Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday assured her Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, that her government would never allow the country's soil to be used by any terrorist organisation under its "zero tolerance policy".

Dhaka was firmly committed to stamping out terrorism from the South Asian region through bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation, she said after jointly inaugurating four projects in Bangladesh with Prime Minister Modi through video-conferencing.

Terming the spread of radicalism as a "grave threat" not only to the two countries but to the entire region, India and Bangladesh last year resolved to step up anti-terror cooperation.

"We remain steadfast in our resolve to root out the scourge of terrorism from our region and beyond through bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation," Hasina said.

The Bangladesh premier said her government would never allow Bangladesh soil to be used by any terrorist organisation under its "zero tolerance policy" against terrorism "in all its forms and manifestations".

Hasina also expressed her "utmost sympathy" for the family members of the Indian paramilitary police personnel who were killed in last month's terror attack in Pulwama in Kashmir. "We reiterate our strong condemnation of this dastardly act," she said.

A suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, the incident led to flaring up of tensions between India and Pakistan.

Hasina said that the relations between Dhaka and New Delhi are now a "role model" of good neighbours for the rest of the world as a result of multi-faceted and multi-dimensional cooperation.

"I strongly believe this momentum will continue," she said.

The Bangladesh premier said over the last decade, two countries have witnessed remarkable progress on cooperation in different conventional and unconventional areas like security, power, trade and commerce, energy, connectivity, infrastructure development, environment, renewable energy, education, culture, people-to-people contact and health.

She said at the same time, the two countries have expanded cooperation in new areas like the blue economy and maritime cooperation, peaceful uses of the nuclear energy, cooperation in outer space, internet bandwidth sharing, cyber security etc.

The two prime ministers joined the video-conferencing from their offices in Dhaka and New Delhi and jointly inaugurated the four projects by unveiling the e-plaques.

The four projects launched on Monday include, supply of Double Decker and Single Decker AC and Non-AC Buses and Trucks to Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (under the Second Line of Credit); 36 Community Clinics in five north and northeastern Bangladesh districts bordering India with an aid from Indian government; setting up of 11 Water Treatment Plants in two southwestern cities and the extension of India's National Knowledge Network (NKN) to Bangladesh.

The NKN is a multi-gigabit National Research and Education Network (NREN) which provides a unified high-speed network backbone for educational institutions in India.

Apart from Hasina and Modi, Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen and his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj also spoke through video-conferencing.&nbsp;

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday assured her Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, that her government would never allow the country's soil to be used by any terrorist organisation under its "zero tolerance policy".

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday assured her Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, that her government would never allow the country's soil to be used by any terrorist organisation under its "zero tolerance policy". Dhaka was firmly committed to stamping out terrorism from the South Asian region through bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation, she said after jointly inaugurating four projects in Bangladesh with Prime Minister Modi through video-conferencing. Terming the spread of radicalism as a "grave threat" not only to the two countries but to the entire region, India and Bangladesh last year resolved to step up anti-terror cooperation. "We remain steadfast in our resolve to root out the scourge of terrorism from our region and beyond through bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation," Hasina said. The Bangladesh premier said her government would never allow Bangladesh soil to be used by any terrorist organisation under its "zero tolerance policy" against terrorism "in all its forms and manifestations". Hasina also expressed her "utmost sympathy" for the family members of the Indian paramilitary police personnel who were killed in last month's terror attack in Pulwama in Kashmir. "We reiterate our strong condemnation of this dastardly act," she said. A suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, the incident led to flaring up of tensions between India and Pakistan. Hasina said that the relations between Dhaka and New Delhi are now a "role model" of good neighbours for the rest of the world as a result of multi-faceted and multi-dimensional cooperation. "I strongly believe this momentum will continue," she said. The Bangladesh premier said over the last decade, two countries have witnessed remarkable progress on cooperation in different conventional and unconventional areas like security, power, trade and commerce, energy, connectivity, infrastructure development, environment, renewable energy, education, culture, people-to-people contact and health. She said at the same time, the two countries have expanded cooperation in new areas like the blue economy and maritime cooperation, peaceful uses of the nuclear energy, cooperation in outer space, internet bandwidth sharing, cyber security etc. The two prime ministers joined the video-conferencing from their offices in Dhaka and New Delhi and jointly inaugurated the four projects by unveiling the e-plaques. The four projects launched on Monday include, supply of Double Decker and Single Decker AC and Non-AC Buses and Trucks to Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (under the Second Line of Credit); 36 Community Clinics in five north and northeastern Bangladesh districts bordering India with an aid from Indian government; setting up of 11 Water Treatment Plants in two southwestern cities and the extension of India's National Knowledge Network (NKN) to Bangladesh. The NKN is a multi-gigabit National Research and Education Network (NREN) which provides a unified high-speed network backbone for educational institutions in India. Apart from Hasina and Modi, Bangladesh Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen and his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj also spoke through video-conferencing.

Won't allow Bangladeshi soil to be used by any terror outfit: Sheikh Hasina assures PM Modi

Lok Sabha elections will begin on April 11 and continue for over a month till May 19 across seven phases, followed by counting of votes on May 23, the Election Commission announced Sunday, kick-starting the countdown for a mega electoral battle where the BJP will pitch for a re-election of the Modi government amid the Opposition's efforts for a united fight to unseat it.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-elections-check-when-your-state-ut-goes-to-the-polls-202410">polling will be held on</a> April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19 for 543 Lok Sabha seats across the country in which nearly 90 crore voters would be eligible to vote, the Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said at a packed press conference here.

Assembly elections will also be held in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Odisha simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls, the CEC said.&nbsp;

However, elections for Jammu and Kashmir assembly will not to be held along with the Lok Sabha polls, the EC said citing security reasons. The state has been under Governor's rule after the ruling alliance between the BJP and People's Democratic Party fell apart last year.&nbsp;

National Conference, Congress and other opposition parties slammed the decision to not hold assembly polls in J&amp;K, while opposition leaders elsewhere including in West Bengal also latched onto the EC decision to hold multi-phase elections in their states to slam the government on law and order situation.

Arora said the model code of conduct would come into immediate effect from Sunday and 10 lakhs polling stations would be set up this time as against about nine lakhs in 2014.

Among other restrictions, the model code bars the government from announcing any policy move that may impact voters' decision.

The EC said the 'voter verifiable paper audit trail' (VVPAT) will be used in all polling stations this time.

Counting of votes for all seven phases would be done on May 23, Arora said. 
 
In 2014, BJP had won 282 seats out of 543 constituencies in Lok Sabha handing a crushing defeat to the 10-year-rule of the United Progressive Alliance led by Congress.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi will seek to retain power, the opposition is seeking to put up a spirited fight to defeat the ruling BJP.

"Best wishes to the Election Commission, all those officials and security personnel who will be on the field, across the length and breadth of India assuring smooth elections. India is very proud of the EC for assiduously organising elections for several years," Modi tweeted.

In the press briefing, Arora also reassured the nation of the EC's "solemn resolve and deep commitment to fulfil its constitutional mandate to conduct free, fair and credible elections."

He said all political advertisements on social media will need pre-certification and that the candidates will have to give details of their social media accounts to the election commission.

The CEC said 91 constituencies will go for polls in first phase, 97 in second phase, 115 in third phase, 71 in fourth, 51 in fifth, 59 in sixth and 59 in the seventh phase.&nbsp;

The election will pit the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance against mostly different opposition groupings in various states, including of Congress, Left and regional forces who are continuing to work out a grand alliance to minimise a division of votes against the Modi government.

The BJP has worked out a seat-sharing formula with some new allies and several old partners, by even making concessions in states like Bihar. However, opposition parties are yet to do so in several states.

While the NDA hopes to make history by coming back to power for a second full term, the Opposition wants to unseat the Modi government by raising questions on its performance on a host of issues, including economic growth, employment, corruption and social harmony.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee had led the NDA to back-to-back wins in 1998 and 1999 general elections but he was at the helm for only one full term.&nbsp;

After losing three assemblies last year, the BJP believes its Lok Sabha campaign is back on track following decisions like 10 per cent quota for the general category poor, money transfer to farmers and a populist budget.&nbsp;

What has injected further confidence into the NDA fold is the fronting of the nationalist plank in the poll campaign after the Indian Air Force' strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan after Pulwama terror attack, which killed 40 CRPF personnel.

The BJP has been citing 2016 surgical strikes on terror launch pads and the Balakot air strikes to assert that only a government headed by Modi will be capable of taking on Pakistan over terrorism.

Modi has already launched an aggressive campaign accusing opposition parties of coming together for the sole purpose of removing him when he is working to "remove poverty, corruption and terrorism".

He had led the NDA to a sweeping victory in 2014 as it won 336 of 543 Lok Sabha seats, reducing the incumbent Congress to its lowest total of 44 seats.

In 2014, the Lok Sabha elections were held across nine phases beginning April 7 and ending May 9. Votes were counted on May 16.

The total contestants in fray were 8,251, with an average of 15 candidates in each constituency, though deposits got forfeited for 7,000 contestants.

A total of over 55 crore voters (66.3 per cent) exercised their vote, while there were nearly 60 lakh 'NOTA' votes. A total of 668 women candidates contested, out of which 62 won.&nbsp;

Lok Sabha elections will begin on April 11 and continue for over a month till May 19 across seven phases, followed by counting of votes on May 23, the Election Commission announced Sunday, kick-starting the countdown for a mega electoral battle where the BJP will pitch for a re-election of the Modi government amid the Opposition's efforts for a united fight to unseat it.

Lok Sabha elections will begin on April 11 and continue for over a month till May 19 across seven phases, followed by counting of votes on May 23, the Election Commission announced Sunday, kick-starting the countdown for a mega electoral battle where the BJP will pitch for a re-election of the Modi government amid the Opposition's efforts for a united fight to unseat it. The polling will be held on April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19 for 543 Lok Sabha seats across the country in which nearly 90 crore voters would be eligible to vote, the Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said at a packed press conference here. Assembly elections will also be held in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Odisha simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls, the CEC said. However, elections for Jammu and Kashmir assembly will not to be held along with the Lok Sabha polls, the EC said citing security reasons. The state has been under Governor's rule after the ruling alliance between the BJP and People's Democratic Party fell apart last year. National Conference, Congress and other opposition parties slammed the decision to not hold assembly polls in J&K, while opposition leaders elsewhere including in West Bengal also latched onto the EC decision to hold multi-phase elections in their states to slam the government on law and order situation. Arora said the model code of conduct would come into immediate effect from Sunday and 10 lakhs polling stations would be set up this time as against about nine lakhs in 2014. Among other restrictions, the model code bars the government from announcing any policy move that may impact voters' decision. The EC said the 'voter verifiable paper audit trail' (VVPAT) will be used in all polling stations this time. Counting of votes for all seven phases would be done on May 23, Arora said. In 2014, BJP had won 282 seats out of 543 constituencies in Lok Sabha handing a crushing defeat to the 10-year-rule of the United Progressive Alliance led by Congress. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi will seek to retain power, the opposition is seeking to put up a spirited fight to defeat the ruling BJP. "Best wishes to the Election Commission, all those officials and security personnel who will be on the field, across the length and breadth of India assuring smooth elections. India is very proud of the EC for assiduously organising elections for several years," Modi tweeted. In the press briefing, Arora also reassured the nation of the EC's "solemn resolve and deep commitment to fulfil its constitutional mandate to conduct free, fair and credible elections." He said all political advertisements on social media will need pre-certification and that the candidates will have to give details of their social media accounts to the election commission. The CEC said 91 constituencies will go for polls in first phase, 97 in second phase, 115 in third phase, 71 in fourth, 51 in fifth, 59 in sixth and 59 in the seventh phase. The election will pit the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance against mostly different opposition groupings in various states, including of Congress, Left and regional forces who are continuing to work out a grand alliance to minimise a division of votes against the Modi government. The BJP has worked out a seat-sharing formula with some new allies and several old partners, by even making concessions in states like Bihar. However, opposition parties are yet to do so in several states. While the NDA hopes to make history by coming back to power for a second full term, the Opposition wants to unseat the Modi government by raising questions on its performance on a host of issues, including economic growth, employment, corruption and social harmony. Atal Bihari Vajpayee had led the NDA to back-to-back wins in 1998 and 1999 general elections but he was at the helm for only one full term. After losing three assemblies last year, the BJP believes its Lok Sabha campaign is back on track following decisions like 10 per cent quota for the general category poor, money transfer to farmers and a populist budget. What has injected further confidence into the NDA fold is the fronting of the nationalist plank in the poll campaign after the Indian Air Force' strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan after Pulwama terror attack, which killed 40 CRPF personnel. The BJP has been citing 2016 surgical strikes on terror launch pads and the Balakot air strikes to assert that only a government headed by Modi will be capable of taking on Pakistan over terrorism. Modi has already launched an aggressive campaign accusing opposition parties of coming together for the sole purpose of removing him when he is working to "remove poverty, corruption and terrorism". He had led the NDA to a sweeping victory in 2014 as it won 336 of 543 Lok Sabha seats, reducing the incumbent Congress to its lowest total of 44 seats. In 2014, the Lok Sabha elections were held across nine phases beginning April 7 and ending May 9. Votes were counted on May 16. The total contestants in fray were 8,251, with an average of 15 candidates in each constituency, though deposits got forfeited for 7,000 contestants. A total of over 55 crore voters (66.3 per cent) exercised their vote, while there were nearly 60 lakh 'NOTA' votes. A total of 668 women candidates contested, out of which 62 won.

Lok Sabha polls to stretch out for over a month from April 11 to May 19, results on May 23

In this very column, along with the whole nation, I had wondered what India’s response would be to the Pulwama suicide terrorist blast. On the afternoon of 14 February, about 40 CRPF jawans lost their lives in the bombing. Twelve days later, on 26 February, India carried out a retaliatory assault. The Indian Air Force targeted the training camps of terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed in Balakot. Jaish, we may recall, had claimed responsibility for the ghastly suicide bombing at Pulwama.&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, the exact damage and the resultant casualty figures from India’s counter-attack are not entirely clear. There are conflicting reports in international and national media on the quantum of destruction inflicted by the satellite-guided SPICE 2000 bombs that our Mirage 2000s released. Thankfully, our brave IAF officer, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, returned home safely, despite being taken captive and withstanding hazardous interrogation by the Pakistan Army.

One thing that stands out loud and clear is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve, when struck, to hit back hard at targets deep inside our hostile neighbour’s territory. Yet, among the several unanswered issues that remain perhaps the most troubling is the possible intelligence failure. Not only were we proved vulnerable to the terrorist attack, but were unable to prevent it once some prior warnings about it, as claimed, were received. How could our 78-vehicle convey, carrying 2500 troops, travelling on a four-lane highway with multiple check-points be so brazenly knocked out by a single suicide bomber and his explosive-laden SUV? How was such a large cache of ammo loaded onto to a vehicle without detection? We are not privy to the outcome of the post-mortem investigations. All we can do is hope that our Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has plugged the loopholes to prevent such an atrocity from recurring.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One welcome step is the banning of organisations like the Jamaat-e-Islami in Jammu and Kashmir. Abul Ala Maududi, one of the foremost theologians and philosophers of political Islam in recent times, founded the Jamaat in 1941. He was the real progenitor of the ideology of Islamist theocracy that created and shaped Pakistan. Maududi offered a modernist justification for Islamic revival and state formation. Despite splits in the organisation following the Partition in 1947, Jamaat-e-Islamis are active all over the sub-continent and beyond. What all these groups have in common are Islamist political ambitions underwritten by theological and religious justifications.&nbsp;

The J&amp;K chapter of the Jamaat-e-Islami began in 1945 with pro-Pakistan leanings. Later, it stopped fighting elections, instead projecting itself as a “socio-religious” organisation. It controls and manages hundreds of madrasas (religious schools) and other so-called charitable and welfare organisations in J&amp;K. The Jamaat was a founder member of the Hurriyat Conference. Even today, after distancing itself from the Hurriyat, it maintains what many believe is its core Islamic and separatist ideology. The extent of its responsibility in brainwashing the Kashmiri youth must be immense. Though the organisation is banned today, its schools are still open and active. The Government, wary of its links with separatists and militants, has moved, several decades too late, at last to curtain its activities. No surprise that both the National Conference and the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have protested against these measures. Mehbooba Mufti, PDP chief, even led a protest rally on 6th March against the ban. That should leave no doubt in anyone’s mind where her sympathies or interests lie.

But the real question in the aftermath of these dramatic events is if there is a new normal in the Indo-Pakistan stand-off. Surely the retaliatory strike is not enough. What we need is a totally new approach to the problem. It is holding the Pakistani state accountable for what its “non-state” actors do. Our only other option is to use low-cost non-state actors ourselves, but in the long run such stratagems will hurt us too, as they have Pakistan. These ugly and violent monsters easily turn against their own makers and keepers. Instead, if India targets the Pakistani state each time we are hit by a Pakistan-sponsored terrorist group, the spotlight will once again turn to Pakistan as a rogue state, with the military and ISI as the controllers of its cross-border interference and aggression.

Pakistan, whether militarily or economically, is no match for India. Nor can it counterbalance these disadvantages diplomatically. The result of every skirmish, even if inconclusive, is that Pakistan will be weakened and exposed. Holding the Pakistani state responsible for terrorist activities against India and improving our intelligence operations within Pakistan is the way forward.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-should-india-hold-pakistan-responsible-for-its-non-state-actors-2727739">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

In this very column, along with the whole nation, I had wondered what India’s response would be to the Pulwama suicide terrorist blast. On the afternoon of 14 February, about 40 CRPF jawans lost their lives in the bombing.

In this very column, along with the whole nation, I had wondered what India’s response would be to the Pulwama suicide terrorist blast. On the afternoon of 14 February, about 40 CRPF jawans lost their lives in the bombing. Twelve days later, on 26 February, India carried out a retaliatory assault. The Indian Air Force targeted the training camps of terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed in Balakot. Jaish, we may recall, had claimed responsibility for the ghastly suicide bombing at Pulwama. However, the exact damage and the resultant casualty figures from India’s counter-attack are not entirely clear. There are conflicting reports in international and national media on the quantum of destruction inflicted by the satellite-guided SPICE 2000 bombs that our Mirage 2000s released. Thankfully, our brave IAF officer, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, returned home safely, despite being taken captive and withstanding hazardous interrogation by the Pakistan Army. One thing that stands out loud and clear is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve, when struck, to hit back hard at targets deep inside our hostile neighbour’s territory. Yet, among the several unanswered issues that remain perhaps the most troubling is the possible intelligence failure. Not only were we proved vulnerable to the terrorist attack, but were unable to prevent it once some prior warnings about it, as claimed, were received. How could our 78-vehicle convey, carrying 2500 troops, travelling on a four-lane highway with multiple check-points be so brazenly knocked out by a single suicide bomber and his explosive-laden SUV? How was such a large cache of ammo loaded onto to a vehicle without detection? We are not privy to the outcome of the post-mortem investigations. All we can do is hope that our Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has plugged the loopholes to prevent such an atrocity from recurring. One welcome step is the banning of organisations like the Jamaat-e-Islami in Jammu and Kashmir. Abul Ala Maududi, one of the foremost theologians and philosophers of political Islam in recent times, founded the Jamaat in 1941. He was the real progenitor of the ideology of Islamist theocracy that created and shaped Pakistan. Maududi offered a modernist justification for Islamic revival and state formation. Despite splits in the organisation following the Partition in 1947, Jamaat-e-Islamis are active all over the sub-continent and beyond. What all these groups have in common are Islamist political ambitions underwritten by theological and religious justifications. The J&K chapter of the Jamaat-e-Islami began in 1945 with pro-Pakistan leanings. Later, it stopped fighting elections, instead projecting itself as a “socio-religious” organisation. It controls and manages hundreds of madrasas (religious schools) and other so-called charitable and welfare organisations in J&K. The Jamaat was a founder member of the Hurriyat Conference. Even today, after distancing itself from the Hurriyat, it maintains what many believe is its core Islamic and separatist ideology. The extent of its responsibility in brainwashing the Kashmiri youth must be immense. Though the organisation is banned today, its schools are still open and active. The Government, wary of its links with separatists and militants, has moved, several decades too late, at last to curtain its activities. No surprise that both the National Conference and the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have protested against these measures. Mehbooba Mufti, PDP chief, even led a protest rally on 6th March against the ban. That should leave no doubt in anyone’s mind where her sympathies or interests lie. But the real question in the aftermath of these dramatic events is if there is a new normal in the Indo-Pakistan stand-off. Surely the retaliatory strike is not enough. What we need is a totally new approach to the problem. It is holding the Pakistani state accountable for what its “non-state” actors do. Our only other option is to use low-cost non-state actors ourselves, but in the long run such stratagems will hurt us too, as they have Pakistan. These ugly and violent monsters easily turn against their own makers and keepers. Instead, if India targets the Pakistani state each time we are hit by a Pakistan-sponsored terrorist group, the spotlight will once again turn to Pakistan as a rogue state, with the military and ISI as the controllers of its cross-border interference and aggression. Pakistan, whether militarily or economically, is no match for India. Nor can it counterbalance these disadvantages diplomatically. The result of every skirmish, even if inconclusive, is that Pakistan will be weakened and exposed. Holding the Pakistani state responsible for terrorist activities against India and improving our intelligence operations within Pakistan is the way forward. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Should India hold Pakistan responsible for its non-state actors?

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-elections-to-be-held-in-seven-phases-starting-april-11-202362">2019 Lok Sabha elections to be held in seven phases starting April 11</a>

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are to be held in seven phases starting April 11. The announcement was made Sunday by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora.&nbsp;

The polling dates over the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, May 6, May 12, and May 19. All votes will be counted on May 23.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-plane-crashes-with-157-on-board-no-survivors-says-state-media-202350">Ethiopian Airlines plane crashes with 157 on board: 'No survivors,' says state media</a>

An Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 passenger jet to Nairobi crashed early on Sunday with 149 passengers and eight crew members aboard, the airline said, and there were no survivors, according to the state broadcaster.

The flight left Bole airport in Addis Ababa at 8.38 am local time, before losing contact with the control tower just a few minutes later at 8.44 am.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/enough-is-enough-india-cannot-suffer-terrorism-till-eternity-pm-modi-202353">Enough is enough, India cannot suffer terrorism till eternity: PM Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday sent across a strong message to terrorist forces targeting India, saying the country cannot keep suffering forever and that his government has taken some "strong decisions" against such elements.

"For many decades, the country and numerous families have suffered the wounds and pain given by terrorism, Naxalism and insurgency. What happened in Pulwama and Uri was heartbreaking.

"We cannot bear this pain till eternity. Enough is enough," the Prime Minister said while addressing CISF personnel.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-crash-boeing-was-similar-to-lion-air-plane-that-crashed-last-october-202336">Ethiopian Airlines crash: Boeing was similar to Lion Air plane that crashed last October</a>

The Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed Sunday was the same type of Boeing as the Lion Air plane that crashed last October in Indonesia killing all 189 people on board.&nbsp;

The Lion Air plane was a Boeing 737MAX. The Ethiopian Airlines plane was a Boeing 737-800MAX.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/jawans-should-count-dead-bodies-after-air-strike-or-return-safely-sushma-swaraj-202348">Jawans should count dead bodies after air strike or return safely?: Sushma Swaraj</a>

Speaking at a gathering of the BJP's women workers in Mumbai on Sunday, senior leader and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj signalled that the military action against Pakistan after the February 14 Pulwama attack would be a poll issue for the ruling party.

"We should ask questions about whether our jawans should count the dead bodies (after dropping bombs on terror camps) or return safely after carrying out the air strike. BJP workers should ask counter-questions to those who raise doubts about the impact of our air strike," Swaraj said.

2019 Lok Sabha elections to be held in seven phases starting April 11 The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are to be held in seven phases starting April 11. The announcement was made Sunday by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora.

2019 Lok Sabha elections to be held in seven phases starting April 11 The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are to be held in seven phases starting April 11. The announcement was made Sunday by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora. The polling dates over the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, May 6, May 12, and May 19. All votes will be counted on May 23. Ethiopian Airlines plane crashes with 157 on board: 'No survivors,' says state media An Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 passenger jet to Nairobi crashed early on Sunday with 149 passengers and eight crew members aboard, the airline said, and there were no survivors, according to the state broadcaster. The flight left Bole airport in Addis Ababa at 8.38 am local time, before losing contact with the control tower just a few minutes later at 8.44 am. Enough is enough, India cannot suffer terrorism till eternity: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday sent across a strong message to terrorist forces targeting India, saying the country cannot keep suffering forever and that his government has taken some "strong decisions" against such elements. "For many decades, the country and numerous families have suffered the wounds and pain given by terrorism, Naxalism and insurgency. What happened in Pulwama and Uri was heartbreaking. "We cannot bear this pain till eternity. Enough is enough," the Prime Minister said while addressing CISF personnel. Ethiopian Airlines crash: Boeing was similar to Lion Air plane that crashed last October The Ethiopian Airlines plane that crashed Sunday was the same type of Boeing as the Lion Air plane that crashed last October in Indonesia killing all 189 people on board. The Lion Air plane was a Boeing 737MAX. The Ethiopian Airlines plane was a Boeing 737-800MAX. Jawans should count dead bodies after air strike or return safely?: Sushma Swaraj Speaking at a gathering of the BJP's women workers in Mumbai on Sunday, senior leader and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj signalled that the military action against Pakistan after the February 14 Pulwama attack would be a poll issue for the ruling party. "We should ask questions about whether our jawans should count the dead bodies (after dropping bombs on terror camps) or return safely after carrying out the air strike. BJP workers should ask counter-questions to those who raise doubts about the impact of our air strike," Swaraj said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday sent across <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-slams-congresss-handling-of-terror-attacks-says-india-now-follows-new-policy-202209">a strong message to terrorist forces targeting India</a>, saying the country cannot keep suffering forever and that his government has taken some "strong decisions" against such elements.

"For many decades, the country and numerous families have suffered the wounds and pain given by terrorism, Naxalism and insurgency. What happened in Pulwama and Uri was heartbreaking.

"We cannot bear this pain till eternity. Enough is enough," the Prime Minister said while addressing CISF personnel at its base here.

The paramilitary force on Sunday is celebrating the 50th year of its raising.&nbsp;

This is the first time Modi attended the event of any of the five Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) since he took charge in 2014. Raised in 1969, the Central Industrial Security Force has about 1.56 lakh personnel in its ranks at present.?

The PM said that following dastardly acts of terrorist violence, his government has taken some strong decisions, in an apparent reference to the IAF strike on terror camps after the Pulwama attack.?

"Someone, sometime, has to take a big decision (against such terror acts)... It is my privilege that with the support of the crores of people of this country, we took some strong decisions," Modi said with the top security officers in attendance.?

He said the government has adopted "a new policy" to act against terrorism and that it was its responsibility to live up to the expectations of the families of the personnel killed in the line of duty.?&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
"Our government is purchasing all modern gadgets required by our security forces to tackle such challenges," Modi said, mentioning the creation of a new facility in UP's Amethi to manufacture modern guns.?

The PM lauded the valour and dedication of CISF men and women who protect "vital assets" of the country in the face of a "hostile neighbour which does not have the capacity to fight a war."?

"Various conspiracies hatched within the country are getting encouragement from across the border and ghastly picture of terror comes to light, in different forms," Modi said, keeping his apparent reference on Pakistan.&nbsp;

Modi also hit out at the abuse of "VIP culture", saying it was wrong on part of such people to throw their weight around, get angry and humiliate security personnel, a major brunt of which is faced by the CISF.&nbsp;

"I'd say the biggest problem while carrying out your duty is people like me, VIPs.. The VIP culture at times is the biggest threat to security," he said.

"When you frisk, some people get annoyed and even say 'I will see you' and you have to tell them that it is your duty which has to be done," the PM added.

Therefore, he continued, "I would dare tell such people to be disciplined and cooperate with the security personnel in carrying out their task."?

The CISF gets a number of complaints from legislators and others categories of VIPs alleging high-handedness by their staff at various airports.?

"I am myself, Modi said, "very disciplined and I would urge the CISF to train and inform citizens about their security systems so that the appreciate the hard work put in the job by the people in uniform.

"Position does not come in the way of disciple for me. And it is the duty of every citizen to be disciplined. If citizens don't maintain discipline, your task gets complicated," he said.&nbsp;

He asked the people to consider security frisking a process to ensure their wellbeing and a method of 'aarti utaarna' (a respectful way to welcome people) by security personnel.?

"We should feel proud that the security personnel are doing it (frisking) like aarti," he said.&nbsp; 
Aarti is a Hindu ceremony in which lights with wicks soaked in ghee are offered to a person to ensure their wellbeing and thwart the evil eye.

The PM said it was his "emotional feeling" that security personnel donning the 'khaki' have not got the recognition and respect they deserve.

The national police memorial and the war memorial had to wait to come up since independence, he said, adding "probably my turn was being awaited" for the last 70 years to unveil these important places.

The PM asked the CISF to create a to "monitor and study in realtime global trends and techniques of terrorism" so that a better preparedness is ensured against. He also directed the force to install 'digital museums' or electronic walls at airports so that people get to know about CISF's history, role and its expectations from the citizens.? Congratulating the CISF, the PM said it's very difficult to protect any institution where there is a daily footfall of 30 lakh (Delhi Metro) or where eight lakh people commute every day (airports).

The CISF is mandated to provide security to major infrastructure installations -- nuclear installations, airports, seaports, power plants, government buildings, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation -- of the country.

"You are not only standing at the gate, you are contributing to the country's growth," Modi told the CISF personnel.

Modi also said among the 35,000 policemen who sacrificed their lives serving the nation since independence, 4,000 are from paramilitary forces.

On February 14, a convoy carrying CRPF men was attacked by a JeM terrorist in the Pulwama, killing 40 jawans. Following the attack, India destroyed JeM terrorists camp in air strike inside Pakistan.

On September 18, 2016, heavily armed terrorists stormed an army base in Uri in Kashmir killing 17 jawans, prompting India to conduct surgical strikes on terror launch-pads across the LoC.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday sent across a strong message to terrorist forces targeting India, saying the country cannot keep suffering forever and that his government has taken some "strong decisions" against such elements.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday sent across a strong message to terrorist forces targeting India, saying the country cannot keep suffering forever and that his government has taken some "strong decisions" against such elements. "For many decades, the country and numerous families have suffered the wounds and pain given by terrorism, Naxalism and insurgency. What happened in Pulwama and Uri was heartbreaking. "We cannot bear this pain till eternity. Enough is enough," the Prime Minister said while addressing CISF personnel at its base here. The paramilitary force on Sunday is celebrating the 50th year of its raising. This is the first time Modi attended the event of any of the five Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) since he took charge in 2014. Raised in 1969, the Central Industrial Security Force has about 1.56 lakh personnel in its ranks at present.? The PM said that following dastardly acts of terrorist violence, his government has taken some strong decisions, in an apparent reference to the IAF strike on terror camps after the Pulwama attack.? "Someone, sometime, has to take a big decision (against such terror acts)... It is my privilege that with the support of the crores of people of this country, we took some strong decisions," Modi said with the top security officers in attendance.? He said the government has adopted "a new policy" to act against terrorism and that it was its responsibility to live up to the expectations of the families of the personnel killed in the line of duty.? "Our government is purchasing all modern gadgets required by our security forces to tackle such challenges," Modi said, mentioning the creation of a new facility in UP's Amethi to manufacture modern guns.? The PM lauded the valour and dedication of CISF men and women who protect "vital assets" of the country in the face of a "hostile neighbour which does not have the capacity to fight a war."? "Various conspiracies hatched within the country are getting encouragement from across the border and ghastly picture of terror comes to light, in different forms," Modi said, keeping his apparent reference on Pakistan. Modi also hit out at the abuse of "VIP culture", saying it was wrong on part of such people to throw their weight around, get angry and humiliate security personnel, a major brunt of which is faced by the CISF. "I'd say the biggest problem while carrying out your duty is people like me, VIPs.. The VIP culture at times is the biggest threat to security," he said. "When you frisk, some people get annoyed and even say 'I will see you' and you have to tell them that it is your duty which has to be done," the PM added. Therefore, he continued, "I would dare tell such people to be disciplined and cooperate with the security personnel in carrying out their task."? The CISF gets a number of complaints from legislators and others categories of VIPs alleging high-handedness by their staff at various airports.? "I am myself, Modi said, "very disciplined and I would urge the CISF to train and inform citizens about their security systems so that the appreciate the hard work put in the job by the people in uniform. "Position does not come in the way of disciple for me. And it is the duty of every citizen to be disciplined. If citizens don't maintain discipline, your task gets complicated," he said. He asked the people to consider security frisking a process to ensure their wellbeing and a method of 'aarti utaarna' (a respectful way to welcome people) by security personnel.? "We should feel proud that the security personnel are doing it (frisking) like aarti," he said. Aarti is a Hindu ceremony in which lights with wicks soaked in ghee are offered to a person to ensure their wellbeing and thwart the evil eye. The PM said it was his "emotional feeling" that security personnel donning the 'khaki' have not got the recognition and respect they deserve. The national police memorial and the war memorial had to wait to come up since independence, he said, adding "probably my turn was being awaited" for the last 70 years to unveil these important places. The PM asked the CISF to create a to "monitor and study in realtime global trends and techniques of terrorism" so that a better preparedness is ensured against. He also directed the force to install 'digital museums' or electronic walls at airports so that people get to know about CISF's history, role and its expectations from the citizens.? Congratulating the CISF, the PM said it's very difficult to protect any institution where there is a daily footfall of 30 lakh (Delhi Metro) or where eight lakh people commute every day (airports). The CISF is mandated to provide security to major infrastructure installations -- nuclear installations, airports, seaports, power plants, government buildings, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation -- of the country. "You are not only standing at the gate, you are contributing to the country's growth," Modi told the CISF personnel. Modi also said among the 35,000 policemen who sacrificed their lives serving the nation since independence, 4,000 are from paramilitary forces. On February 14, a convoy carrying CRPF men was attacked by a JeM terrorist in the Pulwama, killing 40 jawans. Following the attack, India destroyed JeM terrorists camp in air strike inside Pakistan. On September 18, 2016, heavily armed terrorists stormed an army base in Uri in Kashmir killing 17 jawans, prompting India to conduct surgical strikes on terror launch-pads across the LoC.

Enough is enough, India cannot suffer terrorism till eternity: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday claimed that "non-cooperation" by the previous Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh was responsible for the delay in the start of a beautification project in his Lok Sabha constituency.

He was addressing a gathering here after laying the foundation stone for the Kashi Vishwanath Temple's approach road and its beautification.

"In the first three years there was non-cooperation of the state government. The developmental projects here took place after you (people of Uttar Pradesh) made Yogi Adityanath the chief minister," he said.

"Had there been cooperation earlier, we would have launched the project instead of laying the foundation," Modi said.

Attacking previous governments, the prime minister said, "In the past 70 years no government thought of Baba (Lord Shiva) and were silent. They took care of themselves but not of this place."

Noting that it was his "pleasure" to have initiated the work here at Kashi Vishwanath, he said, "I had dreamt for a long time to work for this place. When I was not in politics I came here several times and used to think that something should happen here."

"Lord Shiva must have decided that you talk much, so now you should come here and do something," he said, adding that due to blessings the fulfilment of his dream has started.

About the beautification project, Modi said this is "mukti (freedom) for Kashi Vishwanath Dham" which was surrounded with encroachment.

"For the first time, we acquired nearby buildings, removed encroachments after which 40 ancient temples came to the fore. Many of them encroached, kitchens were set up and people were living there," he said.

Appreciating those involved in the project, Modi said, "I have seen a lot of government employees as I was CM for a long time. But I want to say with pride that the team of officers deployed here by Yogi ji is doing work with 'Bhakti' (devotion) and 'sewa bhav'."

It was difficult to take people into confidence to give their properties and ensure the project does not take political colour, he said.

"I thank people of Kashi, who gave their properties for Baba. This is the biggest 'daan' they have given for Baba," the prime minister said.

Stating that the Kashi Vishwanath temple was "targeted by enemies", he said they tried to destroy it but it again took "rebirth due to the faith" of people.

"When Gandhiji came here, he was pained why is this place is like this. In his address in the BHU, he expressed his thoughts," Modi said, suggesting the university should make the entire project a case study for research so that when it is completed the world can know how it happened.

"We will also try to trace the history of 40 temples discovered here and the government will also take care of them," the PM said, adding the project will be a model for "protection and preservation" of temples and a combination of modern technology with ancient faith.

"It will give new identity to Kashi in the world. Maybe it's in my fate. In 2014, when I came here I said 'mai aaya nahi mujhe bulaya hai' (I did not come here on my own, I was summoned). Maybe I came here for this work," he said.

Earlier, the prime minister visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and also inspected the project site.

During his brief stay in his constituency, Modi will attend the National Women Livelihood Meet 2019 at Deendayal Hastkala Sankul and distribute appreciation letters to five

Women Self Help Groups, whose members will share their experiences with the prime minister.

Women SHGs aided by Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - NRLM, Uttar Pradesh will hand over a cheque to the prime minister for contribution to the 'Bharat Ke Veer' Fund.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday claimed that "non-cooperation" by the previous Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh was responsible for the delay in the start of a beautification project in his Lok Sabha constituency.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday claimed that "non-cooperation" by the previous Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh was responsible for the delay in the start of a beautification project in his Lok Sabha constituency. He was addressing a gathering here after laying the foundation stone for the Kashi Vishwanath Temple's approach road and its beautification. "In the first three years there was non-cooperation of the state government. The developmental projects here took place after you (people of Uttar Pradesh) made Yogi Adityanath the chief minister," he said. "Had there been cooperation earlier, we would have launched the project instead of laying the foundation," Modi said. Attacking previous governments, the prime minister said, "In the past 70 years no government thought of Baba (Lord Shiva) and were silent. They took care of themselves but not of this place." Noting that it was his "pleasure" to have initiated the work here at Kashi Vishwanath, he said, "I had dreamt for a long time to work for this place. When I was not in politics I came here several times and used to think that something should happen here." "Lord Shiva must have decided that you talk much, so now you should come here and do something," he said, adding that due to blessings the fulfilment of his dream has started. About the beautification project, Modi said this is "mukti (freedom) for Kashi Vishwanath Dham" which was surrounded with encroachment. "For the first time, we acquired nearby buildings, removed encroachments after which 40 ancient temples came to the fore. Many of them encroached, kitchens were set up and people were living there," he said. Appreciating those involved in the project, Modi said, "I have seen a lot of government employees as I was CM for a long time. But I want to say with pride that the team of officers deployed here by Yogi ji is doing work with 'Bhakti' (devotion) and 'sewa bhav'." It was difficult to take people into confidence to give their properties and ensure the project does not take political colour, he said. "I thank people of Kashi, who gave their properties for Baba. This is the biggest 'daan' they have given for Baba," the prime minister said. Stating that the Kashi Vishwanath temple was "targeted by enemies", he said they tried to destroy it but it again took "rebirth due to the faith" of people. "When Gandhiji came here, he was pained why is this place is like this. In his address in the BHU, he expressed his thoughts," Modi said, suggesting the university should make the entire project a case study for research so that when it is completed the world can know how it happened. "We will also try to trace the history of 40 temples discovered here and the government will also take care of them," the PM said, adding the project will be a model for "protection and preservation" of temples and a combination of modern technology with ancient faith. "It will give new identity to Kashi in the world. Maybe it's in my fate. In 2014, when I came here I said 'mai aaya nahi mujhe bulaya hai' (I did not come here on my own, I was summoned). Maybe I came here for this work," he said. Earlier, the prime minister visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and also inspected the project site. During his brief stay in his constituency, Modi will attend the National Women Livelihood Meet 2019 at Deendayal Hastkala Sankul and distribute appreciation letters to five Women Self Help Groups, whose members will share their experiences with the prime minister. Women SHGs aided by Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - NRLM, Uttar Pradesh will hand over a cheque to the prime minister for contribution to the 'Bharat Ke Veer' Fund.

Non-cooperation by previous government delayed beautification project: PM Modi in Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said four metro projects have been inaugurated across the country this week, foundation of another has been laid and one more section of Delhi Metro in Noida will be inaugurated on Saturday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday flagged off the commercial run on Lucknow Metro's 23-km North-South corridor through video conference from Kanpur and in Ghaziabad inaugurated the 9.63-km-long Dilshad Garden-New Bus Adda section, an extension of the Delhi Metro's Red Line.

Modi also laid the foundation stone for Agra Metro Rail project.

The Prime Minister enumerated the number of metro projects inaugurated by him or in the offing, a tweet in Hindi by the PMO, quoting him said.

Today, Lucknow and Ghaziabad metro projects are being inaugurated, and foundation stone being laid of Agra metro, he said.

"Tomorrow, a metro section in Noida will be inaugurated. Yesterday Nagpur Metro was opened, and this week Ahmedabad Metro also got inaugurated," Modi said.

On Monday, he had inaugurated a 6.5-km stretch of phase one of the Ahmedabad Metro train service in that city.

After inaugurating the stretch, connecting Vastral to Apparel park area, Modi had also taken a ride in the metro.

On Thursday, he had addressed a gathering in Nagpur via video conferencing after inaugurating the 13.5 km first phase of Nagpur Metro connecting Khapri-Sitaburdi areas in the city.

On Saturday, Modi will inaugurate the 6.6-km Noida City Centre-Noida Electronic City section, an extension of the Delhi Metro's Blue Line, officials said Friday.

The completely elevated section with six stations -- Sector 34, Sector 52, Sector 61, Sector 59, Sector 62 and Noida Electronic City -- will benefit the people of Noida and connect the satellite city with the national capital.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said four metro projects have been inaugurated across the country this week, foundation of another has been laid and one more section of Delhi Metro in Noida will be inaugurated on Saturday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said four metro projects have been inaugurated across the country this week, foundation of another has been laid and one more section of Delhi Metro in Noida will be inaugurated on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday flagged off the commercial run on Lucknow Metro's 23-km North-South corridor through video conference from Kanpur and in Ghaziabad inaugurated the 9.63-km-long Dilshad Garden-New Bus Adda section, an extension of the Delhi Metro's Red Line. Modi also laid the foundation stone for Agra Metro Rail project. The Prime Minister enumerated the number of metro projects inaugurated by him or in the offing, a tweet in Hindi by the PMO, quoting him said. Today, Lucknow and Ghaziabad metro projects are being inaugurated, and foundation stone being laid of Agra metro, he said. "Tomorrow, a metro section in Noida will be inaugurated. Yesterday Nagpur Metro was opened, and this week Ahmedabad Metro also got inaugurated," Modi said. On Monday, he had inaugurated a 6.5-km stretch of phase one of the Ahmedabad Metro train service in that city. After inaugurating the stretch, connecting Vastral to Apparel park area, Modi had also taken a ride in the metro. On Thursday, he had addressed a gathering in Nagpur via video conferencing after inaugurating the 13.5 km first phase of Nagpur Metro connecting Khapri-Sitaburdi areas in the city. On Saturday, Modi will inaugurate the 6.6-km Noida City Centre-Noida Electronic City section, an extension of the Delhi Metro's Blue Line, officials said Friday. The completely elevated section with six stations -- Sector 34, Sector 52, Sector 61, Sector 59, Sector 62 and Noida Electronic City -- will benefit the people of Noida and connect the satellite city with the national capital.

Various metro projects across country were inaugurated this week: PM Modi

On the occasion of International Women's Day President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their greetings.

President Kovind in a message said "On International Women's Day, greetings to women in India and across the world. Women are the sheet-anchor of society, an inspiration for their families and for our nation. Let us strive to ensure equality of opportunity for every woman and every girl child."

In a message released on the eve of the International Women's Day he extended his best wishes to all on this happy day.

"This day is dedicated to woman power. Keeping pace with the changing times, women have proved themselves in every sphere of life and have won laurels for their talent. I am confident that Indian society will continue progressing towards greater women’s empowerment and the continuous emphasis on gender equity will usher in new opportunities for women and for society," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his greetings and saluted women power.

"On International Women's Day, we salute our indomitable Nari Shakti," he tweeted.

"We are proud to have taken numerous decisions that have furthered women empowerment. Every Indian is proud of the stupendous accomplishments of women in various spheres. #NewIndia4NariShakti," he added.

In a video, he goes on to commend women for making strides in all fields, taking the country forward.

On the occasion of International Women's Day President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their greetings. President Kovind in a message said "On International Women's Day, greetings to women in India and across the world.

On the occasion of International Women's Day President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended their greetings. President Kovind in a message said "On International Women's Day, greetings to women in India and across the world. Women are the sheet-anchor of society, an inspiration for their families and for our nation. Let us strive to ensure equality of opportunity for every woman and every girl child." In a message released on the eve of the International Women's Day he extended his best wishes to all on this happy day. "This day is dedicated to woman power. Keeping pace with the changing times, women have proved themselves in every sphere of life and have won laurels for their talent. I am confident that Indian society will continue progressing towards greater women’s empowerment and the continuous emphasis on gender equity will usher in new opportunities for women and for society," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his greetings and saluted women power. "On International Women's Day, we salute our indomitable Nari Shakti," he tweeted. "We are proud to have taken numerous decisions that have furthered women empowerment. Every Indian is proud of the stupendous accomplishments of women in various spheres. #NewIndia4NariShakti," he added. In a video, he goes on to commend women for making strides in all fields, taking the country forward.

President Kovind, PM Modi extend greeting on Women's Day

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Thursday released its first official list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will contest the election from Rae Bareli, while Rahul Gandhi will contest from Amethi.

The list of 15 candidates includes 11 from Uttar Pradesh and 4 from Gujarat.

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-2019-no-mention-of-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-as-congress-releases-first-list-of-candidates-201853"> list, however, does not name Priyanka Gandhi Vadra </a>who was named the party's General Secretary for UP East and made her political debut earlier this year.&nbsp;

Former Union ministers Salman Khursheed, RPN Singh and Jitin Prasad will be contesting from Farrukhabad, Kushi Nagar and Dhaurahra in Uttar Pradesh respectively.

Imran Masood will contest from Saharanpur (UP), Saleem Iqbal Shervani from Badaun(UP), Annu Tandon from Unnao (UP), Rajaram Pal from Akbarpur (UP), Brij Lal Khabri from Jalaun - SC (UP), Nirmal Khatri from Faizabad (UP).

While Raju Parmar will contest from Ahmedabad West - SC (Gujarat), Bharat Sinh M Solanki from Anand (Gujarat), Prashant Patel from Vadodara (Gujarat) and Ranjit MohanSinh Rathwa from Chhota Udaipur - ST (Gujarat). Lok Sabha elections are due by May end.

The Election Commission is expected to announce its&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-to-announce-lok-sabha-elections-soon-logistic-preparations-almost-over-201813">schedule for the high-voltage Lok Sabha elections</a>&nbsp;soon. The polls are likely to be&nbsp;spread over 7-8 phases in April-May, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

Sources said the poll panel is in final stages of completing its logistical preparations to hold elections for the 17th Lok Sabha and a detailed polling schedule could be announced as early this weekend or by early next week.

The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3.

The announcement of dates for the elections, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his bid to return to power amid hectic parleys by several political parties to put a united fight against the ruling BJP, would be followed by a meeting of election observers next week for the first and second phase of polling.

A senior Election Commission functionary said the poll panel is now prepared to announce the dates "any day" and it could happen over the weekend or at most by Tuesday, PTI reported.&nbsp;

Notification for the first phase could be issued by the end of March for voting sometime in early April, sources suggested.

(With inputs from news agencies)

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Thursday released its first official list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will contest the election from Rae Bareli, while Rahul Gandhi will contest from Amethi.

Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party on Thursday released its first official list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will contest the election from Rae Bareli, while Rahul Gandhi will contest from Amethi. The list of 15 candidates includes 11 from Uttar Pradesh and 4 from Gujarat. The list, however, does not name Priyanka Gandhi Vadra who was named the party's General Secretary for UP East and made her political debut earlier this year. Former Union ministers Salman Khursheed, RPN Singh and Jitin Prasad will be contesting from Farrukhabad, Kushi Nagar and Dhaurahra in Uttar Pradesh respectively. Imran Masood will contest from Saharanpur (UP), Saleem Iqbal Shervani from Badaun(UP), Annu Tandon from Unnao (UP), Rajaram Pal from Akbarpur (UP), Brij Lal Khabri from Jalaun - SC (UP), Nirmal Khatri from Faizabad (UP). While Raju Parmar will contest from Ahmedabad West - SC (Gujarat), Bharat Sinh M Solanki from Anand (Gujarat), Prashant Patel from Vadodara (Gujarat) and Ranjit MohanSinh Rathwa from Chhota Udaipur - ST (Gujarat). Lok Sabha elections are due by May end. The Election Commission is expected to announce its schedule for the high-voltage Lok Sabha elections soon. The polls are likely to be spread over 7-8 phases in April-May, news agency PTI reported. Sources said the poll panel is in final stages of completing its logistical preparations to hold elections for the 17th Lok Sabha and a detailed polling schedule could be announced as early this weekend or by early next week. The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3. The announcement of dates for the elections, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his bid to return to power amid hectic parleys by several political parties to put a united fight against the ruling BJP, would be followed by a meeting of election observers next week for the first and second phase of polling. A senior Election Commission functionary said the poll panel is now prepared to announce the dates "any day" and it could happen over the weekend or at most by Tuesday, PTI reported. Notification for the first phase could be issued by the end of March for voting sometime in early April, sources suggested. (With inputs from news agencies)

Lok Sabha polls: First list of Congress candidates out, Sonia Gandhi to contest from Rae Bareli; Rahul from Amethi

Pune district administration on Thursday granted Indian citizenship to 45 Pakistani nationals, who had migrated to India long back and were staying in the city for the past many years.

Fearing atrocities in their native nation the applicants, who belonged to the minority community had migrated from Pakistan.

"The Collector Office Pune has issued a certificate to 45 people today. These applications were pending at several levels and offices including FRO and other offices for so many years. We have done away with the tedious process of granting citizenship which took months and years and have made it hassle-free," Pune District Collector Naval Kishore Ram said.

"After the amendment in the Citizenship Act, the district collector has been empowered to give citizenship to applicants from the minorities. As per that amendment, I have given the citizenship to these persons after I got clearances from the Intelligence Bureau (IB). I called them on a single day for signing on all affidavits and have cleared their application as these rights are now with the collector" he said. Talking about his struggles in Pakistan, Jaykash Nebhvani, one of the migrants who got the Indian Citizenship told ANI,

"We faced a lot of troubles in Pakistan and then struggled here to get nationality, finally we got it."

"It has been 20 years now, we came here to attend a marriage and I said to my husband that we must stay here only. There we were afraid of even stepping outside our houses because of the kidnappings and other things," said another migrant Laj Virwani.

Echoing similar sentiments Rakhi Aswani said, "I came here in 2008 and because of my Pakistani passport it was hard for me to go out of India and I have to take special permission from the government to go and meet my family in the Philippines. But now I have Indian citizenship and can go anywhere."

While Om Prakash asserted that Pakistan was 'unsafe'&nbsp;place. There, parents are afraid of letting their children go outside because of the kidnappings and other crimes.

Pune district administration on Thursday granted Indian citizenship to 45 Pakistani nationals, who had migrated to India long back and were staying in the city for the past many years.

Pune district administration on Thursday granted Indian citizenship to 45 Pakistani nationals, who had migrated to India long back and were staying in the city for the past many years. Fearing atrocities in their native nation the applicants, who belonged to the minority community had migrated from Pakistan. "The Collector Office Pune has issued a certificate to 45 people today. These applications were pending at several levels and offices including FRO and other offices for so many years. We have done away with the tedious process of granting citizenship which took months and years and have made it hassle-free," Pune District Collector Naval Kishore Ram said. "After the amendment in the Citizenship Act, the district collector has been empowered to give citizenship to applicants from the minorities. As per that amendment, I have given the citizenship to these persons after I got clearances from the Intelligence Bureau (IB). I called them on a single day for signing on all affidavits and have cleared their application as these rights are now with the collector" he said. Talking about his struggles in Pakistan, Jaykash Nebhvani, one of the migrants who got the Indian Citizenship told ANI, "We faced a lot of troubles in Pakistan and then struggled here to get nationality, finally we got it." "It has been 20 years now, we came here to attend a marriage and I said to my husband that we must stay here only. There we were afraid of even stepping outside our houses because of the kidnappings and other things," said another migrant Laj Virwani. Echoing similar sentiments Rakhi Aswani said, "I came here in 2008 and because of my Pakistani passport it was hard for me to go out of India and I have to take special permission from the government to go and meet my family in the Philippines. But now I have Indian citizenship and can go anywhere." While Om Prakash asserted that Pakistan was 'unsafe' place. There, parents are afraid of letting their children go outside because of the kidnappings and other crimes.

45 Pakistani nationals granted Indian citizenship in Pune

The trade deficit between India and the US decreased by $1.6 billion, almost seven per cent, in 2018 as compared to the previous year, according to the latest official figures.

India recorded a decrease in the deficit from $22.9 billion in 2017 to $21.3 billion in 2018, according to the latest figures revealed by the Bureau of Economy Analysis on Wednesday.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/i-intend-to-end-indias-preferential-trade-treatment-under-gsp-program-trump-201179"> I intend to end preferential trade status for India, Turkey, says Trump</a>

The US trade deficit in goods and services increased by $9.5 billion from $50.3 billion in November to $59.8 billion in December, according to the figures.

For 2018, the US goods and services deficit was $621.0 billion, up $68.8 billion from $552.3 billion in 2017. Exports were $2,500.0 billion in 2018, up $148.9 billion from 2017. Imports were $3,121.0 billion, up $217.7 billion from 2017, it said.

The figures showed that the goods deficit hit $891.3 billion in 2018, the largest in US history. America's goods deficit with China hit a record $419.2 billion last year.

Opposition Democratic party were quick in criticising US President Donald Trump.

"Today's announcement that the merchandise trade deficit for 2018 topped $891 billion shows that the President has flunked the test he set for himself,"&nbsp;said House Majority Leader Steny H Hoyer.&nbsp;

Alliance for American Manufacturing president Scott Paul in a statement criticised President Donald Trump for his policies that have resulted in a record trade deficit.&nbsp;

"Perhaps Donald Trump will now discover that tweets and bluster alone won't dramatically shrink the trade deficit," he said.

"The selective interventions of the administration on trade have been helpful to key sectors, but these actions haven't put a dent in the massive deficit. The administration's fiscal policies have helped to boost the trade deficit, as has its reluctance to engage more actively in exchange rate misalignment," he said.

"While the trade deficit results from many factors, the staggering sum represents lost opportunities for American workers and businesses," Paul said. 
"If the president wants to back his words with actions, any trade deal with China will insist on dramatic, structural changes in Beijing's state-led economy, which have

contributed to massive industrial overcapacity in key sectors. The next few weeks of negotiations with China are critical to the future of American manufacturing. We can't afford a deal that doesn't deliver real and lasting change," Paul said.

The trade deficit between India and the US decreased by $1.6 billion, almost seven per cent, in 2018 as compared to the previous year, according to the latest official figures.

The trade deficit between India and the US decreased by $1.6 billion, almost seven per cent, in 2018 as compared to the previous year, according to the latest official figures. India recorded a decrease in the deficit from $22.9 billion in 2017 to $21.3 billion in 2018, according to the latest figures revealed by the Bureau of Economy Analysis on Wednesday. Also read: I intend to end preferential trade status for India, Turkey, says Trump The US trade deficit in goods and services increased by $9.5 billion from $50.3 billion in November to $59.8 billion in December, according to the figures. For 2018, the US goods and services deficit was $621.0 billion, up $68.8 billion from $552.3 billion in 2017. Exports were $2,500.0 billion in 2018, up $148.9 billion from 2017. Imports were $3,121.0 billion, up $217.7 billion from 2017, it said. The figures showed that the goods deficit hit $891.3 billion in 2018, the largest in US history. America's goods deficit with China hit a record $419.2 billion last year. Opposition Democratic party were quick in criticising US President Donald Trump. "Today's announcement that the merchandise trade deficit for 2018 topped $891 billion shows that the President has flunked the test he set for himself," said House Majority Leader Steny H Hoyer. Alliance for American Manufacturing president Scott Paul in a statement criticised President Donald Trump for his policies that have resulted in a record trade deficit. "Perhaps Donald Trump will now discover that tweets and bluster alone won't dramatically shrink the trade deficit," he said. "The selective interventions of the administration on trade have been helpful to key sectors, but these actions haven't put a dent in the massive deficit. The administration's fiscal policies have helped to boost the trade deficit, as has its reluctance to engage more actively in exchange rate misalignment," he said. "While the trade deficit results from many factors, the staggering sum represents lost opportunities for American workers and businesses," Paul said. "If the president wants to back his words with actions, any trade deal with China will insist on dramatic, structural changes in Beijing's state-led economy, which have contributed to massive industrial overcapacity in key sectors. The next few weeks of negotiations with China are critical to the future of American manufacturing. We can't afford a deal that doesn't deliver real and lasting change," Paul said.

US trade deficit with India decreased by $1.6 billion in 2018

Kartarpur corridor construction in full swing, will open in November

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday flagged off Nagpur Metro via video conferencing.

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During inaugurating speech, PM Modi said, ''Common mobility card will not only be useful for transport but you will also be able to do online payments through it. It will be both your express card and debit/credit card, now your RuPay card and mobility card are merging.''

Nagpur became the second city in Maharashtra after Mumbai to get a Metro rail.

Modi termed the Nagpur metro launch as ''historic occasion'' and also mentioned that metro rail projects were coming up in Pune and Thane as well.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday flagged off Nagpur Metro via video conferencing. Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags-off Nagpur Metro via video conferencing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday flagged off Nagpur Metro via video conferencing. Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags-off Nagpur Metro via video conferencing. pic.twitter.com/0n6ohgcok3 — ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2019 × During inaugurating speech, PM Modi said, ''Common mobility card will not only be useful for transport but you will also be able to do online payments through it. It will be both your express card and debit/credit card, now your RuPay card and mobility card are merging.'' Nagpur became the second city in Maharashtra after Mumbai to get a Metro rail. Modi termed the Nagpur metro launch as ''historic occasion'' and also mentioned that metro rail projects were coming up in Pune and Thane as well.

PM Modi inaugurates Nagpur metro rail via video conferencing

The BJP parliamentary body, the party's top decision-making body, is expected to meet on Friday to take stock of its Lok Sabha election preparedness and campaign, a party leader said.

The meeting, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah, comes at a time when the ruling BJP and opposition parties, including the Congress, have been engaged in a heated debate over the Balakot air strike.

Both have accused each other of politicising the Indian Air Force' strike at terror camps in Pakistan with the BJP attacking the Congress over the issue of nationalism.

A BJP leader said the party top brass will discuss a range of issues as its campaign picks up pace and strategise over its agenda in the days ahead.

The Election Commission is likely to announce the election dates in the next few days.

The BJP parliamentary body, the party's top decision-making body, is expected to meet on Friday to take stock of its Lok Sabha election preparedness and campaign, a party leader said.

The BJP parliamentary body, the party's top decision-making body, is expected to meet on Friday to take stock of its Lok Sabha election preparedness and campaign, a party leader said. The meeting, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah, comes at a time when the ruling BJP and opposition parties, including the Congress, have been engaged in a heated debate over the Balakot air strike. Both have accused each other of politicising the Indian Air Force' strike at terror camps in Pakistan with the BJP attacking the Congress over the issue of nationalism. A BJP leader said the party top brass will discuss a range of issues as its campaign picks up pace and strategise over its agenda in the days ahead. The Election Commission is likely to announce the election dates in the next few days.

BJP parliamentary board meeting to take place on Friday

BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha, who has been critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government in the past, kept suspense on whether he will contest on BJP ticket or not in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

''The time has come, you will get to see some results. Some truths will come out," said Sinha while stressing that it is better to speak up at the right time.

His statement was in response to a question on which party he would be contesting in the General elections.

He said, “Till now, the party has not suspended me and neither have I left the party. So what is the reason that I was not invited when Prime Minister Narendra Modi did his rally in Patna? That rally was very small and not that good.”

After meeting Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad's family, Sinha said, “Today I have come to Patna, not because of social reason but for family reason. Lalu-ji's wife, his sons and daughter, all are like my family and I came here to meet them. It will be good if it will not be looked as a political matter. Some days ago, I also met with Lalu-ji at RIMS hospital.”

When asked about NDA’s claims of winning 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, he said, “Our party president Amit Shah’s "prachand bahumat" (huge majority) is just an expression. He said that for Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. For Delhi, he claimed they (BJP) will win by a two-thirds majority but they won only 2-3 seats and Kejriwal ji got 67 seats.''

''Are they counting my seat as well in those 40 seats (Lok Sabha seats in Bihar)? As far as elections are concerned, Patna is my first, second and last choice. When he (Amit Shah) says such (prachand bahumat) things, it is meant to boost the morale of his workers,” he added.

BJP lost the elections in recently concluded assembly elections of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had registered a landslide victory in Delhi assembly elections and won 67 seats out of 70 in 2015.

On parties asking details of air strike conducted by Indian Air Force over a terror group in Pakistan, he said, ''I have not asked for proofs. People in the government should talk in one voice. Who started this? Party president Amit Shah started this, without any evidence and truth, he gave the count of 250 casualties. I have heard Union Agricultural Minister Radha Mohan Singh saying 400 casualties. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said 450 casualties.''

''If you want to show credibility in the statements then it is your duty to show results, keeping in mind the national interest,'' he added.

On Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s allegation that Modi himself is involved in ''missing documents'' related to Rafale deal, Sinha said, ''Tali captain ko toh gali captain ko (If Captain takes applaud then he should take abuses). It is very shameful to say at a crucial moment that the documents are missing and that too from the Defence Ministry. Who will believe this? I cannot say anything since the matter is in the Supreme Court.''

BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha, who has been critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government in the past, kept suspense on whether he will contest on BJP ticket or not in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha, who has been critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government in the past, kept suspense on whether he will contest on BJP ticket or not in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. ''The time has come, you will get to see some results. Some truths will come out," said Sinha while stressing that it is better to speak up at the right time. His statement was in response to a question on which party he would be contesting in the General elections. He said, “Till now, the party has not suspended me and neither have I left the party. So what is the reason that I was not invited when Prime Minister Narendra Modi did his rally in Patna? That rally was very small and not that good.” After meeting Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad's family, Sinha said, “Today I have come to Patna, not because of social reason but for family reason. Lalu-ji's wife, his sons and daughter, all are like my family and I came here to meet them. It will be good if it will not be looked as a political matter. Some days ago, I also met with Lalu-ji at RIMS hospital.” When asked about NDA’s claims of winning 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, he said, “Our party president Amit Shah’s "prachand bahumat" (huge majority) is just an expression. He said that for Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. For Delhi, he claimed they (BJP) will win by a two-thirds majority but they won only 2-3 seats and Kejriwal ji got 67 seats.'' ''Are they counting my seat as well in those 40 seats (Lok Sabha seats in Bihar)? As far as elections are concerned, Patna is my first, second and last choice. When he (Amit Shah) says such (prachand bahumat) things, it is meant to boost the morale of his workers,” he added. BJP lost the elections in recently concluded assembly elections of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had registered a landslide victory in Delhi assembly elections and won 67 seats out of 70 in 2015. On parties asking details of air strike conducted by Indian Air Force over a terror group in Pakistan, he said, ''I have not asked for proofs. People in the government should talk in one voice. Who started this? Party president Amit Shah started this, without any evidence and truth, he gave the count of 250 casualties. I have heard Union Agricultural Minister Radha Mohan Singh saying 400 casualties. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said 450 casualties.'' ''If you want to show credibility in the statements then it is your duty to show results, keeping in mind the national interest,'' he added. On Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s allegation that Modi himself is involved in ''missing documents'' related to Rafale deal, Sinha said, ''Tali captain ko toh gali captain ko (If Captain takes applaud then he should take abuses). It is very shameful to say at a crucial moment that the documents are missing and that too from the Defence Ministry. Who will believe this? I cannot say anything since the matter is in the Supreme Court.''

Lok Sabha polls: Shatrughan Sinha leaves suspense on whether he will contest for BJP

The Cabinet Thursday cleared an ordinance on reservation mechanism for appointment of faculties in universities, Union minister Arun Jaitley said.

Earlier this week, Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar said the Centre was committed to restoring the reservation roster in educational institutions following a series of protests over the issue by various students' and teachers' organisations.

They had been urging the government to bring an ordinance to restore the 200-point roster taking college or university as a unit for reservation in teaching posts.

The University Grants Commission had announced in March last year that an individual department should be considered as the base unit to calculate the number of teaching posts to be reserved for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes candidates, following an order by the Allahabad High Court in April 2017.

The Supreme Court had last month dismissed a review petition filed by the HRD Ministry after its special leave petition against the court order was rejected by the apex court. 
Javadekar had said in the Lok Sabha on February 11 that the government can "bring an ordinance if its review petition filed in the top court is rejected".&nbsp;

The Cabinet Thursday cleared an ordinance on reservation mechanism for appointment of faculties in universities, Union minister Arun Jaitley said. Earlier this week, Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar said the Centre was committed to restoring the reservation roster in educational institutions following a series of protests over the issue by various students' and teachers' organisations.

The Cabinet Thursday cleared an ordinance on reservation mechanism for appointment of faculties in universities, Union minister Arun Jaitley said. Earlier this week, Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar said the Centre was committed to restoring the reservation roster in educational institutions following a series of protests over the issue by various students' and teachers' organisations. They had been urging the government to bring an ordinance to restore the 200-point roster taking college or university as a unit for reservation in teaching posts. The University Grants Commission had announced in March last year that an individual department should be considered as the base unit to calculate the number of teaching posts to be reserved for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes candidates, following an order by the Allahabad High Court in April 2017. The Supreme Court had last month dismissed a review petition filed by the HRD Ministry after its special leave petition against the court order was rejected by the apex court. Javadekar had said in the Lok Sabha on February 11 that the government can "bring an ordinance if its review petition filed in the top court is rejected".

Cabinet clears ordinance on reservation roster for faculty positions in varsities

Accusing Congress president of speaking "blatant lies" on the Rafale issue, the BJP said on Thursday he neither believes the Indian Air Force nor the Supreme Court verdict and asked if he needed a certificate from Pakistan about the fighter aircraft.

Soon after Gandhi demanded a probe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale deal, the BJP hit back with Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad alleging that the Congress president believes Pakistan more than Indian forces and its leaders.&nbsp;

"I totally condemn blatant lies of Rahul Gandhi. He does not believe the Indian Air Force, does not trust the Supreme Court verdict that clearly said there is no commercial impropriety in the (Rafale) procurement process. He does not believe the CAG," Prasad said.

"Will Rahul Gandhi need a certificate about Rafale from Pakistan. In that, we cannot help. Of late he believes Pakistan more than Indian forces and its leaders," the senior BJP leader added.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Gandhi asked why a probe cannot be ordered against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an "Rs 30,000-crore scam" when an investigation has been initiated into the theft of official documents related to the fighter jet deal.

At a press conference, he accused the prime minister of conducting parallel negotiations on the fighter jet deal and the government of manipulating institutions to "save" him. 
The parallel negotiations "retarded" the delivery of Rafale, he claimed. 
&nbsp;

Accusing Congress president of speaking "blatant lies" on the Rafale issue, the BJP said on Thursday he neither believes the Indian Air Force nor the Supreme Court verdict and asked if he needed a certificate from Pakistan about the fighter aircraft.

Accusing Congress president of speaking "blatant lies" on the Rafale issue, the BJP said on Thursday he neither believes the Indian Air Force nor the Supreme Court verdict and asked if he needed a certificate from Pakistan about the fighter aircraft. Soon after Gandhi demanded a probe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Rafale deal, the BJP hit back with Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad alleging that the Congress president believes Pakistan more than Indian forces and its leaders. "I totally condemn blatant lies of Rahul Gandhi. He does not believe the Indian Air Force, does not trust the Supreme Court verdict that clearly said there is no commercial impropriety in the (Rafale) procurement process. He does not believe the CAG," Prasad said. "Will Rahul Gandhi need a certificate about Rafale from Pakistan. In that, we cannot help. Of late he believes Pakistan more than Indian forces and its leaders," the senior BJP leader added. Earlier in the day, Gandhi asked why a probe cannot be ordered against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an "Rs 30,000-crore scam" when an investigation has been initiated into the theft of official documents related to the fighter jet deal. At a press conference, he accused the prime minister of conducting parallel negotiations on the fighter jet deal and the government of manipulating institutions to "save" him. The parallel negotiations "retarded" the delivery of Rafale, he claimed.

Does Rahul Gandhi need certificate from Pakistan on Rafale: BJP

When India is fighting a war against terror and has even conducted an airstrike and bombed the Jaish-e-Mohammed's (JeM) terrorist training facility at Balakot in Pakistan, the leaders of Congress and other opposition parties are busy targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling BJP by casting aspersions and ascribing motives to the direct offensive launched by India to uproot and destroy the terror factories in Pakistan.

After the Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Modi was quick in announcing that the Indian Armed Forces have been given full powers to handle the situation and counter cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

After the February 26 airstrike that targeted the terror infrastructure at Balakot, Pakistan Air force F-16 jets entered the Indian territory to target military installations. They were intercepted and chased away by Indian Air Force pilots. The Pakistani offensive resulted in the downing of an F-16 aircraft. India's brave fighter pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan, whose aircraft was also hit, was captured when he ejected and landed inside the Pakistani territory. Under immense diplomatic pressure mounted by India and also the threat of direct action in case Pakistan chose to remain defiant, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan announced in his Parliament that Abhinandan would be released.

“The Indian Air Defence system was on full alert in the morning of 27 February - a day after the Balakot airstrike. Build up of Pakistan Air Force aircraft on their side of LoC was noticed in time and additional aircraft were scrambled to tackle Pak incursion. When there was an attempt to attack Indian military installations, PAF aircraft were engaged and forced to withdraw by Mirage-2000, Su-30 and MiG-21 Bison aircraft from the Indian side. They left in a hurry as demonstrated by large missed distances of the weapons dropped by them. &nbsp;During combat, use of F-16 by PAF and multiple launches of AMRAAM (American beyond visual range air-to-air missile) were conclusively observed. Prompt and correct tactical action by Su-30 aircraft, in response to AMRAAM launch, defeated the missile. Parts of the missile fell in area East of Rajouri in J&amp;K, injuring a civilian on ground.” With this statement on Tuesday, the Indian Ministry of Defence has blasted the false claim by Pakistan of shooting down an Su-30, which was obviously a cover up for loss of its own aircraft.

In the meanwhile, even as Pakistan imposed a ban on Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafeez Saeed led Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) on Tuesday, there has been no let up and Pakistan has continued to violate the ceasefire along the line of control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and there have been civilian casualties too.

When troops on both sides are in a state of combat readiness and it is time for the nation to remain united to face the enemy, the Congress party and other opposition parties are working overtime and throwing posers about the outcome of the February 26 airstrike. They all are asking the same question in tandem and the people at large are viewing this as an attempt by the opposition to politicise the situation keeping in view the upcoming general election. What is also alarming is that the opposition leaders are even pointing their fingers questioning the “timing of the post-Pulwama offensive (ahead of the Lok Sabha polls).

Gloating over the situation prevailing in India are those at the helm of affairs in Pakistan. That country’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, in an interview, has talked of differences among the political parties in India with regard to the numbers of terrorists killed in the airstrike. In a video that’s gone viral, Qureshi is heard saying, "The Congress party is questioning the claim that terror camps have been destroyed and a large number of terrorists have been killed."

On the current situation, the nation is also witnessing a war of words on social media between the BJP and opposition leaders. What is particularly capturing headlines are a couple of tweets by senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh. After citing a certain news-report and asking “what is the truth behind the bombing of Balakot”, Singh said in another tweet:&nbsp;

After the Air Strike conducted by our Air Force in the wake of the Pulwama attack, doubt is being expressed in a section of foreign media and as a consequence of this, the credibility of the government of India is being questioned. 
 
The remarks by opposition leaders are being seen as an attempt by the opposition leaders to dilute the gravity of the Pulwama attack and undermine India’s war against terror. The direct beneficiary of this is Pakistan.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

When India is fighting a war against terror and has even conducted an airstrike and bombed the Jaish-e-Mohammed's (JeM) terrorist training facility at Balakot in Pakistan, the leaders of Congress and other opposition parties are busy targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling BJP by casting aspersions and ascribing motives to the direct offensive launched by India to uproot and destroy the terror factories in Pakistan.

When India is fighting a war against terror and has even conducted an airstrike and bombed the Jaish-e-Mohammed's (JeM) terrorist training facility at Balakot in Pakistan, the leaders of Congress and other opposition parties are busy targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling BJP by casting aspersions and ascribing motives to the direct offensive launched by India to uproot and destroy the terror factories in Pakistan. After the Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Modi was quick in announcing that the Indian Armed Forces have been given full powers to handle the situation and counter cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. After the February 26 airstrike that targeted the terror infrastructure at Balakot, Pakistan Air force F-16 jets entered the Indian territory to target military installations. They were intercepted and chased away by Indian Air Force pilots. The Pakistani offensive resulted in the downing of an F-16 aircraft. India's brave fighter pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan, whose aircraft was also hit, was captured when he ejected and landed inside the Pakistani territory. Under immense diplomatic pressure mounted by India and also the threat of direct action in case Pakistan chose to remain defiant, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan announced in his Parliament that Abhinandan would be released. “The Indian Air Defence system was on full alert in the morning of 27 February - a day after the Balakot airstrike. Build up of Pakistan Air Force aircraft on their side of LoC was noticed in time and additional aircraft were scrambled to tackle Pak incursion. When there was an attempt to attack Indian military installations, PAF aircraft were engaged and forced to withdraw by Mirage-2000, Su-30 and MiG-21 Bison aircraft from the Indian side. They left in a hurry as demonstrated by large missed distances of the weapons dropped by them. During combat, use of F-16 by PAF and multiple launches of AMRAAM (American beyond visual range air-to-air missile) were conclusively observed. Prompt and correct tactical action by Su-30 aircraft, in response to AMRAAM launch, defeated the missile. Parts of the missile fell in area East of Rajouri in J&K, injuring a civilian on ground.” With this statement on Tuesday, the Indian Ministry of Defence has blasted the false claim by Pakistan of shooting down an Su-30, which was obviously a cover up for loss of its own aircraft. In the meanwhile, even as Pakistan imposed a ban on Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafeez Saeed led Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) on Tuesday, there has been no let up and Pakistan has continued to violate the ceasefire along the line of control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and there have been civilian casualties too. When troops on both sides are in a state of combat readiness and it is time for the nation to remain united to face the enemy, the Congress party and other opposition parties are working overtime and throwing posers about the outcome of the February 26 airstrike. They all are asking the same question in tandem and the people at large are viewing this as an attempt by the opposition to politicise the situation keeping in view the upcoming general election. What is also alarming is that the opposition leaders are even pointing their fingers questioning the “timing of the post-Pulwama offensive (ahead of the Lok Sabha polls). Gloating over the situation prevailing in India are those at the helm of affairs in Pakistan. That country’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, in an interview, has talked of differences among the political parties in India with regard to the numbers of terrorists killed in the airstrike. In a video that’s gone viral, Qureshi is heard saying, "The Congress party is questioning the claim that terror camps have been destroyed and a large number of terrorists have been killed." On the current situation, the nation is also witnessing a war of words on social media between the BJP and opposition leaders. What is particularly capturing headlines are a couple of tweets by senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh. After citing a certain news-report and asking “what is the truth behind the bombing of Balakot”, Singh said in another tweet: After the Air Strike conducted by our Air Force in the wake of the Pulwama attack, doubt is being expressed in a section of foreign media and as a consequence of this, the credibility of the government of India is being questioned. The remarks by opposition leaders are being seen as an attempt by the opposition leaders to dilute the gravity of the Pulwama attack and undermine India’s war against terror. The direct beneficiary of this is Pakistan. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By politicising Balakot airstrike, opposition leaders have given Pakistan a big reason to cheer

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said he was not bothered about threats and abuses against him and asserted that every drop of his blood was for India and he would do what it takes to make India strong.

Citing a Karnataka Congress leader's remark on "killing" him, he said, "Now one Congress leader talks of killing Modi, but I want to tell them I am not bothered about their threats and abuses. I am here to do my work, I am here to do whatever I can do to make India strong and prosperous."

Addressing his first public rally here after the BJP inked a poll pact with the AIADMK, in which PMK is also a constituent, he lashed out at the Opposition, saying they are guided by selfish interests.

"The careless conduct of the opposition on national security is very well known...They are guided by politics and selfish interests. They neither want a strong India nor strong armed forces."

The Prime Minister said the opposition's hatred against him was reaching new levels daily and they have a competition over who abused him the most.

Spotlighting his backward class origins -championing which the Dravidian parties had always steered their narrative in Tamil Nadu- the Prime Minister said, "someone will abuse me, then someone will mock my poverty, then someone will abuse my family and some my lower caste origins."

He said every drop of blood in his veins, "every breath of mine, every second of my time" was for India and its 130 crore people.

Reiterating his "maha milawat," jibe (adulteration alliance) against the opposition, he wanted them to clearly state their plan to take the nation forward.

He said Congress insulted regional leaders and alleged that late Chief Minister, veteran freedom fighter and Congress stalwart K Kamaraj was insulted time and again as he spoke for the people and challenged the dictatorship of "one" family.

Modi alleged that 50 governments were dismissed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi using Article 356.

"If the dynasty did not like a leader, the state government was dismissed. Fifty governments were dismissed by Indira Gandhi."

If there was one party that has abused Article 356 again and again, it was the Congress, he said.

Even the DMK had become a victim, he said and hit out at the Dravidian party, led by M K Stalin, for joining forces with Congress, saying "opportunism has prevailed over values,".

The Prime Minister said the NDA government was deeply concerned about security and the Centre's vision was to make India a hub for defence production.

One of the two defence corridors is located in Tamil Nadu and it would give opportunities to local industries and youngsters, he said.

About 1,900 fishermen belonging to Tamil Nadu have been released from Sri Lanka and even those who faced death sentences have been released through negotiations.

On the personal intervention of the Saudi Crown Prince, Modi said over 850 Indian prisoners will be released.

"If anyone of you is in pain we will work to heal it," he said.

On the development of the tourism and textile sector, the PM said NDA is committed to the development of these sectors.

"Weavers of Kanchipuram are the pride of this land. The Central government is committed to the development of the textile sector. We have released a subsidy of Rs 7.000 crore to the weavers in the country," he said.

Kancheepuram and Tamil Nadu have a huge potential of tourism, he said and added that NDA had done a lot of work in the tourism sector as well.

He said foreign tourist arrivals had increased by a record 42 per cent and foreign exchange earnings by 50 per cent. When tourism posted growth, the overall economy grew and even "a tea seller also earns."

Quoting poet Kalidoss, who hailed Kancheepuram as "Nagareshu Kanchi," the best city, he said an MP -referring to himself- from Kasi (Varanasi) had come to Kanchi.

"Our bond is strong and unbreakable, the culture and people of Tamil Nadu are remarkable," he said and hailed Tamil as a beautiful classical language.

Latching on the memory and legacy of late AIADMK stalwart Jayalalithaa, he said the Centre was making continuous efforts for the development of Tamil Nadu and to make it a developed State, in consonance with the dream of "Amma Jayalalithaa ji."

Acceding to the ruling party's demand, Modi said, "We have decided to rename Chennai Central station after the great MGR."

The Prime Minister also said that "We are also seriously thinking about ensuring that flights to and from Tamil Nadu have inflight announcements in the Tamil language."

In a show of bonhomie, a sceptre was presented to Modi by BJP state unit chief Tamilisai Soundararajan and Chief Minister Palaniswami.

The grand public meeting was organised by the AIADMK in association with its allies and the ruling party's signature colour "green," a favourite of Jayalalithaa, formed the backdrop of the stage&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said he was not bothered about threats and abuses against him and asserted that every drop of his blood was for India and he would do what it takes to make India strong.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said he was not bothered about threats and abuses against him and asserted that every drop of his blood was for India and he would do what it takes to make India strong. Citing a Karnataka Congress leader's remark on "killing" him, he said, "Now one Congress leader talks of killing Modi, but I want to tell them I am not bothered about their threats and abuses. I am here to do my work, I am here to do whatever I can do to make India strong and prosperous." Addressing his first public rally here after the BJP inked a poll pact with the AIADMK, in which PMK is also a constituent, he lashed out at the Opposition, saying they are guided by selfish interests. "The careless conduct of the opposition on national security is very well known...They are guided by politics and selfish interests. They neither want a strong India nor strong armed forces." The Prime Minister said the opposition's hatred against him was reaching new levels daily and they have a competition over who abused him the most. Spotlighting his backward class origins -championing which the Dravidian parties had always steered their narrative in Tamil Nadu- the Prime Minister said, "someone will abuse me, then someone will mock my poverty, then someone will abuse my family and some my lower caste origins." He said every drop of blood in his veins, "every breath of mine, every second of my time" was for India and its 130 crore people. Reiterating his "maha milawat," jibe (adulteration alliance) against the opposition, he wanted them to clearly state their plan to take the nation forward. He said Congress insulted regional leaders and alleged that late Chief Minister, veteran freedom fighter and Congress stalwart K Kamaraj was insulted time and again as he spoke for the people and challenged the dictatorship of "one" family. Modi alleged that 50 governments were dismissed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi using Article 356. "If the dynasty did not like a leader, the state government was dismissed. Fifty governments were dismissed by Indira Gandhi." If there was one party that has abused Article 356 again and again, it was the Congress, he said. Even the DMK had become a victim, he said and hit out at the Dravidian party, led by M K Stalin, for joining forces with Congress, saying "opportunism has prevailed over values,". The Prime Minister said the NDA government was deeply concerned about security and the Centre's vision was to make India a hub for defence production. One of the two defence corridors is located in Tamil Nadu and it would give opportunities to local industries and youngsters, he said. About 1,900 fishermen belonging to Tamil Nadu have been released from Sri Lanka and even those who faced death sentences have been released through negotiations. On the personal intervention of the Saudi Crown Prince, Modi said over 850 Indian prisoners will be released. "If anyone of you is in pain we will work to heal it," he said. On the development of the tourism and textile sector, the PM said NDA is committed to the development of these sectors. "Weavers of Kanchipuram are the pride of this land. The Central government is committed to the development of the textile sector. We have released a subsidy of Rs 7.000 crore to the weavers in the country," he said. Kancheepuram and Tamil Nadu have a huge potential of tourism, he said and added that NDA had done a lot of work in the tourism sector as well. He said foreign tourist arrivals had increased by a record 42 per cent and foreign exchange earnings by 50 per cent. When tourism posted growth, the overall economy grew and even "a tea seller also earns." Quoting poet Kalidoss, who hailed Kancheepuram as "Nagareshu Kanchi," the best city, he said an MP -referring to himself- from Kasi (Varanasi) had come to Kanchi. "Our bond is strong and unbreakable, the culture and people of Tamil Nadu are remarkable," he said and hailed Tamil as a beautiful classical language. Latching on the memory and legacy of late AIADMK stalwart Jayalalithaa, he said the Centre was making continuous efforts for the development of Tamil Nadu and to make it a developed State, in consonance with the dream of "Amma Jayalalithaa ji." Acceding to the ruling party's demand, Modi said, "We have decided to rename Chennai Central station after the great MGR." The Prime Minister also said that "We are also seriously thinking about ensuring that flights to and from Tamil Nadu have inflight announcements in the Tamil language." In a show of bonhomie, a sceptre was presented to Modi by BJP state unit chief Tamilisai Soundararajan and Chief Minister Palaniswami. The grand public meeting was organised by the AIADMK in association with its allies and the ruling party's signature colour "green," a favourite of Jayalalithaa, formed the backdrop of the stage

Not worried about threats, every drop of blood for India: PM Modi

Israeli fingerpints on spice smart bombs, Balakot, Kargil & 71' Indo-Pak war

In a message on the 807th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday the harmonious coexistence of different faiths and communities is the "beauty of our country".

Modi's message was read out by Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi who presented a 'chadar' on behalf of the prime minister at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah.

The 'chadar' was handed over to a delegation comprising heads of both 'anjumans' of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah and the Ajmer Sharif Dargah Committee in New Delhi on Saturday.

Naqvi said PM Modi is working with a commitment towards national security by adopting 'zero tolerance' policy against terrorism, asserting that the country is in safe hands.

Modi said in his message: "Harmonious coexistence of different religions, communities, beliefs and faith in India is the beauty of our country. Various Saints, Pir and Fakirs in our country have given the message of peace, unity and harmony from time to time. They have played a key role in spreading the message of discipline, decency and self- restraint."

He hailed Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti as a symbol of great spiritual traditions of India.

"His service to&nbsp;humanity will inspire generations to come. On the annual Urs of this great Sufi Saint, I express my tributes to him through sending 'chadar' at Dargah Ajmer Sharif," Modi said.

Naqvi said the prime minister believes in the legacy of Sufi saints to protect human values and justice and was working as a "warrior against terrorism".

India's spiritual and Sufi culture is the guarantee of ensuring humanity and peace by defeating and demolishing terrorism and all other forms of violence, he said.

Naqvi read out the message of the prime minister in which he conveyed greetings and best wishes to followers of Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in India and abroad on the occasion of annual Urs.

On the occasion, Naqvi also laid the foundation stone for the Khwaja Gharib Nawaz University at Kayad Vishramsthali, to be established by the Ajmer Dargah Committee. He also inaugurated Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Dispensary (OPD) at Dargah Apartment, Civil Line Ajmer.

Addressing people during the event, Naqvi said India is in safe hands and there will be no compromise with the security of the country and its people.

He said the organisations and people involved in terror activities by using Islam as their "security cover" are the biggest enemies of the religion.

"India is a role model for the entire world for social and communal harmony. We will have to strengthen this fabric of social harmony and unity," he said.&nbsp;

In a message on the 807th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday the harmonious coexistence of different faiths and communities is the "beauty of our country".

In a message on the 807th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday the harmonious coexistence of different faiths and communities is the "beauty of our country". Modi's message was read out by Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi who presented a 'chadar' on behalf of the prime minister at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. The 'chadar' was handed over to a delegation comprising heads of both 'anjumans' of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah and the Ajmer Sharif Dargah Committee in New Delhi on Saturday. Naqvi said PM Modi is working with a commitment towards national security by adopting 'zero tolerance' policy against terrorism, asserting that the country is in safe hands. Modi said in his message: "Harmonious coexistence of different religions, communities, beliefs and faith in India is the beauty of our country. Various Saints, Pir and Fakirs in our country have given the message of peace, unity and harmony from time to time. They have played a key role in spreading the message of discipline, decency and self- restraint." He hailed Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti as a symbol of great spiritual traditions of India. "His service to humanity will inspire generations to come. On the annual Urs of this great Sufi Saint, I express my tributes to him through sending 'chadar' at Dargah Ajmer Sharif," Modi said. Naqvi said the prime minister believes in the legacy of Sufi saints to protect human values and justice and was working as a "warrior against terrorism". India's spiritual and Sufi culture is the guarantee of ensuring humanity and peace by defeating and demolishing terrorism and all other forms of violence, he said. Naqvi read out the message of the prime minister in which he conveyed greetings and best wishes to followers of Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in India and abroad on the occasion of annual Urs. On the occasion, Naqvi also laid the foundation stone for the Khwaja Gharib Nawaz University at Kayad Vishramsthali, to be established by the Ajmer Dargah Committee. He also inaugurated Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Dispensary (OPD) at Dargah Apartment, Civil Line Ajmer. Addressing people during the event, Naqvi said India is in safe hands and there will be no compromise with the security of the country and its people. He said the organisations and people involved in terror activities by using Islam as their "security cover" are the biggest enemies of the religion. "India is a role model for the entire world for social and communal harmony. We will have to strengthen this fabric of social harmony and unity," he said.

Harmonious coexistence of different faiths, communities beauty of India: PM Modi

At what cost the BJP should be stopped is the question which confronts Congress Party today. Should Congress Party sacrifice itself on the altar of secularism to prevent BJP coming to power or should it fight the elections to expand itself both electorally and organisationally?&nbsp;

Ideally, this question should have been settled two years back, but the party continues to vacillate on the issue of alliance and organisation. Congress today stands split between two types of groups. One group wants to stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi at any cost, and hence, wants Congress to sacrifice and accommodate regional parties in form of a broader alliance.&nbsp;

The other group wants to contest the Lok Sabha elections with smaller partners who add strength to the Congress. This group has been resenting party’s tryst with SP-BSP in Uttar Pradesh and with AAP in Delhi. What is surprising is despite resistance from the local leadership, the idea to stich an alliance continues to flow from the top leaders in the Congress. Even in the case of Uttar Pradesh, a big section within the Congress desires to become the part of the umbrella alliance in Uttar Pradesh.

The desire exists understanding fully well that it would damage the reputation and standing of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. With an alliance in place, the question would arise,” Why did you get Priyanka when Congress only wanted to fight on 10 odd seats.”

Where does this fear stems from? Does it stem from the fact that Congress has accepted that it cannot match vote consolidation of the BJP all across India? The answer lies somewhere else. It lies within the culture of Congress post 1970s.

Over a period of time, ideological debate on issues and individuals died in the Congress. This is not to say that great debates are taking place under Modi’s BJP, but RSS makes up for it by pursuing dialogues internally. Lack of this exercise creates an atmosphere which subsequently reduces idealism in the party. Idealism is a glue which kept Left and Right alive during lean times. Congress on the other hand either falls back on charisma of the Gandhi’s or power to stay together. With reduced charisma of Gandhis in national politics, the glue which holds the Congress together today is power hence the pressure from senior leadership to ensure Modi loses at any cost, even at the cost of the Congress Party?

This thinking needs to be seriously reversed for the health of democracy. Congress is the only national party after BJP. It is down but not out. It needs to get into a smart alliance with smaller parties and ensure that narrative remains around jobs and economy. Congress mishandled Pulwama terror attack and BJP stole the thunder right under its nose. Congress needs to reset the narrative which it had after winning three Hindi heartland states. If it fails, Congress will again be reduced to two digits in Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

Congress needs to regain the lost confidence too with the message that it will remain in business for the next 100 years. RSS was banned thrice and faced the stigma of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination but still survived to ensure that it had its government with a simple majority in power in 2014. This tenacity to stay relevant should be a learning curve for Congress.&nbsp;

This tenacity can be reached if Congress recreates a robust ideological culture inside the party which would recreate new ideals for the Congress.&nbsp;

Side by side, it should be ensured that the organisation is not compromised for the sake of keeping Modi out of power. It never worked for the Socialists. There rabid anti-Congress attitude was devoid of ideology and ultimately led to their own demise. Their governments were short lived. Same should not happen to Congress as it cannot afford to become Rishi Dadhichi who gave up his life so that his bones could be used to make an Astra to kill a demon.&nbsp;

In today’s context, Congress as a national party is required as a bulwark against hegemonic BJP. In the interest of democracy, it should focus on its own health rather than following the single point agenda of keeping Modi out.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

At what cost the BJP should be stopped is the question which confronts Congress Party today. Should Congress Party sacrifice itself on the altar of secularism to prevent BJP coming to power or should it fight the elections to expand itself both electorally and organisationally?

At what cost the BJP should be stopped is the question which confronts Congress Party today. Should Congress Party sacrifice itself on the altar of secularism to prevent BJP coming to power or should it fight the elections to expand itself both electorally and organisationally? Ideally, this question should have been settled two years back, but the party continues to vacillate on the issue of alliance and organisation. Congress today stands split between two types of groups. One group wants to stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi at any cost, and hence, wants Congress to sacrifice and accommodate regional parties in form of a broader alliance. The other group wants to contest the Lok Sabha elections with smaller partners who add strength to the Congress. This group has been resenting party’s tryst with SP-BSP in Uttar Pradesh and with AAP in Delhi. What is surprising is despite resistance from the local leadership, the idea to stich an alliance continues to flow from the top leaders in the Congress. Even in the case of Uttar Pradesh, a big section within the Congress desires to become the part of the umbrella alliance in Uttar Pradesh. The desire exists understanding fully well that it would damage the reputation and standing of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. With an alliance in place, the question would arise,” Why did you get Priyanka when Congress only wanted to fight on 10 odd seats.” Where does this fear stems from? Does it stem from the fact that Congress has accepted that it cannot match vote consolidation of the BJP all across India? The answer lies somewhere else. It lies within the culture of Congress post 1970s. Over a period of time, ideological debate on issues and individuals died in the Congress. This is not to say that great debates are taking place under Modi’s BJP, but RSS makes up for it by pursuing dialogues internally. Lack of this exercise creates an atmosphere which subsequently reduces idealism in the party. Idealism is a glue which kept Left and Right alive during lean times. Congress on the other hand either falls back on charisma of the Gandhi’s or power to stay together. With reduced charisma of Gandhis in national politics, the glue which holds the Congress together today is power hence the pressure from senior leadership to ensure Modi loses at any cost, even at the cost of the Congress Party? This thinking needs to be seriously reversed for the health of democracy. Congress is the only national party after BJP. It is down but not out. It needs to get into a smart alliance with smaller parties and ensure that narrative remains around jobs and economy. Congress mishandled Pulwama terror attack and BJP stole the thunder right under its nose. Congress needs to reset the narrative which it had after winning three Hindi heartland states. If it fails, Congress will again be reduced to two digits in Lok Sabha. Congress needs to regain the lost confidence too with the message that it will remain in business for the next 100 years. RSS was banned thrice and faced the stigma of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination but still survived to ensure that it had its government with a simple majority in power in 2014. This tenacity to stay relevant should be a learning curve for Congress. This tenacity can be reached if Congress recreates a robust ideological culture inside the party which would recreate new ideals for the Congress. Side by side, it should be ensured that the organisation is not compromised for the sake of keeping Modi out of power. It never worked for the Socialists. There rabid anti-Congress attitude was devoid of ideology and ultimately led to their own demise. Their governments were short lived. Same should not happen to Congress as it cannot afford to become Rishi Dadhichi who gave up his life so that his bones could be used to make an Astra to kill a demon. In today’s context, Congress as a national party is required as a bulwark against hegemonic BJP. In the interest of democracy, it should focus on its own health rather than following the single point agenda of keeping Modi out. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Should Congress sacrifice itself to keep Narendra Modi out?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi donated Rs 21 lakh from his personal savings to the corpus fund for the welfare of sanitation workers of Kumbh Mela, his office said Wednesday.

The PM had felicitated sanitation workers who ensured cleanliness during the Kumbh recently by washing their feet. He also interacted with the sanitation workers, describing them as "real karma-yogis" whose contributions are being lauded all over.

"This is just the latest in the series of such steps taken by PM Modi," the Prime Minister's Office said in a tweet, sharing several such instances.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Tuesday congratulated ministers, officials and sanitation workers for making the Kumbh Mela -- the world's largest gathering of religious pilgrims -- a successful event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi donated Rs 21 lakh from his personal savings to the corpus fund for the welfare of sanitation workers of Kumbh Mela, his office said Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi donated Rs 21 lakh from his personal savings to the corpus fund for the welfare of sanitation workers of Kumbh Mela, his office said Wednesday. The PM had felicitated sanitation workers who ensured cleanliness during the Kumbh recently by washing their feet. He also interacted with the sanitation workers, describing them as "real karma-yogis" whose contributions are being lauded all over. "This is just the latest in the series of such steps taken by PM Modi," the Prime Minister's Office said in a tweet, sharing several such instances. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Tuesday congratulated ministers, officials and sanitation workers for making the Kumbh Mela -- the world's largest gathering of religious pilgrims -- a successful event.

PM Modi donates Rs 21 lakh to Kumbh Mela sanitation workers: PMO

As the wait for Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman's return to India from captivity in Pakistan came to an end on Friday, good wishes poured in from across the country and world.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres&nbsp;welcomed the Wing Commander&nbsp;and called on the two countries to sustain the "positive momentum" and engage in further constructive dialogue.

"UN chief Guterres welcomes the news of the release of the Indian pilot by Pakistani authorities," his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told news agency PTI.

The IAF Wing Commander returned to India from Pakistan on Friday to a hero's welcome, nearly 60 hours after he was captured following a dogfight when his MiG 21 was shot down.

In a statement French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian said, "I welcome the easing of tensions between India and Pakistan as well as the release of the Indian Air Force pilot detained in Pakistan."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;welcoming<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wing-commander-abhinandan-varthaman-returns-to-india-from-pakistan-200585">&nbsp;Abhinandan</a>'s return to India, said the nation is proud of his exemplary courage.

He also said the country's armed forces are an inspiration for the 130 crore Indians.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Twitter said, "Welcome Home! The entire nation is proud of Wing Commander Abhinandan."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Welcome Home! The entire Nation is proud of Wing Commander Abhinandan.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1101515015599853568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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BJP national president Amit Shah too tweeted, "Dear Wing Commander Abhinandan, entire nation is proud of your courage and valour. India is glad to have you back. May you continue to serve the nation and IAF with unparalleled passion and dedication. Best wishes for your bright future."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Dear Wing Commander Abhinandan, entire nation is proud of your courage and valour. 
 
India is glad to have you back. 
 
May you continue to serve the nation and IAF with unparalleled passion and dedication. Best wishes for your bright future.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1101512822171742209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also appreciated Abhinandan’s valour and grit. She tweeted, "Proud of you Wing Commander #Abhinandan Varthaman. The entire nation appreciates your valour and grit. You held your calm in the face of adversity. You are an inspiration to our youth. Salute. Vande Mataram."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Proud of you Wing Commander <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbhinandanVarthaman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbhinandanVarthaman</a>. The entire nation appreciates your valour and grit. You held your calm in the face of adversity. You are an inspiration to our youth. Salute. Vande Mataram.
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman/status/1101518188649435137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Congress president Rahul Gandhi also expressed his happiness and also said that he is proud of the Air Force officer."Wing Cdr. Abhinandan, your dignity, poise, and bravery made us all proud. Welcome back and much love,"&nbsp;tweeted Gandhi.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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🇮🇳 Wing Cdr. Abhinandan, your dignity, poise and bravery made us all proud. Welcome back and much love. 🇮🇳
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1101513385722683392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

As the wait for Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman's return to India from captivity in Pakistan came to an end on Friday, good wishes poured in from across the country and world.

As the wait for Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman's return to India from captivity in Pakistan came to an end on Friday, good wishes poured in from across the country and world. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the Wing Commander and called on the two countries to sustain the "positive momentum" and engage in further constructive dialogue. "UN chief Guterres welcomes the news of the release of the Indian pilot by Pakistani authorities," his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told news agency PTI. The IAF Wing Commander returned to India from Pakistan on Friday to a hero's welcome, nearly 60 hours after he was captured following a dogfight when his MiG 21 was shot down. In a statement French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian said, "I welcome the easing of tensions between India and Pakistan as well as the release of the Indian Air Force pilot detained in Pakistan." Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcoming Abhinandan's return to India, said the nation is proud of his exemplary courage. He also said the country's armed forces are an inspiration for the 130 crore Indians. Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Twitter said, "Welcome Home! The entire nation is proud of Wing Commander Abhinandan." Welcome Home! The entire Nation is proud of Wing Commander Abhinandan. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 1, 2019 × BJP national president Amit Shah too tweeted, "Dear Wing Commander Abhinandan, entire nation is proud of your courage and valour. India is glad to have you back. May you continue to serve the nation and IAF with unparalleled passion and dedication. Best wishes for your bright future." Dear Wing Commander Abhinandan, entire nation is proud of your courage and valour. India is glad to have you back. May you continue to serve the nation and IAF with unparalleled passion and dedication. Best wishes for your bright future. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 1, 2019 × Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also appreciated Abhinandan’s valour and grit. She tweeted, "Proud of you Wing Commander #Abhinandan Varthaman. The entire nation appreciates your valour and grit. You held your calm in the face of adversity. You are an inspiration to our youth. Salute. Vande Mataram." Proud of you Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman. The entire nation appreciates your valour and grit. You held your calm in the face of adversity. You are an inspiration to our youth. Salute. Vande Mataram. — Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) March 1, 2019 × Congress president Rahul Gandhi also expressed his happiness and also said that he is proud of the Air Force officer."Wing Cdr. Abhinandan, your dignity, poise, and bravery made us all proud. Welcome back and much love," tweeted Gandhi. 🇮🇳 Wing Cdr. Abhinandan, your dignity, poise and bravery made us all proud. Welcome back and much love. 🇮🇳 — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 1, 2019 ×

Welcome wishes pour in for IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman after his return

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Saturday inaugurate the Construction Technology India-2019 Expo-cum-Conference in Delhi.

The conference will identify proven, innovative and globally established technologies for use in the Indian context.

Technology providers, researchers, start-ups, developers, academia, public sector agencies and other domain experts are participating in the two-day event.

The expo-cum-Conference will provide avenues for interaction among stakeholders that can open up new areas for collaboration and will facilitate the conversion of ideas into market-ready products.

Youth are the main beneficiaries of this initiative. Proven technologies which are identified during CTI - 2019 will be further invited to design and build lighthouse projects of nearly one thousand housing units each at six States in the country.

These states are Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Saturday inaugurate the Construction Technology India-2019 Expo-cum-Conference in Delhi. The conference will identify proven, innovative and globally established technologies for use in the Indian context.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Saturday inaugurate the Construction Technology India-2019 Expo-cum-Conference in Delhi. The conference will identify proven, innovative and globally established technologies for use in the Indian context. Technology providers, researchers, start-ups, developers, academia, public sector agencies and other domain experts are participating in the two-day event. The expo-cum-Conference will provide avenues for interaction among stakeholders that can open up new areas for collaboration and will facilitate the conversion of ideas into market-ready products. Youth are the main beneficiaries of this initiative. Proven technologies which are identified during CTI - 2019 will be further invited to design and build lighthouse projects of nearly one thousand housing units each at six States in the country. These states are Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh.

PM Modi to inaugurate Construction Technology India Expo today

The Indian response to the Pulwama terror attacks, when Indian Air Force (IAF) Mirage jets pounded Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camps at Balakot (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province) Pakistan and probably other JeM camps at Muzaffarabad and Chakothi in Pak occupied Kashmir (PoK) causing considerable damage, killing about 300 terrorists including their top Commanders, was carefully calibrated.

The government of Pakistan had made a solemn commitment in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India.&nbsp;Since the government of Pakistan failed to honour its commitment and since there was credible evidence that JeM was attempting further suicide attacks in India, a pre-emptive strike became absolutely necessary. &nbsp;

The camp at Balakot has a long history. Ayesha Jalal in her book ‘The Partisans of Allah’ calls it “the point of entry of Jihad and Islamic warriors” in the Indian subcontinent. In the 1830’s, the British allowed Syed Ahmad Shah of Raebareli to gather forces around Balakot to attack the Sikhs who ruled the area. However, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army killed the Wahabis in 1831 and the Jihad against non-Muslims ended in failure. &nbsp;

The present camp was set up during the time of former Pakistani President Zia-ul-Haq to train Afghan Mujahideen and organisations like Harkat-ul-Ansar and Hizbul Mujahideen, used this camp till the JeM made it an important centre since 2000.

The Balakot camp is particularly important due to the fact that it runs three terror courses. The Daura-e-Aam is a basic course, which all fresh recruits to terrorism undergo. Those who excel and show potential are admitted into the more advanced Daura-e-Khas. Only the elite terrorists who show a high degree of motivation and willingness to die are sent for the Daura-e-Zarar. Here the syllabus includes attacks on convoys, fidayeen attacks and suicide bombing. &nbsp;

The Balakot camp has been run by the Masood Azhar family since 2000 and his brother-in-law Yusuf Azhar was said to be running the camp at present. &nbsp;

Yusuf Azhar is wanted by the CBI as he is one of the seven accused in the IC 814 hijacking case of December 1999. It should be clear that while the tenants in the camps at Balakot, Muzaffarabad and Chakothi keep changing, the owner has remained the same - Pakistan’s ISI. &nbsp;

Although Pakistan had used trained irregulars to attack Jammu and Kashmir in 1948 and again during Operation Gibraltar in 1965, the use of terrorists to further its interests really took off in the late 1980’s after the success of this policy in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

Since Pakistan has been exporting terror for such a long time and this policy has widespread support within the Pakistan establishment, one surgical strike or another air strike is not going to make it give up this long-standing policy of asymmetric warfare. &nbsp;

Given the support for terrorism within the Pakistani public, the military and intelligence agencies, Islamabad most likely would be unwilling to abandon terrorism as a tool of foreign policy and contend with the emergent terrorist threat ravaging Pakistan and its surrounding region. &nbsp;

Pakistan’s security establishment has a visceral hatred of India and according to Christian Fair in her article ‘The Militant Challenge in Pakistan’ published in Asia Policy magazine (January 2011), the international community should abandon optimism that Pakistan can or will change course and should prepare for increasing Islamist violence in the region and beyond. However, by its airstrike, India has put Pakistan on notice, suggesting that she will not take terrorist attacks lying down and will hit back using various means at its command. &nbsp;

By calling it ‘a non-military pre-emptive action’ India has chosen to calibrate its response and not escalate the situation beyond a point. &nbsp;

While India and the world community have been hoping that Pakistan will eschew terror, there is no evidence that Pakistan is changing course, so far. &nbsp;

Hilary Clinton, then US, Secretary of State during her press conference in Islamabad in October 2011 had famously said, “You can’t keep snakes in your backyard and expect them to only bite your neighbours. You know, eventually these snakes are going to turn on whoever has them in the backyard.” &nbsp;

Although Pakistan’s tolerance of jihadi terror has had a devastating effect on its own society, polity and economy, yet the army and the ISI who call the shots in Pakistan are not willing to make a U-turn. India will, therefore, have to stay the course and make the cost of terror in India prohibitive to Pakistan. Already Pakistan is a basket case and going to the IMF, China and Saudi Arabia to bail out its economy. It cannot launch a sustained war given its precarious economic condition. &nbsp;

China has also invested very heavily in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and cannot afford that this investment is jeopardised. Its own economy is heavily weighed down by debt and the trade war with the US is hurting it badly. &nbsp;

India must, therefore, be resolute at this moment and act in a carefully calibrated manner to make Pakistan give up the use of terror against it. This is no time for jingoism and even though it is election season, all politicians should remain circumspect and make responsible statements. It is best to let our defence forces speak through their actions. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-a-carefully-calibrated-move-2725112">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

The Indian response to the Pulwama terror attacks, when Indian Air Force (IAF) Mirage jets pounded Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camps at Balakot (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province) Pakistan and probably other JeM camps at Muzaffarabad and Chakothi in Pak occupied Kashmir (PoK) causing considerable damage, killing about 300 terrorists including their top Commanders, was carefully calibrated.

The Indian response to the Pulwama terror attacks, when Indian Air Force (IAF) Mirage jets pounded Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camps at Balakot (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province) Pakistan and probably other JeM camps at Muzaffarabad and Chakothi in Pak occupied Kashmir (PoK) causing considerable damage, killing about 300 terrorists including their top Commanders, was carefully calibrated. The government of Pakistan had made a solemn commitment in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India. Since the government of Pakistan failed to honour its commitment and since there was credible evidence that JeM was attempting further suicide attacks in India, a pre-emptive strike became absolutely necessary. The camp at Balakot has a long history. Ayesha Jalal in her book ‘The Partisans of Allah’ calls it “the point of entry of Jihad and Islamic warriors” in the Indian subcontinent. In the 1830’s, the British allowed Syed Ahmad Shah of Raebareli to gather forces around Balakot to attack the Sikhs who ruled the area. However, Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s army killed the Wahabis in 1831 and the Jihad against non-Muslims ended in failure. The present camp was set up during the time of former Pakistani President Zia-ul-Haq to train Afghan Mujahideen and organisations like Harkat-ul-Ansar and Hizbul Mujahideen, used this camp till the JeM made it an important centre since 2000. The Balakot camp is particularly important due to the fact that it runs three terror courses. The Daura-e-Aam is a basic course, which all fresh recruits to terrorism undergo. Those who excel and show potential are admitted into the more advanced Daura-e-Khas. Only the elite terrorists who show a high degree of motivation and willingness to die are sent for the Daura-e-Zarar. Here the syllabus includes attacks on convoys, fidayeen attacks and suicide bombing. The Balakot camp has been run by the Masood Azhar family since 2000 and his brother-in-law Yusuf Azhar was said to be running the camp at present. Yusuf Azhar is wanted by the CBI as he is one of the seven accused in the IC 814 hijacking case of December 1999. It should be clear that while the tenants in the camps at Balakot, Muzaffarabad and Chakothi keep changing, the owner has remained the same - Pakistan’s ISI. Although Pakistan had used trained irregulars to attack Jammu and Kashmir in 1948 and again during Operation Gibraltar in 1965, the use of terrorists to further its interests really took off in the late 1980’s after the success of this policy in Afghanistan. Since Pakistan has been exporting terror for such a long time and this policy has widespread support within the Pakistan establishment, one surgical strike or another air strike is not going to make it give up this long-standing policy of asymmetric warfare. Given the support for terrorism within the Pakistani public, the military and intelligence agencies, Islamabad most likely would be unwilling to abandon terrorism as a tool of foreign policy and contend with the emergent terrorist threat ravaging Pakistan and its surrounding region. Pakistan’s security establishment has a visceral hatred of India and according to Christian Fair in her article ‘The Militant Challenge in Pakistan’ published in Asia Policy magazine (January 2011), the international community should abandon optimism that Pakistan can or will change course and should prepare for increasing Islamist violence in the region and beyond. However, by its airstrike, India has put Pakistan on notice, suggesting that she will not take terrorist attacks lying down and will hit back using various means at its command. By calling it ‘a non-military pre-emptive action’ India has chosen to calibrate its response and not escalate the situation beyond a point. While India and the world community have been hoping that Pakistan will eschew terror, there is no evidence that Pakistan is changing course, so far. Hilary Clinton, then US, Secretary of State during her press conference in Islamabad in October 2011 had famously said, “You can’t keep snakes in your backyard and expect them to only bite your neighbours. You know, eventually these snakes are going to turn on whoever has them in the backyard.” Although Pakistan’s tolerance of jihadi terror has had a devastating effect on its own society, polity and economy, yet the army and the ISI who call the shots in Pakistan are not willing to make a U-turn. India will, therefore, have to stay the course and make the cost of terror in India prohibitive to Pakistan. Already Pakistan is a basket case and going to the IMF, China and Saudi Arabia to bail out its economy. It cannot launch a sustained war given its precarious economic condition. China has also invested very heavily in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and cannot afford that this investment is jeopardised. Its own economy is heavily weighed down by debt and the trade war with the US is hurting it badly. India must, therefore, be resolute at this moment and act in a carefully calibrated manner to make Pakistan give up the use of terror against it. This is no time for jingoism and even though it is election season, all politicians should remain circumspect and make responsible statements. It is best to let our defence forces speak through their actions. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Pulwama terror attack: India's response was carefully calibrated

Imran Khan’s offer to return the Indian fighter pilot in their custody has once again triggered a debate about how to deal with a neighbour whose conduct rekindles memories of the strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. And what we do to protect ourselves from an unpredictable neighbour who turns hot and cold in a blink? &nbsp;

There is a poem by Robert Frost that tells us that strong fences make good neighbours. How one wishes that those in charge of our foreign policy had pondered on the wisdom of these words. Now it is too late to mend badly breached fences. India has wasted too much time and effort chasing the mirage of living in peace with a neighbour with whom we don’t share much anymore.

It’s the fatal nostalgia of the pre-partition refugees that has caused most of the havoc. The memories of a childhood spent in a village across the Ravi or any other river in Punjab or carefree student days in Lahore have fueled futile dreams of unhindered passage from one country to another.

These dreams have changed into nightmares more than once because we choose to remain blind to ground reality. It’s not just that Pakistan is a theocratic state and we are secular or they are ruled by the armed forces and we are a democracy.&nbsp;

Ever since the reign of General Zia, the spread of fanatical aggressive version of Wahabi Islam has changed the whole context of our bilateral relations. Two generations have grown up in Pakistan and India who have shared memories only of clashes on the battlefield and cricket pitches. You may argue that that love for Bollywood, shared taste in food continue to act as strong glue between the two people divided in 1947 but we fool no one but ourselves.&nbsp; 
 
When it comes to war and peace it is the coincidence or conflict of national interest that is decisive. It is impossible to overlook that India and Pakistan have followed divergent trajectories for decades. Pakistan had opted long before its break up in 1971 to look West. 
 
It's forged close relationships with Saudi Arabia, Libya and other oil-rich fundamentalist countries that funded its nuclear programme. But more grace from Indians point of view is the alliance it has skillfully reinforced with People's Republic of China. China has stood steadfast with Pakistan since 1962. One may chant ad nauseam that in international relations there are no permanent friend and no eternal enemies but the enduring strategic ties between Pakistan and China seem to refute Palmerston effectively.&nbsp;

The enmity between India and Pakistan has not really abated despite numerous confidence-building measures and countless rounds of talks at various levels. What explains the failure of diplomacy is the basic incompatibility of national interests defined in terms of vested interests of ruling elites.&nbsp; 
 
When we talk of neighbours and friends we should not forget that the power equations are unbalanced by distant friends tilting the balance in favour of proximate neighbours. A former President of Pakistan had titled his autobiography as ‘Friends not Masters’ but the harsh reality is that it is the 'Puppet Master' who has been pulling the strings from behind not so opaque a curtain since the years of Cold War. Pakistan remains an invaluable strategic asset for both the US and China. We should not hasten to rejoice that both have admonished Pakistan after Pulwama.&nbsp;

China has advised both its friends to respect the concept of sovereignty and the POTUS has grandly pronounced that he is confident that good sense will prevail on both sides to deescalate. The majority of members of the Security Council have agreed on a resolution naming Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. In past, China has blocked all such moves to save Pakistan from embarrassment. It may do so again. What are India’s options if this happens?

With the passage of time, Pakistan has succeeded in transforming bilateral disputes with India into trilateral issues. China’s OBOR project passing through POK is just one example, hyphenating Af-Pak has muddied water further. Its sanctions against Iran have tightened the role on which India is walking.&nbsp; 
 
Cancer treatment isn’t based on surgical strikes. Chemotherapy is not done without painful after effects and grave hazards. No one can in his wildest dreams dare utter the word radiation. You can’t nuke the malignancy in this case. Haste can only result in waste. Slow and Steady should be the resolve.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

Imran Khan’s offer to return the Indian fighter pilot in their custody has once again triggered a debate about how to deal with a neighbour whose conduct rekindles memories of the strange case of Dr.

Imran Khan’s offer to return the Indian fighter pilot in their custody has once again triggered a debate about how to deal with a neighbour whose conduct rekindles memories of the strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. And what we do to protect ourselves from an unpredictable neighbour who turns hot and cold in a blink? There is a poem by Robert Frost that tells us that strong fences make good neighbours. How one wishes that those in charge of our foreign policy had pondered on the wisdom of these words. Now it is too late to mend badly breached fences. India has wasted too much time and effort chasing the mirage of living in peace with a neighbour with whom we don’t share much anymore. It’s the fatal nostalgia of the pre-partition refugees that has caused most of the havoc. The memories of a childhood spent in a village across the Ravi or any other river in Punjab or carefree student days in Lahore have fueled futile dreams of unhindered passage from one country to another. These dreams have changed into nightmares more than once because we choose to remain blind to ground reality. It’s not just that Pakistan is a theocratic state and we are secular or they are ruled by the armed forces and we are a democracy. Ever since the reign of General Zia, the spread of fanatical aggressive version of Wahabi Islam has changed the whole context of our bilateral relations. Two generations have grown up in Pakistan and India who have shared memories only of clashes on the battlefield and cricket pitches. You may argue that that love for Bollywood, shared taste in food continue to act as strong glue between the two people divided in 1947 but we fool no one but ourselves. When it comes to war and peace it is the coincidence or conflict of national interest that is decisive. It is impossible to overlook that India and Pakistan have followed divergent trajectories for decades. Pakistan had opted long before its break up in 1971 to look West. It's forged close relationships with Saudi Arabia, Libya and other oil-rich fundamentalist countries that funded its nuclear programme. But more grace from Indians point of view is the alliance it has skillfully reinforced with People's Republic of China. China has stood steadfast with Pakistan since 1962. One may chant ad nauseam that in international relations there are no permanent friend and no eternal enemies but the enduring strategic ties between Pakistan and China seem to refute Palmerston effectively. The enmity between India and Pakistan has not really abated despite numerous confidence-building measures and countless rounds of talks at various levels. What explains the failure of diplomacy is the basic incompatibility of national interests defined in terms of vested interests of ruling elites. When we talk of neighbours and friends we should not forget that the power equations are unbalanced by distant friends tilting the balance in favour of proximate neighbours. A former President of Pakistan had titled his autobiography as ‘Friends not Masters’ but the harsh reality is that it is the 'Puppet Master' who has been pulling the strings from behind not so opaque a curtain since the years of Cold War. Pakistan remains an invaluable strategic asset for both the US and China. We should not hasten to rejoice that both have admonished Pakistan after Pulwama. China has advised both its friends to respect the concept of sovereignty and the POTUS has grandly pronounced that he is confident that good sense will prevail on both sides to deescalate. The majority of members of the Security Council have agreed on a resolution naming Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. In past, China has blocked all such moves to save Pakistan from embarrassment. It may do so again. What are India’s options if this happens? With the passage of time, Pakistan has succeeded in transforming bilateral disputes with India into trilateral issues. China’s OBOR project passing through POK is just one example, hyphenating Af-Pak has muddied water further. Its sanctions against Iran have tightened the role on which India is walking. Cancer treatment isn’t based on surgical strikes. Chemotherapy is not done without painful after effects and grave hazards. No one can in his wildest dreams dare utter the word radiation. You can’t nuke the malignancy in this case. Haste can only result in waste. Slow and Steady should be the resolve. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Pakistan has long been an unpredictable and unreliable neighbour

Three days of India-Pakistan power play

Tensions are on the rise between<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-standoff-us-supports-indias-airstrikes-on-jem-terror-camp-and-other-developments-200164"> India and Pakistan </a>since the pre-dawn airstrikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed launch pads on Tuesday in retaliation to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/maruti-eeco-used-in-pulwama-terror-attack-owner-on-the-run-nia-199691">Pulwama terror attack</a>; though <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tensions-between-india-pakistan-to-reduce-says-us-president-trump-200232">military combat looks unlikely</a> at the moment, it is important to take note of the capabilities of the two nuclear-armed countries.

As both India and Pakistan have significantly strong air forces, here is a look at how Pakistan's air force compares with India's.

In terms of personnel, the Indian air force (IAF) is the fourth largest in the world with over a lakh and 20 thousand soldiers and with nearly 813 combat aircraft, India's air force is significantly stronger.

On paper, the Indian air force is a more advanced and developed force than that of Pakistan.

Pakistan air force (PAF) has over 65 thousand personnel and possesses nearly half the number of combat aircraft that India does.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-proud-of-its-armed-forces-and-stands-by-them-says-modi-200221">India will fight as one and win as one, says PM Modi</a>

India ranks fourth among the countries in terms of combat aircraft with 5 per cent of the total share. Pakistan is ranked at number eight.

In terms of tankers, India is ranked seventh in the world with seven active fleets. Pakistan has seven airborne early warning and control aircraft while India has only four.

But the devil-as always is in the detail.

India has 33 fighter squadrons while Pakistan has 25. A ratio of 1.3 to 1, still better than the Pakistan air force. But down from the 3 to 1 ratio three decades ago.

One, a squadron-to-squadron comparison does not throw much light on-field capabilities.

And two, IAF's serviceability is much better than PAF's which means more IAF aircraft is available for a mission at any given time.

The nature of the fleet is also important for understanding capabilities.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wont-allow-a-kandahar-this-time-pakistan-must-immediately-send-our-pilot-back-says-india-200264">Won't allow a Kandahar this time, Pakistan must immediately send our pilot back, says India</a>

As of 2017, Pakistan air force had 141 F-7 combat jets, 37 F-16a/c jets, 40 JF-17 jets and 69 Mirage 999 ep jets. It also had 90 Mirages 5-EF fighter jets. Besides these,&nbsp;

Pakistan has ordered around 60 j-f-17 jets.

The country also has two falcons 20/200, 4 king air 350, 4 Saab special mission jets and 4 II-78 tankers.

The Indian air force, in comparison, has 117 Jaguar M/S combat aircraft, 262 MiG-21 fighter jets, 79 MiG-27, 66 MiG-29, 44 Mirage 2000 h, 162 Su-30MKI and one Tejas LCA fighter jets.

India has placed orders for nearly 144 T-50 Sukhoi fighter jets and 36 Rafale fighter jets.

India also has one 707, 2 g-100 Astra, 3 Gulfstream III special mission jets and 7 II-78 tankers.

However, size is just one side of the story when it comes to comparing the capabilities of air forces.

It's one thing to have more and superior jets, which India clearly has. But conflicts in the present-day run the risk of turning nuclear.

And both India and Pakistan are nuclear powers.

India has nine types of operational missiles, including the long-range Agni-3 missile.

Agni's range is between 3000-5000 kilometres.

In comparison, Pakistan's missiles are short to medium range missiles which can reach up to 2000 kilometres.

Pakistan has 140-150 nuclear warheads while India has 130-140 such warheads.

India's defence budget is five times that of Pakistan's and with this year's high allocation, India will have more to build its arsenal.

But, the presence of old fighter jets which are retiring soon and the ability to replace them in time have bogged India down while Pakistan air force has modernised its inventory in the meantime.

India though remains a superior power in terms of its air force, but time is running out. Indian air force needs an upgrade. The recent incidents only serve to highlight this aspect.

Pakistan army on Wednesday violated ceasefire for the fourth consecutive day in Kashmir's Rajouri district.

Tensions are on the rise between India and Pakistan since the pre-dawn airstrikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed launch pads on Tuesday in retaliation to Pulwama terror attack; though military combat looks unlikely at the moment, it is important to take note of the capabilities of the two nuclear-armed countries.

Tensions are on the rise between India and Pakistan since the pre-dawn airstrikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed launch pads on Tuesday in retaliation to Pulwama terror attack; though military combat looks unlikely at the moment, it is important to take note of the capabilities of the two nuclear-armed countries. As both India and Pakistan have significantly strong air forces, here is a look at how Pakistan's air force compares with India's. In terms of personnel, the Indian air force (IAF) is the fourth largest in the world with over a lakh and 20 thousand soldiers and with nearly 813 combat aircraft, India's air force is significantly stronger. On paper, the Indian air force is a more advanced and developed force than that of Pakistan. Pakistan air force (PAF) has over 65 thousand personnel and possesses nearly half the number of combat aircraft that India does. Also read: India will fight as one and win as one, says PM Modi India ranks fourth among the countries in terms of combat aircraft with 5 per cent of the total share. Pakistan is ranked at number eight. In terms of tankers, India is ranked seventh in the world with seven active fleets. Pakistan has seven airborne early warning and control aircraft while India has only four. But the devil-as always is in the detail. India has 33 fighter squadrons while Pakistan has 25. A ratio of 1.3 to 1, still better than the Pakistan air force. But down from the 3 to 1 ratio three decades ago. One, a squadron-to-squadron comparison does not throw much light on-field capabilities. And two, IAF's serviceability is much better than PAF's which means more IAF aircraft is available for a mission at any given time. The nature of the fleet is also important for understanding capabilities. Also read: Won't allow a Kandahar this time, Pakistan must immediately send our pilot back, says India As of 2017, Pakistan air force had 141 F-7 combat jets, 37 F-16a/c jets, 40 JF-17 jets and 69 Mirage 999 ep jets. It also had 90 Mirages 5-EF fighter jets. Besides these, Pakistan has ordered around 60 j-f-17 jets. The country also has two falcons 20/200, 4 king air 350, 4 Saab special mission jets and 4 II-78 tankers. The Indian air force, in comparison, has 117 Jaguar M/S combat aircraft, 262 MiG-21 fighter jets, 79 MiG-27, 66 MiG-29, 44 Mirage 2000 h, 162 Su-30MKI and one Tejas LCA fighter jets. India has placed orders for nearly 144 T-50 Sukhoi fighter jets and 36 Rafale fighter jets. India also has one 707, 2 g-100 Astra, 3 Gulfstream III special mission jets and 7 II-78 tankers. However, size is just one side of the story when it comes to comparing the capabilities of air forces. It's one thing to have more and superior jets, which India clearly has. But conflicts in the present-day run the risk of turning nuclear. And both India and Pakistan are nuclear powers. India has nine types of operational missiles, including the long-range Agni-3 missile. Agni's range is between 3000-5000 kilometres. In comparison, Pakistan's missiles are short to medium range missiles which can reach up to 2000 kilometres. Pakistan has 140-150 nuclear warheads while India has 130-140 such warheads. India's defence budget is five times that of Pakistan's and with this year's high allocation, India will have more to build its arsenal. But, the presence of old fighter jets which are retiring soon and the ability to replace them in time have bogged India down while Pakistan air force has modernised its inventory in the meantime. India though remains a superior power in terms of its air force, but time is running out. Indian air force needs an upgrade. The recent incidents only serve to highlight this aspect. Pakistan army on Wednesday violated ceasefire for the fourth consecutive day in Kashmir's Rajouri district.

Indo-Pak standoff: A look at how India's air force compares with Pakistan's

India is proud of its armed forces and stands with its soldiers, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday amid escalating India-Pakistan standoff.

Addressing BJP booth workers, Modi said ''We are grateful to our sons and daughters for protecting our borders and giving the country a safe environment''.

Modi's address comes amid growing tension between India and Pakistan after India launched a pre-emptive strike on terrorist launch pads in&nbsp;Pakistan soil.

India won't stop at any cost, India will stay united, Modi said and urged Indian citizens to be part of the mission to build the nation.

''India will live as one, India will work as one, India will grow as one, India will fight as one and India will win as one,'' he said.

&nbsp;India is full of self-confidence, the youth is full of enthusiasm and the country is expanding its capabilities with new policies and in a new fashion, Modi added.&nbsp;

&nbsp;''From farmers to soldiers, everyone in the country now feels that impossible is possible and that's why every single citizen of the country, in whatever profession he/she is, is contributing more towards nation building,'' Modi said.

&nbsp;India is at a juncture from where we can see a new and magnificent country emerging, he said.&nbsp;

India is proud of its armed forces and stands with its soldiers, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday amid escalating India-Pakistan standoff. Addressing BJP booth workers, Modi said ''We are grateful to our sons and daughters for protecting our borders and giving the country a safe environment''.

India is proud of its armed forces and stands with its soldiers, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday amid escalating India-Pakistan standoff. Addressing BJP booth workers, Modi said ''We are grateful to our sons and daughters for protecting our borders and giving the country a safe environment''. Modi's address comes amid growing tension between India and Pakistan after India launched a pre-emptive strike on terrorist launch pads in Pakistan soil. India won't stop at any cost, India will stay united, Modi said and urged Indian citizens to be part of the mission to build the nation. ''India will live as one, India will work as one, India will grow as one, India will fight as one and India will win as one,'' he said. India is full of self-confidence, the youth is full of enthusiasm and the country is expanding its capabilities with new policies and in a new fashion, Modi added. ''From farmers to soldiers, everyone in the country now feels that impossible is possible and that's why every single citizen of the country, in whatever profession he/she is, is contributing more towards nation building,'' Modi said. India is at a juncture from where we can see a new and magnificent country emerging, he said.

India will fight as one and win as one, says PM Modi

The pre-dawn air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed’s largest terrorist camp in Balakot, 80 km deep into Pakistani territory in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s backyard, has transformed the 71-year-old paradigm around India’s strategy on combating Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.&nbsp;

Crossing the Line of Control (LoC) had been studiously avoided in previous conflicts with Pakistan. Even in the 1999 Kargil war, Indian air strikes had been conducted from India’s side of the LoC. Tuesday morning’s air strikes will have two broad consequences: military and electoral. &nbsp;

Though Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale has termed the strikes “non-military and pre-emptive”, they were non-military only in the sense that they did not target Pakistan’s military installations. However, since terror groups like the JeM, LeT and Hizbul Mujahideen are arms of the Pakistani military, the reported killing of hundreds of Jaish terrorists will send the strongest message the Pakistani army has received in decades.&nbsp;

The cost of terrorism has just gone up manifold. No longer can the Pakistani army’s sponsored, funded and armed terror groups attack Indian targets at will without paying a heavy price. The precise damage done to terror camps in Pakistan will soon emerge with greater clarity. But there is no doubt that the days of Pakistan-based terror groups enjoying relative immunity from strong Indian retaliation are over.&nbsp;

The second consequence is obviously electoral. With less than six weeks to go before the first phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the conclusion is inescapable: this alters the chemistry and mathematics of the election. Much now depends on how Pakistan reacts to the successful Indian strikes. If it downplays their impact, it can avoid escalation of the conflict. India has been quick to brief the envoys of all major powers about the pre-emptive nature of the strikes against a legitimate new terror threat from the Jaish. Pakistan says it will approach the United Nations. That move will go nowhere since four permanent members of the UNSC — the United States, Britain, France and Russia — have firmly backed India.&nbsp;

In the coming days, as attention shifts to electoral campaigning, opposition criticism of the government’s action, currently muted, will emerge. Unity over tackling Pakistan-sponsored terrorism has always been tenuous. It is unlikely to hold for long now.&nbsp;

After the 9/11 terror attack on the United States in 2001, the country rallied behind President George W Bush. Democrats and Republicans spoke in one voice. The retaliatory “shock and awe” US air attack on terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan was supported across the American political and media spectrum.&nbsp;

Unless a nation presents a united front, terrorism will not be defeated. In the US there hasn’t been a single major terror strike on the mainland by Al-Qaeda or the morphed Islamic State (IS) since 2001. &nbsp;In India, after every terror attack by jihadi groups based, trained and funded by Pakistan, recriminations start. Opposition parties feign support but within days visceral politicking begins.&nbsp;

The air strikes come at an unexpected time for the opposition. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had acquired a spring in his step. The introduction of Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra into formal politics had created euphoria among Congress workers, especially in Uttar Pradesh. The Pulwama strike took place four hours before Priyanka was scheduled to address a press conference. Wisely, she cancelled it, speaking for just two minutes to condemn the attack, details of which were just filtering in.&nbsp;

The Congress party leadership now fears that Tuesday’s air strikes have fundamentally altered the arithmetic of the 2019 Lok Sabha election in favour of the BJP. The fear is two-fold. First, that public outrage is so strong that national security has now become a key electoral issue, overshadowing the Congress’ attack on jobs and rural distress.&nbsp;

Second, with less than 45 days to go before the first phase of a multi-phase Lok Sabha poll begins (in 2014, the first of seven phases was held on April 7), the impact of the air strikes on public sentiment will last well into the elections.&nbsp;

There was always an inevitability of the Modi government taking strong military action against terror assets inside Pakistani territory. The United States has unrivalled access to global intelligence inputs. When asked about India’s likely response to the Pulwama terror attack last Friday, President Donald Trump told reporters enigmatically that India was “looking at something very strong”.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meanwhile said little specifically except underlining that it was time for action and the time for talks was over. He added that he had given the armed forces a free hand to act. It is now known that the go-ahead for action against the JeM terror camp was given by the Prime Minister just days after the Pulwama terror attack on the CRPF convoy.&nbsp;

In an interview to a newspaper eight days before the Pulwama terror attack, Rahul had displayed his new combative role with gusto: “Mr Modi’s credibility is gone. Do me a favour, when you go out of here, when you stop at a red light, look at someone who is not really rich, and say ‘chowkidar’, and see if he answers ‘chor hai.’ When I am riding around Delhi, I hear them saying, ‘chowkidar chor hai.”&nbsp;

That is an epithet unlikely to resonate well in public discourse today.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-electoral-impact-of-air-strikes-2724785">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The pre-dawn air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed’s largest terrorist camp in Balakot, 80 km deep into Pakistani territory in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s backyard, has transformed the 71-year-old paradigm around India’s strategy on combating Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

The pre-dawn air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed’s largest terrorist camp in Balakot, 80 km deep into Pakistani territory in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s backyard, has transformed the 71-year-old paradigm around India’s strategy on combating Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Crossing the Line of Control (LoC) had been studiously avoided in previous conflicts with Pakistan. Even in the 1999 Kargil war, Indian air strikes had been conducted from India’s side of the LoC. Tuesday morning’s air strikes will have two broad consequences: military and electoral. Though Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale has termed the strikes “non-military and pre-emptive”, they were non-military only in the sense that they did not target Pakistan’s military installations. However, since terror groups like the JeM, LeT and Hizbul Mujahideen are arms of the Pakistani military, the reported killing of hundreds of Jaish terrorists will send the strongest message the Pakistani army has received in decades. The cost of terrorism has just gone up manifold. No longer can the Pakistani army’s sponsored, funded and armed terror groups attack Indian targets at will without paying a heavy price. The precise damage done to terror camps in Pakistan will soon emerge with greater clarity. But there is no doubt that the days of Pakistan-based terror groups enjoying relative immunity from strong Indian retaliation are over. The second consequence is obviously electoral. With less than six weeks to go before the first phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the conclusion is inescapable: this alters the chemistry and mathematics of the election. Much now depends on how Pakistan reacts to the successful Indian strikes. If it downplays their impact, it can avoid escalation of the conflict. India has been quick to brief the envoys of all major powers about the pre-emptive nature of the strikes against a legitimate new terror threat from the Jaish. Pakistan says it will approach the United Nations. That move will go nowhere since four permanent members of the UNSC — the United States, Britain, France and Russia — have firmly backed India. In the coming days, as attention shifts to electoral campaigning, opposition criticism of the government’s action, currently muted, will emerge. Unity over tackling Pakistan-sponsored terrorism has always been tenuous. It is unlikely to hold for long now. After the 9/11 terror attack on the United States in 2001, the country rallied behind President George W Bush. Democrats and Republicans spoke in one voice. The retaliatory “shock and awe” US air attack on terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan was supported across the American political and media spectrum. Unless a nation presents a united front, terrorism will not be defeated. In the US there hasn’t been a single major terror strike on the mainland by Al-Qaeda or the morphed Islamic State (IS) since 2001. In India, after every terror attack by jihadi groups based, trained and funded by Pakistan, recriminations start. Opposition parties feign support but within days visceral politicking begins. The air strikes come at an unexpected time for the opposition. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had acquired a spring in his step. The introduction of Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra into formal politics had created euphoria among Congress workers, especially in Uttar Pradesh. The Pulwama strike took place four hours before Priyanka was scheduled to address a press conference. Wisely, she cancelled it, speaking for just two minutes to condemn the attack, details of which were just filtering in. The Congress party leadership now fears that Tuesday’s air strikes have fundamentally altered the arithmetic of the 2019 Lok Sabha election in favour of the BJP. The fear is two-fold. First, that public outrage is so strong that national security has now become a key electoral issue, overshadowing the Congress’ attack on jobs and rural distress. Second, with less than 45 days to go before the first phase of a multi-phase Lok Sabha poll begins (in 2014, the first of seven phases was held on April 7), the impact of the air strikes on public sentiment will last well into the elections. There was always an inevitability of the Modi government taking strong military action against terror assets inside Pakistani territory. The United States has unrivalled access to global intelligence inputs. When asked about India’s likely response to the Pulwama terror attack last Friday, President Donald Trump told reporters enigmatically that India was “looking at something very strong”. Prime Minister Narendra Modi meanwhile said little specifically except underlining that it was time for action and the time for talks was over. He added that he had given the armed forces a free hand to act. It is now known that the go-ahead for action against the JeM terror camp was given by the Prime Minister just days after the Pulwama terror attack on the CRPF convoy. In an interview to a newspaper eight days before the Pulwama terror attack, Rahul had displayed his new combative role with gusto: “Mr Modi’s credibility is gone. Do me a favour, when you go out of here, when you stop at a red light, look at someone who is not really rich, and say ‘chowkidar’, and see if he answers ‘chor hai.’ When I am riding around Delhi, I hear them saying, ‘chowkidar chor hai.” That is an epithet unlikely to resonate well in public discourse today. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India-Pakistan tension: Unless nation presents united front, terrorism will not be defeated

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