Pulwama aftermath: IAF destroys terror camps across LoC

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<p>The European Union (EU) and Germany have asked Pakistan to act on terror in a&nbsp;call made by Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to EU's Mogherini and Germany foreign minister Heiko Maas to brief about the situation of heightened tension post-Pulwama attack.</p>

<p>The attack on 14th February killed more than 40 CRPF personnel was claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM).</p>

<p>EU High Representative for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eu-asks-pakistan-to-take-clear-and-sustained-actions-against-terrorists-199612">foreign affairs and security policy</a> Federica Mogherini had called Pakistan to not only act on United Nations listed terrorist but also individuals.</p>

<p>She had highlighted the "need to continue addressing terrorism including clear and sustained actions targeting not only all UN-listed transnational terrorist groups but also individuals claiming responsibility for such attacks."</p>

<p>In a press release issued by EU it "stressed the urgency to de-escalate the situation" arising between the two nuclear powers India and Pakistan.</p>

<p>In a tweet, German's foriegn ministry said, "Pakistan resolutely needs to put a stop to cross-border terrorism."</p>

<p>The tweet also called on India and Pakistan "to work to de-escalate the situation."</p>

<p>But what is interesting to note is, the release issued by Pakistan's Ministry of foreign affairs(MOFA) on the same conversations makes no mention of terror.</p>

<p>Instead, it said that the Pakistani foreign minister has expressed his readiness to his EU and German counterparts to investigate the Pulwama terror attack if India shares "actionable intelligence" and went on to rake the Kashmir issue.</p>

<p>Pakistani foriegn Minister SM Qureshi, post-Pulwama has been calling countries across the world but none of the releases by Pakistani foriegn ministry mentions the issue of terror.</p>

<p>In August of 2018 US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo had called newly-elected Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan asking to act on terror among other things according to a readout by United States- State Department.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pak Mofa was quick to point out publically in a tweet saying this is "factually incorrect statement issued by the US State Department" but the state department continued to stand by its read-out.&nbsp;</p>


The European Union (EU) and Germany have asked Pakistan to act on terror in a call made by Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to EU's Mogherini and Germany foreign minister Heiko Maas to brief about the situation of heightened tension post-Pulwama attack.

The European Union (EU) and Germany have asked Pakistan to act on terror in a call made by Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to EU's Mogherini and Germany foreign minister Heiko Maas to brief about the situation of heightened tension post-Pulwama attack. The attack on 14th February killed more than 40 CRPF personnel was claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM). EU High Representative for foreign affairs and security policy Federica Mogherini had called Pakistan to not only act on United Nations listed terrorist but also individuals. She had highlighted the "need to continue addressing terrorism including clear and sustained actions targeting not only all UN-listed transnational terrorist groups but also individuals claiming responsibility for such attacks." In a press release issued by EU it "stressed the urgency to de-escalate the situation" arising between the two nuclear powers India and Pakistan. In a tweet, German's foriegn ministry said, "Pakistan resolutely needs to put a stop to cross-border terrorism." The tweet also called on India and Pakistan "to work to de-escalate the situation." But what is interesting to note is, the release issued by Pakistan's Ministry of foreign affairs(MOFA) on the same conversations makes no mention of terror. Instead, it said that the Pakistani foreign minister has expressed his readiness to his EU and German counterparts to investigate the Pulwama terror attack if India shares "actionable intelligence" and went on to rake the Kashmir issue. Pakistani foriegn Minister SM Qureshi, post-Pulwama has been calling countries across the world but none of the releases by Pakistani foriegn ministry mentions the issue of terror. In August of 2018 US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo had called newly-elected Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan asking to act on terror among other things according to a readout by United States- State Department. The Pak Mofa was quick to point out publically in a tweet saying this is "factually incorrect statement issued by the US State Department" but the state department continued to stand by its read-out.

EU, Germany press Pakistan to act on terror as foreign ministry remains silent on terror

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<p>Indian Air Force carried out pre-dawn air strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan and is believed to have destroyed terrorist targets. Ever since the news came out, Bollywood celebrities came out to laud the Indian government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The attack came in response to the February 14 suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group in Kashmir's Pulwama district that killed over 40 CRPF soldiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Akshay Kumar said, “Get inside their homes. Quiet no more”; Ajay Devgn wrote, “Mess with the best, die like the rest. Salute.”</p>

<p>Read the tweets here:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Proud of our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianAirForce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianAirForce</a> fighters for destroying terror camps. अंदर घुस के मारो ! Quiet no more! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaStrikesBack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaStrikesBack</a></p>
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/1100271349954764803?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mess with the best, die like the rest. Salute <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianAirForce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianAirForce</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>.</p>
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajaydevgn/status/1100251964472999936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Sanjay Dutt wrote: "Salute to the #IndianAirForce for their indomitable spirit in keeping our country safe! Let us all pray for their safety. Jai Hind" while Raveena tweeted "What an explosive morning! As India celebrates!&nbsp;&nbsp;I salute the 12 bravehearts for meting out justice for our Pulwama boys! Our Neighbours often complain of being victims of terrorism themselves .. they need to thank us.&nbsp;Jai Hind."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Salute to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianAirForce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianAirForce</a> for their indomitable spirit in keeping our country safe! Let us all pray for their safety. Jai Hind 🇮🇳</p>
— Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay) <a href="https://twitter.com/duttsanjay/status/1100279620056813568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What an explosive morning ! As india celebrates ! I salute the 12 bravehearts for meting out justice for our Pulwama boys ! Our Neighbours often complain of being victims of terrorism themselves .. they need to thank us . 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 Jai Hind.</p>
— Raveena Tandon (@TandonRaveena) <a href="https://twitter.com/TandonRaveena/status/1100281828345171968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Abhishek Bachchan was also among the first celebs to respond to the attack. He posted something cryptic, which most of would interpret as a salute to the Indian Air Force.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">नमस्कार करते हैं। 🙏🇮🇳</p>
— Abhishek Bachchan (@juniorbachchan) <a href="https://twitter.com/juniorbachchan/status/1100249806268641280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The younger crop of actors Sonam Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, Yami Gautam, Taapsee Pannu, Rajkummar Rao, Sonakshi Sinha, Swara Bhasker and others also lauded the Indian Air Force and the government over the move. &nbsp;</p>

<p>See their tweets:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianAirForce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianAirForce</a> 🙏🏻🇮🇳 Jai Hind🇮🇳</p>
— Yami Gautam (@yamigautam) <a href="https://twitter.com/yamigautam/status/1100294083250130944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">A much needed action<br />
has been taken 👊🏻<br />
Salute to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianAirForce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianAirForce</a><br />
जय हिन्द!🇮🇳</p>
— Kartik Aaryan (@TheAaryanKartik) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAaryanKartik/status/1100294640169816064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Salute to the our armed forces.<br />
Jai Hind. 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳</p>
— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReallySwara/status/1100277620812513281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Saluting our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianAirForce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianAirForce</a> for carrying out this strike against terror elements that pose a threat to our country and humanity. Jai hind!🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaStrikesBack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaStrikesBack</a></p>
— Rajkummar Rao (@RajkummarRao) <a href="https://twitter.com/RajkummarRao/status/1100326426346209281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">🇮🇳&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianAirForce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianAirForce</a></p>
— Zoya Singh Solanki (@sonamakapoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/sonamakapoor/status/1100327275550179329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jai Hind! 🇮🇳</p>
— Sonakshi Sinha (@sonakshisinha) <a href="https://twitter.com/sonakshisinha/status/1100261817727762434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">✌🏼 <a href="https://t.co/8B5mu8wkgH">https://t.co/8B5mu8wkgH</a></p>
— taapsee pannu (@taapsee) <a href="https://twitter.com/taapsee/status/1100244917186686976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>South stars Kamal Haasan and Mahesh Babu also tweeted in support:&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our 12 return safely home after wreaking havoc on terrorist camps in Pakistan. India is proud of its heroes. I salute their valour.</p>
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ikamalhaasan/status/1100266475854618625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Extremely proud of our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianAirForce?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianAirForce</a>. Salutes to the brave pilots of IAF🇮🇳</p>
— Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/urstrulyMahesh/status/1100283216819306496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Indian Air Force carried out pre-dawn air strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan and is believed to have destroyed terrorist targets. Ever since the news came out, Bollywood celebrities came out to laud the Indian government.

Indian Air Force carried out pre-dawn air strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan and is believed to have destroyed terrorist targets. Ever since the news came out, Bollywood celebrities came out to laud the Indian government. The attack came in response to the February 14 suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group in Kashmir's Pulwama district that killed over 40 CRPF soldiers. While Akshay Kumar said, “Get inside their homes. Quiet no more”; Ajay Devgn wrote, “Mess with the best, die like the rest. Salute.” Read the tweets here: Proud of our #IndianAirForce fighters for destroying terror camps. अंदर घुस के मारो ! Quiet no more! #IndiaStrikesBack — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) February 26, 2019 × Mess with the best, die like the rest. Salute #IndianAirForce.@narendramodi. — Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) February 26, 2019 × Sanjay Dutt wrote: "Salute to the #IndianAirForce for their indomitable spirit in keeping our country safe! Let us all pray for their safety. Jai Hind" while Raveena tweeted "What an explosive morning! As India celebrates! I salute the 12 bravehearts for meting out justice for our Pulwama boys! Our Neighbours often complain of being victims of terrorism themselves .. they need to thank us. Jai Hind." Salute to the #IndianAirForce for their indomitable spirit in keeping our country safe! Let us all pray for their safety. Jai Hind 🇮🇳 — Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay) February 26, 2019 × What an explosive morning ! As india celebrates ! I salute the 12 bravehearts for meting out justice for our Pulwama boys ! Our Neighbours often complain of being victims of terrorism themselves .. they need to thank us . 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 Jai Hind. — Raveena Tandon (@TandonRaveena) February 26, 2019 × Abhishek Bachchan was also among the first celebs to respond to the attack. He posted something cryptic, which most of would interpret as a salute to the Indian Air Force. नमस्कार करते हैं। 🙏🇮🇳 — Abhishek Bachchan (@juniorbachchan) February 26, 2019 × The younger crop of actors Sonam Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, Yami Gautam, Taapsee Pannu, Rajkummar Rao, Sonakshi Sinha, Swara Bhasker and others also lauded the Indian Air Force and the government over the move. See their tweets: #IndianAirForce 🙏🏻🇮🇳 Jai Hind🇮🇳 — Yami Gautam (@yamigautam) February 26, 2019 × A much needed action has been taken 👊🏻 Salute to #IndianAirForce जय हिन्द!🇮🇳 — Kartik Aaryan (@TheAaryanKartik) February 26, 2019 × Salute to the our armed forces. Jai Hind. 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 — Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) February 26, 2019 × Saluting our #IndianAirForce for carrying out this strike against terror elements that pose a threat to our country and humanity. Jai hind!🇮🇳 #IndiaStrikesBack — Rajkummar Rao (@RajkummarRao) February 26, 2019 × 🇮🇳 #IndianAirForce — Zoya Singh Solanki (@sonamakapoor) February 26, 2019 × Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 — Sonakshi Sinha (@sonakshisinha) February 26, 2019 × ✌🏼 https://t.co/8B5mu8wkgH — taapsee pannu (@taapsee) February 26, 2019 × South stars Kamal Haasan and Mahesh Babu also tweeted in support: Our 12 return safely home after wreaking havoc on terrorist camps in Pakistan. India is proud of its heroes. I salute their valour. — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) February 26, 2019 × Extremely proud of our #IndianAirForce. Salutes to the brave pilots of IAF🇮🇳 — Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) February 26, 2019 ×

Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Sonam Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan praise IAF on attack on terror camps in Pakistan

<p>India carried out early morning <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-carries-out-air-strikes-in-pakistan-199776">airstrikes on terror launch pads</a> in Pakistan and is believed to have destroyed terrorist targets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From cricket fraternity, former cricketers Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir were the first ones to respond to the strikes conducted by the Indian Air Force.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With a hashtag #SudharJaaoWarnaSudhaarDenge, Sehwag tweeted, "The boys have played really well."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tendulkar also hailed Indian Air Force saying, "Our niceness should never be comprehended as our weakness. I salute the IAF, Jai Hind."</p>

<p>Twelve 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.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>In pics:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/how-indian-air-force-carried-out-air-strikes-on-terror-pads-across-loc-199784">How Indian Air Force carried out air strikes on terror pads across LoC</a></strong></p>

<p>IAF used laser-guided bombs during operation and Jaguar recorded all operations for analysis, sources said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The air strikes were non-military pre-emptive action was targeted specifically at JeM camp and the aircrafts took off from Gwalior in batches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before the air strikes, surveillance was done by Heron drones, which was taken over from a secret airfield.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Presentation of air strikes was given by senior IAF Offical to NSA and PM.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here is what Sehwag tweeted:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The boys have played really well. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SudharJaaoWarnaSudhaarDenge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SudharJaaoWarnaSudhaarDenge</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/airstrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#airstrike</a></p>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1100254915010666496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="cy">JAI HIND, IAF 🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adgpi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaStrikesAgain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaStrikesAgain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaStrikesBack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaStrikesBack</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaStrikes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaStrikes</a></p>
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1100249948552155136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our niceness should never be comprehended as our weakness.<br />
I salute the IAF, Jai Hind 🇮🇳</p>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1100318212846161920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Spinner&nbsp;Yuzvendra Chahal tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Indian Air Force 🇮🇳👏 Bohot Hard Bohot Hard <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaStrikesBack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaStrikesBack</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JaiHind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JaiHind</a> 🇮🇳🇮🇳</p>
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) <a href="https://twitter.com/yuzi_chahal/status/1100253015724969985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The strikes were carried out at Muzaffarabad, Chakoti and Balakot - the terror hub in Pakistan.</p>

<p>Balakot, a town in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, is about 50km from the Line of Control and known among the intelligence agencies as "epicentre of jihad". It and has been on the radar of American forces for a long time.</p>

<p>Analysts allege that many Pakistan-based terror groups have their base and training camps in the area. Terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed chose Balakot for its base after Taliban were routed in the year 2001. Jaish-supported Al-Rehman Trust is also active in the area, according to intelligence agencies.</p>


India carried out early morning airstrikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan and is believed to have destroyed terrorist targets. From cricket fraternity, former cricketers Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir were the first ones to respond to the strikes conducted by the Indian Air Force.

India carried out early morning airstrikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan and is believed to have destroyed terrorist targets. From cricket fraternity, former cricketers Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir were the first ones to respond to the strikes conducted by the Indian Air Force. With a hashtag #SudharJaaoWarnaSudhaarDenge, Sehwag tweeted, "The boys have played really well." Tendulkar also hailed Indian Air Force saying, "Our niceness should never be comprehended as our weakness. I salute the IAF, Jai Hind." Twelve 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. In pics: How Indian Air Force carried out air strikes on terror pads across LoC IAF used laser-guided bombs during operation and Jaguar recorded all operations for analysis, sources said. The air strikes were non-military pre-emptive action was targeted specifically at JeM camp and the aircrafts took off from Gwalior in batches. Before the air strikes, surveillance was done by Heron drones, which was taken over from a secret airfield. Presentation of air strikes was given by senior IAF Offical to NSA and PM. Here is what Sehwag tweeted: The boys have played really well. #SudharJaaoWarnaSudhaarDenge #airstrike — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) February 26, 2019 × JAI HIND, IAF 🇮🇳 @IAF_MCC @adgpi #IndiaStrikesAgain #IndiaStrikesBack #IndiaStrikes — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) February 26, 2019 × Our niceness should never be comprehended as our weakness. I salute the IAF, Jai Hind 🇮🇳 — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 26, 2019 × Spinner Yuzvendra Chahal tweeted. Indian Air Force 🇮🇳👏 Bohot Hard Bohot Hard #IndiaStrikesBack #JaiHind 🇮🇳🇮🇳 — Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) February 26, 2019 × The strikes were carried out at Muzaffarabad, Chakoti and Balakot - the terror hub in Pakistan. Balakot, a town in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, is about 50km from the Line of Control and known among the intelligence agencies as "epicentre of jihad". It and has been on the radar of American forces for a long time. Analysts allege that many Pakistan-based terror groups have their base and training camps in the area. Terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed chose Balakot for its base after Taliban were routed in the year 2001. Jaish-supported Al-Rehman Trust is also active in the area, according to intelligence agencies.

Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir hail India Air Force for destroying terror camps across LoC

First pics of JeM terror camp destroyed by Indian Air Force

<p>The Indian Air Force, in a pre-dawn air strike on Tuesday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-carries-out-air-strikes-in-pakistan-199776">destroyed terror camps</a> across the Line of Control by using laser-guided bombs. The strikes were carried out by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-you-need-to-know-about-mirage-2000-fighter-jets-which-destroyed-terror-camps-across-loc-199785">Mirage-2000 aircraft</a> at Muzaffarabad, Chakoti and Balakot - the terror hub in Pakistan.</p>

<p>Balakot, a town in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, is about 50km from the Line of Control and known among the intelligence agencies as "epicentre of jihad". It has been on the radar of American forces for a long time and is 50km from Abbottabad where al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden was killed by US forces.</p>

<p>Analysts allege that many Pakistan-based terror groups have their base and training camps in the area. The camp which was targeted in Tuesday's strike, was located on a hilltop. Terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed chose Balakot for its base after Taliban were routed in the year 2001. Jaish-supported Al-Rehman Trust is also active in the area, according to intelligence agencies.</p>

<p>"In an intelligence lead operation in the early hours today, India struck the biggest training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Balakot. In this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commander and jihadis were eliminated," India's foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said at a briefing after the air strikes.</p>

<p>The camp was led by Maulana Yusuf Azhar alias Ustad Ghauri, brother-in-law of JeM Chief Masood Azhar, Gokhale added.</p>

<p>"Credible intelligence was received that Jaish-e-Mohammed was attempting another suicide terror attack in various parts of the country &amp; fidayeen jihadis were being trained for this purpose. A pre-emptive strike became important," Gokhale said.</p>

<p>The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-carries-out-air-strikes-inside-pakistan-what-we-know-so-far-199767">strike on Tuesday</a> comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the February 14 suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group in Kashmir's Pulwama district that killed 40 CRPF soldiers.</p>

<p>Hours later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) which was attended by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.</p>


The Indian Air Force, in a pre-dawn air strike on Tuesday, destroyed terror camps across the Line of Control by using laser-guided bombs. The strikes were carried out by Mirage-2000 aircraft at Muzaffarabad, Chakoti and Balakot - the terror hub in Pakistan.

The Indian Air Force, in a pre-dawn air strike on Tuesday, destroyed terror camps across the Line of Control by using laser-guided bombs. The strikes were carried out by Mirage-2000 aircraft at Muzaffarabad, Chakoti and Balakot - the terror hub in Pakistan. Balakot, a town in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, is about 50km from the Line of Control and known among the intelligence agencies as "epicentre of jihad". It has been on the radar of American forces for a long time and is 50km from Abbottabad where al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden was killed by US forces. Analysts allege that many Pakistan-based terror groups have their base and training camps in the area. The camp which was targeted in Tuesday's strike, was located on a hilltop. Terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed chose Balakot for its base after Taliban were routed in the year 2001. Jaish-supported Al-Rehman Trust is also active in the area, according to intelligence agencies. "In an intelligence lead operation in the early hours today, India struck the biggest training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Balakot. In this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commander and jihadis were eliminated," India's foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said at a briefing after the air strikes. The camp was led by Maulana Yusuf Azhar alias Ustad Ghauri, brother-in-law of JeM Chief Masood Azhar, Gokhale added. "Credible intelligence was received that Jaish-e-Mohammed was attempting another suicide terror attack in various parts of the country & fidayeen jihadis were being trained for this purpose. A pre-emptive strike became important," Gokhale said. The strike on Tuesday comes amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the February 14 suicide attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group in Kashmir's Pulwama district that killed 40 CRPF soldiers. Hours later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) which was attended by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Air strike: Here's why Balakot was chosen by Indian Air Force

Fighter jets' sound kept us awake the whole night: Locals on IAF's strike on terror launch pads

<p>At a time when US president Donald Trump is holding peace talks with the Taliban terrorists and has decided to withdraw 7,000 troops in the next few months, at least 40 CRPF personnel were killed in one of the deadliest terrorist attacks carried out by the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in Pulwama. &nbsp;</p>

<p>While Indian security forces have killed the three main terrorists behind the Pulwama attack and the Indian government is weighing all possible options to dismantle terror outfits operating against India from across the border, this attack has once again reinforced the fact that the language of peace cannot be an effective tool to deal with terrorists. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>In fact, ever since the Trump administration started peace talks with the Taliban, there were apprehensions in India, the US and elsewhere that such efforts would only embolden the Taliban.<br />
<br />
Sure, it was during the Obama administration that the US decided to hold talks with the Taliban and during the 2016 presidential election campaign, Trump too promised to end the war in Afghanistan.</p>

<p>Interestingly, the Trump Administration’s South Asia Policy released in 2017 underscored the need for US troops to stay on in Afghanistan. In fact, on the issue of promoting peace, security, stability and development in Afghanistan, Trump’s South Asia Policy mentioned that the US will deploy more troops in Afghanistan without fixing a timeline for the return of US forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, over a year later in July 2018, President Trump shifted his position on Afghanistan issue with the intention of clinching a deal with the Taliban. It would give the US a morally legitimate reason to withdraw its troops.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the same time, Russia and China’s efforts to hold talks with the Taliban was seen by the US as a major geo-strategic threat to its interests in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the possible re-emergence of the Taliban is being seen as the onset of another phase of darkness for that blighted country, for India, which has always supported the “Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled,” process with participation of the elected government in Kabul, peace talks between the US and the Taliban and Trump’s decision to withdraw US troops, now pose serious security challenges.</p>

<p>Ever since reconstruction work began in Afghanistan, India has invested over $3 billion building roads, hospitals, schools, providing training, arms and fighter aircraft to the Afghan armed forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taliban’s arrival on the centre stage will not only put India’s economic interests at stake in Afghanistan, it will also pose a huge security threat to India because Pakistan’s prominence in Afghanistan will increase and Islamabad could use the Taliban against Indians there. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Since Russia has also moved to improve ties with Pakistan and is more than keen to play an important role in Afghanistan’s internal affairs, as evident from Moscow’s own peace talks with the Taliban last year, the possible emergence of a strategic China-Russia-Pakistan axis along the Taliban, could jeopardise India’s position.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pulwama attack has only validated India’s security concerns. Counter-terrorism experts in the US have argued that it has highlighted the utter failure of the Trump administration in pressurising Pakistan to act against terrorist organisations operating from its soil.</p>

<p>They have also argued that the ISI must have helped JeM in carrying out the Pulwama attack. Afghanistan has also complained to the UN Security Council against Pakistan’s recent engagement with the Taliban.</p>

<p>While US National Security Adviser John Bolton has told his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval that America supports India’s right to self-defence, with both sides reaffirming to work together to ensure that Pakistan ceases to be a safe haven for the JeM and other terror outfits, it remains to be seen how the Trump administration fulfills such promises.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the same time, the Indian government needs to give up the tag of a soft-power state and take long-lasting punitive action against terrorist organisations and the country whose only aim is to destabilise India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-us-withdrawal-from-afghanistan-its-effects-on-india-2723612">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)</em></p>


At a time when US president Donald Trump is holding peace talks with the Taliban terrorists and has decided to withdraw 7,000 troops in the next few months, at least 40 CRPF personnel were killed in one of the deadliest terrorist attacks carried out by the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in Pulwama.

At a time when US president Donald Trump is holding peace talks with the Taliban terrorists and has decided to withdraw 7,000 troops in the next few months, at least 40 CRPF personnel were killed in one of the deadliest terrorist attacks carried out by the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in Pulwama. While Indian security forces have killed the three main terrorists behind the Pulwama attack and the Indian government is weighing all possible options to dismantle terror outfits operating against India from across the border, this attack has once again reinforced the fact that the language of peace cannot be an effective tool to deal with terrorists. In fact, ever since the Trump administration started peace talks with the Taliban, there were apprehensions in India, the US and elsewhere that such efforts would only embolden the Taliban. Sure, it was during the Obama administration that the US decided to hold talks with the Taliban and during the 2016 presidential election campaign, Trump too promised to end the war in Afghanistan. Interestingly, the Trump Administration’s South Asia Policy released in 2017 underscored the need for US troops to stay on in Afghanistan. In fact, on the issue of promoting peace, security, stability and development in Afghanistan, Trump’s South Asia Policy mentioned that the US will deploy more troops in Afghanistan without fixing a timeline for the return of US forces. However, over a year later in July 2018, President Trump shifted his position on Afghanistan issue with the intention of clinching a deal with the Taliban. It would give the US a morally legitimate reason to withdraw its troops. At the same time, Russia and China’s efforts to hold talks with the Taliban was seen by the US as a major geo-strategic threat to its interests in the region. While the possible re-emergence of the Taliban is being seen as the onset of another phase of darkness for that blighted country, for India, which has always supported the “Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled,” process with participation of the elected government in Kabul, peace talks between the US and the Taliban and Trump’s decision to withdraw US troops, now pose serious security challenges. Ever since reconstruction work began in Afghanistan, India has invested over $3 billion building roads, hospitals, schools, providing training, arms and fighter aircraft to the Afghan armed forces. Taliban’s arrival on the centre stage will not only put India’s economic interests at stake in Afghanistan, it will also pose a huge security threat to India because Pakistan’s prominence in Afghanistan will increase and Islamabad could use the Taliban against Indians there. Since Russia has also moved to improve ties with Pakistan and is more than keen to play an important role in Afghanistan’s internal affairs, as evident from Moscow’s own peace talks with the Taliban last year, the possible emergence of a strategic China-Russia-Pakistan axis along the Taliban, could jeopardise India’s position. The Pulwama attack has only validated India’s security concerns. Counter-terrorism experts in the US have argued that it has highlighted the utter failure of the Trump administration in pressurising Pakistan to act against terrorist organisations operating from its soil. They have also argued that the ISI must have helped JeM in carrying out the Pulwama attack. Afghanistan has also complained to the UN Security Council against Pakistan’s recent engagement with the Taliban. While US National Security Adviser John Bolton has told his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval that America supports India’s right to self-defence, with both sides reaffirming to work together to ensure that Pakistan ceases to be a safe haven for the JeM and other terror outfits, it remains to be seen how the Trump administration fulfills such promises. At the same time, the Indian government needs to give up the tag of a soft-power state and take long-lasting punitive action against terrorist organisations and the country whose only aim is to destabilise India. (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.)

US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan and its effects on India

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday asked his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-india-blaming-pakistan-without-evidence-says-imran-khan-198266">give peace a chance</a>" and assured him that he "stands by" his words and will "immediately act" if New Delhi provides Islamabad with "actionable intelligence" on the Pulwama attack.</p>

<p>Khan's remarks came a day after Modi in a rally in Rajasthan said, "There is consensus in the entire world against terrorism. We are moving ahead with strength to punish the perpetrators of terrorism...The scores will be settled this time, settled for good...This is a changed India, this pain will not be tolerated...We know how to crush terrorism."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recalling his conversation with Khan during a congratulatory call after he became Pakistan's premier, Modi said he told him "let us fight against poverty and illiteracy" and Khan gave his word - saying he is a Pathan's son - but went back on it.</p>

<p>A statement released by the Pakistan Prime Minister's Office said, "PM Imran Khan stand by his words that if India gives us actionable intelligence, we will immediately act."&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi should "give peace a chance", Khan said in the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on February 19 also, Khan assured India that he would act against the perpetrators of the deadly Pulwama terror attack, carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group, if it shares "actionable intelligence" with Islamabad, but warned New Delhi against launching any "revenge" retaliatory action.</p>

<p>India said Khan's offer to investigate the attack if provided proof is a "lame excuse".</p>

<p>"It is a well-known fact that Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader Masood Azhar are based in Pakistan. These should be sufficient proof for Pakistan to take action," the Ministry of External Affairs said.</p>

<p>"The Prime Minister of Pakistan has offered to investigate the matter if India provides proof. This is a lame excuse. In the horrific attack in Mumbai on 26/11, proof was provided to Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite this, the case has not progressed for the last more than 10 years. Likewise, on the terror attack on Pathankot airbase, there has been no progress. Promises of 'guaranteed action' ring hollow given the track record of Pakistan," it said.</p>

<p>Khan said during his meeting with Modi in December 2015, "we had agreed that since poverty alleviation is a priority for our region, we would not allow any terrorist incident to derail peace efforts, however, long before Pulwama, these efforts were derailed in September 2018".</p>

<p><br />
The Pakistani premier was referring to India calling off the foreign minister-level talks with Pakistan in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September last year after following the "brutal" killing of three BSF jawans by Pakistani soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the release of postal stamps "glorifying" Kashmiri militant Burhan Wani by the Pakistan government.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday asked his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to "give peace a chance" and assured him that he "stands by" his words and will "immediately act" if New Delhi provides Islamabad with "actionable intelligence" on the Pulwama attack.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday asked his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to "give peace a chance" and assured him that he "stands by" his words and will "immediately act" if New Delhi provides Islamabad with "actionable intelligence" on the Pulwama attack. Khan's remarks came a day after Modi in a rally in Rajasthan said, "There is consensus in the entire world against terrorism. We are moving ahead with strength to punish the perpetrators of terrorism...The scores will be settled this time, settled for good...This is a changed India, this pain will not be tolerated...We know how to crush terrorism." Recalling his conversation with Khan during a congratulatory call after he became Pakistan's premier, Modi said he told him "let us fight against poverty and illiteracy" and Khan gave his word - saying he is a Pathan's son - but went back on it. A statement released by the Pakistan Prime Minister's Office said, "PM Imran Khan stand by his words that if India gives us actionable intelligence, we will immediately act." PM Modi should "give peace a chance", Khan said in the statement. Earlier on February 19 also, Khan assured India that he would act against the perpetrators of the deadly Pulwama terror attack, carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group, if it shares "actionable intelligence" with Islamabad, but warned New Delhi against launching any "revenge" retaliatory action. India said Khan's offer to investigate the attack if provided proof is a "lame excuse". "It is a well-known fact that Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader Masood Azhar are based in Pakistan. These should be sufficient proof for Pakistan to take action," the Ministry of External Affairs said. "The Prime Minister of Pakistan has offered to investigate the matter if India provides proof. This is a lame excuse. In the horrific attack in Mumbai on 26/11, proof was provided to Pakistan. Despite this, the case has not progressed for the last more than 10 years. Likewise, on the terror attack on Pathankot airbase, there has been no progress. Promises of 'guaranteed action' ring hollow given the track record of Pakistan," it said. Khan said during his meeting with Modi in December 2015, "we had agreed that since poverty alleviation is a priority for our region, we would not allow any terrorist incident to derail peace efforts, however, long before Pulwama, these efforts were derailed in September 2018". The Pakistani premier was referring to India calling off the foreign minister-level talks with Pakistan in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September last year after following the "brutal" killing of three BSF jawans by Pakistani soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the release of postal stamps "glorifying" Kashmiri militant Burhan Wani by the Pakistan government.

Give peace a chance: Pakistan's Imran Khan to PM Modi

<p>The civil society in Nepal on Monday staged a silent protest in front of the Pakistan embassy here condemning the deadly terror attack in Pulwama in south Kashmir that took place on February 14.</p>

<p>The members of the civil society held banners and pamphlets condemning the attack.</p>

<p>"We held the silent protest because silence speaks louder than the words. It`s an inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi and silence is the one which wins overall,"&nbsp;one of the participants wanting to remain unidentified told ANI.</p>

<p>Around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives after a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the convoy of the security forces.</p>

<p>The Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terror outfit based in Pakistan, claimed the responsibility of orchestrating the attack. The attack was widely condemned by the international community.</p>


The civil society in Nepal on Monday staged a silent protest in front of the Pakistan embassy here condemning the deadly terror attack in Pulwama in south Kashmir that took place on February 14.

The civil society in Nepal on Monday staged a silent protest in front of the Pakistan embassy here condemning the deadly terror attack in Pulwama in south Kashmir that took place on February 14. The members of the civil society held banners and pamphlets condemning the attack. "We held the silent protest because silence speaks louder than the words. It`s an inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi and silence is the one which wins overall," one of the participants wanting to remain unidentified told ANI. Around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives after a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the convoy of the security forces. The Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terror outfit based in Pakistan, claimed the responsibility of orchestrating the attack. The attack was widely condemned by the international community.

Nepal: Protests outside Pakistan embassy to condemn Pulwama attack

<p>Pakistani authorities have appointed two administrators to supervise a seminary and a mosque believed to be the headquarters of the Jaish-e-Mohammad, the terror outfit which claimed responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>The Punjab government appointed the administrators two days after it <a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-government-takes-control-of-jem-headquarters-199032">announced taking over the control of Madrassatul Sabir and Jamia-e-Masjid Subhanallah</a> in Bahawalpur, over 400-km from Lahore.</p>

<p>The seminary and mosque are believed to be the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit.</p>

<p>"The Punjab government has appointed Mohammad Ali, district Auqaf administrator and Ghulam Abbas, regional Auqaf administrator to supervise the administrative affairs of Jamia-e-Masjid Subhanallah and Madrassatul Sabir, Bahawalpur, respectively," said a senior official of the Punjab government.</p>

<p>Jamia-e-Masjid Subhanallah is located in the densly populated industrial area in Model Town-B of Bahawalpur while Madrassatul Sabir is situated on Bahawalpur-Ahmed East highway on the outskirts of the city.</p>

<p>Earlier <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-takes-u-turn-says-bahawalpur-seminary-not-linked-to-jem-199229">in a complete U-turn, the Pakistan government dismissed its own claim</a> of taking over the control of JeM headquarters in Bahawalpur and said the complex had no link with the JeM.</p>

<p>In a video message on social media, Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said the Punjab government took administrative control of Madrassatul Sabir and Jamia-e-Masjid Subhanallah in Bahawalpur in line with the decisions taken during the National Security Council meeting held on Thursday and as part of the National Action Plan.</p>

<p>Rejecting his earlier announcement that the complex was JeM headquarters, Chaudhry said, "This is the madrassah (seminary) and India is doing propaganda that it is the JeM headquarters".</p>

<p>On Friday, the minister told PTI that the Punjab government had "taken over the control of the JeM headquarters in Bahawalpur".</p>

<p>"The government of Punjab has taken over the control of a campus comprising Madressatul Sabir and Jama-e-Masjid Subhanallah in Bahawalpur, allegedly the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammad, and appointed an administrator to manage its affairs," he had said.</p>

<p>It was the first time in years that the campus, about 430-km from Lahore, had been acknowledged by Pakistan to be the headquarters of the Masood Azhar-led JeM.</p>

<p>A statement issued by the Interior Ministry on Friday also said the crackdown on Jaish "has been taken in line with the decision of the National Security Committee meeting held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Imran Khan".</p>

<p>The Islamic seminary in the campus has a faculty of 70 teachers and currently, 600 students were studying in it, the statement said, adding that Punjab police were providing security and protection to the campus.</p>

<p>Since 2002 when the JeM was banned, different intelligence agencies have been regularly monitoring the mosque and the seminary, the Punjab government official said.</p>

<p>Pakistan on Thursday also banned the 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led Jamat-ud-Dawa and its charity wing Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation.</p>

<p>Earlier, the two outfits were kept on the watchlist of the interior ministry.</p>

<p>The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the Lashkar-e-Toiba militant group which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people.</p>

<p>It was declared a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014.</p>

<p>Forty CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on February 14 in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a JeM suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying a huge quantity of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district.</p>

<p>Tensions between the two countries have heightened after the attack with India asking Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from territories under its control.</p>

<p>New Delhi also announced the withdrawal of the Most Favoured Nation status for Pakistan and hiked the customs duty by 200 per cent on goods originating from Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistani authorities have appointed two administrators to supervise a seminary and a mosque believed to be the headquarters of the Jaish-e-Mohammad, the terror outfit which claimed responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistani authorities have appointed two administrators to supervise a seminary and a mosque believed to be the headquarters of the Jaish-e-Mohammad, the terror outfit which claimed responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir. The Punjab government appointed the administrators two days after it announced taking over the control of Madrassatul Sabir and Jamia-e-Masjid Subhanallah in Bahawalpur, over 400-km from Lahore. The seminary and mosque are believed to be the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit. "The Punjab government has appointed Mohammad Ali, district Auqaf administrator and Ghulam Abbas, regional Auqaf administrator to supervise the administrative affairs of Jamia-e-Masjid Subhanallah and Madrassatul Sabir, Bahawalpur, respectively," said a senior official of the Punjab government. Jamia-e-Masjid Subhanallah is located in the densly populated industrial area in Model Town-B of Bahawalpur while Madrassatul Sabir is situated on Bahawalpur-Ahmed East highway on the outskirts of the city. Earlier in a complete U-turn, the Pakistan government dismissed its own claim of taking over the control of JeM headquarters in Bahawalpur and said the complex had no link with the JeM. In a video message on social media, Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said the Punjab government took administrative control of Madrassatul Sabir and Jamia-e-Masjid Subhanallah in Bahawalpur in line with the decisions taken during the National Security Council meeting held on Thursday and as part of the National Action Plan. Rejecting his earlier announcement that the complex was JeM headquarters, Chaudhry said, "This is the madrassah (seminary) and India is doing propaganda that it is the JeM headquarters". On Friday, the minister told PTI that the Punjab government had "taken over the control of the JeM headquarters in Bahawalpur". "The government of Punjab has taken over the control of a campus comprising Madressatul Sabir and Jama-e-Masjid Subhanallah in Bahawalpur, allegedly the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammad, and appointed an administrator to manage its affairs," he had said. It was the first time in years that the campus, about 430-km from Lahore, had been acknowledged by Pakistan to be the headquarters of the Masood Azhar-led JeM. A statement issued by the Interior Ministry on Friday also said the crackdown on Jaish "has been taken in line with the decision of the National Security Committee meeting held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Imran Khan". The Islamic seminary in the campus has a faculty of 70 teachers and currently, 600 students were studying in it, the statement said, adding that Punjab police were providing security and protection to the campus. Since 2002 when the JeM was banned, different intelligence agencies have been regularly monitoring the mosque and the seminary, the Punjab government official said. Pakistan on Thursday also banned the 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led Jamat-ud-Dawa and its charity wing Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation. Earlier, the two outfits were kept on the watchlist of the interior ministry. The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the Lashkar-e-Toiba militant group which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It was declared a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. Forty CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on February 14 in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a JeM suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying a huge quantity of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district. Tensions between the two countries have heightened after the attack with India asking Pakistan to take immediate and verifiable action against terrorists and terror groups operating from territories under its control. New Delhi also announced the withdrawal of the Most Favoured Nation status for Pakistan and hiked the customs duty by 200 per cent on goods originating from Pakistan.

Pulwama terror attack: Pakistan appoints 2 administrators to supervise JeM headquarters in Bahawalpur

<p>In a crucial breakthrough that could provide leads into the investigation <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-move-troops-from-western-to-eastern-border-amid-growing-tension-with-india-199619">of the Pulwama terror attack</a>, the National Investigating Agency (NIA) has obtained a crucial CCTV footage of the car that was used in the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CCTV footage captures the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/give-peace-a-chance-imran-khan-to-pm-modi-199487"> explosive-laden Maruti Eeco car</a>, a 2010-11 model, being driven by the suicide bomber, Aadil Ahmad Dar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The owner of the car has been identified and is absconding. Several teams are working on gathering technical evidence, the NIA top brass is learnt to have assured the government that they will unravel the conspiracy very soon, sources told WION.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in another development, the chief of air staff of Pakistan's Air Force visited a forward operating base to oversee operational preparedness of the Pakistani forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officer said that the Pakistani armed forces were fully capable of tackling all kinds of challenges and are ready to thwart any kind of aggression. It occurred after the Pakistan Army violated ceasefire along the Line of Control(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera sector over the weekend.</p>

<p>In a related development, reports said Islamabad had decided to move troops from the western border to its eastern border.</p>

<p>Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a JeM terrorist rammed an explosive-laden car into a CRPF convoy on February 14 in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. The attack claimed lives of over 40 CRPF personnel.</p>

<p>The responsibility of the attack was claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed. The UN, the US, and several other major world powers have held JeM responsible for the attack.</p>


In a crucial breakthrough that could provide leads into the investigation of the Pulwama terror attack, the National Investigating Agency (NIA) has obtained a crucial CCTV footage of the car that was used in the attack.

In a crucial breakthrough that could provide leads into the investigation of the Pulwama terror attack, the National Investigating Agency (NIA) has obtained a crucial CCTV footage of the car that was used in the attack. The CCTV footage captures the explosive-laden Maruti Eeco car, a 2010-11 model, being driven by the suicide bomber, Aadil Ahmad Dar. The owner of the car has been identified and is absconding. Several teams are working on gathering technical evidence, the NIA top brass is learnt to have assured the government that they will unravel the conspiracy very soon, sources told WION. Meanwhile, in another development, the chief of air staff of Pakistan's Air Force visited a forward operating base to oversee operational preparedness of the Pakistani forces. The officer said that the Pakistani armed forces were fully capable of tackling all kinds of challenges and are ready to thwart any kind of aggression. It occurred after the Pakistan Army violated ceasefire along the Line of Control(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera sector over the weekend. In a related development, reports said Islamabad had decided to move troops from the western border to its eastern border. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a JeM terrorist rammed an explosive-laden car into a CRPF convoy on February 14 in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. The attack claimed lives of over 40 CRPF personnel. The responsibility of the attack was claimed by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed. The UN, the US, and several other major world powers have held JeM responsible for the attack.

NIA obtains CCTV footage of car used in Pulwama attack

<p>Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar Sunday reverted to all the trolls and statements trying to instigate differences with former captain Sourav Ganguly over the cricket match between India and Pakistan in the upcoming ICC World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to his twitter handle, Sachin urged his friend and former teammate Sourav not to justify his statement.</p>

<p>As per several media reports, Ganguly had reacted on Tendulkar's comments on the World Cup match between India and Pakistan, saying he would rather want the title than worrying about losing two points.</p>

<p>Sourav's comments came after Sachin backed the game, despite the recent Pulwama terror attack that killed at least 40 Indian soldiers, and strongly echoed that he would hate to give Pakistan two points and help them advance in the tournament. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“India has always come up trumps against Pakistan in the World Cup. Time to beat them once again. Would personally hate to give them two points and help them in the tournament,” said Tendulkar</p>

<p>But earlier in the day, Sourav also took to his Twitter to justify his statement saying his comments 'were not against Sachin'. Ganguly further stressed that Sachin has been his friend for last 25 years and will be in future also.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Never felt the need for you to justify. Strongly believe that all of us want what’s best for our nation. <a href="https://t.co/zUZYBVlCdh">https://t.co/zUZYBVlCdh</a></p>
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/1099684997705785345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Tendulkar had endorsed Sunil Gavaskar's view that India would be better off beating Pakistan in the World Cup than forfeiting the June 16, while, Ganguly had called for severing all sporting ties with the neighbouring country.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar Sunday reverted to all the trolls and statements trying to instigate differences with former captain Sourav Ganguly over the cricket match between India and Pakistan in the upcoming ICC World Cup.

Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar Sunday reverted to all the trolls and statements trying to instigate differences with former captain Sourav Ganguly over the cricket match between India and Pakistan in the upcoming ICC World Cup. Taking to his twitter handle, Sachin urged his friend and former teammate Sourav not to justify his statement. As per several media reports, Ganguly had reacted on Tendulkar's comments on the World Cup match between India and Pakistan, saying he would rather want the title than worrying about losing two points. Sourav's comments came after Sachin backed the game, despite the recent Pulwama terror attack that killed at least 40 Indian soldiers, and strongly echoed that he would hate to give Pakistan two points and help them advance in the tournament. “India has always come up trumps against Pakistan in the World Cup. Time to beat them once again. Would personally hate to give them two points and help them in the tournament,” said Tendulkar But earlier in the day, Sourav also took to his Twitter to justify his statement saying his comments 'were not against Sachin'. Ganguly further stressed that Sachin has been his friend for last 25 years and will be in future also. Never felt the need for you to justify. Strongly believe that all of us want what’s best for our nation. https://t.co/zUZYBVlCdh — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 24, 2019 × Tendulkar had endorsed Sunil Gavaskar's view that India would be better off beating Pakistan in the World Cup than forfeiting the June 16, while, Ganguly had called for severing all sporting ties with the neighbouring country.

India vs Pakistan: Sachin Tendulkar shuts down trolls over Sourav Ganguly's comment, urges him not to 'justify'

<p>A Pakistani lawmaker from Prime Minister Imran Khan's party has met top Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as Islamabad started backdoor contacts with New Delhi to defuse tensions between the two sides in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, a media report said Sunday.</p>

<p>"The government has begun backdoor contacts with India and the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, who was in India last week, has met Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj," the Express Tribune reported.</p>

<p>"I have communicated a positive note to the Indian leaders and I hope there will now be a change in their behaviour," Vankwani said on Saturday while talking to the paper over telephone.</p>

<p>He also met Minster of State for External Affairs General VK Singh, who has also served as the chief of the Indian Army.</p>

<p>The Sindh-based PTI leader, who is a lawmaker on minority seat, is in India as part of a 220-member delegation from 185 countries who attended the Kumbh Mela on an invite of the Indian government.</p>

<p>His visit comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries in the wake of February 14 suicide attack by Jaish-e-Mohammad that killed at least 40 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.</p>

<p>Days after the Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Modi said security forces have been given free hand to avenge the dastardly act.</p>

<p>Vankwani said he met Modi during an event and the Indian Prime Minister met him warmly, the paper reported.</p>

<p>He said he told Modi that he had come with a positive message and wanted to return with a positive message. He said later on Modi's directive, Swaraj also held a 25-minute-long meeting with him, the paper said.</p>

<p>"I told the Indian foreign minister that in Pakistan its captain's (Imran Khan) government now; he is a Pathan and he does what he says. We assure you that no Pakistani institution is involved in Pulwama attack. If India provides evidence, we will facilitate the investigation," the paper quoted Vankwani as saying.</p>

<p>According to the PTI leader, he told Swaraj that the two countries need to take lessons from past and not to hold on to it.</p>

<p>"Enmity can be brought to an end by befriending the enemy," he said, adding that he himself has returned after Ganga Ashnan (ablution) and never tells lies.</p>

<p>"I told them that we need to get out of politics of accusations," he was quoted as saying by the paper.</p>

<p>According to Vankwani, after the meeting he "felts that the atmosphere was beginning to thaw."</p>

<p>"Indian PM during his Rajasthan rally has hinted at holding dialogue with Pakistan," he added.&nbsp;</p>


A Pakistani lawmaker from Prime Minister Imran Khan's party has met top Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as Islamabad started backdoor contacts with New Delhi to defuse tensions between the two sides in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, a media report said Sunday.

A Pakistani lawmaker from Prime Minister Imran Khan's party has met top Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as Islamabad started backdoor contacts with New Delhi to defuse tensions between the two sides in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, a media report said Sunday. "The government has begun backdoor contacts with India and the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, who was in India last week, has met Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj," the Express Tribune reported. "I have communicated a positive note to the Indian leaders and I hope there will now be a change in their behaviour," Vankwani said on Saturday while talking to the paper over telephone. He also met Minster of State for External Affairs General VK Singh, who has also served as the chief of the Indian Army. The Sindh-based PTI leader, who is a lawmaker on minority seat, is in India as part of a 220-member delegation from 185 countries who attended the Kumbh Mela on an invite of the Indian government. His visit comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries in the wake of February 14 suicide attack by Jaish-e-Mohammad that killed at least 40 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Days after the Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Modi said security forces have been given free hand to avenge the dastardly act. Vankwani said he met Modi during an event and the Indian Prime Minister met him warmly, the paper reported. He said he told Modi that he had come with a positive message and wanted to return with a positive message. He said later on Modi's directive, Swaraj also held a 25-minute-long meeting with him, the paper said. "I told the Indian foreign minister that in Pakistan its captain's (Imran Khan) government now; he is a Pathan and he does what he says. We assure you that no Pakistani institution is involved in Pulwama attack. If India provides evidence, we will facilitate the investigation," the paper quoted Vankwani as saying. According to the PTI leader, he told Swaraj that the two countries need to take lessons from past and not to hold on to it. "Enmity can be brought to an end by befriending the enemy," he said, adding that he himself has returned after Ganga Ashnan (ablution) and never tells lies. "I told them that we need to get out of politics of accusations," he was quoted as saying by the paper. According to Vankwani, after the meeting he "felts that the atmosphere was beginning to thaw." "Indian PM during his Rajasthan rally has hinted at holding dialogue with Pakistan," he added.

Pak lawmaker says 'atmosphere beginning to thaw' after meetings with Indian leaders

Will India play Pak at World Cup? Who is saying what

<p>Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai Sunday said the sporting community "needs to ostracise Pakistan" for fomenting terror activities just like South African was banned from international cricket due to the country's policy on apartheid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There had been calls to boycott India's June 16 World Cup group league game against Pakistan in Old Trafford in the wake of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=pulwama">Pulwama terror attack</a> in which more than 40 CRPF personnel were killed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-writes-letter-to-icc-to-express-concerns-over-security-of-indian-players-heading-into-world-cup-199011">BCCI has already written a letter</a> to the ICC urging "all nations to sever ties with countries from which terrorism emanates".&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the former CAG wants to look at the bigger picture rather than just one match as there is a possibility that India may have to play them again in semi-final or final.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We would be shooting in the foot if we don't play Pakistan in the World Cup. Our aim should be to ostracise Pakistan as a cricketing nation," Rai told PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As I have said earlier, all cricketing nations should sever ties with them," Rai said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/would-hate-to-give-two-points-to-pakistan-in-world-cup-sachin-tendulkar-198983">Sachin Tendulkar's comment on the Indo-Pak World Cup clash</a></strong></p>

<p>He cited the example of South Africa, which was banned for 21 years from 1970 till 1991 due to the apartheid when black South Africans were racially discriminated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I believe something similar needs to be done with Pakistan. They should be banned from all sporting activities just like it happened with South Africa," Rai said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CoA chief also said that the matter will be officially tabled at the ICC chief executives meet during the quarterly conference in Dubai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The issue wasn't a part of the agenda but now that BCCI has officially written a letter, and the matter will be up for discussion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The matter will be officially tabled at the ICC chief executives meet and Indian board will express its concern," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked whether a consensus can be built in order to isolate Pakistan in the sporting world, the veteran bureaucrat said that it is done at the political level.&nbsp;<br />
"It is done at the government level where you talk to other nations in order to build consensus," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Opinions have been divided on the calls for boycott with former India captain Sourav Ganguly and senior off-spinner Harbhajan Singh wanting the June 16 match to be called off.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, they haven't clarified what happens if Pakistan make it to the semifinals or the final.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, the two of the biggest names in Indian cricket, Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar, want India to beat Pakistan as a walk over will mean giving two points on a platter to the arch-rivals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri have maintained that they will "abide by whatever decision government takes."</p>


Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai Sunday said the sporting community "needs to ostracise Pakistan" for fomenting terror activities just like South African was banned from international cricket due to the country's policy on apartheid.

Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai Sunday said the sporting community "needs to ostracise Pakistan" for fomenting terror activities just like South African was banned from international cricket due to the country's policy on apartheid. There had been calls to boycott India's June 16 World Cup group league game against Pakistan in Old Trafford in the wake of Pulwama terror attack in which more than 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The BCCI has already written a letter to the ICC urging "all nations to sever ties with countries from which terrorism emanates". But the former CAG wants to look at the bigger picture rather than just one match as there is a possibility that India may have to play them again in semi-final or final. "We would be shooting in the foot if we don't play Pakistan in the World Cup. Our aim should be to ostracise Pakistan as a cricketing nation," Rai told PTI. "As I have said earlier, all cricketing nations should sever ties with them," Rai said. Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar's comment on the Indo-Pak World Cup clash He cited the example of South Africa, which was banned for 21 years from 1970 till 1991 due to the apartheid when black South Africans were racially discriminated. "I believe something similar needs to be done with Pakistan. They should be banned from all sporting activities just like it happened with South Africa," Rai said. The CoA chief also said that the matter will be officially tabled at the ICC chief executives meet during the quarterly conference in Dubai. The issue wasn't a part of the agenda but now that BCCI has officially written a letter, and the matter will be up for discussion. "The matter will be officially tabled at the ICC chief executives meet and Indian board will express its concern," he said. When asked whether a consensus can be built in order to isolate Pakistan in the sporting world, the veteran bureaucrat said that it is done at the political level. "It is done at the government level where you talk to other nations in order to build consensus," he said. Opinions have been divided on the calls for boycott with former India captain Sourav Ganguly and senior off-spinner Harbhajan Singh wanting the June 16 match to be called off. However, they haven't clarified what happens if Pakistan make it to the semifinals or the final. On the other hand, the two of the biggest names in Indian cricket, Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar, want India to beat Pakistan as a walk over will mean giving two points on a platter to the arch-rivals. Skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri have maintained that they will "abide by whatever decision government takes."

Pakistan should be isolated like it happened with South Africa during apartheid: Vinod Rai

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-takes-u-turn-says-bahawalpur-seminary-not-linked-to-jem-199229">Pakistan has</a> set up a "Crisis Management Cell" in the wake of heightened Indo-Pak tensions following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers, according to a media report.</p>

<p>The cell will keep all stakeholders updated over the border situation and diplomatic contacts, Foreign Office spokesperson Muhammad Faisal was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune on Saturday.</p>

<p>The cell, set up in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will remain operational throughout the week without any break, Faisal said.</p>

<p>Days after the Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said security forces have been given free hand to avenge the dastardly act.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan has set up a "Crisis Management Cell" in the wake of heightened Indo-Pak tensions following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers, according to a media report.

Pakistan has set up a "Crisis Management Cell" in the wake of heightened Indo-Pak tensions following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers, according to a media report. The cell will keep all stakeholders updated over the border situation and diplomatic contacts, Foreign Office spokesperson Muhammad Faisal was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune on Saturday. The cell, set up in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will remain operational throughout the week without any break, Faisal said. Days after the Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said security forces have been given free hand to avenge the dastardly act.

Pakistan sets up Crisis Management Cell amid simmering Indo-Pak tension

<p>Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has written a letter to the United Nations Security Council accusing India of threatening regional security, the Foreign Office (FO) said on Friday, a day after the powerful UN body named Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in a statement condemning the "heinous" Pulwama attack perpetrated by the terror outfit in Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>He also said India is accusing Pakistan of the Pulwama attack without any proof.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is with a sense of urgency that I draw your attention to the deteriorating security situation in our region resulting from Indian belligerence and threats of use of force against Pakistan. The situation poses a threat to international peace and security," Qureshi said in the letter addressed to UNSC president Anatolio Ndong Mba.</p>

<p>He alleged that India is blaming Pakistan for the Pulwama attack "to cover up its own operational and policy failures".&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday, in a strong show of international support for India, the UNSC comprising 15 nations, including Pakistan's key ally China, named JeM while condemning in the "strongest terms" the "heinous and cowardly" terror attack in Pulwama and stressed on the need to hold organisers and financiers of such "reprehensible acts" accountable and bring them to justice.</p>

<p>"The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice, and urged all States...To cooperate actively with the Government of India and all other relevant authorities in this regard," it said.</p>

<p>In his letter, Qureshi also accused the Indian government of using "water as a weapon".</p>

<p>"The long-standing legal arrangements agreed under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) are thus being imperilled," he said.</p>

<p>India has decided to "stop" the flow of its share of water to Pakistan from rivers under the Indus Water Treaty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The reiteration to stop the flow of Indus water to Pakistan comes amid mounting Indo-Pak tension over the Pulwama terror strike that has triggered demands for action against the neighbouring country. India has already decided to revoke the Most Favoured Nation status to Pakistan and mounted a diplomatic offensive to isolate it in the international community.</p>

<p>Qureshi said Pakistan has offered to cooperate with India if it shares any proof of involvement of Pakistani elements in the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Pakistan has offered its cooperation if tangible evidence emerging from credible investigation is shared," he wrote.</p>

<p>India on Tuesday had said, "Disclaiming any link between the terrorist attack and Pakistan is an oft-repeated excuse by Pakistan."</p>

<p>"It is a well-known fact that Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader Masood Azhar are based in Pakistan. These should be sufficient proof for Pakistan to take action," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Qureshi said India "must refrain from escalating the situation and enter into dialogue with Pakistan" to ensure continued peace and stability in South Asia.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has written a letter to the United Nations Security Council accusing India of threatening regional security, the Foreign Office (FO) said on Friday, a day after the powerful UN body named Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in a statement condemning the "heinous" Pulwama attack perpetrated by the terror outfit in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has written a letter to the United Nations Security Council accusing India of threatening regional security, the Foreign Office (FO) said on Friday, a day after the powerful UN body named Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in a statement condemning the "heinous" Pulwama attack perpetrated by the terror outfit in Jammu and Kashmir. He also said India is accusing Pakistan of the Pulwama attack without any proof. "It is with a sense of urgency that I draw your attention to the deteriorating security situation in our region resulting from Indian belligerence and threats of use of force against Pakistan. The situation poses a threat to international peace and security," Qureshi said in the letter addressed to UNSC president Anatolio Ndong Mba. He alleged that India is blaming Pakistan for the Pulwama attack "to cover up its own operational and policy failures". On Thursday, in a strong show of international support for India, the UNSC comprising 15 nations, including Pakistan's key ally China, named JeM while condemning in the "strongest terms" the "heinous and cowardly" terror attack in Pulwama and stressed on the need to hold organisers and financiers of such "reprehensible acts" accountable and bring them to justice. "The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice, and urged all States...To cooperate actively with the Government of India and all other relevant authorities in this regard," it said. In his letter, Qureshi also accused the Indian government of using "water as a weapon". "The long-standing legal arrangements agreed under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) are thus being imperilled," he said. India has decided to "stop" the flow of its share of water to Pakistan from rivers under the Indus Water Treaty. The reiteration to stop the flow of Indus water to Pakistan comes amid mounting Indo-Pak tension over the Pulwama terror strike that has triggered demands for action against the neighbouring country. India has already decided to revoke the Most Favoured Nation status to Pakistan and mounted a diplomatic offensive to isolate it in the international community. Qureshi said Pakistan has offered to cooperate with India if it shares any proof of involvement of Pakistani elements in the Pulwama attack. "Pakistan has offered its cooperation if tangible evidence emerging from credible investigation is shared," he wrote. India on Tuesday had said, "Disclaiming any link between the terrorist attack and Pakistan is an oft-repeated excuse by Pakistan." "It is a well-known fact that Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader Masood Azhar are based in Pakistan. These should be sufficient proof for Pakistan to take action," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. Qureshi said India "must refrain from escalating the situation and enter into dialogue with Pakistan" to ensure continued peace and stability in South Asia.

Pakistan writes to UNSC, accuses India of threatening regional security

<p>US President Donald Trump voiced alarm Friday at the "very dangerous situation" between India and Pakistan, warning that New Delhi was considering "very strong" action after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/members-of-council-condemn-heinous-and-cowardly-suicide-bombing-unsc-on-pulwama-terror-attack-198830">Pulwama terror attack</a> in Kashmir.</p>

<p>"It's very dangerous situation between the two countries. We would like to see it stop," Trump said, adding that the United States was seeking talks with Pakistan.</p>

<p>"Right now there is a lot of problems between India and Pakistan because of what happened," he told reporters as he met a senior Chinese official in the Oval Office.</p>

<p>Tensions have soared between the nuclear-armed rivals since a suicide attack last week killed over 40 soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, the deadliest attack in years.</p>

<p>"India is looking at something very strong. India just lost almost 50 people with an attack. So I can understand that also," Trump said.</p>

<p>India has been demanding action against militants from Pakistan. The attack was claimed by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-government-takes-control-of-jem-headquarters-199032">Jaish-e-Mohammed, an Islamist extremist group based in Pakistan</a>, although the suicide attacker came locally from Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan's military on Friday warned India against any "misadventure," saying it was capable of responding.</p>

<p>The United States in recent years has allied with India, seeing common interests with a fellow democracy that has been battling Islamist extremists.</p>

<p>The Trump administration last year cut off $300 million in military aid to Pakistan, saying that Islamabad has not done enough to fight extremists at home or close safe havens for militants in neighboring Afghanistan.</p>

<p>"Pakistan was taking very strong advantage of the United States under other presidents," Trump said. "I ended that payment because they weren't helping us in a way that they should have."</p>

<p>India and Pakistan have fought two of their three full-fledged wars over Kashmir since their partition at independence from Britain in 1947.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


US President Donald Trump voiced alarm Friday at the "very dangerous situation" between India and Pakistan, warning that New Delhi was considering "very strong" action after Pulwama terror attack in Kashmir.

US President Donald Trump voiced alarm Friday at the "very dangerous situation" between India and Pakistan, warning that New Delhi was considering "very strong" action after Pulwama terror attack in Kashmir. "It's very dangerous situation between the two countries. We would like to see it stop," Trump said, adding that the United States was seeking talks with Pakistan. "Right now there is a lot of problems between India and Pakistan because of what happened," he told reporters as he met a senior Chinese official in the Oval Office. Tensions have soared between the nuclear-armed rivals since a suicide attack last week killed over 40 soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, the deadliest attack in years. "India is looking at something very strong. India just lost almost 50 people with an attack. So I can understand that also," Trump said. India has been demanding action against militants from Pakistan. The attack was claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed, an Islamist extremist group based in Pakistan, although the suicide attacker came locally from Kashmir. Pakistan's military on Friday warned India against any "misadventure," saying it was capable of responding. The United States in recent years has allied with India, seeing common interests with a fellow democracy that has been battling Islamist extremists. The Trump administration last year cut off $300 million in military aid to Pakistan, saying that Islamabad has not done enough to fight extremists at home or close safe havens for militants in neighboring Afghanistan. "Pakistan was taking very strong advantage of the United States under other presidents," Trump said. "I ended that payment because they weren't helping us in a way that they should have." India and Pakistan have fought two of their three full-fledged wars over Kashmir since their partition at independence from Britain in 1947.

Trump speaks on Pulwama attack, says 'very dangerous situation' between India and Pakistan

UNSC strongly condemns Pulwama attack by JeM

Pulwama attack: Indian-Americans protest in New York, raise 'Pakistan Murdabad' slogans

'Very dangerous situation' between India and Pakistan: Trump on Pulwama attack

<p>More than a hundred US-based Indians protested outside the Pakistan consulate in New York on Friday against the terror attack which was carried out by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) on February 14 in South Kashmir's Pulwama.</p>

<p>Waving the tricolour, protesters raised slogans like "Pakistan Murdabad," "Global terror Pakistan, LeT Pakistan," "9/11 Pakistan," "26/11 Pakistan, Osama bin Laden Pakistan," amongst others.</p>

<p>They also held placards which read "Pakistan - a terrorist nation" and "Pakistan Progress the country not Terrorism" at the demonstration.</p>

<p>The Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) US was among the groups that participated in the protest.</p>

<p>Indian communities across the United States have been holding protest marches denouncing the role of Pakistan in the attack which claimed lives of over 40 CRPF personnel.</p>

<p>Along with non-resident Indians, the global community has stood in solidarity with India against terrorism.</p>

<p>The UN Security Council has also condemned in the strongest terms the "heinous and cowardly" February 14 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)</p>


More than a hundred US-based Indians protested outside the Pakistan consulate in New York on Friday against the terror attack which was carried out by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) on February 14 in South Kashmir's Pulwama.

More than a hundred US-based Indians protested outside the Pakistan consulate in New York on Friday against the terror attack which was carried out by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) on February 14 in South Kashmir's Pulwama. Waving the tricolour, protesters raised slogans like "Pakistan Murdabad," "Global terror Pakistan, LeT Pakistan," "9/11 Pakistan," "26/11 Pakistan, Osama bin Laden Pakistan," amongst others. They also held placards which read "Pakistan - a terrorist nation" and "Pakistan Progress the country not Terrorism" at the demonstration. The Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) US was among the groups that participated in the protest. Indian communities across the United States have been holding protest marches denouncing the role of Pakistan in the attack which claimed lives of over 40 CRPF personnel. Along with non-resident Indians, the global community has stood in solidarity with India against terrorism. The UN Security Council has also condemned in the strongest terms the "heinous and cowardly" February 14 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)

Pulwama terror attack: Scores of angry Indians protest in New York

<p>The Ministry of Home Affairs, in an overnight move, ordered the airlift of 100 companies of troops, including personnel from CRPF, SSB, IRBP AND BSF, to Srinagar to deal with the law and order situation in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a major crackdown on the separatist camp and Jamaat-e-Islami group in Kashmir valley, Jammu and Kashmir police during the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, detained several leaders of the group, ahead of crucial 35-A hearing and in wake of the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jammu and Kashmir <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jklf-chief-yaseen-malik-detained-in-jammu-and-kashmir-199074">police also detained JKLF chief Yasin Malik</a> from his residence in Srinagar and shifted him to local a police station. A shutdown is being observed in certain areas as a mark of protest against the detention.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from Malik, several Jamaat leaders including its chief Dr Abdul Hamid Fayaz were detained during the night raids in south and central Kashmir. Jamaat-e-Islami is a social-political organization and part of a separatist conglomerate. Most of its cadre is active in south Kashmir and alleged to be terrorist sympathisers.</p>

<p>Remember, the arrests&nbsp;follow Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in which over 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives. This was one of the deadliest attacks carried by the terrorists in more than two decades.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Diplomats and leaders across the globe condemned the ghastly attack. The UNSC called the attack&nbsp;"<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/members-of-council-condemn-heinous-and-cowardly-suicide-bombing-unsc-on-pulwama-terror-attack-198830">heinous and cowardly"</a>.&nbsp;</p>


The Ministry of Home Affairs, in an overnight move, ordered the airlift of 100 companies of troops, including personnel from CRPF, SSB, IRBP AND BSF, to Srinagar to deal with the law and order situation in the state.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, in an overnight move, ordered the airlift of 100 companies of troops, including personnel from CRPF, SSB, IRBP AND BSF, to Srinagar to deal with the law and order situation in the state. In a major crackdown on the separatist camp and Jamaat-e-Islami group in Kashmir valley, Jammu and Kashmir police during the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, detained several leaders of the group, ahead of crucial 35-A hearing and in wake of the Pulwama attack. Jammu and Kashmir police also detained JKLF chief Yasin Malik from his residence in Srinagar and shifted him to local a police station. A shutdown is being observed in certain areas as a mark of protest against the detention. Apart from Malik, several Jamaat leaders including its chief Dr Abdul Hamid Fayaz were detained during the night raids in south and central Kashmir. Jamaat-e-Islami is a social-political organization and part of a separatist conglomerate. Most of its cadre is active in south Kashmir and alleged to be terrorist sympathisers. Remember, the arrests follow Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in which over 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives. This was one of the deadliest attacks carried by the terrorists in more than two decades. Diplomats and leaders across the globe condemned the ghastly attack. The UNSC called the attack "heinous and cowardly".

Pulwama attack: Police crackdown on Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir, top leaders detained

<p>India will exercise all options, diplomatic or otherwise, to win a decisive battle against Pakistan which is responsible for Pulwama terror attack, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Friday.</p>

<p>Describing Pakistan as a "rogue state", he said it is not acting against perpetrators of the attack, though the guilty have themselves admitted to the attack and were taking credit for it.</p>

<p>Referring to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's speech, Jaitley said, "the head of the government says, give me actionable intelligence. You need an actionable intelligence if it is a blind offence, but here is a man sitting in your own country who owned up to the offence. So when there is a confession...You have people sitting in your own country and admitting to the offence and saying that yes we have done it and taking credit for it".</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-government-takes-control-of-jem-headquarters-199032">Pakistan government takes control of JeM headquarters</a></strong></p>

<p>Pakistan leadership, he said, is "riding a tiger on this issue and tiger never spares its own rider".</p>

<p>As many as 40 CRPF personnel died in a terrorist attack on February 14 at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>India today is extremely angry, he said, adding "in my lifetime, we have seen wars, we have seen human tragedies, we have seen prime ministers assassinated by terrorists. But the kind of anger which has been there, even on previous occasions, the one this time is unprecedented".</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-statement-mentioned-jem-in-general-terms-it-does-not-represent-judgment-on-pulwama-attack-china-198964">UNSC statement mentioned JeM in general terms, it does not represent </a></strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-statement-mentioned-jem-in-general-terms-it-does-not-represent-judgment-on-pulwama-attack-china-198964"><strong>judgement</strong></a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-statement-mentioned-jem-in-general-terms-it-does-not-represent-judgment-on-pulwama-attack-china-198964"><strong> on Pulwama attack, says China</strong></a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already stated that India will exercise all its instruments at its commands, whether it is diplomatic or otherwise.</p>

<p>"Therefore, we have to act in a manner that this battle has to be decisively won by us because Pakistan is not willing to give up its traditional role in our neighbourhood as a rogue state," the finance minister added.</p>

<p>"This is not a one week battle. It should be undertaken in various forms," he said while speaking at the Global Business Summit here.</p>

<p>Talking about India playing a cricket match with Pakistan, he said at this juncture the atmosphere is hostile and hence the country cannot be seen&nbsp;playing friendly or even competitive matches with them.</p>

<p>"The feeling of the people (on this issue) is understandable," Jaitley added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Committee of Administrators (CoA) running Indian cricket Friday decided against taking any stand on the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/would-hate-to-give-two-points-to-pakistan-in-world-cup-sachin-tendulkar-198983"> World Cup clash against Pakistan</a>, which is scheduled for June 16 in Old Trafford in England, but said it would individually urge ICC members to "sever ties with any nation that is a terrorist hub".</p>

<p>In a meeting to address the spiralling speculation around the match, the CoA deliberated on the matter but did not take any position for now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There is also a view that India stands to lose by boycotting Pakistan in the upcoming cricket World Cup as it will lose points, harming its prospect in the championship.</p>


India will exercise all options, diplomatic or otherwise, to win a decisive battle against Pakistan which is responsible for Pulwama terror attack, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Friday.

India will exercise all options, diplomatic or otherwise, to win a decisive battle against Pakistan which is responsible for Pulwama terror attack, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Friday. Describing Pakistan as a "rogue state", he said it is not acting against perpetrators of the attack, though the guilty have themselves admitted to the attack and were taking credit for it. Referring to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's speech, Jaitley said, "the head of the government says, give me actionable intelligence. You need an actionable intelligence if it is a blind offence, but here is a man sitting in your own country who owned up to the offence. So when there is a confession...You have people sitting in your own country and admitting to the offence and saying that yes we have done it and taking credit for it". Also read: Pakistan government takes control of JeM headquarters Pakistan leadership, he said, is "riding a tiger on this issue and tiger never spares its own rider". As many as 40 CRPF personnel died in a terrorist attack on February 14 at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. India today is extremely angry, he said, adding "in my lifetime, we have seen wars, we have seen human tragedies, we have seen prime ministers assassinated by terrorists. But the kind of anger which has been there, even on previous occasions, the one this time is unprecedented". Also read: UNSC statement mentioned JeM in general terms, it does not represent judgement on Pulwama attack, says China Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already stated that India will exercise all its instruments at its commands, whether it is diplomatic or otherwise. "Therefore, we have to act in a manner that this battle has to be decisively won by us because Pakistan is not willing to give up its traditional role in our neighbourhood as a rogue state," the finance minister added. "This is not a one week battle. It should be undertaken in various forms," he said while speaking at the Global Business Summit here. Talking about India playing a cricket match with Pakistan, he said at this juncture the atmosphere is hostile and hence the country cannot be seen playing friendly or even competitive matches with them. "The feeling of the people (on this issue) is understandable," Jaitley added. The Committee of Administrators (CoA) running Indian cricket Friday decided against taking any stand on the World Cup clash against Pakistan, which is scheduled for June 16 in Old Trafford in England, but said it would individually urge ICC members to "sever ties with any nation that is a terrorist hub". In a meeting to address the spiralling speculation around the match, the CoA deliberated on the matter but did not take any position for now. There is also a view that India stands to lose by boycotting Pakistan in the upcoming cricket World Cup as it will lose points, harming its prospect in the championship.

India to exercise all options to win decisive battle against Pakistan: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

<p>In a major development and victory for India's diplomatic campaign against Pakistan, the United Nation Security Council (UNSC) has not only condemned <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/pulwama-attack-cannot-be-allowed-to-go-unanswered-198875">the Pulwama terror attack </a>but also mentioned Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM), the group responsible for the attack. The motion for the press statement was moved by the United States.</p>

<p>UN Security Council in a press statement said, "The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly suicide bombing... for which Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility".</p>

<p>The resolution was adopted unanimously by the UNSC (permanent and non permanent members). It contains specific language that India had proposed via partner countries including on the naming of JeM, and bring perpetrators to justice.</p>

<p>This is significant since China is one of the 5 permanent members of UNSC. The other 4 are - US, Russia, UK and France. China did try to create issues due to which negotiations were prolonged.</p>

<p>China has been blocking the listing of JeM chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under 1267 committee of UNSC and has blocked India's bid to list him many times citing lack of consensus. France is expected again to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-couple-of-days-france-to-move-proposal-at-un-to-ban-jem-chief-masood-azhar-198359">propose his listing</a>.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A statement with many firsts takes more time than expected.<br />
<br />
In complex diplomatic situations, however, it is better to be late than never. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/zerotolerance4terror?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#zerotolerance4terror</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JaiHind?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JaiHind</a> <a href="https://t.co/2ZbIg1wYh0">pic.twitter.com/2ZbIg1wYh0</a></p>
— Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AkbaruddinIndia/status/1098787124751618049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The members of the Security Council also expressed their "deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims" as well as to the "Indian people and the government of India, and wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured."</p>

<p>Further, reaffirming that "terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security," members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold the "perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice".</p>

<p>Without taking names, the UN body urged all states to cooperate actively with the Government of India and all other relevant authorities in this regard.</p>

<p>The UNSC reiterated that any acts of terrorism are "criminal and unjustifiable" regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week's terror that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel was the worst in the state of Jammu &amp; Kashmir in more than 2 decades.</p>

<p>India in the aftermath of Pulwama attack has withdrawn the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-withdraws-most-favoured-nation-status-accorded-to-pakistan-after-pulwama-attack-197540">Most Favoured Nation</a> (MFN) status to Islamabad, hiking customs duty on Pak imports by 200% and has unleashed a diplomatic campaign to isolate the country.</p>

<p>New Delhi has briefed more than 30 foreign envoys from ASEAN, Africa, Central Asia, permanent and non-permanent members of the United Nation Security Council about Pakistan's involvement in the terror attack.</p>


In a major development and victory for India's diplomatic campaign against Pakistan, the United Nation Security Council (UNSC) has not only condemned the Pulwama terror attack but also mentioned Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM), the group responsible for the attack.

In a major development and victory for India's diplomatic campaign against Pakistan, the United Nation Security Council (UNSC) has not only condemned the Pulwama terror attack but also mentioned Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM), the group responsible for the attack. The motion for the press statement was moved by the United States. UN Security Council in a press statement said, "The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly suicide bombing... for which Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility". The resolution was adopted unanimously by the UNSC (permanent and non permanent members). It contains specific language that India had proposed via partner countries including on the naming of JeM, and bring perpetrators to justice. This is significant since China is one of the 5 permanent members of UNSC. The other 4 are - US, Russia, UK and France. China did try to create issues due to which negotiations were prolonged. China has been blocking the listing of JeM chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under 1267 committee of UNSC and has blocked India's bid to list him many times citing lack of consensus. France is expected again to propose his listing. A statement with many firsts takes more time than expected. In complex diplomatic situations, however, it is better to be late than never. #zerotolerance4terror#JaiHind pic.twitter.com/2ZbIg1wYh0 — Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) February 22, 2019 × The members of the Security Council also expressed their "deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims" as well as to the "Indian people and the government of India, and wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured." Further, reaffirming that "terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security," members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold the "perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice". Without taking names, the UN body urged all states to cooperate actively with the Government of India and all other relevant authorities in this regard. The UNSC reiterated that any acts of terrorism are "criminal and unjustifiable" regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. Last week's terror that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel was the worst in the state of Jammu & Kashmir in more than 2 decades. India in the aftermath of Pulwama attack has withdrawn the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Islamabad, hiking customs duty on Pak imports by 200% and has unleashed a diplomatic campaign to isolate the country. New Delhi has briefed more than 30 foreign envoys from ASEAN, Africa, Central Asia, permanent and non-permanent members of the United Nation Security Council about Pakistan's involvement in the terror attack.

Pulwama attack: UN Security Council condemns 'heinous and cowardly suicide bombing'

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