, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khwaja Asif said. Hafiz Saeed's name was not on it

Mumbai attack mastermind and banned Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed's name was not on a list of 75 militants the US had handed over to Pakistan, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif said today. Saeed, who carries a USD 10 million bounty on his head for his role in terror activities, has been under house arrest in Pakistan since January this year. Foreign Minister Asif told senators during a session of the parliament's upper house that the US has handed over a list of 75 militants to Pakistan. "The Haqqani network is on the top of the list but none of the militants are Pakistanis," Asif was quoted as saying by Express News. Saeed, a Pakistani citizen, headed the JuD which was listed as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in 2014. The JuD is the front for the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror outfit which is responsible for numerous terror attacks in India, including the Mumbai terror strike of 2008. The Afghan-based Haqqani network has carried out a number of kidnappings and attacks against US interests in Afghanistan. The group is also blamed for several attacks against Indian interests in Afghanistan, including the 2008 bombing of the Indian mission in Kabul that killed 58 people. The US, Asif said, had made a habit of handing over lists of wanted people to Pakistan, which traded them for favours, a matter that needed to be debated. He said the US had been told that Pakistan no longer had influence over the Afghan Taliban as it did in the past. "Neither are we supporting them (Afghan Taliban), nor do they need our help," Asif told the senators during a session of the parliament's upper house. "Somebody else is sponsoring them now," he added, without elaborating on it. Asif asserted that many of the key Taliban names were now shadow governors in Afghanistan or no longer alive. On his maiden visit to Pakistan yesterday, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson renewed the US demand for tough action against Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network.

Hafiz Saeed's name not on list of militants handed over by US: Pak

Top militant commander and Lashkar-e-Islam chief Abdul Qayoom Najar has been killed in an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-pakistans-border-action-intruders-attempt-to-enter-kupwara-indian-troops-open-fire-20690" target="_blank">encounter along the Line of Control (LoC)</a> in north Kashmir&#39;s Baramulla district, police said.&nbsp;

Najar was active in Kashmir for the last seventeen&nbsp;years and was&nbsp;allegedly involved in over&nbsp;50 killings, J&amp;K police said.

&quot;Najar was killed as security forces foiled an infiltration bid in Lachipora area near the LoC this morning,&quot; Baramulla Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Imtiyaz Hussain told PTI.&nbsp;

Najar fell out with Hizb-ul-Mujahideen in 2003 and formed his own outfit Lashkar-e-Islam.

&quot;He (Najar) was returning to Kashmir to take over the command of Hizbul Mujahideen in the wake of elimination of top commanders of the outfit by security forces,&quot; Police told PTI.

Officials said Najar was killed in a gunfight today who was believed to be longest surviving militant in Kashmir

Top militant commander and Lashkar-e-Islam chief Abdul Qayoom Najar has been killed in an encounter along the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir's Baramulla district, police said. Najar was active in Kashmir for the last seventeen years and was allegedly involved in over 50 killings, J&K police said. "Najar was killed as security forces foiled an infiltration bid in Lachipora area near the LoC this morning," Baramulla Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Imtiyaz Hussain told PTI. Najar fell out with Hizb-ul-Mujahideen in 2003 and formed his own outfit Lashkar-e-Islam. "He (Najar) was returning to Kashmir to take over the command of Hizbul Mujahideen in the wake of elimination of top commanders of the outfit by security forces," Police told PTI.

J&K: Terrorist Abdul Qayoom Najar killed in gunfight, says Police

A top terrorist of the Pakistan-based terrorist outfit&nbsp;Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)&nbsp;Ayub Lelhari has been killed in an encounter in Pulwama district in southern Jammu and Kashmir. 
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LeT commander Ayub Lelhari killed in encounter with security forces in J&amp;K &#39;s Pulwama (visuals deferred) <a href="https://t.co/1eG1x247NW">pic.twitter.com/1eG1x247NW</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/897820500704899072">August 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The encounter took place today evening between security forces and terrorists in Kakpora town&#39;s Bander Pora village.

A top police official said Ayub Lelhari was one of the &quot;most wanted&quot; terrorists and his death was a &quot;great success&quot; for security forces.

&quot;He (Ayub Lelhari) was one of the most wanted terrorists. It&#39;s a great success for the forces,&quot; Director General of Police, J&amp;K, SP Vaid said.

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Ayub Lelhari District Commander LeT killed in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pulwama?src=hash">#Pulwama</a>.
&mdash; J&amp;K Police (@JmuKmrPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/JmuKmrPolice/status/897803927684489216">August 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Security forces have killed a number of terrorists of the Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Hizbul Mujahideen in the last few months.

Last week, Hizbul Mujahideen&#39;s operational commander Yasin Itoo, also known as &quot;Ghaznavi&quot;, was killed in a gunbattle in South Kashmir&#39;s Shopian district.

Top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Abu Dujana, wanted for a number of attacks on security forces and political workers, was killed in August.

LeT commander Bashir Lakshari, accused of being involved in the killing of SHO Feroz Ahmed and five other policemen, was shot dead in July.

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The encounter took place today evening between security forces and terrorists in Kakpora town's Bander Pora village

A top terrorist of the Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) Ayub Lelhari has been killed in an encounter in Pulwama district in southern Jammu and Kashmir. LeT commander Ayub Lelhari killed in encounter with security forces in J&K 's Pulwama (visuals deferred) pic.twitter.com/1eG1x247NW — ANI (@ANI) August 16, 2017 × The encounter took place today evening between security forces and terrorists in Kakpora town's Bander Pora village. A top police official said Ayub Lelhari was one of the "most wanted" terrorists and his death was a "great success" for security forces. "He (Ayub Lelhari) was one of the most wanted terrorists. It's a great success for the forces," Director General of Police, J&K, SP Vaid said. Ayub Lelhari District Commander LeT killed in #Pulwama. — J&K Police (@JmuKmrPolice) August 16, 2017 × Security forces have killed a number of terrorists of the Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Hizbul Mujahideen in the last few months. Last week, Hizbul Mujahideen's operational commander Yasin Itoo, also known as "Ghaznavi", was killed in a gunbattle in South Kashmir's Shopian district. Top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Abu Dujana, wanted for a number of attacks on security forces and political workers, was killed in August. LeT commander Bashir Lakshari, accused of being involved in the killing of SHO Feroz Ahmed and five other policemen, was shot dead in July.

LeT commander Ayub Lelhari killed in encounter in Kashmir's Pulwama

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested three people in connection with last month&#39;s terrorist attack on Amarnath pilgrims.

Addressing a press conference, the J&amp;K Police said that they have identified three men who helped the terrorists with logistics and have taken them into custody.

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Happy to tell you that 3 accused persons have been arrested &amp; they have completely revealed everything: IGP Kashmir <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Amarnath?src=hash">#Amarnath</a> <a href="https://t.co/likLk0MwGb">pic.twitter.com/likLk0MwGb</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/894138698609999873">August 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The police also reiterated that the attacks were carried out by Lashkar terrorists.

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Lashkar was involved, and accused were identified: IGP Kashmir Munir Khan on Amarnath attack <a href="https://t.co/no6IjRqZ1o">pic.twitter.com/no6IjRqZ1o</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/894136394708246528">August 6, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Four Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists carried out the attack on Amarnath pilgrims, Munir Khan, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir said today.

&quot;We never knew how the attack was planned, where it was planned and who provided the logistics for them but once the investigation was started it was revealed that Ismail Kod Harun, a Pakistani militant of Lashkar and along with him two other Pakistani militants and one local Kashmiri militant carried out the actual attack,&quot; he said.

At least seven people were killed when a bus carrying Amarnath pilgrims came under fire from terrorists on July 11.

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The J&K Police have also identified four Lashkar terrorists who were behind the attacks

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested three people in connection with last month's terrorist attack on Amarnath pilgrims. Addressing a press conference, the J&K Police said that they have identified three men who helped the terrorists with logistics and have taken them into custody. Happy to tell you that 3 accused persons have been arrested & they have completely revealed everything: IGP Kashmir #Amarnath pic.twitter.com/likLk0MwGb — ANI (@ANI_news) August 6, 2017 × The police also reiterated that the attacks were carried out by Lashkar terrorists. Lashkar was involved, and accused were identified: IGP Kashmir Munir Khan on Amarnath attack pic.twitter.com/no6IjRqZ1o — ANI (@ANI_news) August 6, 2017 × Four Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists carried out the attack on Amarnath pilgrims, Munir Khan, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir said today. "We never knew how the attack was planned, where it was planned and who provided the logistics for them but once the investigation was started it was revealed that Ismail Kod Harun, a Pakistani militant of Lashkar and along with him two other Pakistani militants and one local Kashmiri militant carried out the actual attack," he said. At least seven people were killed when a bus carrying Amarnath pilgrims came under fire from terrorists on July 11.

J&K Police arrest three in Amarnath terror attack case, reiterate Lashkar's involvement

Three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were killed in an early morning gun battle with security forces on Saturday in Baramulla district&#39;s Sopore area in Jammu Kashmir. As the news of the deaths spread, thousands of protesters clashed with security forces.

In a separate incident the same day, two motorcycle-borne terrorists attacked a party of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police in Nowgam injuring a CRPF personnel.

Clashes between local residents and government forces were reported in many areas, police said.

Three protesters were injured in the northern Bandipore area, home to one of the terrorists, when soldiers fired bullets as hundreds of angry local residents came out on the streets to pelt their convoy with stones, a police officer told AFP condition of anonymity.

In southern Kashmir valley, thousands of protesters clashed with government forces who fired bullets in the air and used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse a crowds, which was chanting: &quot;We want freedom&quot;.

Two of the terrorists&nbsp;were identified as Javid Ahmed Dar of Baramulla and Abid Hamid Mir of Bandipora, the police said, adding that three AK rifles and two magazines were recovered from them.

According to the police, security forces had launched an operation following information about the presence of terrorists in the Amargarh area of Sopore.

The terrorists opened-fire and a gun battle ensued in which the three were killed, police told the media.

Schools and colleges in Sopore have been shut following the encounter.&nbsp;

Internet services were also withdrawn, ANI reported.

The joint operation was conducted by 179 Battalion Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 52 Rashtriya Rifles, Special Operation Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police at 4.30 am.&nbsp;

In the Nowgam attack, a wireless operator of 29 BN CRPF received a bullet injury in the terrorist attack.

The CRPF&#39;s Public Relations Officer, Rajesh Yadav, said that the police fired in the air to avoid civilian causalities as the area was very crowded and had heavy traffic movement.

The terrorists fled the spot after the incident. A massive search operation is underway to nab the terrorists.

Tensions have escalated in Kashmir after a&nbsp;popular leader of the LeT group, Abu Dujana, was killed in a fierce gunbattle Tuesday.

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Schools and colleges in Sopore have been shut and internet services have been snapped

Three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were killed in an early morning gun battle with security forces on Saturday in Baramulla district's Sopore area in Jammu Kashmir. As the news of the deaths spread, thousands of protesters clashed with security forces. In a separate incident the same day, two motorcycle-borne terrorists attacked a party of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police in Nowgam injuring a CRPF personnel. Clashes between local residents and government forces were reported in many areas, police said. Three protesters were injured in the northern Bandipore area, home to one of the terrorists, when soldiers fired bullets as hundreds of angry local residents came out on the streets to pelt their convoy with stones, a police officer told AFP condition of anonymity. In southern Kashmir valley, thousands of protesters clashed with government forces who fired bullets in the air and used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse a crowds, which was chanting: "We want freedom". Two of the terrorists were identified as Javid Ahmed Dar of Baramulla and Abid Hamid Mir of Bandipora, the police said, adding that three AK rifles and two magazines were recovered from them. According to the police, security forces had launched an operation following information about the presence of terrorists in the Amargarh area of Sopore. The terrorists opened-fire and a gun battle ensued in which the three were killed, police told the media. Schools and colleges in Sopore have been shut following the encounter. Internet services were also withdrawn, ANI reported. The joint operation was conducted by 179 Battalion Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 52 Rashtriya Rifles, Special Operation Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police at 4.30 am. In the Nowgam attack, a wireless operator of 29 BN CRPF received a bullet injury in the terrorist attack. The CRPF's Public Relations Officer, Rajesh Yadav, said that the police fired in the air to avoid civilian causalities as the area was very crowded and had heavy traffic movement. The terrorists fled the spot after the incident. A massive search operation is underway to nab the terrorists. Tensions have escalated in Kashmir after a popular leader of the LeT group, Abu Dujana, was killed in a fierce gunbattle Tuesday.

J&K: Clashes after 3 LeT terrorists killed in Sopore gun battle; attack on CRPF party in Nowgam

A lost iPhone turned out to be feared Lashkar commander Abu Dujana&rsquo;s Waterloo. Eight months ago, Dujana had lost his iPhone in another part of Kashmir&rsquo;s troubled district, Pulwama. The phone landed in the hands of state police personnel who found a vital link between Dujana and Harkipora village.&nbsp;

From his iPhone, the sleuths discovered that Dujana was using another iPhone. On tracking the second device they realised he was visiting Harkipora village frequently over the past six months. He was killed in an encounter by security forces during one such visit on Tuesday.

On probing further, they confirmed that this was his new bride, Rukkayya&rsquo;s maternal home, and Dujana would often visit her there. They were married six months ago.&nbsp;

The slain terrorist had lost the first phone when he was earlier intercepted by security forces in Pulwama. He had managed to escape but had left his iPhone behind.

His phone&rsquo;s IMEI number gave away his location.

Late last night, security forces received information that Dujana was holed up inside a house in Harkipora.

Security forces had to first evacuate civilians from the house where Dujana was hiding. His wife and in-laws were evacuated safely.

Sources told Zee News Srinagar correspondent that attempts were made to project him as a Kashmiri so that he could be buried in the state which would allow a large number of local residents and militants to attend his funeral. Dujana was actually from Gilgit Baltistan, the source said.

Restrictions were imposed in several parts of Srinagar to prevent violent protests against the killing of Abu Dujana and his local collaborator Arif Lilhaari.

Expecting trouble, Kashmir University exams scheduled for August 2 have been postponed. Fresh dates for the exams will be announced soon.

One of the most feared terrorists in the state, Dujana had taken over the reins of the Lashkar -e-Taiba in Kashmir after the group&#39;s divisional commander Abu Qassim was killed in 2013.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/let-kashmir-chief-abu-dujana-killed-in-gunbattle-18446">Top LeT commander Abu Dujana killed in encounter in Kashmir&nbsp;</a>

 
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Eight months ago, Dujana had lost his iPhone in another part of Kashmir?s troubled district, Pulwama

A lost iPhone turned out to be feared Lashkar commander Abu Dujana’s Waterloo. Eight months ago, Dujana had lost his iPhone in another part of Kashmir’s troubled district, Pulwama. The phone landed in the hands of state police personnel who found a vital link between Dujana and Harkipora village. From his iPhone, the sleuths discovered that Dujana was using another iPhone. On tracking the second device they realised he was visiting Harkipora village frequently over the past six months. He was killed in an encounter by security forces during one such visit on Tuesday. On probing further, they confirmed that this was his new bride, Rukkayya’s maternal home, and Dujana would often visit her there. They were married six months ago. The slain terrorist had lost the first phone when he was earlier intercepted by security forces in Pulwama. He had managed to escape but had left his iPhone behind. His phone’s IMEI number gave away his location. Late last night, security forces received information that Dujana was holed up inside a house in Harkipora. Security forces had to first evacuate civilians from the house where Dujana was hiding. His wife and in-laws were evacuated safely. Sources told Zee News Srinagar correspondent that attempts were made to project him as a Kashmiri so that he could be buried in the state which would allow a large number of local residents and militants to attend his funeral. Dujana was actually from Gilgit Baltistan, the source said. Restrictions were imposed in several parts of Srinagar to prevent violent protests against the killing of Abu Dujana and his local collaborator Arif Lilhaari. Expecting trouble, Kashmir University exams scheduled for August 2 have been postponed. Fresh dates for the exams will be announced soon. One of the most feared terrorists in the state, Dujana had taken over the reins of the Lashkar -e-Taiba in Kashmir after the group's divisional commander Abu Qassim was killed in 2013. Also read: Top LeT commander Abu Dujana killed in encounter in Kashmir

Lost iPhone nailed LeT commander Dujana's location

Top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander&nbsp;Abu Dujana has&nbsp;been killed in a gunbattle with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Pulwama.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash">#WATCH</a>: Deferred visuals of Pulwama (J&amp;K) encounter- Security forces gunned down two terrorists including LeT chief commander Abu Dujana. <a href="https://t.co/bgyraekjzG">pic.twitter.com/bgyraekjzG</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/892318295654776832">August 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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WATCH: Army and J&amp;K Police brief media after pulwama encounter <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbuDujana?src=hash">#AbuDujana</a> <a href="https://t.co/toUjvxUqHi">https://t.co/toUjvxUqHi</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/892276369853358081">August 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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LeT chief commander Abu Dujana of Pakistan along with his accomplice killed in Hakripora Pulwama: J&amp;K Police <a href="https://t.co/UfDmZ5BY9F">pic.twitter.com/UfDmZ5BY9F</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/892260526910169088">August 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The gunbattle broke out, officials said, after a cordon-and-search operation was launched in Hakripora village.

The security forces had got news that Dujana and a local accomplice Arif Lilhaari were in the area.

Both Dujana and Lilhaari were killed in the gunbattle.&nbsp;

The news agency PTI reported that as the gunbattle&nbsp;broke out, more than&nbsp;a 100 protesters began pelting stones at the security forces.&nbsp;

PTI reported an official as saying the security forces used tear gas, pellet guns, and a few live rounds to disperse the protesters.&nbsp;

The official said two persons were injured.&nbsp;

Jehangir Ahmad Dar was hit in the back by a bullet and Mudasir Ahmad was hit in the chest by pellets.

The official said both had been admitted to different hospitals.&nbsp;

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J&amp;K: Encounter between Security forces and terrorists begins in Pulwama. 2-3 terrorists trapped ( Visuals deferred by unspecified time ) <a href="https://t.co/ILZIMOMbhH">pic.twitter.com/ILZIMOMbhH</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/892224386425438208">August 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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ANI reported that all schools and colleges have been closed in Kashmir as a precautionary measure.

And that mobile internet services have been blocked.&nbsp;

Dujana, reportedly from northern Pakistan, was wanted for a number of attacks on security forces and political workers.&nbsp;

He was thought of as a &quot;Category A&quot; terrorist, and carried a Rs 10 lakh reward on his head.&nbsp;

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LET chief commander Abu Dujana of Pakistan along with his accomplice killed in Hakripora Pulwama (WION)
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Another terrorist was also killed in the gunbattle with security forces

Top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Abu Dujana has been killed in a gunbattle with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. #WATCH: Deferred visuals of Pulwama (J&K) encounter- Security forces gunned down two terrorists including LeT chief commander Abu Dujana. pic.twitter.com/bgyraekjzG — ANI (@ANI_news) August 1, 2017 × WATCH: Army and J&K Police brief media after pulwama encounter #AbuDujana https://t.co/toUjvxUqHi — ANI (@ANI_news) August 1, 2017 × LeT chief commander Abu Dujana of Pakistan along with his accomplice killed in Hakripora Pulwama: J&K Police pic.twitter.com/UfDmZ5BY9F — ANI (@ANI_news) August 1, 2017 × The gunbattle broke out, officials said, after a cordon-and-search operation was launched in Hakripora village. The security forces had got news that Dujana and a local accomplice Arif Lilhaari were in the area. Both Dujana and Lilhaari were killed in the gunbattle. The news agency PTI reported that as the gunbattle broke out, more than a 100 protesters began pelting stones at the security forces. PTI reported an official as saying the security forces used tear gas, pellet guns, and a few live rounds to disperse the protesters. The official said two persons were injured. Jehangir Ahmad Dar was hit in the back by a bullet and Mudasir Ahmad was hit in the chest by pellets. The official said both had been admitted to different hospitals. J&K: Encounter between Security forces and terrorists begins in Pulwama. 2-3 terrorists trapped ( Visuals deferred by unspecified time ) pic.twitter.com/ILZIMOMbhH — ANI (@ANI_news) August 1, 2017 × ANI reported that all schools and colleges have been closed in Kashmir as a precautionary measure. And that mobile internet services have been blocked. Dujana, reportedly from northern Pakistan, was wanted for a number of attacks on security forces and political workers. He was thought of as a "Category A" terrorist, and carried a Rs 10 lakh reward on his head. LET chief commander Abu Dujana of Pakistan along with his accomplice killed in Hakripora Pulwama (WION) ×

Kashmir: Top LeT commander Abu Dujana killed in encounter

Three terrorists of the Pakistan-based militant outfit &nbsp;Lashkar-e-Taiba have been killed in an encounter near Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s Anantnag district on Monday night.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash">#Visuals</a> from J&amp;K: Three Let terrorists killed in an encounter in Anantnag. <a href="https://t.co/qJOXylDDAY">pic.twitter.com/qJOXylDDAY</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/887000446677663744">July 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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In a chance encounter 3 terrorists killed near Anantnag by joint team of security forces, identities are being ascertained: SP Vaid, J&amp;K DGP
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/886994224784171009">July 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The encounter broke out at around 8 pm at Anantnag&#39;s Wanihama village, following an anti-militancy operation launched by the security forces, a defence spokesperson told PTI.

The three slain terrorists, all belonging to terrorist group Lashkar-e-taiba (LeT) were identified as Shaukat Louhar, Mudassir and Zibran.One AK-47, one SLR and one pistol was&nbsp;seized by them.

A joint team of security forces acted on specific information that the terrorists would pass through Anantnag&#39;s Wanihama (Brakpora) area in a car. Personnel of the Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operations Group (SOG) of the state police then laid an ambush, and engaged with them, killing all three, Defence Ministry spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia was quoted as saying.

The LeT is suspected to be behind the Amarnath terrorist attack on July 12 that claimed the lives of seven pilgrims.

The terrorist outfit is also responsible for the killing of SHO Feroz Ahmed and five other policemen on the outskirts of Anantnag district on June 16.&nbsp;

On July 1, security forces shot dead LeT commander Bashir Lakshari - an accused in the killing of Feroz Ahmed and the five policemen - &nbsp;along with another militant from the terrorist group. 
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The encounter took place between the terrorists and a joint team of security forces

Three terrorists of the Pakistan-based militant outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba have been killed in an encounter near Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district on Monday night. #Visuals from J&K: Three Let terrorists killed in an encounter in Anantnag. pic.twitter.com/qJOXylDDAY — ANI (@ANI_news) July 17, 2017 × In a chance encounter 3 terrorists killed near Anantnag by joint team of security forces, identities are being ascertained: SP Vaid, J&K DGP — ANI (@ANI_news) July 17, 2017 × The encounter broke out at around 8 pm at Anantnag's Wanihama village, following an anti-militancy operation launched by the security forces, a defence spokesperson told PTI. The three slain terrorists, all belonging to terrorist group Lashkar-e-taiba (LeT) were identified as Shaukat Louhar, Mudassir and Zibran.One AK-47, one SLR and one pistol was seized by them. A joint team of security forces acted on specific information that the terrorists would pass through Anantnag's Wanihama (Brakpora) area in a car. Personnel of the Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operations Group (SOG) of the state police then laid an ambush, and engaged with them, killing all three, Defence Ministry spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia was quoted as saying. The LeT is suspected to be behind the Amarnath terrorist attack on July 12 that claimed the lives of seven pilgrims. The terrorist outfit is also responsible for the killing of SHO Feroz Ahmed and five other policemen on the outskirts of Anantnag district on June 16. On July 1, security forces shot dead LeT commander Bashir Lakshari - an accused in the killing of Feroz Ahmed and the five policemen - along with another militant from the terrorist group.

3 Lashkar terrorists killed in encounter near J&K's Anantnag

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