The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/over-200-kg-of-explosives-was-used-in-pulwamas-terror-attack-197469">deadly attack</a> on a convoy of India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which claimed 40 lives in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, made headlines but there are some unsung heroes - the women soldier of CRPF - who witnessed the blast from close quarters.

Among them is Assistant Sub-Inspector Vrinda Sonkwar. Vrinda, along with 29 other women, was part of bus number three in the 78-vehicle CRPF convoy. She had a miraculous escape because the bus which was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/few-kms-from-pulwama-attack-site-kashmiri-muslims-pandits-give-message-of-communal-harmony-201280">destroyed in the attack</a> went ahead and took their position.

Vrinda breaks down every time she remembers the horrific scene but she has no time to cry. Guarding a post office in Srinagar and armed with an AK-47 rifle, she is frisking women who enter the premises.

"We are here to serve the nation. When the attack took place, we took our positions inside the bus and some were outside as well. Some people who died in the attack were my colleagues, I was very angry at that time," she said.

These daredevil women cops are deployed at several key locations in the volatile Kashmir valley to maintain peace. Many of them are deployed not just to deal with law and order issues, but also to thwart any attempt by Pakistan-backed terrorists to derail peace in the Valley.

Their challenges have only heightened after Pulwama attack.

<img alt="women-soldier-crpf" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="068451ae-1c19-49c2-84ed-3c9ac9d81554" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/women-crpf-soldier-guarding.jpg" />

These soldiers say they want to avenge Pulwama attack, but are duty bound. (WION)

But <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/pulwama-attack-cannot-be-allowed-to-go-unanswered-198875">the attack</a> hasn't lowered their morale; in fact, some of them say their parents and family feel proud of them for working in Kashmir. At CRPF Bemina camp, they are standing in a queue for their routine deployment. Holding their weapons and assault rifles, they move with the loud command of their officer.

"My father wanted to join the army but he couldn't. He feels proud that I am in the CRPF. My father boosted my morale and said keep doing your job," said Pallavi, one of the CRPF personel who is ready to be deployed.

Bishnu Thamai is stationed at Shankaracharya temple in Srinagar, she has to frisk every incoming disciple before letting them inside a sensitive temple located on top of a hillock overlooking the city of Srinagar.

"We are even ready to fight in the war if given orders. We are angry over the martyrdom of our colleagues but we are also duty-bound. We are trained well to deal with any situation," says Thamai, as she looks on.

These women soldiers want to avenge the killing of their colleagues if given an opportunity. But for now, their focus is on keeping the Kashmir valley safe. They are out once again, ready to be deployed at key locations to deal with any situation which may arise. Holding their riot gear and guns, they are ready to tackle any mob.

The deadly attack on a convoy of India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which claimed 40 lives in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, made headlines but there are some unsung heroes - the women soldier of CRPF - who witnessed the blast from close quarters.

The deadly attack on a convoy of India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which claimed 40 lives in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, made headlines but there are some unsung heroes - the women soldier of CRPF - who witnessed the blast from close quarters. Among them is Assistant Sub-Inspector Vrinda Sonkwar. Vrinda, along with 29 other women, was part of bus number three in the 78-vehicle CRPF convoy. She had a miraculous escape because the bus which was destroyed in the attack went ahead and took their position. Vrinda breaks down every time she remembers the horrific scene but she has no time to cry. Guarding a post office in Srinagar and armed with an AK-47 rifle, she is frisking women who enter the premises. "We are here to serve the nation. When the attack took place, we took our positions inside the bus and some were outside as well. Some people who died in the attack were my colleagues, I was very angry at that time," she said. These daredevil women cops are deployed at several key locations in the volatile Kashmir valley to maintain peace. Many of them are deployed not just to deal with law and order issues, but also to thwart any attempt by Pakistan-backed terrorists to derail peace in the Valley. Their challenges have only heightened after Pulwama attack. These soldiers say they want to avenge Pulwama attack, but are duty bound. (WION) But the attack hasn't lowered their morale; in fact, some of them say their parents and family feel proud of them for working in Kashmir. At CRPF Bemina camp, they are standing in a queue for their routine deployment. Holding their weapons and assault rifles, they move with the loud command of their officer. "My father wanted to join the army but he couldn't. He feels proud that I am in the CRPF. My father boosted my morale and said keep doing your job," said Pallavi, one of the CRPF personel who is ready to be deployed. Bishnu Thamai is stationed at Shankaracharya temple in Srinagar, she has to frisk every incoming disciple before letting them inside a sensitive temple located on top of a hillock overlooking the city of Srinagar. "We are even ready to fight in the war if given orders. We are angry over the martyrdom of our colleagues but we are also duty-bound. We are trained well to deal with any situation," says Thamai, as she looks on. These women soldiers want to avenge the killing of their colleagues if given an opportunity. But for now, their focus is on keeping the Kashmir valley safe. They are out once again, ready to be deployed at key locations to deal with any situation which may arise. Holding their riot gear and guns, they are ready to tackle any mob.

Women CRPF soldiers recall Pulwama attack, anger rages

Pakistan on Wednesday again extended the general closure of its airspace for an additional day, making it the seventh day in a row that airspace over the country has been restricted.

The general closure of airspace has been extended till Thursday (March 7), said the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan.

The only airports functional in the country are those of Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Islamabad, Lahore, and Faisalabad, subject to routing restrictions.

The Notice to the Airmen, or NOTAM, was put in place on March 1 on the expiration of a previously issued NOTAM that was in place in the wake of tensions between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan had earlier opened its airspace for commercial flights in phases from March 1, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Tensions have been high between India and Pakistan after around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14, the responsibility of which has been claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

Following this, the Indian Air Force carried out anti-terror strikes at a JeM terror training camp in Pakistan`s Balakot last week, in which a large number of terrorists were killed, according to Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

There is mounting international pressure on Pakistan to cease providing support and a safe haven to terrorists and terror outfits in the wake of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Wednesday again extended the general closure of its airspace for an additional day, making it the seventh day in a row that airspace over the country has been restricted.

Pakistan on Wednesday again extended the general closure of its airspace for an additional day, making it the seventh day in a row that airspace over the country has been restricted. The general closure of airspace has been extended till Thursday (March 7), said the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan. The only airports functional in the country are those of Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Islamabad, Lahore, and Faisalabad, subject to routing restrictions. The Notice to the Airmen, or NOTAM, was put in place on March 1 on the expiration of a previously issued NOTAM that was in place in the wake of tensions between India and Pakistan. Pakistan had earlier opened its airspace for commercial flights in phases from March 1, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Tensions have been high between India and Pakistan after around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14, the responsibility of which has been claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Following this, the Indian Air Force carried out anti-terror strikes at a JeM terror training camp in Pakistan`s Balakot last week, in which a large number of terrorists were killed, according to Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale. There is mounting international pressure on Pakistan to cease providing support and a safe haven to terrorists and terror outfits in the wake of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistani airspace to remain shut: Civil Aviation Authority

China on Wednesday reiterated its support to Pakistan in restabilising regional peace and security.

Geo News reported that Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou, who was on a two-day visit to Islamabad, from March 5-6, called on Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

Xuanyou also held separate talks with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meetings, both Pakistan and China reaffirmed their time-tested and all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, said a statement released by the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.

"Pakistan thanked China for its steadfast support. Vice Foreign Minister was briefed on Pakistan's efforts to resolve all issues with India through dialogue,"&nbsp;the statement added.

"Vice Foreign Minister Kong underscored that Pakistan and China are close friends and partners. He reiterated China's support to Pakistan for peace and stability in the region. He also acknowledged Pakistan`s measures against terrorism,"&nbsp;the Foreign Ministry said.

Both sides noted with satisfaction the strong bonds in their bilateral relations and agreed to further enhance cooperation and coordination at all levels, the statement read.

Spokesperson of Pakistan Armed Forces and Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Asif Ghafoor, took to twitter saying, "HE Mr Kong Xuanyou, Vice Foreign Minister of China called on COAS. Matters of mutual interest, regional security, bilateral cooperation and current situation between Pakistan and India discussed. Visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace and stability."

The meetings come amid reports of escalating tension between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 in Jammu and Kashmir.

The responsibility of the terror attack was claimed by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) group.

After India’s February 26 air strikes on a JeM camp in Pakistan, China had urged New Delhi and Islamabad to "exercise restraint"&nbsp;and avoid further provocations.

China had also stated that tackling terrorism is a global issue which requires active international cooperation and all the countries need to maintain cordial relations in the long-run.

China on Wednesday reiterated its support to Pakistan in restabilising regional peace and security. Geo News reported that Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou, who was on a two-day visit to Islamabad, from March 5-6, called on Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

China on Wednesday reiterated its support to Pakistan in restabilising regional peace and security. Geo News reported that Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou, who was on a two-day visit to Islamabad, from March 5-6, called on Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Xuanyou also held separate talks with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meetings, both Pakistan and China reaffirmed their time-tested and all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, said a statement released by the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday. "Pakistan thanked China for its steadfast support. Vice Foreign Minister was briefed on Pakistan's efforts to resolve all issues with India through dialogue," the statement added. "Vice Foreign Minister Kong underscored that Pakistan and China are close friends and partners. He reiterated China's support to Pakistan for peace and stability in the region. He also acknowledged Pakistan`s measures against terrorism," the Foreign Ministry said. Both sides noted with satisfaction the strong bonds in their bilateral relations and agreed to further enhance cooperation and coordination at all levels, the statement read. Spokesperson of Pakistan Armed Forces and Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Asif Ghafoor, took to twitter saying, "HE Mr Kong Xuanyou, Vice Foreign Minister of China called on COAS. Matters of mutual interest, regional security, bilateral cooperation and current situation between Pakistan and India discussed. Visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace and stability." The meetings come amid reports of escalating tension between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 in Jammu and Kashmir. The responsibility of the terror attack was claimed by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) group. After India’s February 26 air strikes on a JeM camp in Pakistan, China had urged New Delhi and Islamabad to "exercise restraint" and avoid further provocations. China had also stated that tackling terrorism is a global issue which requires active international cooperation and all the countries need to maintain cordial relations in the long-run.

China calls on Pakistan PM Imran Khan, army chief; reiterates support for regional peace

Brave CRPF women of Jammu and Kashmir who witnessed Pulwama attack

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

Sources in the Indian government have said "all options will be available" if the country is hit by another terrorist strike.&nbsp;

The sources told the news agency PTI that India will insist on "concrete steps" by Pakistan to dismantle terrorist infrastructure on its soil and that since Balakot, India has been "trying to build maximum pressure on Pakistan".&nbsp;

India has by now carried out two surgical strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. The first was in September 2016, 11 days after the terrorist attack on the Indian Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri in which 19 soldiers died.&nbsp;

The second was on February 26, when Indian Mirage 2000 jets bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province.&nbsp;

The Balakot air strike had followed the suicide attack on a Central Reserve Police Force convoy in Pulwama, Kashmir. At least 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

Twelve days later, India hit Balakot.&nbsp;

Pakistan responded a day later by dropping bombs in Jammu's Rajouri district. The Indian Army said the bombs had been aimed at military installations but that they missed their targets.&nbsp;

A dogfight ensued after Indian jets were scrambled to chase out the Pakistani planes.

India's Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's&nbsp;MiG-21 was shot down and he spent two nights in Pakistani custody before being released. Before being shot down himself, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was able to shoot down a Pakistani F-16.&nbsp;

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said the Indian airman was returned as a "peace gesture" but tensions continue to run high between the two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours.&nbsp;

On Monday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-shoots-down-pakistani-drone-that-violated-airspace-in-rajasthan-201136">India shot down a Pakistani drone</a>. On Tuesday, Pakistan said it had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-says-it-stopped-indian-submarine-from-entering-its-waters-201282?utm_source=izooto&amp;utm_medium=push_notifications&amp;utm_campaign=Stopped%20Indian%20sub%20Pak&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=">stopped an Indian submarine</a> from entering its waters.&nbsp;

The government sources said Tuesday that India has shared evidence (fragments of an AMRAAM missile) Pakistan used an F-16 in the dogfight Abhinandan was involved in.&nbsp;

"We are confident US is investigating Pakistan using F-16 fighter jet against India," PTI quoted the sources as saying.&nbsp;

Pakistan's use of the F-16 and the missile may violate its end-user agreement with the US since the American-supplied jets and missiles are reportedly supposed to be used only in counter-insurgency operations.&nbsp;

Sources in the Indian government have said "all options will be available" if the country is hit by another terrorist strike. The sources told the news agency PTI that India will insist on "concrete steps" by Pakistan to dismantle terrorist infrastructure on its soil and that since Balakot, India has been "trying to build maximum pressure on Pakistan".

Sources in the Indian government have said "all options will be available" if the country is hit by another terrorist strike. The sources told the news agency PTI that India will insist on "concrete steps" by Pakistan to dismantle terrorist infrastructure on its soil and that since Balakot, India has been "trying to build maximum pressure on Pakistan". India has by now carried out two surgical strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. The first was in September 2016, 11 days after the terrorist attack on the Indian Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri in which 19 soldiers died. The second was on February 26, when Indian Mirage 2000 jets bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. The Balakot air strike had followed the suicide attack on a Central Reserve Police Force convoy in Pulwama, Kashmir. At least 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the Pulwama attack. Twelve days later, India hit Balakot. Pakistan responded a day later by dropping bombs in Jammu's Rajouri district. The Indian Army said the bombs had been aimed at military installations but that they missed their targets. A dogfight ensued after Indian jets were scrambled to chase out the Pakistani planes. India's Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's MiG-21 was shot down and he spent two nights in Pakistani custody before being released. Before being shot down himself, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was able to shoot down a Pakistani F-16. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said the Indian airman was returned as a "peace gesture" but tensions continue to run high between the two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours. On Monday, India shot down a Pakistani drone. On Tuesday, Pakistan said it had stopped an Indian submarine from entering its waters. The government sources said Tuesday that India has shared evidence (fragments of an AMRAAM missile) Pakistan used an F-16 in the dogfight Abhinandan was involved in. "We are confident US is investigating Pakistan using F-16 fighter jet against India," PTI quoted the sources as saying. Pakistan's use of the F-16 and the missile may violate its end-user agreement with the US since the American-supplied jets and missiles are reportedly supposed to be used only in counter-insurgency operations.

All options available if there is another terrorist strike: Official sources

Pakistan Wednesday intensified its ongoing crackdown against the banned organisations and took control of several seminaries and assets belonging to Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa and its wing Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation.

The confiscation of properties of Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) comes after Pakistan formally placed the proscribed organisations in the list of banned organisations on Tuesday.

According to Pakistan's National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) list, which was updated on Tuesday, the JuD and FIF were among 70 organisations proscribed by the Ministry of Interior under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

At least two seminaries and property belonging to proscribed JuD and FIF were taken over by the government in a fresh crackdown launched by the law enforcement agencies under the National Action Plan (NAP) on Tuesday, the Dawn newspaper reported.

Major actions were taken in Chakwal and Attock districts after the additional chief secretary of the Punjab province in a meeting with commissioners and divisional police heads via a video link directed the officials concerned to take over the property, it said.

In a subsequent operation, the seminaries of JuD in Chakwal&nbsp;Madrassa Khalid Bin Waleed in the Talagang area and Madrassa Darus Salam on Chakwal's Railway Road&nbsp;along with their staff were placed at the disposal of the Auqaf Department.

Following the Punjab government's directives, the administrators were appointed at the seminaries to take over their control.

Three properties of JuD and FIF were spotted in Attock district during a fresh survey conducted by a divisional intelligence committee on February 27, the report said.

The management and operational control of the properties were taken over by the district administration of Attock, it said.

They were Madrassa and Masjid Musab Bin Umair in Peoples Colony, Attock. It was an under-construction structure spread over 13-kanal (1.6 acres) area and its monthly expenditures were Rs 60,000.

It was taken over by the chief executive officer of the Attock district education authority.

An ambulance of FIF with a monthly running expenditure of Rs 48,000 was taken over by the district emergency office in Attock.

Besides, Hasanabdal assistant commissioner confiscated a 17-marla (0.10 acre) plot of the organisation on Ahmed Din Khan Road and a car bearing a registration plate of Islamabad with monthly expenditure of Rs 18,000, the report said.

A senior police official of Rawalpindi division told said the government had not given any specific directive regarding the crackdown as actions were also being carried out by other security agencies under the NAP, it said.

Both JuD and FIF were placed on the watch list in January 2017.

The Pakistan government on Monday also put out another order saying it has frozen assets of all UN designated organisations like JuD, FIF.

According to officials, JuD's network includes 300 seminaries and schools, hospitals, a publishing house and ambulance service. The two groups have about 50,000 volunteers and hundreds of other paid workers.

The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It had been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014.

The US Department of the Treasury has designated its chief Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US, since 2012, has offered a USD 10 million rewards for information that brings Saeed to justice.

Saeed was listed under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008. He was released from house arrest in Pakistan in November 2017.

The NACTA has so far declared 70 terrorist organisations as banned and a sizeable number of these organisations are based in Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

Already, the government has arrested at least 44 individuals of various banned groups.

Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar's son and brother were among 44 members of the banned militant outfits taken into "preventive detention",

Pakistan said on Tuesday, amid mounting pressure from the global community on it to rein in the terror groups operating on its soil.

The crackdown came amid tensions with India following a suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14 by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers.

India last week handed over the dossier to Pakistan to take action against the JeM, as pressure mounted on Islamabad to take action against individual and organisation listed by the UN Security Council as terrorists.&nbsp;

Pakistan Wednesday intensified its ongoing crackdown against the banned organisations and took control of several seminaries and assets belonging to Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa and its wing Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation.

Pakistan Wednesday intensified its ongoing crackdown against the banned organisations and took control of several seminaries and assets belonging to Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa and its wing Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation. The confiscation of properties of Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) comes after Pakistan formally placed the proscribed organisations in the list of banned organisations on Tuesday. According to Pakistan's National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) list, which was updated on Tuesday, the JuD and FIF were among 70 organisations proscribed by the Ministry of Interior under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. At least two seminaries and property belonging to proscribed JuD and FIF were taken over by the government in a fresh crackdown launched by the law enforcement agencies under the National Action Plan (NAP) on Tuesday, the Dawn newspaper reported. Major actions were taken in Chakwal and Attock districts after the additional chief secretary of the Punjab province in a meeting with commissioners and divisional police heads via a video link directed the officials concerned to take over the property, it said. In a subsequent operation, the seminaries of JuD in Chakwal Madrassa Khalid Bin Waleed in the Talagang area and Madrassa Darus Salam on Chakwal's Railway Road along with their staff were placed at the disposal of the Auqaf Department. Following the Punjab government's directives, the administrators were appointed at the seminaries to take over their control. Three properties of JuD and FIF were spotted in Attock district during a fresh survey conducted by a divisional intelligence committee on February 27, the report said. The management and operational control of the properties were taken over by the district administration of Attock, it said. They were Madrassa and Masjid Musab Bin Umair in Peoples Colony, Attock. It was an under-construction structure spread over 13-kanal (1.6 acres) area and its monthly expenditures were Rs 60,000. It was taken over by the chief executive officer of the Attock district education authority. An ambulance of FIF with a monthly running expenditure of Rs 48,000 was taken over by the district emergency office in Attock. Besides, Hasanabdal assistant commissioner confiscated a 17-marla (0.10 acre) plot of the organisation on Ahmed Din Khan Road and a car bearing a registration plate of Islamabad with monthly expenditure of Rs 18,000, the report said. A senior police official of Rawalpindi division told said the government had not given any specific directive regarding the crackdown as actions were also being carried out by other security agencies under the NAP, it said. Both JuD and FIF were placed on the watch list in January 2017. The Pakistan government on Monday also put out another order saying it has frozen assets of all UN designated organisations like JuD, FIF. According to officials, JuD's network includes 300 seminaries and schools, hospitals, a publishing house and ambulance service. The two groups have about 50,000 volunteers and hundreds of other paid workers. The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It had been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. The US Department of the Treasury has designated its chief Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US, since 2012, has offered a USD 10 million rewards for information that brings Saeed to justice. Saeed was listed under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008. He was released from house arrest in Pakistan in November 2017. The NACTA has so far declared 70 terrorist organisations as banned and a sizeable number of these organisations are based in Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Already, the government has arrested at least 44 individuals of various banned groups. Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar's son and brother were among 44 members of the banned militant outfits taken into "preventive detention", Pakistan said on Tuesday, amid mounting pressure from the global community on it to rein in the terror groups operating on its soil. The crackdown came amid tensions with India following a suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14 by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers. India last week handed over the dossier to Pakistan to take action against the JeM, as pressure mounted on Islamabad to take action against individual and organisation listed by the UN Security Council as terrorists.

Pakistan confiscates seminaries, assets of Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa, Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation

Actor Ranveer Singh now reacts on the India-Pakistan tension that escalated after Pulwama attack that claimed the lives of at least 40 CRPF personnel. Addressing the audience at a recently held conclave, Ranveer said that the ban on Pakistani artists is fine if the country wants it.&nbsp;

The All Indian Cine Workers Association after the February 14 attack banned the Pakistani artists from working in India.&nbsp;

On this, he said, “Now, I am very cognizant that there is this school of thought that one should not mix art with it, or sport with it. These are different realms.”

“But, at the same time, us as artists, or us as sportsmen, or us as spectators, we are not sacrificing the way some of our compatriots are. If there are people in the forces or their near and dear ones, loved ones, what their sentiments are, how they feel about it should have the highest value and highest importance. I am saying if there is even one mother of a soldier who believes that we should not engage, then we should respect that sentiment. I think what they want should be of utmost importance to us,” he explained.

Ranveer also expressed his frustration at the attacks and said, “Gully Boy had come out on the same day as the Pulwama attack. The response to Gully Boy was staggering and overwhelming. I should have been on top of the world. But I was actually down in the dumps. I was disillusioned. I was frustrated and angry.”

Many other actors from the industry supported this decision after being hurt by the attacks carried out on the Indian Army personnel.&nbsp;

Actor Ranveer Singh now reacts on the India-Pakistan tension that escalated after Pulwama attack that claimed the lives of at least 40 CRPF personnel. Addressing the audience at a recently held conclave, Ranveer said that the ban on Pakistani artists is fine if the country wants it.

Actor Ranveer Singh now reacts on the India-Pakistan tension that escalated after Pulwama attack that claimed the lives of at least 40 CRPF personnel. Addressing the audience at a recently held conclave, Ranveer said that the ban on Pakistani artists is fine if the country wants it. The All Indian Cine Workers Association after the February 14 attack banned the Pakistani artists from working in India. On this, he said, “Now, I am very cognizant that there is this school of thought that one should not mix art with it, or sport with it. These are different realms.” “But, at the same time, us as artists, or us as sportsmen, or us as spectators, we are not sacrificing the way some of our compatriots are. If there are people in the forces or their near and dear ones, loved ones, what their sentiments are, how they feel about it should have the highest value and highest importance. I am saying if there is even one mother of a soldier who believes that we should not engage, then we should respect that sentiment. I think what they want should be of utmost importance to us,” he explained. Ranveer also expressed his frustration at the attacks and said, “Gully Boy had come out on the same day as the Pulwama attack. The response to Gully Boy was staggering and overwhelming. I should have been on top of the world. But I was actually down in the dumps. I was disillusioned. I was frustrated and angry.” Many other actors from the industry supported this decision after being hurt by the attacks carried out on the Indian Army personnel.

Ranveer Singh: If even one soldier's mother believes that we should not engage, then we must respect it

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoygu called his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman to express condolences for the Pulwama terror attack and further strengthened the military cooperation between the two countries.

“Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoygu called Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to express condolences for the Pulwama attack and emphasized on the determination to strengthen Indo-Russian military cooperation,” the Defence Ministry of India tweeted.

Over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel lost their lives after a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the convoy of the security forces in Pulwama in South Kashmir.

Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terror outfit based in Pakistan, claimed the responsibility of orchestrating the attack.

On February 26, India carried out air strike on a JeM training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, following which Jammu and Kashmir saw heightened military activity from February 27 onwards.

Pakistani jets violated the Indian air space and dropped some bombs in Rajouri sector after which one of their fighters was shot down.

Early on February 28, India also claimed it foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter plane.

On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin also telephoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed his condolences on the ghastly terror attack.

He further conveyed solidarity of the people of Russia with the people of India in the fight against terrorism.Both leaders also agreed that the concerned (Pakistan) should stop all support to terrorism.&nbsp;

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoygu called his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman to express condolences for the Pulwama terror attack and further strengthened the military cooperation between the two countries.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoygu called his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman to express condolences for the Pulwama terror attack and further strengthened the military cooperation between the two countries. “Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoygu called Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to express condolences for the Pulwama attack and emphasized on the determination to strengthen Indo-Russian military cooperation,” the Defence Ministry of India tweeted. Over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel lost their lives after a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the convoy of the security forces in Pulwama in South Kashmir. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terror outfit based in Pakistan, claimed the responsibility of orchestrating the attack. On February 26, India carried out air strike on a JeM training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, following which Jammu and Kashmir saw heightened military activity from February 27 onwards. Pakistani jets violated the Indian air space and dropped some bombs in Rajouri sector after which one of their fighters was shot down. Early on February 28, India also claimed it foiled an attempt by Pakistan Air Force to carry out strikes in Jammu and Kashmir by shooting down an F-16 fighter plane. On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin also telephoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed his condolences on the ghastly terror attack. He further conveyed solidarity of the people of Russia with the people of India in the fight against terrorism.Both leaders also agreed that the concerned (Pakistan) should stop all support to terrorism.

Russian defence minister calls up Nirmala Sitharaman, expresses condolence over Pulwama attack

Intelligence agencies were trying to ascertain reports on social media about <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jem-chief-masood-azhar-suspected-to-be-afflicted-with-renal-failure-undergoes-regular-dialysis-200758">the death of Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group chief Masood Azhar in Pakistan,</a>&nbsp;officials said on Sunday.

The officials said they had no information other than that Azhar was undergoing treatment at an army hospital after suffering renal failure.

A resident of Bahawalpur in Pakistan's Punjab province, Azhar formed the Jaish-e-Mohammed in 2000.

The 50-year-old Azhar, who was released by the NDA government in 1999 in exchange of hostages of the hijacked Indian Airlines plane IC-814, has been accused of being the mastermind of the 2001 Parliament attack, suicide attack on Jammu and Kashmir state assembly, attack on Pathankot IAF base and the latest Pulwama terror strike.

The social media was filled with reports that Azhar had died, but there was no confirmation as of now, the officials said.&nbsp;

Jaish terror group's Balakot camp, where training was imparted to recruits to carry out suicide attacks, was targeted by the IAF in an air strike last week, following the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

The government has claimed that it achieved spectacular success by destroying the facility.

In an interview to CNN, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi earlier admitted that the JeM chief is in Pakistan and is "very unwell", but said the government can act against him only if India presents "solid" and "inalienable" evidence that can stand in a court of law.

"He is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is unwell to the extent that he can't leave his house, because he's really unwell," Qureshi said.&nbsp;

Intelligence agencies were trying to ascertain reports on social media about the death of Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group chief Masood Azhar in Pakistan, officials said on Sunday.

Intelligence agencies were trying to ascertain reports on social media about the death of Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group chief Masood Azhar in Pakistan, officials said on Sunday. The officials said they had no information other than that Azhar was undergoing treatment at an army hospital after suffering renal failure. A resident of Bahawalpur in Pakistan's Punjab province, Azhar formed the Jaish-e-Mohammed in 2000. The 50-year-old Azhar, who was released by the NDA government in 1999 in exchange of hostages of the hijacked Indian Airlines plane IC-814, has been accused of being the mastermind of the 2001 Parliament attack, suicide attack on Jammu and Kashmir state assembly, attack on Pathankot IAF base and the latest Pulwama terror strike. The social media was filled with reports that Azhar had died, but there was no confirmation as of now, the officials said. Jaish terror group's Balakot camp, where training was imparted to recruits to carry out suicide attacks, was targeted by the IAF in an air strike last week, following the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The government has claimed that it achieved spectacular success by destroying the facility. In an interview to CNN, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi earlier admitted that the JeM chief is in Pakistan and is "very unwell", but said the government can act against him only if India presents "solid" and "inalienable" evidence that can stand in a court of law. "He is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is unwell to the extent that he can't leave his house, because he's really unwell," Qureshi said.

Is JeM chief Masood Azhar dead? Intelligence agencies verifying reports, say officials

There is an inevitability about the effect of a major trigger in the national security environment such as the Pulwama car bomb attack. It always commences an escalation spiral between India and Pakistan which could go all the way to an all-out war. Only if there is a war on such scale can nuclear red lines come into play.

However, Pakistani leadership has a propensity to play mind games using the nuclear option even at the early period of the escalatory spiral. There are far too many imponderables in the spiral but more importantly, there is also a lack of informed understanding about some of the issues involved here.&nbsp;

Television anchors and even some analysts have been quick to incorrectly surmise that in the past there was a lack of combined political and military will to retaliate against triggers caused willfully by terrorists under the sponsorship of Pakistan’s Deep State.

While not taking away anything from the bold decision of the current Indian government to employ surgical precision air strikes against terrorist facilities after the Pulwama outrage, with all the risk involved in a military action which could have also gone wrong, it is also true that in the past the circumstances were different.

Many lessons were learnt through these years and the same are today being applied at the strategic and operational level with cumulative experience. The present Indian government itself has gained much experience through three incidents between 2016 and 2019.&nbsp;

In 1999 the NDA government responded strongly and decisively to the Kargil intrusion, taking the engagement to its culmination through a combined military-diplomatic campaign. The trigger caused by the 13 Dec 2001 attack on India’s Parliament, the symbol of its democracy, sufficiently irked the government and the people to lead the government to escalate its response many notches higher.

It ordered general mobilisation and deployed the Army at the borders for almost a year awaiting launch. It wasn’t the lack of political will or military reluctance but the unique circumstance of the early presence of the US armed forces in the Af Pak region to fight the Taliban and the Al Qaida that forced the Indian leadership to abjure from military engagement in retribution against the Pakistan support for the terror attack on Parliament.&nbsp;

The 26/11 Mumbai attack caused immense casualties and hit India’s self-esteem too. While the government considered all options for a response right up to the stage of the potential war, there was comparatively much lesser public pressure due to lack of social media and poor internet penetration at that time.

The decibels on India’s electronic visual media were then of a lower order in comparison to today’s cacophony which passes as strategic debate. It was also just after the unsuccessful backroom diplomacy between the two nations in pursuance of the Four Point Formula of Parvez Musharaf; the temperature of the security environment had considerably cooled and the ceasefire was contributing majorly to confidence building. Under the circumstances, it was perhaps a difficult call.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Pathankot attack was the current government’s first major challenge in the strategic sub-conventional domain. While the situation in Kashmir was none too stable, PM Modi’s attempts at transforming the process of relations between India and Pakistan had created positive vibes. In fact, the PM’s visit to Lahore on Christmas 2015 had contributed to the improving trust as much had the NSA’s talks with his Pakistani counterpart.

Thus when Pathankot happened within seven days of the Lahore visit it was more of a shock to the political leadership on both sides. Joint investigation and evidence gathering started early to offset any possibility of the terror act being exploited to trigger an escalatory spiral. The patience, of course, was running thin and something more was expected early enough.

The Uri terror attack on 18 Sept 2016 was against an army formation headquarters on our side of the Line of Control but led to the death of 20 soldiers; sufficient trigger for a response was perceived by decision makers who then started to feel that without sufficiency of counter threats the Deep State would continue to feel emboldened to repeat its strikes.

There is an erroneous perception among many, that the post-Uri surgical strikes were designed to deter Pakistan and the terrorists. In fact, it was only messaging that India was attempting and the risk involved was comparatively low. The messaging was to convey that India had the political will and military capability to strike each time Pakistan chose to up the ante through a terror attack in India.

The 2016 trans-LoC surgical strikes gave the Indian government the necessary experience and confidence but repeating them would always be difficult due to greater Pakistani vigilance and consequent loss of surprise.

Thus what we witnessed after 14 Feb 2019 when the Pulwama outrage occurred were a couple of important things. First, the progressive cumulative experience gained over 20 years and especially the lessons learnt in the last three years greatly helped in analysing and calibrating the national response. The escalatory ladder was climbed some notches higher by opting for air power.&nbsp;

The options hereafter for India are many but careful calibration with the diplomatic domain will enhance the strategic effect of the decisions. This being a hybrid conflict situation strategic leaders cannot ignore the various domains in play, the psychological being one of the more important among those. That has been Pakistan’s forte but it’s good to see some effective steps in this domain on the Indian side too.

We have not seen the end of escalation in the current crisis. Each action, statement or decision to act turns the screw of coercion taking escalation to a higher level. De-escalation can similarly be achieved without losing the strategic advantage gained. The Pakistan decision to release Wg Cdr Abhinandan is a de-escalation move but its effect will need to be examined in the light of Indian strategy and objectives laid out. Sticking to that strategy to achieve the terminal result is the key to this game.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-escalation-spiral-in-stand-off-2725453">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

There is an inevitability about the effect of a major trigger in the national security environment such as the Pulwama car bomb attack. It always commences an escalation spiral between India and Pakistan which could go all the way to an all-out war.

There is an inevitability about the effect of a major trigger in the national security environment such as the Pulwama car bomb attack. It always commences an escalation spiral between India and Pakistan which could go all the way to an all-out war. Only if there is a war on such scale can nuclear red lines come into play. However, Pakistani leadership has a propensity to play mind games using the nuclear option even at the early period of the escalatory spiral. There are far too many imponderables in the spiral but more importantly, there is also a lack of informed understanding about some of the issues involved here. Television anchors and even some analysts have been quick to incorrectly surmise that in the past there was a lack of combined political and military will to retaliate against triggers caused willfully by terrorists under the sponsorship of Pakistan’s Deep State. While not taking away anything from the bold decision of the current Indian government to employ surgical precision air strikes against terrorist facilities after the Pulwama outrage, with all the risk involved in a military action which could have also gone wrong, it is also true that in the past the circumstances were different. Many lessons were learnt through these years and the same are today being applied at the strategic and operational level with cumulative experience. The present Indian government itself has gained much experience through three incidents between 2016 and 2019. In 1999 the NDA government responded strongly and decisively to the Kargil intrusion, taking the engagement to its culmination through a combined military-diplomatic campaign. The trigger caused by the 13 Dec 2001 attack on India’s Parliament, the symbol of its democracy, sufficiently irked the government and the people to lead the government to escalate its response many notches higher. It ordered general mobilisation and deployed the Army at the borders for almost a year awaiting launch. It wasn’t the lack of political will or military reluctance but the unique circumstance of the early presence of the US armed forces in the Af Pak region to fight the Taliban and the Al Qaida that forced the Indian leadership to abjure from military engagement in retribution against the Pakistan support for the terror attack on Parliament. The 26/11 Mumbai attack caused immense casualties and hit India’s self-esteem too. While the government considered all options for a response right up to the stage of the potential war, there was comparatively much lesser public pressure due to lack of social media and poor internet penetration at that time. The decibels on India’s electronic visual media were then of a lower order in comparison to today’s cacophony which passes as strategic debate. It was also just after the unsuccessful backroom diplomacy between the two nations in pursuance of the Four Point Formula of Parvez Musharaf; the temperature of the security environment had considerably cooled and the ceasefire was contributing majorly to confidence building. Under the circumstances, it was perhaps a difficult call. The Pathankot attack was the current government’s first major challenge in the strategic sub-conventional domain. While the situation in Kashmir was none too stable, PM Modi’s attempts at transforming the process of relations between India and Pakistan had created positive vibes. In fact, the PM’s visit to Lahore on Christmas 2015 had contributed to the improving trust as much had the NSA’s talks with his Pakistani counterpart. Thus when Pathankot happened within seven days of the Lahore visit it was more of a shock to the political leadership on both sides. Joint investigation and evidence gathering started early to offset any possibility of the terror act being exploited to trigger an escalatory spiral. The patience, of course, was running thin and something more was expected early enough. The Uri terror attack on 18 Sept 2016 was against an army formation headquarters on our side of the Line of Control but led to the death of 20 soldiers; sufficient trigger for a response was perceived by decision makers who then started to feel that without sufficiency of counter threats the Deep State would continue to feel emboldened to repeat its strikes. There is an erroneous perception among many, that the post-Uri surgical strikes were designed to deter Pakistan and the terrorists. In fact, it was only messaging that India was attempting and the risk involved was comparatively low. The messaging was to convey that India had the political will and military capability to strike each time Pakistan chose to up the ante through a terror attack in India. The 2016 trans-LoC surgical strikes gave the Indian government the necessary experience and confidence but repeating them would always be difficult due to greater Pakistani vigilance and consequent loss of surprise. Thus what we witnessed after 14 Feb 2019 when the Pulwama outrage occurred were a couple of important things. First, the progressive cumulative experience gained over 20 years and especially the lessons learnt in the last three years greatly helped in analysing and calibrating the national response. The escalatory ladder was climbed some notches higher by opting for air power. The options hereafter for India are many but careful calibration with the diplomatic domain will enhance the strategic effect of the decisions. This being a hybrid conflict situation strategic leaders cannot ignore the various domains in play, the psychological being one of the more important among those. That has been Pakistan’s forte but it’s good to see some effective steps in this domain on the Indian side too. We have not seen the end of escalation in the current crisis. Each action, statement or decision to act turns the screw of coercion taking escalation to a higher level. De-escalation can similarly be achieved without losing the strategic advantage gained. The Pakistan decision to release Wg Cdr Abhinandan is a de-escalation move but its effect will need to be examined in the light of Indian strategy and objectives laid out. Sticking to that strategy to achieve the terminal result is the key to this game. (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.)

Pulwama aftermath: Pakistan has a propensity to play mind games

I would, before advancing to the core arguments of this essay, like to state that I, by and through conscious choice, &nbsp;stay away from and avoid writing on India and Pakistan, their adversarial relationship, the nature of their issues and problems, primarily because of the boringly predictable nature of this particular conflict dyad, its ups and downs, gyrations and various crises. But, this time, I will pen down my thoughts because of the extraordinary nature of the crisis that the two arch antagonists got embroiled into.&nbsp;

The convoluted nature of the relationship is well known but over a period of time, it corresponded to the dynamic of a “no war, no peace” one. That is, neither war nor piece obtained between India and Pakistan. This grey zone held till the Pulwama attacks whose aftermath brought both to the brink of war. Even though it is an inexact parallel but the preceding days till now bore a resemblance, in a different permutation, combination and context to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. This particular crisis occurred after a standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union over the deployment of missiles in Cuba and elsewhere during the Cold War. The tense standoff which lasted thirteen days, and brought the world to the brink of nuclear war, was staved off by deft and astute leadership and statecraft. &nbsp;War was averted and the world moved on.&nbsp;

Fifty-seven years have elapsed since the Cuban Missile Crisis but the lessons still hold with great alacrity and poignancy, especially with respect to relations between India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed antagonists who, as the contemporary crisis demonstrates all too eloquently, can bring the South Asian region and, by extension, the world, to war. It does not matter what strategic doctrine governs their nuclear weapons architecture and their use; nor does the fact that there is some disparity in the number of these weapons that each country has, accord relief. If and when there is war between the two, it will be nuclear and it will devastate. This very fact is sobering and should concentrate the minds of powers that be across the fault line and divide.&nbsp;

I will make a bit of a digression here and dwell on the nature of war with a personal anecdote. In the late nineties, when I was twenty-something, after my clumsy and amateur reading of Von Clausewitz, the Prussian theorist of war, I blurted out his dictum that, “War is a continuation of politics by other means” to my inimitable Australian mentor. &nbsp;The sagacious man replied that “all war is bad politics”. While I could not entirely grasp the thrust of what my mentor had said but I understand and realise it all too clearly now.

While the nature of war has changed radically over the years and there is no such thing as “total war” now but its potency and destructive capacity has increased manifold. This accrues from nuclear weapons and their delivery systems, among other things. Yes, there are deterrence paradigms and mechanisms in place whose logic suggests that there are both real and implied red lines that might not be crossed in the event of crises but deterrence, at the end of the day, is a human construct. Being fallible and emotional, the most robust of these paradigms can break down under moments of intense stress and duress, a condition that may have been arrived at in the standoff between India and Pakistan post-Pulwama.

If things reached such a pass, how, the question is was war averted?

The answer might lie in the nature of international politics and relations. Both India and Pakistan state&nbsp;do not operate in a vacuum; they exist in an international system and structure that is somewhat prone to war but looks askance at it. The sequence of events after Pulwama alarmed the international community enough to lean perhaps both on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and not to cross a certain threshold. Both countries through limited probes or call it if you may, sorties, had made their points which they could present to their respective domestic audiences and they could go back to the dressing rooms, so to speak. But, the international community’s cautions or even warnings of restraint are premised on stability, regional and otherwise, than anything else. From a generic and a rather abstract perspective, the international system and structure, kicked in and leant on India and Pakistan because it prizes and values stability. It is not beholden to any human or humanitarian consideration. Being parts and constituents of this system and structure, India and Pakistan had to yield. But, all things considered and given the nature of the relations between the two countries, the international system’s and community’s caution against war and the hiatus engendered by this is a temporary palliative. War can and might break out between the arch adversaries anytime. What then is the real and lasting antidote to it?

&nbsp;The answer here lies in the elevation and primacy of the political and the diplomatic over military options. Counter-intuitively but fortuitously, an opening of sorts has been provided by the capture of an IAF pilot and the offer of his release by Pakistan. This serendipitous offering must be grabbed head on and then capitalised on. It will or can serve two objectives: in the realm of immediacy, it can defuse the current crisis and help deescalate and it can lead to a dynamic where statecraft and sagacious diplomacy become the operative dynamic between India and Pakistan. But, &nbsp;to be long lasting and for durable peace to hold, &nbsp;both countries must understand the causal loops and linkages that actually bring them to crisis points and then firmly untangle and deal with these. They must forget Clausewitz and take heed to the wise words of my Australian mentor!

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

I would, before advancing to the core arguments of this essay, like to state that I, by and through conscious choice, stay away from and avoid writing on India and Pakistan, their adversarial relationship, the nature of their issues and problems, primarily because of the boringly predictable nature of this particular conflict dyad, its ups and downs, gyrations and various crises.

I would, before advancing to the core arguments of this essay, like to state that I, by and through conscious choice, stay away from and avoid writing on India and Pakistan, their adversarial relationship, the nature of their issues and problems, primarily because of the boringly predictable nature of this particular conflict dyad, its ups and downs, gyrations and various crises. But, this time, I will pen down my thoughts because of the extraordinary nature of the crisis that the two arch antagonists got embroiled into. The convoluted nature of the relationship is well known but over a period of time, it corresponded to the dynamic of a “no war, no peace” one. That is, neither war nor piece obtained between India and Pakistan. This grey zone held till the Pulwama attacks whose aftermath brought both to the brink of war. Even though it is an inexact parallel but the preceding days till now bore a resemblance, in a different permutation, combination and context to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. This particular crisis occurred after a standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union over the deployment of missiles in Cuba and elsewhere during the Cold War. The tense standoff which lasted thirteen days, and brought the world to the brink of nuclear war, was staved off by deft and astute leadership and statecraft. War was averted and the world moved on. Fifty-seven years have elapsed since the Cuban Missile Crisis but the lessons still hold with great alacrity and poignancy, especially with respect to relations between India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed antagonists who, as the contemporary crisis demonstrates all too eloquently, can bring the South Asian region and, by extension, the world, to war. It does not matter what strategic doctrine governs their nuclear weapons architecture and their use; nor does the fact that there is some disparity in the number of these weapons that each country has, accord relief. If and when there is war between the two, it will be nuclear and it will devastate. This very fact is sobering and should concentrate the minds of powers that be across the fault line and divide. I will make a bit of a digression here and dwell on the nature of war with a personal anecdote. In the late nineties, when I was twenty-something, after my clumsy and amateur reading of Von Clausewitz, the Prussian theorist of war, I blurted out his dictum that, “War is a continuation of politics by other means” to my inimitable Australian mentor. The sagacious man replied that “all war is bad politics”. While I could not entirely grasp the thrust of what my mentor had said but I understand and realise it all too clearly now. While the nature of war has changed radically over the years and there is no such thing as “total war” now but its potency and destructive capacity has increased manifold. This accrues from nuclear weapons and their delivery systems, among other things. Yes, there are deterrence paradigms and mechanisms in place whose logic suggests that there are both real and implied red lines that might not be crossed in the event of crises but deterrence, at the end of the day, is a human construct. Being fallible and emotional, the most robust of these paradigms can break down under moments of intense stress and duress, a condition that may have been arrived at in the standoff between India and Pakistan post-Pulwama. If things reached such a pass, how, the question is was war averted? The answer might lie in the nature of international politics and relations. Both India and Pakistan state do not operate in a vacuum; they exist in an international system and structure that is somewhat prone to war but looks askance at it. The sequence of events after Pulwama alarmed the international community enough to lean perhaps both on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and not to cross a certain threshold. Both countries through limited probes or call it if you may, sorties, had made their points which they could present to their respective domestic audiences and they could go back to the dressing rooms, so to speak. But, the international community’s cautions or even warnings of restraint are premised on stability, regional and otherwise, than anything else. From a generic and a rather abstract perspective, the international system and structure, kicked in and leant on India and Pakistan because it prizes and values stability. It is not beholden to any human or humanitarian consideration. Being parts and constituents of this system and structure, India and Pakistan had to yield. But, all things considered and given the nature of the relations between the two countries, the international system’s and community’s caution against war and the hiatus engendered by this is a temporary palliative. War can and might break out between the arch adversaries anytime. What then is the real and lasting antidote to it? The answer here lies in the elevation and primacy of the political and the diplomatic over military options. Counter-intuitively but fortuitously, an opening of sorts has been provided by the capture of an IAF pilot and the offer of his release by Pakistan. This serendipitous offering must be grabbed head on and then capitalised on. It will or can serve two objectives: in the realm of immediacy, it can defuse the current crisis and help deescalate and it can lead to a dynamic where statecraft and sagacious diplomacy become the operative dynamic between India and Pakistan. But, to be long lasting and for durable peace to hold, both countries must understand the causal loops and linkages that actually bring them to crisis points and then firmly untangle and deal with these. They must forget Clausewitz and take heed to the wise words of my Australian mentor! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India-Pakistan standoff and the pity of war

A day after admitting Masood Azhar's presence in his country,&nbsp;Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi denied&nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammed's role in the ghastly Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14.

In an interview to BBC, Qureshi said people&nbsp;contacted JeM over its responsibility in the attack with the terror group clarifying they had no responsibility. &nbsp;

Qureshi said&nbsp;"They have not claimed (responsibility)... there is confusion on that... leadership was contacted and they said no". When asked who contacted JeM leadership, the Pak minister said "There are people who are known to them".

Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility for the attack and released a video of suicide bomber&nbsp;Adil Ahmad Dar who had carried out the attack.

India has already given a dossier regarding JeM's involvement in the attack to Pakistan.

When asked about the dossier, Qureshi reacted said "we are studying it".

On Friday, speaking to CNN, Qureshi said JeM chief Masood <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jem-chief-masood-azhar-is-in-pakistan-and-is-very-unwell-pakistan-foreign-minister-shah-mahmood-qureshi-200428">Azhar is in Pakistan but very unwell</a>.&nbsp;

Qureshi told CNN," He is in Pakistan... He is unwell to the extent that he can't leave his house, because he is really unwell".

India is hoping that Azhar is listed as an international terrorist under the United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee. France, UK, US have already proposed his listing. China is the only worry for New Delhi since Beijing has been scuttling India's effort citing lack of consensus.&nbsp;

A day after admitting Masood Azhar's presence in his country, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi denied Jaish-e-Mohammed's role in the ghastly Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14.

A day after admitting Masood Azhar's presence in his country, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi denied Jaish-e-Mohammed's role in the ghastly Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14. In an interview to BBC, Qureshi said people contacted JeM over its responsibility in the attack with the terror group clarifying they had no responsibility. Qureshi said "They have not claimed (responsibility)... there is confusion on that... leadership was contacted and they said no". When asked who contacted JeM leadership, the Pak minister said "There are people who are known to them". Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility for the attack and released a video of suicide bomber Adil Ahmad Dar who had carried out the attack. India has already given a dossier regarding JeM's involvement in the attack to Pakistan. When asked about the dossier, Qureshi reacted said "we are studying it". On Friday, speaking to CNN, Qureshi said JeM chief Masood Azhar is in Pakistan but very unwell. Qureshi told CNN," He is in Pakistan... He is unwell to the extent that he can't leave his house, because he is really unwell". India is hoping that Azhar is listed as an international terrorist under the United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee. France, UK, US have already proposed his listing. China is the only worry for New Delhi since Beijing has been scuttling India's effort citing lack of consensus.

Day after admitting Masood Azhar's presence in country, Pakistan denies JeM role in Pulwama terror attack

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/enhance-security-government-issues-alert-to-at-all-airports-airlines-200723">Enhance security, Indian government issues alert to all airports, airlines</a>

The government on Saturday issued an "alert" for all airports and airlines in the country, asking them to "enhance the existing security measures", as it has received intelligence inputs in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack and subsequent developments.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-india-vs-australia-1st-odi-at-rajiv-gandhi-international-stadium-200657">Live updates | INDvsAUS, 1st ODI: Dhawan out for nought, India are 4/1 after 2 overs</a>

Nathan Coulter-Nile to Dhawan, caught out by Maxwell.&nbsp;

It's no doubt a big wicket for Australia and it might create pressure on the India side.&nbsp;

Skipper Kohli comes to the crease.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-meets-wing-commander-abhinandan-he-is-currently-undergoing-cooling-process-200730">Wing Commander Abhinandan undergoing 'cooling process', is met by Nirmala Sitharaman</a>

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Saturday.&nbsp;

Abhinandan was released from Pakistani custody on Friday night and has since then been kept at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dragon-capsule-successfully-separates-from-rocket-spacex-200705">SpaceX astronaut capsule separates from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dragon-capsule-successfully-separates-from-rocket-spacex-200705">rocket</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dragon-capsule-successfully-separates-from-rocket-spacex-200705">, is en route to International Space Station</a>

NASA and SpaceX celebrated the successful launch Saturday of a new astronaut capsule on a week-long round trip to the International Space Station -- a key step towards resuming manned space flights from US soil after an eight-year break.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/samjhauta-express-services-restored-train-to-run-from-india-on-sunday-railways-200726">Samjhauta Express services restored; train to run from India to Pak to Sunday</a>

The Samjhauta Express will leave for Pakistan from Delhi on Sunday after the two neighbours agreed to operationalise services at their ends, a senior railway official told PTI.

The announcement came a day after Pakistan released Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

Enhance security, Indian government issues alert to all airports, airlines The government on Saturday issued an "alert" for all airports and airlines in the country, asking them to "enhance the existing security measures", as it has received intelligence inputs in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack and subsequent developments.

Enhance security, Indian government issues alert to all airports, airlines The government on Saturday issued an "alert" for all airports and airlines in the country, asking them to "enhance the existing security measures", as it has received intelligence inputs in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack and subsequent developments. Live updates | INDvsAUS, 1st ODI: Dhawan out for nought, India are 4/1 after 2 overs Nathan Coulter-Nile to Dhawan, caught out by Maxwell. It's no doubt a big wicket for Australia and it might create pressure on the India side. Skipper Kohli comes to the crease. Wing Commander Abhinandan undergoing 'cooling process', is met by Nirmala Sitharaman Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Saturday. Abhinandan was released from Pakistani custody on Friday night and has since then been kept at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi. SpaceX astronaut capsule separates from rocket, is en route to International Space Station NASA and SpaceX celebrated the successful launch Saturday of a new astronaut capsule on a week-long round trip to the International Space Station -- a key step towards resuming manned space flights from US soil after an eight-year break. Samjhauta Express services restored; train to run from India to Pak to Sunday The Samjhauta Express will leave for Pakistan from Delhi on Sunday after the two neighbours agreed to operationalise services at their ends, a senior railway official told PTI. The announcement came a day after Pakistan released Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The government on Saturday issued an "alert" for all airports and airlines in the country, asking them to "enhance the existing security measures", as it has received intelligence inputs in the aftermath of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/awantipora-crpf-convoy-hit-by-explosives-laden-vehicle-several-jawans-killed-197418">the Pulwama attack</a> and subsequent developments.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued the alert and marked it to senior police officials of all states, in-charges of security at all airlines and airports, and officers of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

"In view of the intelligence input in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack and subsequent developments, it is imperative to enhance the existing security measures being taken at all the civil aviation installations like airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, helipads, flying schools, aviation training institutes etc. So that no untoward incident takes place," the alert notification read.

The BCAS has asked airlines and airports to take 20 specific enhanced security measures which will be "in operation till further orders".&nbsp;

The security measures include "strict access control to regulate entry into terminal building, airside, all operational area and other aviation facilities".&nbsp;

The BCAS has directed "enhanced screening of passengers, including 100 per cent full pat down search at pre-embarkation security checkpoint", and enhanced random screening of "staff and visitors" at the main gate to the terminal building.

No vehicle should be parked in front of the terminal building and there should be "intensive checking of vehicles entering car parking area", according to the alert notification. ? Another measure is -- strict on ground monitoring of regulatory guidelines for operations of non-conventional aerial platform like microlight aircraft, aero models, paragliders, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), drones, power hang gliders and hot air balloons.&nbsp;

The BCAS has suggested enhanced screening of passengers, staff, and hand baggages and "strengthening of anti-terrorism/anti-sabotage measures and placement of quick response teams" at all airports.&nbsp;

According to the alert notification, "QRT and perimeter patrolling" has to be strengthened too. QRTs are part of the CISF only, which is in-charge of security at various airports across the country. 
"Intensive checking of vehicles/persons at the approach to airport terminals/installations" has also been called for.&nbsp;

Enhanced random check at the entry of terminal building, including utilization of bomb detection and disposal squads and dog squads at the entry point has been suggested.&nbsp;

According to the alert notification, authorities have been asked to "enhance surveillance in and around the aviation installations" and specific monitoring of "flights/helicopters/UAV/&nbsp; 
UAS/drones/gliders/hot air balloons from airports/helipads/airfield around Delhi National Capital region".&nbsp;

Regarding catering, the alert notification said, "Inspection by the chief security officer of the airline concerned from the presetting stage to vehicle check and entry into airside. Airport Security Unit/Aviation Security Group to ensure thorough check of the vehicle through under view mirror, cabin search etc and checking of the driver and attendant and their ID matching of signatures". 
There would be "no issuance of visitor entry passes till further notice", it said and directed strict monitoring of non-scheduled flight operations including air ambulance.&nbsp;

The BCAS also called for "thorough search and anti-sabotage check of the aircraft by the airline concerned and its guarding to ensure no unauthorized access to the aircraft... To ensure that no unauthorized person gains access to aero bridge".&nbsp;

The government on Saturday issued an "alert" for all airports and airlines in the country, asking them to "enhance the existing security measures", as it has received intelligence inputs in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack and subsequent developments.

The government on Saturday issued an "alert" for all airports and airlines in the country, asking them to "enhance the existing security measures", as it has received intelligence inputs in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack and subsequent developments. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) issued the alert and marked it to senior police officials of all states, in-charges of security at all airlines and airports, and officers of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). "In view of the intelligence input in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack and subsequent developments, it is imperative to enhance the existing security measures being taken at all the civil aviation installations like airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, helipads, flying schools, aviation training institutes etc. So that no untoward incident takes place," the alert notification read. The BCAS has asked airlines and airports to take 20 specific enhanced security measures which will be "in operation till further orders". The security measures include "strict access control to regulate entry into terminal building, airside, all operational area and other aviation facilities". The BCAS has directed "enhanced screening of passengers, including 100 per cent full pat down search at pre-embarkation security checkpoint", and enhanced random screening of "staff and visitors" at the main gate to the terminal building. No vehicle should be parked in front of the terminal building and there should be "intensive checking of vehicles entering car parking area", according to the alert notification. ? Another measure is -- strict on ground monitoring of regulatory guidelines for operations of non-conventional aerial platform like microlight aircraft, aero models, paragliders, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), drones, power hang gliders and hot air balloons. The BCAS has suggested enhanced screening of passengers, staff, and hand baggages and "strengthening of anti-terrorism/anti-sabotage measures and placement of quick response teams" at all airports. According to the alert notification, "QRT and perimeter patrolling" has to be strengthened too. QRTs are part of the CISF only, which is in-charge of security at various airports across the country. "Intensive checking of vehicles/persons at the approach to airport terminals/installations" has also been called for. Enhanced random check at the entry of terminal building, including utilization of bomb detection and disposal squads and dog squads at the entry point has been suggested. According to the alert notification, authorities have been asked to "enhance surveillance in and around the aviation installations" and specific monitoring of "flights/helicopters/UAV/ UAS/drones/gliders/hot air balloons from airports/helipads/airfield around Delhi National Capital region". Regarding catering, the alert notification said, "Inspection by the chief security officer of the airline concerned from the presetting stage to vehicle check and entry into airside. Airport Security Unit/Aviation Security Group to ensure thorough check of the vehicle through under view mirror, cabin search etc and checking of the driver and attendant and their ID matching of signatures". There would be "no issuance of visitor entry passes till further notice", it said and directed strict monitoring of non-scheduled flight operations including air ambulance. The BCAS also called for "thorough search and anti-sabotage check of the aircraft by the airline concerned and its guarding to ensure no unauthorized access to the aircraft... To ensure that no unauthorized person gains access to aero bridge".

Enhance security, Indian government issues alert to all airports, airlines

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

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has given Rs 15 lakh to Sundari Devi, wife of Jeet Ram Gurjar of Sundrawali village in Bharatpur, according to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deputy inspector general (DIG) Jagdish Narayan Meena.&nbsp;

Jeet Ram Gurjar was among the 40 CRPF troopers killed in a suicide bombing in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on February 14 this year, that started the cold war between the countries.

Akshay transferred the said money to his trust, Bharat Ke Veer. CRPF informed the Gurjar’s family about the transfer.

Gurjar’s younger brother, Vikram Singh, thanked the actor for the financial help. “We are very poor. Jeet was the only earning member of the family. This help has come at a time when the family needed it the most,” he said.

The brother said that he is at this time preparing for exams and has to look after his parents too. He said,&nbsp;

He said he was preparing for competitive exams and had to look after his parents and added, “We don’t have a house. After Jeet’s death, the family is back to penury.”

Gurjar is survived by his wife and two minor daughters. His parents, Radhey Shyam and Gopa Devi, were also dependent on him.

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has given Rs 15 lakh to Sundari Devi, wife of Jeet Ram Gurjar of Sundrawali village in Bharatpur, according to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deputy inspector general (DIG) Jagdish Narayan Meena.

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has given Rs 15 lakh to Sundari Devi, wife of Jeet Ram Gurjar of Sundrawali village in Bharatpur, according to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deputy inspector general (DIG) Jagdish Narayan Meena. Jeet Ram Gurjar was among the 40 CRPF troopers killed in a suicide bombing in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on February 14 this year, that started the cold war between the countries. Akshay transferred the said money to his trust, Bharat Ke Veer. CRPF informed the Gurjar’s family about the transfer. Gurjar’s younger brother, Vikram Singh, thanked the actor for the financial help. “We are very poor. Jeet was the only earning member of the family. This help has come at a time when the family needed it the most,” he said. The brother said that he is at this time preparing for exams and has to look after his parents too. He said, He said he was preparing for competitive exams and had to look after his parents and added, “We don’t have a house. After Jeet’s death, the family is back to penury.” Gurjar is survived by his wife and two minor daughters. His parents, Radhey Shyam and Gopa Devi, were also dependent on him.

Akshay Kumar donates Rs 15 lakh to family of jawan killed in Pulwama attack

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs will be briefed on the current Indo-Pak relations by the foreign affairs ministry on Friday.

The committee headed by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor will meet in Parliament House this afternoon.&nbsp;

"The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs will receive a briefing from the MEA on the current situation with Pakistan..." Tharoor tweeted earlier.

The briefing will be on the present Indo-Pak relations in the light of the recent strain in the relationship after the Pulwama attack and an air strike by India, officials said.

The committee will also be briefed on the "new regime" in Pakistan led by Prime Minister Imran Khan and its relationship with India in light of the recent developments, they said.&nbsp;

Tensions between the two countries escalated after Indian fighters bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday. It came 12 days after the JeM claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir, killing 40 soldiers.&nbsp;

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs will be briefed on the current Indo-Pak relations by the foreign affairs ministry on Friday. The committee headed by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor will meet in Parliament House this afternoon.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs will be briefed on the current Indo-Pak relations by the foreign affairs ministry on Friday. The committee headed by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor will meet in Parliament House this afternoon. "The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs will receive a briefing from the MEA on the current situation with Pakistan..." Tharoor tweeted earlier. The briefing will be on the present Indo-Pak relations in the light of the recent strain in the relationship after the Pulwama attack and an air strike by India, officials said. The committee will also be briefed on the "new regime" in Pakistan led by Prime Minister Imran Khan and its relationship with India in light of the recent developments, they said. Tensions between the two countries escalated after Indian fighters bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near Balakot deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday. It came 12 days after the JeM claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir, killing 40 soldiers.

MEA to brief Parliamentary panel on Indo-Pak relations today

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

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

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

Pakistan suspends Samjhauta Express train service amid escalating tension

Thousands of travellers were left scrambling on Thursday when Thai Airways International cancelled more than a dozen flights to and from Europe after Pakistan closed its airspace amid rising tensions with India.

Flights to and from London, Munich, Paris, Brussels, Milan, Vienna, Stockholm, Zurich, Copenhagen, Oslo, Frankfurt, and Rome had been scheduled to fly over Pakistani airspace on Thursday, Thai Airways said in a statement.

That left passengers scheduled to leave Thailand's main Suvarnabhumi International Airport searching to find alternative flights early on Thursday. Most of Thai's European flights leave after midnight.

"Last night there were about 5,000 passengers who came to check-in but unable to fly, mostly Thai Airways," Colonel Umnart Chomshai, superintendent of tourism police at Suvarnabhumi Airport, told Reuters.

Another airport official said a help centre had been set up for stranded travellers.

Thai Airways said later on Thursday it would resume flights after gaining permission from China to use its airspace for nearly a dozen flights to Europe set to leave on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.

However, it said all flights to and from Pakistan were cancelled. The airline operates one flight a day to Karachi and Lahore and four flights per week to Islamabad.

Thailand is among the world's most popular tourist destinations, receiving more than 38 million visitors last year.

Pakistan closed its airspace after India and Pakistan both claimed to have shot down the other's fighter jets on Wednesday, with Pakistan capturing an Indian pilot a day after Indian warplanes struck inside Pakistan for the first time since a 1971 war.

World powers have urged restraint between the two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours, who have fought three wars over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.

Many airlines route flights over Pakistan, so the closure of its airspace caused major disruptions on Wednesday.

Several airlines, including Emirates and Qatar Airways, suspended flights to Pakistan and others, such as Singapore Airlines and British Airways, were forced to reroute flights.

On Thursday, Singapore Airlines said all of its Europe-bound flights would now continue as planned, without the need for refuelling stops, and they would reroute to avoid the affected airspace as necessary.

Malaysia Airlines said on its website it was not currently flying over the affected airspace and was avoiding Pakistan and northern Indian airspace for flights to and from Europe until further notice.

Tensions have been running high since at least 40 Indian paramilitary police were killed in a Feb. 14 suicide car bombing claimed by Pakistan-based militants in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Thousands of travellers were left scrambling on Thursday when Thai Airways International cancelled more than a dozen flights to and from Europe after Pakistan closed its airspace amid rising tensions with India.

Thousands of travellers were left scrambling on Thursday when Thai Airways International cancelled more than a dozen flights to and from Europe after Pakistan closed its airspace amid rising tensions with India. Flights to and from London, Munich, Paris, Brussels, Milan, Vienna, Stockholm, Zurich, Copenhagen, Oslo, Frankfurt, and Rome had been scheduled to fly over Pakistani airspace on Thursday, Thai Airways said in a statement. That left passengers scheduled to leave Thailand's main Suvarnabhumi International Airport searching to find alternative flights early on Thursday. Most of Thai's European flights leave after midnight. "Last night there were about 5,000 passengers who came to check-in but unable to fly, mostly Thai Airways," Colonel Umnart Chomshai, superintendent of tourism police at Suvarnabhumi Airport, told Reuters. Another airport official said a help centre had been set up for stranded travellers. Thai Airways said later on Thursday it would resume flights after gaining permission from China to use its airspace for nearly a dozen flights to Europe set to leave on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. However, it said all flights to and from Pakistan were cancelled. The airline operates one flight a day to Karachi and Lahore and four flights per week to Islamabad. Thailand is among the world's most popular tourist destinations, receiving more than 38 million visitors last year. Pakistan closed its airspace after India and Pakistan both claimed to have shot down the other's fighter jets on Wednesday, with Pakistan capturing an Indian pilot a day after Indian warplanes struck inside Pakistan for the first time since a 1971 war. World powers have urged restraint between the two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours, who have fought three wars over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir. Many airlines route flights over Pakistan, so the closure of its airspace caused major disruptions on Wednesday. Several airlines, including Emirates and Qatar Airways, suspended flights to Pakistan and others, such as Singapore Airlines and British Airways, were forced to reroute flights. On Thursday, Singapore Airlines said all of its Europe-bound flights would now continue as planned, without the need for refuelling stops, and they would reroute to avoid the affected airspace as necessary. Malaysia Airlines said on its website it was not currently flying over the affected airspace and was avoiding Pakistan and northern Indian airspace for flights to and from Europe until further notice. Tensions have been running high since at least 40 Indian paramilitary police were killed in a Feb. 14 suicide car bombing claimed by Pakistan-based militants in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Thousands scramble as Thai Airways cancels flights over Pakistan

For India to arise, for Bharat to be resurgent, Kashmir must be reintegrated into India. It is a question of national security, national identity and throwing off outside interference. Otherwise, India's war of independence will continue at a proxy level with Pakistan and the numerous terrorist organisations allied with it.

India's national sentiment about Kashmir has shifted radically since the February 14 Pulwama terror attack, in which a Pakistan-supported Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber took the lives of more than forty of India's paramilitary forces. India's change of mindset over Kashmir is irreversible and the old appeasement policy is no longer acceptable. A new national vision has arisen that wants a permanent solution to the problem.

The airstrike on terrorist bases in Balakot, Pakistan, on February 26 is a clear manifestation of this new policy and will be followed with similar strong actions as required. It marks the new and determined response of the Narendra Modi government. Pakistan does not listen to the language of diplomacy, which only becomes a cover for its subversive actions. India understands this well and the global community is coming to recognise it too. 
&nbsp; 
There is no going back to the old attitudes that have prevailed since 1947. No more tolerance for terror. No more protection for separatists. Full integration of Kashmir into India. This is the only solution and long term befitting reply to Pakistan's continual terrorist attacks on India.

The outpouring of emotion and outrage after Pulwama has been exceptional and has reached all parts of the country. This is particularly notable given the comparable lack of outrage when the entire Kashmiri Pandit population was driven out by militants in 1990, along with a massive loss of life and property - a veritable genocide of a religious community. This emotion continues after the Balakot retaliatory strikes and is likely to be sustained until Pakistan stops its aggression.

What has caused this radical shift in attitude? It begins with the greater sense of identity and nationalism that we find today in the Modi era, in which it is no longer wrong to be patriotic and proud of India as a nation and a great civilization. It reflects the new aspirational ethos for which being Indian or even being Hindu is no longer something to make excuses about.

It is a complete loss of patience as the Kashmir issue remains problematic after seventy years that have failed to bring peace, despite extensive dialogue, compromise, and the extension of special benefits for Kashmir.

Most importantly, it is not just an issue of local separatists but of global terrorism, with ISIS coming into India. The tactics and sophisticated explosives used in the Pulwama attack indicate training and support by both the Pakistan Army and groups connected to ISIS. If not dealt with firmly, these radical forces can threaten India as a whole, and affect other countries as well.

The response 
 
Removing security from and arresting separatists, stringent economic sanctions against Pakistan and diverting river waters from flowing into Pakistan are important initial steps. The Balakot airstrike and continued retaliatory measures are the second and more significant phase that demonstrates India's new resolve.

All Indians should be allowed to move, conduct business and own property in Kashmir - just as Kashmiris are allowed to do so in the whole of India, as they possess many properties and businesses throughout the country. The special status and autonomy afforded to Kashmir should be revoked and the concerns of Jammu and Ladakh be given their place, not just those of the Valley.

Military retaliation is certainly justified. It is no longer a question merely of Kashmir or India, but of global terrorism centered in Pakistan. The new Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, appears as impotent as previous Prime Ministers to control Pakistan's military domination and support for terrorism. In fact, he came to power with the help of the same jihadi groups behind the Pulwama attack, with Jaish-e-Mohammed supporting his campaign in Punjab.

The roots of terrorism in Pakistan must be addressed, not simply the branches that extend into Kashmir. While it is necessary to engage the international community with diplomatic sanctions on Pakistan, India must act according to its own interests extending to military responses. The world does not honour a weak country, particularly in the face of terrorism. We must compare how the United States, China or Russia firmly deal with terrorism with the softness that India has followed until Narendra Modi's new policy today.&nbsp;

This stronger Indian response is better for Kashmiris, whom Pakistan will never bring peace to. Full integration with India will result in greater prosperity for Kashmir and restore cultural harmony. Show us one province in Pakistan where there is harmony, even among Muslim sects and where any minorities are treated fairly?&nbsp;

While dangers exist in a more aggressive policy relative to Pakistan, there are more significant dangers in continuing the same policies that have resulted in the current situation. The Narendra Modi government knows this and is carefully planning action on all levels, including military, to comprehensively address Pakistan's ongoing proxy war with India through Kashmir. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The Zee News. Read the <a href="https://zeenews.india.com/blogs/why-indias-new-assertive-kashmir-policy-is-essential-2183995.html">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

For India to arise, for Bharat to be resurgent, Kashmir must be reintegrated into India. It is a question of national security, national identity and throwing off outside interference.

For India to arise, for Bharat to be resurgent, Kashmir must be reintegrated into India. It is a question of national security, national identity and throwing off outside interference. Otherwise, India's war of independence will continue at a proxy level with Pakistan and the numerous terrorist organisations allied with it. India's national sentiment about Kashmir has shifted radically since the February 14 Pulwama terror attack, in which a Pakistan-supported Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber took the lives of more than forty of India's paramilitary forces. India's change of mindset over Kashmir is irreversible and the old appeasement policy is no longer acceptable. A new national vision has arisen that wants a permanent solution to the problem. The airstrike on terrorist bases in Balakot, Pakistan, on February 26 is a clear manifestation of this new policy and will be followed with similar strong actions as required. It marks the new and determined response of the Narendra Modi government. Pakistan does not listen to the language of diplomacy, which only becomes a cover for its subversive actions. India understands this well and the global community is coming to recognise it too. There is no going back to the old attitudes that have prevailed since 1947. No more tolerance for terror. No more protection for separatists. Full integration of Kashmir into India. This is the only solution and long term befitting reply to Pakistan's continual terrorist attacks on India. The outpouring of emotion and outrage after Pulwama has been exceptional and has reached all parts of the country. This is particularly notable given the comparable lack of outrage when the entire Kashmiri Pandit population was driven out by militants in 1990, along with a massive loss of life and property - a veritable genocide of a religious community. This emotion continues after the Balakot retaliatory strikes and is likely to be sustained until Pakistan stops its aggression. What has caused this radical shift in attitude? It begins with the greater sense of identity and nationalism that we find today in the Modi era, in which it is no longer wrong to be patriotic and proud of India as a nation and a great civilization. It reflects the new aspirational ethos for which being Indian or even being Hindu is no longer something to make excuses about. It is a complete loss of patience as the Kashmir issue remains problematic after seventy years that have failed to bring peace, despite extensive dialogue, compromise, and the extension of special benefits for Kashmir. Most importantly, it is not just an issue of local separatists but of global terrorism, with ISIS coming into India. The tactics and sophisticated explosives used in the Pulwama attack indicate training and support by both the Pakistan Army and groups connected to ISIS. If not dealt with firmly, these radical forces can threaten India as a whole, and affect other countries as well. The response Removing security from and arresting separatists, stringent economic sanctions against Pakistan and diverting river waters from flowing into Pakistan are important initial steps. The Balakot airstrike and continued retaliatory measures are the second and more significant phase that demonstrates India's new resolve. All Indians should be allowed to move, conduct business and own property in Kashmir - just as Kashmiris are allowed to do so in the whole of India, as they possess many properties and businesses throughout the country. The special status and autonomy afforded to Kashmir should be revoked and the concerns of Jammu and Ladakh be given their place, not just those of the Valley. Military retaliation is certainly justified. It is no longer a question merely of Kashmir or India, but of global terrorism centered in Pakistan. The new Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, appears as impotent as previous Prime Ministers to control Pakistan's military domination and support for terrorism. In fact, he came to power with the help of the same jihadi groups behind the Pulwama attack, with Jaish-e-Mohammed supporting his campaign in Punjab. The roots of terrorism in Pakistan must be addressed, not simply the branches that extend into Kashmir. While it is necessary to engage the international community with diplomatic sanctions on Pakistan, India must act according to its own interests extending to military responses. The world does not honour a weak country, particularly in the face of terrorism. We must compare how the United States, China or Russia firmly deal with terrorism with the softness that India has followed until Narendra Modi's new policy today. This stronger Indian response is better for Kashmiris, whom Pakistan will never bring peace to. Full integration with India will result in greater prosperity for Kashmir and restore cultural harmony. Show us one province in Pakistan where there is harmony, even among Muslim sects and where any minorities are treated fairly? While dangers exist in a more aggressive policy relative to Pakistan, there are more significant dangers in continuing the same policies that have resulted in the current situation. The Narendra Modi government knows this and is carefully planning action on all levels, including military, to comprehensively address Pakistan's ongoing proxy war with India through Kashmir. (This article was originally published on The Zee News. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Why India's new assertive Kashmir policy is essential

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

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

WION at Ground Zero of IAF air strike, reports from Balakot

India has avenged the martyrdom of CRPF personnel in the Pulwama attack with its decisive and highly successful intelligence-led operation.

In a pre-dawn air strike, Indian Air Force Mirage 2000 jets flew inside the Pak territory and bombed the biggest training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Balakot in Pakistan.

According to Vijay Gokhale, India’s Foreign Secretary, in the precise air strike that destroyed the terrorist training camp, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and jihadis who were being trained for fidayeen action were eliminated. This facility at Balakot was headed by Maulana Yousuf Azhar (alias Ustad Ghouri), the brother-in-law of JeM chief and India’s most wanted terrorist in Pakistan, Masood Azhar.

On February 14, CRPF personnel were martyred when a terrorist smashed a car-borne IED vehicle into a CRPF convoy on the Srinagar-Jammu highway in Pulwama district. JeM was quick to take responsibility for this attack.

In a major encounter the next day, security forces in Kashmir zeroed in and eliminated three terrorists, including the mastermind of this attack. In the gun battle that ensued, four army personnel were martyred.

Opposition leaders had started talking of the “timing” and were even accusing the Narendra Modi government and the ruling BJP of politicising the Pulwama attack ahead of the parliamentary election. The West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had taken the lead by launching a tirade against Modi on this count.

The scenario after Tuesday’s air strike has changed diametrically and leaders, who were briefed by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at an all-party meet about the blasting of JeM terror infrastructure in Pakistan, have congratulated the IAF. The main opposition Congress party has also said that it will support security forces in their effort to finish terrorism being exported from across the border.&nbsp;

Without directly mentioning the air strike and the bombing of the JeM terror camps in Pakistan, Prime Minister Modi, while addressing a BJP rally at Churu in Rajasthan on Tuesday said it is a day to celebrate. He was cheered and applauded by the people when he was emphatic in assuring the citizens that the country is in safe hands.

While giving Pakistan every chance to act against terror, Prime Minister Modi has continued to handle the problem with an iron fist. Two-and-half years ago, on 18 September 2016, four heavily armed Pakistani Islamic terrorists had attacked the Uri Army camp killing 19 soldiers. Within days of this attack, India had conducted surgical strikes and demolished a number of terrorist launch pads in Pak Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Coinciding with the punitive action by India after the Uri incident, Prime Minister Modi, while addressing the BJP National Council at Kozhikode in Kerala, had cautioned the people of Pakistan against their leaders saying they were reading the text prepared by those running terrorist outfits. While accepting the challenge of war, Modi had also underscored his priority stating that he would instead like the two countries to wage a war against poverty and illiteracy.

During the 33rd Session of the Human Rights Council in the second fortnight of September 2016, India had focussed global attention on Pakistan and its role in spreading terror by stating that the fundamental reason for disturbances in Kashmir is cross-border terrorism promoted by Pakistan.

Over the years, Indian soldiers were laying down their life and casualties have continued to mount in Jammu and Kashmir. Besides the Pak sponsored terror or the low-intensity war waged by Pakistan, the Kashmir valley also has been reeling under the impact of violence perpetuated by the large-scale radicalisation of the Kashmiri youth. The pattern is clear, while the terrorists operating from bases in Pakistan have been infiltrating into Jammu and Kashmir to strike targets in the trouble-torn state, the separatists have been working in tandem with their ISI handlers in Pakistan to radicalise the local youth being used to attack the security forces.

As there was a spurt in violent incidents and efforts had failed to ensure steps by Mehbooba Mufti, as chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, to stop the radicalisation of Kashmiri youth, Governor's rule was imposed in the trouble-torn state in June 2018 following the withdrawal of support to the then Mehbooba Mufti-led coalition government by the BJP.

JeM chief, Masood Azhar’s involvement in the 2001 Parliament attack, 2016 Pathankot attack, 2008 Mumbai attack and now the Pulwama attack has been established by the Indian authorities with evidence handed over to Pakistan to act appropriately in the war against terror. Masood Azhar was released by India in exchange for passengers of Indian Airlines flight 814 hijacked in December 1999.

Between 2004 and 2014, under the Congress-led UPA I and UPA II, the situation in Kashmir were allowed to drift and the proposals to strike targets inside Pakistan were swept under the carpet. The Modi-led NDA government’s decision to give a free hand to the defence forces and take direct action to demolish the terror infrastructure in Pakistan has led to an upsurge of support for Narendra Modi across India. Major countries are also on the same page with Modi when it comes to fighting terror.

India’s stand vis-a-vis war against terror has been underscored precisely by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at Beijing. In her opening remarks at the Foreign Ministers Meeting of Russia-India-China (RIC), she emphasised that Pakistan is a terror haven and went on to point out that the air strike in Pakistan was aimed against the JeM infrastructure and not against military installations. 
 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India has avenged the martyrdom of CRPF personnel in the Pulwama attack with its decisive and highly successful intelligence-led operation. In a pre-dawn air strike, Indian Air Force Mirage 2000 jets flew inside the Pak territory and bombed the biggest training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Balakot in Pakistan.

India has avenged the martyrdom of CRPF personnel in the Pulwama attack with its decisive and highly successful intelligence-led operation. In a pre-dawn air strike, Indian Air Force Mirage 2000 jets flew inside the Pak territory and bombed the biggest training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Balakot in Pakistan. According to Vijay Gokhale, India’s Foreign Secretary, in the precise air strike that destroyed the terrorist training camp, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and jihadis who were being trained for fidayeen action were eliminated. This facility at Balakot was headed by Maulana Yousuf Azhar (alias Ustad Ghouri), the brother-in-law of JeM chief and India’s most wanted terrorist in Pakistan, Masood Azhar. On February 14, CRPF personnel were martyred when a terrorist smashed a car-borne IED vehicle into a CRPF convoy on the Srinagar-Jammu highway in Pulwama district. JeM was quick to take responsibility for this attack. In a major encounter the next day, security forces in Kashmir zeroed in and eliminated three terrorists, including the mastermind of this attack. In the gun battle that ensued, four army personnel were martyred. Opposition leaders had started talking of the “timing” and were even accusing the Narendra Modi government and the ruling BJP of politicising the Pulwama attack ahead of the parliamentary election. The West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had taken the lead by launching a tirade against Modi on this count. The scenario after Tuesday’s air strike has changed diametrically and leaders, who were briefed by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at an all-party meet about the blasting of JeM terror infrastructure in Pakistan, have congratulated the IAF. The main opposition Congress party has also said that it will support security forces in their effort to finish terrorism being exported from across the border. Without directly mentioning the air strike and the bombing of the JeM terror camps in Pakistan, Prime Minister Modi, while addressing a BJP rally at Churu in Rajasthan on Tuesday said it is a day to celebrate. He was cheered and applauded by the people when he was emphatic in assuring the citizens that the country is in safe hands. While giving Pakistan every chance to act against terror, Prime Minister Modi has continued to handle the problem with an iron fist. Two-and-half years ago, on 18 September 2016, four heavily armed Pakistani Islamic terrorists had attacked the Uri Army camp killing 19 soldiers. Within days of this attack, India had conducted surgical strikes and demolished a number of terrorist launch pads in Pak Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Coinciding with the punitive action by India after the Uri incident, Prime Minister Modi, while addressing the BJP National Council at Kozhikode in Kerala, had cautioned the people of Pakistan against their leaders saying they were reading the text prepared by those running terrorist outfits. While accepting the challenge of war, Modi had also underscored his priority stating that he would instead like the two countries to wage a war against poverty and illiteracy. During the 33rd Session of the Human Rights Council in the second fortnight of September 2016, India had focussed global attention on Pakistan and its role in spreading terror by stating that the fundamental reason for disturbances in Kashmir is cross-border terrorism promoted by Pakistan. Over the years, Indian soldiers were laying down their life and casualties have continued to mount in Jammu and Kashmir. Besides the Pak sponsored terror or the low-intensity war waged by Pakistan, the Kashmir valley also has been reeling under the impact of violence perpetuated by the large-scale radicalisation of the Kashmiri youth. The pattern is clear, while the terrorists operating from bases in Pakistan have been infiltrating into Jammu and Kashmir to strike targets in the trouble-torn state, the separatists have been working in tandem with their ISI handlers in Pakistan to radicalise the local youth being used to attack the security forces. As there was a spurt in violent incidents and efforts had failed to ensure steps by Mehbooba Mufti, as chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, to stop the radicalisation of Kashmiri youth, Governor's rule was imposed in the trouble-torn state in June 2018 following the withdrawal of support to the then Mehbooba Mufti-led coalition government by the BJP. JeM chief, Masood Azhar’s involvement in the 2001 Parliament attack, 2016 Pathankot attack, 2008 Mumbai attack and now the Pulwama attack has been established by the Indian authorities with evidence handed over to Pakistan to act appropriately in the war against terror. Masood Azhar was released by India in exchange for passengers of Indian Airlines flight 814 hijacked in December 1999. Between 2004 and 2014, under the Congress-led UPA I and UPA II, the situation in Kashmir were allowed to drift and the proposals to strike targets inside Pakistan were swept under the carpet. The Modi-led NDA government’s decision to give a free hand to the defence forces and take direct action to demolish the terror infrastructure in Pakistan has led to an upsurge of support for Narendra Modi across India. Major countries are also on the same page with Modi when it comes to fighting terror. India’s stand vis-a-vis war against terror has been underscored precisely by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at Beijing. In her opening remarks at the Foreign Ministers Meeting of Russia-India-China (RIC), she emphasised that Pakistan is a terror haven and went on to point out that the air strike in Pakistan was aimed against the JeM infrastructure and not against military installations. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

IAF's Balakot operation against JeM is proof of Narendra Modi government's decisiveness

How Indian Air Force carried out air strikes on terror pads across LoC

India struck the biggest camp of JeM in Balakot, says Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale

India carried out <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terror-camps-destroyed-as-12-mirage-jets-drops-1000-kg-bombs-across-loc-iaf-sources-199744">air strikes inside Pakistan</a> early on Tuesday and targeted terror camps, sources said.

The strikes involving the Mirage fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, sources added.

The extent of the damage inflicted on the ground is not immediately known.

In Islamabad, the Pakistan Army alleged that the Indian Air Force violated the Line of Control (LoC) in Muzaffarabad sector.

The development comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the February 14 suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/crpf-convoy-attacked-in-jammu-kashmirs-pulwama-death-toll-climbs-to-40-197468">Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district</a>.

Here is what we know so far:

<ul>
	<li>Indian Air Force conducts air strikes on terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Pakistan</li>
	<li>Indian Air Force jets crossed the Line of Control at 3:30 am</li>
	<li>A group of Mirage 2000 dropped the bomb</li>
	<li>The air strikes lasted for 21 minutes</li>
	<li>12 mirage jets involved in the operation</li>
	<li>10 terror camps in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir attacked</li>
	<li>The destroyed terror pads were in Balakot, Chakoti and Muzaffarabad</li>
	<li>Reports say Alpha-3 control room of Jaish destroyed</li>
	<li>Pakistani security forces have cordoned off the area where Air Force jets carried out the strikes</li>
	<li>A meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security is underway in Delhi</li>
	<li>PM Modi briefed by India's National Security Advisor on operation and assessment</li>
	<li>Pakistan foreign minister has called an emergency meeting</li>
	<li>Indian Air Force put on high alert</li>
	<li>All air defence systems along the International Border and Line of Control ready to respond to any possible action from across the border</li>
	<li>India struck the biggest camp of&nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammed&nbsp;in Balakot</li>
	<li>Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, in this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers and Jihadis were eliminated</li>
	<li>The facility in Balakot was headed by Maulana Yusuf Azhar alias Ustad Ghauri, brother in law of JeM Chief Masood Azhar who died in the strike</li>
</ul>

India carried out air strikes inside Pakistan early on Tuesday and targeted terror camps, sources said. The strikes involving the Mirage fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, sources added.

India carried out air strikes inside Pakistan early on Tuesday and targeted terror camps, sources said. The strikes involving the Mirage fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, sources added. The extent of the damage inflicted on the ground is not immediately known. In Islamabad, the Pakistan Army alleged that the Indian Air Force violated the Line of Control (LoC) in Muzaffarabad sector. The development comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the February 14 suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Here is what we know so far: Indian Air Force conducts air strikes on terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Pakistan Indian Air Force jets crossed the Line of Control at 3:30 am A group of Mirage 2000 dropped the bomb The air strikes lasted for 21 minutes 12 mirage jets involved in the operation 10 terror camps in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir attacked The destroyed terror pads were in Balakot, Chakoti and Muzaffarabad Reports say Alpha-3 control room of Jaish destroyed Pakistani security forces have cordoned off the area where Air Force jets carried out the strikes A meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security is underway in Delhi PM Modi briefed by India's National Security Advisor on operation and assessment Pakistan foreign minister has called an emergency meeting Indian Air Force put on high alert All air defence systems along the International Border and Line of Control ready to respond to any possible action from across the border India struck the biggest camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Balakot Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, in this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers and Jihadis were eliminated The facility in Balakot was headed by Maulana Yusuf Azhar alias Ustad Ghauri, brother in law of JeM Chief Masood Azhar who died in the strike

India carries out air strikes inside Pakistan: What we know so far

'India's resolve absolutely steel firm': Experts weigh in on IAF destroying terror camps across LoC

Indian Air Force (IAF) launched an early morning air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan, reported news agency ANI.

The strike&nbsp;is in retaliation to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-mastermind-of-pulwama-attack-killed-in-encounter-4-soldiers-dead-too-198057">Pulwama terror attack</a> in which more than 40 CRPF soldiers were killed.

Balakot, Chakothi and Muzaffarabad terror launch pads across the LOC were completely destroyed in IAF air strikes, reported ANI.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-claims-indian-air-force-violated-loc-199740">Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) </a>control rooms were also destroyed, the report added.&nbsp;

The Army/IAF&nbsp;will brief the media about the attack and the operation details later in the day, sources said.

IAF used Laser guided bombs during operation and Jaguar recorded all operations for analysis, sources said.&nbsp;

Around 200-300 terrorists believed to have been killed in the strikes, sources added.&nbsp;

12 Mirage 2000 jets participated in the operation that dropped 1000 Kg bombs on terror camps across Line of Control (LOC), reported news agency ANI quoting IAF.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
IAF Sources: 1000 Kg bombs were dropped on terror camps across the LoC <a href="https://t.co/jpC2w5f8X7">https://t.co/jpC2w5f8X7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1100228529952866304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to ANI, the 21 minutes long airstrikes that destroyed several terror camps&nbsp;was carried out around 3:30 am on February 26.

Meanwhile, IAF has put on high alert all air defence systems along the international border and LoC to respond to any possible action by Pakistan Air Force.

Indian Air Force (IAF) launched an early morning air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan, reported news agency ANI.

Indian Air Force (IAF) launched an early morning air strike across the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday destroying terrorist camps in Pakistan, reported news agency ANI. The strike is in retaliation to Pulwama terror attack in which more than 40 CRPF soldiers were killed. Balakot, Chakothi and Muzaffarabad terror launch pads across the LOC were completely destroyed in IAF air strikes, reported ANI. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) control rooms were also destroyed, the report added. The Army/IAF will brief the media about the attack and the operation details later in the day, sources said. IAF used Laser guided bombs during operation and Jaguar recorded all operations for analysis, sources said. Around 200-300 terrorists believed to have been killed in the strikes, sources added. 12 Mirage 2000 jets participated in the operation that dropped 1000 Kg bombs on terror camps across Line of Control (LOC), reported news agency ANI quoting IAF. IAF Sources: 1000 Kg bombs were dropped on terror camps across the LoC https://t.co/jpC2w5f8X7 — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2019 × According to ANI, the 21 minutes long airstrikes that destroyed several terror camps was carried out around 3:30 am on February 26. Meanwhile, IAF has put on high alert all air defence systems along the international border and LoC to respond to any possible action by Pakistan Air Force.

India destroys terror camps across LoC with 1000 Kg bombs in early morning air strikes

Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday praised the pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) following reports that they crossed the Line of Control (LoC) with their fighter jets and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terror-camps-destroyed-as-12-mirage-jets-drops-1000-kg-bombs-across-loc-iaf-sources-199744">destroyed terrorist camps</a> in Pakistan.

"I salute the pilots of the IAF," Rahul Gandhi tweeted. He also put out the Indian flag along with his tweet.

The Congress also tweeted, lauding the role of the Indian Air Force in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ccs-meeting-gets-underway-hours-after-iaf-bombs-terror-camps-across-loc-199763">keeping Indians safe</a> with its consistent and determined effort.

Kejriwal in a tweet said, "I salute the bravery of Indian Air Force pilots who have made us proud by striking terror targets in Pakistan."

The strikes involving 12 fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Indian government sources said.

Pakistan claimed on Tuesday that IAF fighter jets crossed the LoC and returned after the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) scrambled war planes.

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Asif Ghafoor in a tweet confirmed that the jets dropped in the payload near Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday praised the pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) following reports that they crossed the Line of Control (LoC) with their fighter jets and destroyed terrorist camps in Pakistan.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday praised the pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) following reports that they crossed the Line of Control (LoC) with their fighter jets and destroyed terrorist camps in Pakistan. "I salute the pilots of the IAF," Rahul Gandhi tweeted. He also put out the Indian flag along with his tweet. The Congress also tweeted, lauding the role of the Indian Air Force in keeping Indians safe with its consistent and determined effort. Kejriwal in a tweet said, "I salute the bravery of Indian Air Force pilots who have made us proud by striking terror targets in Pakistan." The strikes involving 12 fighter jets of the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed camps belonging to Pakistan-based terror outfits in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Indian government sources said. Pakistan claimed on Tuesday that IAF fighter jets crossed the LoC and returned after the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) scrambled war planes. Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Asif Ghafoor in a tweet confirmed that the jets dropped in the payload near Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal praise IAF for crossing LoC and destroying terror camps

pulwama-attack

Pulwama Attack, News on Pulwama Attack, stories on Pulwama Attack, articles on Pulwama Attack, Pulwama Attack stories at Wion, Pulwama Attack news, Pulwama Attack latest news

pulwama attack