<p>The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea seeking directions to the media to use the words martyr or 'shaheed' instead of 'killed' when reporting deaths of security personnel in terror or other attacks.</p>

<p>A bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V K Rao declined to hear the petition by a lawyer, who had contended that use of words like 'killed' or 'died' was not respectful.</p>

<p>Referring to the February 14 terror attack in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, Chaudhary said the deaths should have been described by the media using "respectful words" like martyred or 'shaheed' and not killed or died.</p>


The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea seeking directions to the media to use the words martyr or 'shaheed' instead of 'killed' when reporting deaths of security personnel in terror or other attacks.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea seeking directions to the media to use the words martyr or 'shaheed' instead of 'killed' when reporting deaths of security personnel in terror or other attacks. A bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V K Rao declined to hear the petition by a lawyer, who had contended that use of words like 'killed' or 'died' was not respectful. Referring to the February 14 terror attack in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, Chaudhary said the deaths should have been described by the media using "respectful words" like martyred or 'shaheed' and not killed or died.

High Court dismisses a plea asking media to use word martyr for reporting casualties in terror attacks

<p>During a press conference on Tuesday, CRPF officer Zulfiquar Hassan said, ''Our helpline-14411 has been helping Kashmiris across the country in wake of this attack.''</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-anyone-who-has-picked-up-a-gun-will-be-killed-says-indian-army-198231">Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon</a>, Corps Commander of the Chinar Corps and Kashmir Inspector General of Police, SP Pani were also present at the conference.</p>

<p>Hassan added, ''Lot of Kashmiri students have approached this helpline for help all over the country. All Kashmiri children studying outside have been taken care of by security forces.''</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Zulfiquar Hasan, CRPF: Our helpline-14411 has been helping Kashmiris across the country in wake of this attack.Lot of Kashmiri students have approached this helpline for help all over the country. All Kashmiri children studying outside have been taken care of by security forces. <a href="https://t.co/YVfeziJiG9">pic.twitter.com/YVfeziJiG9</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1097730083966443520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Almost a year ago, CRPF started a helpline number ‘14411’, to assist people of Jammu and Kashmir across the country.</p>

<p>The CRPF received over 2.2 lakh calls on various issues such as no power, no water supply, medical emergency, stalking, harassment, etc.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in conference Commander Dhillion said that "anyone who has picked up a gun (in Jammu and Kashmir) will be killed."</p>


During a press conference on Tuesday, CRPF officer Zulfiquar Hassan said, ''Our helpline-14411 has been helping Kashmiris across the country in wake of this attack.

During a press conference on Tuesday, CRPF officer Zulfiquar Hassan said, ''Our helpline-14411 has been helping Kashmiris across the country in wake of this attack.'' Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, Corps Commander of the Chinar Corps and Kashmir Inspector General of Police, SP Pani were also present at the conference. Hassan added, ''Lot of Kashmiri students have approached this helpline for help all over the country. All Kashmiri children studying outside have been taken care of by security forces.'' Zulfiquar Hasan, CRPF: Our helpline-14411 has been helping Kashmiris across the country in wake of this attack.Lot of Kashmiri students have approached this helpline for help all over the country. All Kashmiri children studying outside have been taken care of by security forces. pic.twitter.com/YVfeziJiG9 — ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2019 × Almost a year ago, CRPF started a helpline number ‘14411’, to assist people of Jammu and Kashmir across the country. The CRPF received over 2.2 lakh calls on various issues such as no power, no water supply, medical emergency, stalking, harassment, etc. Meanwhile, in conference Commander Dhillion said that "anyone who has picked up a gun (in Jammu and Kashmir) will be killed."

Our helpline has been helping Kashmiris across the country in wake of Pulwama attack: CRPF

<p>The Indian Army said Tuesday that "anyone who has picked up a gun (in Jammu and Kashmir) will be killed". The statement was made by Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, Corps Commander of the Chinar Corps.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our focus is clear on counter-terrorism operations. We are very clear that anyone who enters Kashmir valley will not go back alive," Dhillon said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhillon was holding a press conference a day after the Pinglan encounter in which the authorities said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-mastermind-of-pulwama-attack-killed-in-encounter-4-soldiers-dead-too-198057">the mastermind of the Pulwama attack had been killed</a>.</p>

<p>Over 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-seeks-urgent-un-intervention-to-de-escalate-fresh-tensions-with-india-198228">Pulwama attack</a>&nbsp;after a local youth, Adil Ahmad Dar, rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus ferrying CRPF personnel. The bus had been part of a convoy of 78 vehicles transporting 2,500 CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The attack was later claimed by the terror group the Jaish-e-Mohammed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Dhillon said that the security forces had "eliminated" the JeM leadership in the valley in less than a 100 hours since the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that "there is no doubt that Pakistan Army and ISI is involved. JeM is a child of the Pakistan Army."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, Corps Commander of Chinar Corps, Indian Army: Anyone who has picked up a gun will be killed and eliminated. <a href="https://t.co/hFFuzLSnLn">pic.twitter.com/hFFuzLSnLn</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1097727669230137344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Kashmir Inspector General of Police SP Pani, who was also present at the conference, said there had been a "significant dip" in recruitment to the terror ranks in recent months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have not see any recruitment in the last three months. The families are playing a huge role in this. We would like to urge the families and the community in curtailing recruitment," Pani said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dhillon also struck a softer note Tuesday asking Kashmiri mothers to "request their sons who've joined terrorism to surrender and get back to mainstream".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Anyone who has picked up gun will be killed and eliminated&nbsp;unless he surrenders," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CRPF's Zulfiqar Hasan meanwhile added that their <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-with-them-always-crpf-official-says-to-kashmiris-197846">Madadgar helpline</a> (14411) had been coming to the aid of Kashmiris "across the country". A number of Kashmiris, especially students studying elsewhere in the country, have been threatened after the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Lot of Kashmiri students have approached this helpline for help all over the country. All Kashmiri children studying outside have been taken care of by security forces," Hasan said.&nbsp;</p>


The Indian Army said Tuesday that "anyone who has picked up a gun (in Jammu and Kashmir) will be killed". The statement was made by Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, Corps Commander of the Chinar Corps.

The Indian Army said Tuesday that "anyone who has picked up a gun (in Jammu and Kashmir) will be killed". The statement was made by Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, Corps Commander of the Chinar Corps. "Our focus is clear on counter-terrorism operations. We are very clear that anyone who enters Kashmir valley will not go back alive," Dhillon said. Dhillon was holding a press conference a day after the Pinglan encounter in which the authorities said the mastermind of the Pulwama attack had been killed. Over 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the Pulwama attack after a local youth, Adil Ahmad Dar, rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus ferrying CRPF personnel. The bus had been part of a convoy of 78 vehicles transporting 2,500 CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar. The attack was later claimed by the terror group the Jaish-e-Mohammed. On Tuesday, Dhillon said that the security forces had "eliminated" the JeM leadership in the valley in less than a 100 hours since the attack. He added that "there is no doubt that Pakistan Army and ISI is involved. JeM is a child of the Pakistan Army." Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, Corps Commander of Chinar Corps, Indian Army: Anyone who has picked up a gun will be killed and eliminated. pic.twitter.com/hFFuzLSnLn — ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2019 × Kashmir Inspector General of Police SP Pani, who was also present at the conference, said there had been a "significant dip" in recruitment to the terror ranks in recent months. "We have not see any recruitment in the last three months. The families are playing a huge role in this. We would like to urge the families and the community in curtailing recruitment," Pani said. Dhillon also struck a softer note Tuesday asking Kashmiri mothers to "request their sons who've joined terrorism to surrender and get back to mainstream". "Anyone who has picked up gun will be killed and eliminated unless he surrenders," he added. The CRPF's Zulfiqar Hasan meanwhile added that their Madadgar helpline (14411) had been coming to the aid of Kashmiris "across the country". A number of Kashmiris, especially students studying elsewhere in the country, have been threatened after the Pulwama attack. "Lot of Kashmiri students have approached this helpline for help all over the country. All Kashmiri children studying outside have been taken care of by security forces," Hasan said.

J&K: 'Anyone who has picked up a gun will be killed,' says Indian Army

<p>Pakistan has sought the UN's urgent intervention to "defuse tensions" with India, the Foreign Office said Tuesday, following one of the worst terror attacks in <a href="Two JeM terrorists shot dead in Pulwama encounter, four soldiers killed ">Jammu and Kashmir</a> in which over 40 Indian soldiers were killed.</p>

<p>On February 14, at least 41 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in Kashmir's Pulwama district in a suicide attack claimed by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group.</p>

<p>The attack has heightened bilateral tensions with both New Delhi and Islamabad calling back their envoys.</p>

<p>Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday, seeking his help to reduce the tensions between the two countries, Pakistan Foreign Office said.</p>

<p>"It is with a sense of urgency that I draw your attention to the deteriorating security situation in our region resulting from the threat of use of force against Pakistan by India," Qureshi wrote in the letter.</p>

<p>India has rejected any third party intervention in the Kashmir issue and has maintained that all outstanding matters in Indo-Pak ties should be resolved bilaterally.</p>

<p>Qureshi, in his letter, said the Pulwama attack on Indian CRPF soldiers was ostensibly and even by Indian accounts carried out by a Kashmiri resident.</p>

<p>He said attributing the attack to Pakistan even before investigations was absurd.</p>

<p>He alleged that for domestic political reasons, India deliberately ratcheted up its hostile rhetoric against Pakistan and created a tense environment.</p>

<p>Qureshi wrote that India has also hinted that it may abandon the Indus Waters Treaty, asserting that it would be a grievous error.</p>

<p>"It is imperative to take steps for de-escalation. The United Nations must step in to defuse tensions," Qureshi said.</p>

<p>He said India must be asked to conduct an open and credible investigation in the terror attack.</p>

<p>"You may also consider asking India to refrain from further escalating the situation and enter into dialogue with Pakistan and the Kashmiris to calm the situation down," he wrote.</p>

<p>The foreign minister requested that the letter should be circulated to members of the Security Council and General Assembly.</p>

<p>Pakistan has repeatedly asked the UN to intervene in Kashmir. Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had also sought the US' intervention, saying America was the "most relevant" party to get involved in Kashmir issue.</p>

<p>The US, however, has time and again reiterated that it is for India and Pakistan to discuss and decide on the pace and scope of their bilateral relationship.</p>


Pakistan has sought the UN's urgent intervention to "defuse tensions" with India, the Foreign Office said Tuesday, following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in which over 40 Indian soldiers were killed.

Pakistan has sought the UN's urgent intervention to "defuse tensions" with India, the Foreign Office said Tuesday, following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in which over 40 Indian soldiers were killed. On February 14, at least 41 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in Kashmir's Pulwama district in a suicide attack claimed by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group. The attack has heightened bilateral tensions with both New Delhi and Islamabad calling back their envoys. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday, seeking his help to reduce the tensions between the two countries, Pakistan Foreign Office said. "It is with a sense of urgency that I draw your attention to the deteriorating security situation in our region resulting from the threat of use of force against Pakistan by India," Qureshi wrote in the letter. India has rejected any third party intervention in the Kashmir issue and has maintained that all outstanding matters in Indo-Pak ties should be resolved bilaterally. Qureshi, in his letter, said the Pulwama attack on Indian CRPF soldiers was ostensibly and even by Indian accounts carried out by a Kashmiri resident. He said attributing the attack to Pakistan even before investigations was absurd. He alleged that for domestic political reasons, India deliberately ratcheted up its hostile rhetoric against Pakistan and created a tense environment. Qureshi wrote that India has also hinted that it may abandon the Indus Waters Treaty, asserting that it would be a grievous error. "It is imperative to take steps for de-escalation. The United Nations must step in to defuse tensions," Qureshi said. He said India must be asked to conduct an open and credible investigation in the terror attack. "You may also consider asking India to refrain from further escalating the situation and enter into dialogue with Pakistan and the Kashmiris to calm the situation down," he wrote. The foreign minister requested that the letter should be circulated to members of the Security Council and General Assembly. Pakistan has repeatedly asked the UN to intervene in Kashmir. Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had also sought the US' intervention, saying America was the "most relevant" party to get involved in Kashmir issue. The US, however, has time and again reiterated that it is for India and Pakistan to discuss and decide on the pace and scope of their bilateral relationship.

Pulwama attack: Pakistan asks UN to intervene, de-escalate tensions with India

<p>Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has claimed responsibility for the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday, which left at least 40 CRPF soldiers dead and five others critically wounded.</p>

<p>This heinous act has outraged the collective conscience of the Indian nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India’s relations with Pakistan have been defined by the Partition of British India in 1947, the Kashmir conundrum and military conflicts fought between the two countries.<br />
<br />
The relations have always been plagued by conflicts, hostilities and mutual suspicion, despite the fact that the two South Asian nations share common linguistic, cultural, geographical and economic linkages.</p>

<p>Pakistan’s use of terrorist groups as part of its security and foreign policy is a function of its obsession with India, which it perceives as an existential threat.</p>

<p>The ideology of Pakistan is built on the twin pillars of Islam and antagonism towards India. It has never realised that as a nation state, it needs to create a history of its own and move forward. It has preferred to live with historical appropriation and distortions of the past.</p>

<p>Pakistan could acknowledge its Indian heritage, as well as the Muslimness of a majority of its population. Instead, successive Pakistani leaders and its intelligentsia have preferred to build the idea of Pakistan on the pillars of Islam and antagonism towards India.</p>

<p>Pakistan’s paranoia regarding India is unfounded. There have been military engagements, an ongoing undeclared war, numerous skirmishes and stand-offs.</p>

<p>Many successful attempts to improve relations through the Shimla agreement, Agra and Lahore summits, among others, have fallen apart.</p>

<p>Relations soured after the Siachen conflict of 1980, the Kashmir insurgency of 1989 and the Kargil war of 1999.</p>

<p>The terror attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001 almost brought the two nuclear nations to the brink of war.</p>

<p>The Mumbai attack of 2008 by Pakistan-based terrorists and killing of hundreds and continuing support to terrorists in Kashmir to delegitimise the idea of India, continues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan is on notice from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and China has removed its objections to put Islamabad on the ‘grey list’ by FATF.</p>

<p>Pakistan, on the global terrorist financing list from June 2018 onwards, risks endangering its handful of remaining banking links with the outside world, causing financial distress to its economy. Saudi Arabia, too, also removed its objection and now only Turkey stands in support of Pakistan.</p>

<p>President Donald Trump has said it is the time to expose and hold responsible those countries who breed, support and finance terror groups.</p>

<p>The Trump administration has charted out its South Asia policy in which it has accorded a larger role for India in Afghanistan and in South Asia and has put Pakistan on notice.</p>

<p>Pakistan’s temper tantrums and petulant responses are not convincing. Islamabad has to take a hard look at its options. It has to effectively shutdown terror factories being nurtured in its backyard.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received unconditional support from the opposition parties and the citizenry to deal with Pakistan sternly and flush out terrorists from Kashmir and elsewhere in the country.</p>

<p>The country is resolutely standing behind India and the Prime Minister in this critical hour.</p>

<p>India does not buy any formula on Kashmir, as it firmly believes terror and talks cannot go together until Pakistan brings to book the perpetrators of 26/11 Mumbai attack and accounts for other terror acts executed. The territorial status of Kashmir is clearly not negotiable.</p>

<p>The country expects the government and Prime Minister Modi to act now. It is examining various options, including the military option.</p>

<p>As part of its comprehensive strategy, India is resorting to an aggressive diplomatic offensive against Pakistan by mobilising its resources and pressuring the world to declare Pakistan as ‘terroristan’.</p>

<p>The Modi government is required to act decisively, keeping in view that the US needs Pakistan’s help to negotiate with the Taliban in Afghanistan, strike its defence deals with Russia, with China on the side of Russians.</p>

<p>Therefore India needs an appropriate and calibrated modus operandi to deal boldly with Pakistan. The nation and the global community is anxiously waiting and watching.</p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-world-watching-india-pm-for-response-to-pulwama-2721138">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><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has claimed responsibility for the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday, which left at least 40 CRPF soldiers dead and five others critically wounded.

Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has claimed responsibility for the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday, which left at least 40 CRPF soldiers dead and five others critically wounded. This heinous act has outraged the collective conscience of the Indian nation. India’s relations with Pakistan have been defined by the Partition of British India in 1947, the Kashmir conundrum and military conflicts fought between the two countries. The relations have always been plagued by conflicts, hostilities and mutual suspicion, despite the fact that the two South Asian nations share common linguistic, cultural, geographical and economic linkages. Pakistan’s use of terrorist groups as part of its security and foreign policy is a function of its obsession with India, which it perceives as an existential threat. The ideology of Pakistan is built on the twin pillars of Islam and antagonism towards India. It has never realised that as a nation state, it needs to create a history of its own and move forward. It has preferred to live with historical appropriation and distortions of the past. Pakistan could acknowledge its Indian heritage, as well as the Muslimness of a majority of its population. Instead, successive Pakistani leaders and its intelligentsia have preferred to build the idea of Pakistan on the pillars of Islam and antagonism towards India. Pakistan’s paranoia regarding India is unfounded. There have been military engagements, an ongoing undeclared war, numerous skirmishes and stand-offs. Many successful attempts to improve relations through the Shimla agreement, Agra and Lahore summits, among others, have fallen apart. Relations soured after the Siachen conflict of 1980, the Kashmir insurgency of 1989 and the Kargil war of 1999. The terror attack on the Indian Parliament in 2001 almost brought the two nuclear nations to the brink of war. The Mumbai attack of 2008 by Pakistan-based terrorists and killing of hundreds and continuing support to terrorists in Kashmir to delegitimise the idea of India, continues. Pakistan is on notice from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and China has removed its objections to put Islamabad on the ‘grey list’ by FATF. Pakistan, on the global terrorist financing list from June 2018 onwards, risks endangering its handful of remaining banking links with the outside world, causing financial distress to its economy. Saudi Arabia, too, also removed its objection and now only Turkey stands in support of Pakistan. President Donald Trump has said it is the time to expose and hold responsible those countries who breed, support and finance terror groups. The Trump administration has charted out its South Asia policy in which it has accorded a larger role for India in Afghanistan and in South Asia and has put Pakistan on notice. Pakistan’s temper tantrums and petulant responses are not convincing. Islamabad has to take a hard look at its options. It has to effectively shutdown terror factories being nurtured in its backyard. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received unconditional support from the opposition parties and the citizenry to deal with Pakistan sternly and flush out terrorists from Kashmir and elsewhere in the country. The country is resolutely standing behind India and the Prime Minister in this critical hour. India does not buy any formula on Kashmir, as it firmly believes terror and talks cannot go together until Pakistan brings to book the perpetrators of 26/11 Mumbai attack and accounts for other terror acts executed. The territorial status of Kashmir is clearly not negotiable. The country expects the government and Prime Minister Modi to act now. It is examining various options, including the military option. As part of its comprehensive strategy, India is resorting to an aggressive diplomatic offensive against Pakistan by mobilising its resources and pressuring the world to declare Pakistan as ‘terroristan’. The Modi government is required to act decisively, keeping in view that the US needs Pakistan’s help to negotiate with the Taliban in Afghanistan, strike its defence deals with Russia, with China on the side of Russians. Therefore India needs an appropriate and calibrated modus operandi to deal boldly with Pakistan. The nation and the global community is anxiously waiting and watching. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Pulwama attack: India needs calibrated modus operandi to deal boldly with Pakistan

<p>Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman will land in New Delhi Tuesday, and India is expected to raise the spectre of Pakistan-sponsored terror with him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Salman has just visited Pakistan. He returned to Riyadh on Monday night however since India, the news agency PTI quoted government sources as saying, had reservations about him travelling to the country from Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Saudi Arabian crown prince — the second-most important person in the country after the king — announced investments of $20 billion in Pakistan but India, in the wake of the Pulwama attack, is hoping Saudi Arabia will curtail funding to Pakistan should it not rein in the terror groups on its soil. (India may be drawing a distinction between investments and bailouts, like the $6 billion loan Saudi Arabia gave Pakistan in 2018. It is also expected that India will make little or no mention of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/leading-us-senator-blames-saudi-prince-salman-for-khashoggi-death-172688">the killing of Saudi journalist and Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi</a>.)&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/awantipora-crpf-convoy-hit-by-explosives-laden-vehicle-several-jawans-killed-197418">Over 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the Pulwama attack</a> which was claimed by the Jaish-e-Mohammed. The Jaish is headed by Masood Azhar who is a Pakistani national.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahead of the crown prince's visit, Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said in Islamabad on Monday that Riyadh will try to "de-escalate" tensions between India and Pakistan.</p>

<p>Official sources said Saudi Arabia was no longer accepting Pakistan's narrative on Kashmir and cross-border terrorism and that India will forcefully raise the issue of Pakistan's support to terror groups during delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the crown prince on Wednesday.</p>

<p>They said the joint statement to be issued after talks between the two sides is likely to have strong reference about terrorism and ways to deal with it.</p>

<p>Secretary, Economic Affairs in the External Affairs Ministry TS Tirumurti said both sides are expected to sign five agreements in areas of investment, tourism, housing and information and broadcasting during the Saudi leader's visit.</p>

<p>"We are confident that this visit will open a new chapter in India-Saudi bilateral relationship," he said.</p>

<p>Referring to cross-border terrorism, he said, "Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned and denounced the terrorist attack on Indian security forces in Pulwama on 14 February. We appreciate kingdom's cooperation in security and counter terrorism areas over the years."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Official sources said there has been a "change" in the way Saudi Arabia looked at relations between India and Pakistan and that the powerful Gulf nation has a better understanding of the cross-border terrorism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"India has been identified as one of the eight strategic partners with whom Saudi Arabia intends to deepen partnership in areas of political, security, trade and investment and culture," said Tirumurti.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As part of this engagement, we are finalising the setting up of 'Strategic Partnership Council' between the two countries at ministerial level. We are confident that this will give greater thrust to our strategic partnership and take forward our discussions in a focussed and action-oriented manner," he said.</p>

<p>The sources said the two sides are looking at a joint exercise between their navies, besides significantly ramping up overall defence cooperation.</p>

<p>They said Saudi Arabia has been providing India information and intelligence about various terror networks. The two countries had inked a pact on the&nbsp;exchange of intelligence related to money laundering and terrorism during Modi's visit to Riyadh in 2016.</p>

<p>The crown prince will be accompanied by a high-level official team as well as a large business delegation.</p>

<p>Modi will host a lunch in honour of the crown prince at Hyderabad House on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The crown prince will call on President Ram Nath Kovind and he will host a banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary&nbsp;</p>

<p>During PM Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia in 2016, an MoU on cooperation in exchange of intelligence related to money laundering and terrorism financing was signed.</p>

<p>India's bilateral trade with Saudi Arabia was USD 27.48 billion in 2017-18, making the West Asian country its fourth-largest trading partner.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia is also a key pillar of India's energy security, being the source of 17 per cent or more of India's crude oil and 32 per cent of its LPG requirements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, Saudi ARAMCO in partnership with ADNOC of UAE agreed to partner in the Ratnagiri Refinery and Petro-Chemical project Ltd which is a joint venture worth $44 billion. The Indian partners are IOC, BPCL and HPCL.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We hope to transform this buyer-seller relationship in energy to a broad-based partnership," Tirumurti said.</p>

<p>He said other areas of interest for joint collaboration were fertilisers, food security, infrastructure, renewable energy, etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are also looking forward to greater collaboration in the area of civil aviation, where there is considerable potential for enhanced links, especially in the context of increasing trade, tourism and in enhancing convenience of travel," Trimurti said.</p>

<p>He also added that Saudi Arabia has conveyed to India that it will be joining International Solar Alliance&nbsp;initiative.</p>

<p>The crown prince is expected to travel to China from India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)</em></p>


Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman will land in New Delhi Tuesday, and India is expected to raise the spectre of Pakistan-sponsored terror with him. Salman has just visited Pakistan.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman will land in New Delhi Tuesday, and India is expected to raise the spectre of Pakistan-sponsored terror with him. Salman has just visited Pakistan. He returned to Riyadh on Monday night however since India, the news agency PTI quoted government sources as saying, had reservations about him travelling to the country from Pakistan. The Saudi Arabian crown prince — the second-most important person in the country after the king — announced investments of $20 billion in Pakistan but India, in the wake of the Pulwama attack, is hoping Saudi Arabia will curtail funding to Pakistan should it not rein in the terror groups on its soil. (India may be drawing a distinction between investments and bailouts, like the $6 billion loan Saudi Arabia gave Pakistan in 2018. It is also expected that India will make little or no mention of the killing of Saudi journalist and Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi.) Over 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the Pulwama attack which was claimed by the Jaish-e-Mohammed. The Jaish is headed by Masood Azhar who is a Pakistani national. Ahead of the crown prince's visit, Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said in Islamabad on Monday that Riyadh will try to "de-escalate" tensions between India and Pakistan. Official sources said Saudi Arabia was no longer accepting Pakistan's narrative on Kashmir and cross-border terrorism and that India will forcefully raise the issue of Pakistan's support to terror groups during delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the crown prince on Wednesday. They said the joint statement to be issued after talks between the two sides is likely to have strong reference about terrorism and ways to deal with it. Secretary, Economic Affairs in the External Affairs Ministry TS Tirumurti said both sides are expected to sign five agreements in areas of investment, tourism, housing and information and broadcasting during the Saudi leader's visit. "We are confident that this visit will open a new chapter in India-Saudi bilateral relationship," he said. Referring to cross-border terrorism, he said, "Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned and denounced the terrorist attack on Indian security forces in Pulwama on 14 February. We appreciate kingdom's cooperation in security and counter terrorism areas over the years." Official sources said there has been a "change" in the way Saudi Arabia looked at relations between India and Pakistan and that the powerful Gulf nation has a better understanding of the cross-border terrorism. "India has been identified as one of the eight strategic partners with whom Saudi Arabia intends to deepen partnership in areas of political, security, trade and investment and culture," said Tirumurti. "As part of this engagement, we are finalising the setting up of 'Strategic Partnership Council' between the two countries at ministerial level. We are confident that this will give greater thrust to our strategic partnership and take forward our discussions in a focussed and action-oriented manner," he said. The sources said the two sides are looking at a joint exercise between their navies, besides significantly ramping up overall defence cooperation. They said Saudi Arabia has been providing India information and intelligence about various terror networks. The two countries had inked a pact on the exchange of intelligence related to money laundering and terrorism during Modi's visit to Riyadh in 2016. The crown prince will be accompanied by a high-level official team as well as a large business delegation. Modi will host a lunch in honour of the crown prince at Hyderabad House on Wednesday. The crown prince will call on President Ram Nath Kovind and he will host a banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary During PM Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia in 2016, an MoU on cooperation in exchange of intelligence related to money laundering and terrorism financing was signed. India's bilateral trade with Saudi Arabia was USD 27.48 billion in 2017-18, making the West Asian country its fourth-largest trading partner. Saudi Arabia is also a key pillar of India's energy security, being the source of 17 per cent or more of India's crude oil and 32 per cent of its LPG requirements. Recently, Saudi ARAMCO in partnership with ADNOC of UAE agreed to partner in the Ratnagiri Refinery and Petro-Chemical project Ltd which is a joint venture worth $44 billion. The Indian partners are IOC, BPCL and HPCL. "We hope to transform this buyer-seller relationship in energy to a broad-based partnership," Tirumurti said. He said other areas of interest for joint collaboration were fertilisers, food security, infrastructure, renewable energy, etc. "We are also looking forward to greater collaboration in the area of civil aviation, where there is considerable potential for enhanced links, especially in the context of increasing trade, tourism and in enhancing convenience of travel," Trimurti said. He also added that Saudi Arabia has conveyed to India that it will be joining International Solar Alliance initiative. The crown prince is expected to travel to China from India. (With inputs from PTI)

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman lands in Delhi today, India to take up Pakistan-sponsored terror with him

Imran Khan's ex-wife Reham Khan speaks exclusively to WION

<p>In the wake of the horrific terror attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, the makers of 'Total Dhamaal' have decided to not release the film in Pakistan this Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir claimed the lives of at least 40 soldiers.</p>

<p>"In light of the current situation the team of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/total-dhamaal-trailer-anil-kapoor-madhuri-dixit-reunite-on-screen-for-mad-cap-comedy-191904">'Total Dhamaal' </a>has decided to not release the film in Pakistan," Devgn tweeted.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In light of the current situation the team of Total Dhamaal has decided to not release the film in Pakistan.</p>
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ajaydevgn/status/1097387989812994050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The actor later stated that the decision was taken to show their solidarity with armed forces.</p>

<p>"This is the only way we can show our solidarity. We stand behind our Army. The nation has put all kinds of sanctions on various things and this was the least we could do," he said.</p>

<p>The 49-year-old actor was among the celebrities from Bollywood who had condemned the Pulwama terror attack.</p>

<p>The team of 'Total Dhamaal' have also donated Rs 50 lakh to the families of martyrs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Actor Anil Kapoor said, "We stand behind the Army. Somewhere, we have to show our support to the people who have lost their lives. This is a really small step."</p>

<p>Earlier on Monday, the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/post-pulwama-attack-all-indian-cine-workers-association-announces-ban-on-pakistani-artists-198062">All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA)&nbsp;announced a total ban</a> on Pakistani actors and artists in India&nbsp;as a reaction to the horrific terror attack. The move was lauded by Devgn as he said he supported the decision. "We stand by the decisions taken by the Cine association,"the actor was quoted as saying during an event in Delhi on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Forty CRPF soldiers were killed and five others critically injured when a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle laden with explosives into their bus on Thursday.</p>

<p>The Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has claimed responsibility for the attack on the convoy of 78 vehicles that was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar.</p>

<p>Directed by Indra Kumar, 'Total Dhamaal' features an ensemble cast of Devgn, Madhuri Dixit, Arshad Warsi, Javed Jaffrey, Anil Kapoor and Riteish Deshmukh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The film, a collaboration between Ajay Devgn Films and Fox Star Studios, will release in India on February 22.&nbsp;</p>


In the wake of the horrific terror attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, the makers of 'Total Dhamaal' have decided to not release the film in Pakistan this Friday.

In the wake of the horrific terror attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, the makers of 'Total Dhamaal' have decided to not release the film in Pakistan this Friday. The terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir claimed the lives of at least 40 soldiers. "In light of the current situation the team of 'Total Dhamaal' has decided to not release the film in Pakistan," Devgn tweeted. In light of the current situation the team of Total Dhamaal has decided to not release the film in Pakistan. — Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) February 18, 2019 × The actor later stated that the decision was taken to show their solidarity with armed forces. "This is the only way we can show our solidarity. We stand behind our Army. The nation has put all kinds of sanctions on various things and this was the least we could do," he said. The 49-year-old actor was among the celebrities from Bollywood who had condemned the Pulwama terror attack. The team of 'Total Dhamaal' have also donated Rs 50 lakh to the families of martyrs. Actor Anil Kapoor said, "We stand behind the Army. Somewhere, we have to show our support to the people who have lost their lives. This is a really small step." Earlier on Monday, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) announced a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists in India as a reaction to the horrific terror attack. The move was lauded by Devgn as he said he supported the decision. "We stand by the decisions taken by the Cine association,"the actor was quoted as saying during an event in Delhi on Monday. Forty CRPF soldiers were killed and five others critically injured when a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle laden with explosives into their bus on Thursday. The Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has claimed responsibility for the attack on the convoy of 78 vehicles that was on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. Directed by Indra Kumar, 'Total Dhamaal' features an ensemble cast of Devgn, Madhuri Dixit, Arshad Warsi, Javed Jaffrey, Anil Kapoor and Riteish Deshmukh. The film, a collaboration between Ajay Devgn Films and Fox Star Studios, will release in India on February 22.

'Total Dhamaal' to not release in Pakistan, cast and crew donate 50 lakh to martyrs' families

<p>France will push for a new proposal to list Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. Jaish-e Mohammad, the Pakistan based terror group, took responsibility of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-hopes-pakistan-india-will-exercise-restraint-engage-in-dialogue-says-china-on-pulwama-tensions-198315">Pulwama attack</a> that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14.</p>

<p>France's decision came after a discussion between Philippe Etienne, Diplomatic Advisor to the French President, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2016, India had requested the Security Council Committee, established pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 1267, to include Masood Azhar in the list of "designated sanctioned entities", declaring him an international terrorist.</p>

<p>China has been blocking his listing citing lack of consensus.</p>

<p>Just a day after the ghastly Pulwama attack, India asked China again if it will support Azhar's listing as an international terrorist; Bejing reiterated its stance.</p>

<p>Spokesperson of Chinese foreign ministry, Geng Shuang, said, "the UN Security Council 1267 Committee has detailed criteria for the listing and designation procedures for terrorist entities or individuals. China will continue to deal with the relevant listing issue in a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jem-has-been-included-in-security-council-counter-terrorism-list-we-have-dealt-with-masood-azhar-issue-professionally-china-197566">constructive and responsible manner</a>. We will also keep in close communication with all relevant parties on this issue."</p>

<p>Paris will also be backing Pakistan's continuation on the FATF greylist. Islamabad was put on the greylist last year after which the South Asian nation came under the financial jurisdiction with “structural deficiencies” in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT).</p>

<p>India has started a diplomatic campaign against Pakistan to isolate the country as a fallout of Pulwama terror attack. The Ministry of External Affairs briefed envoys of more 30 countries over Islamabad's involvement in Pulwama&nbsp;terror attack and its continued support to terror as a state policy.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Iran has named a Pakistani national in connection to last week's terror attack which killed 27 of its Revolutionary Guards. Local media reported that Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Ground Force, Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour said Hafiz Mohammad Ali, a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/suicide-bomber-who-killed-27-members-of-irans-guards-was-pakistani-guards-commander-198313">Pakistani national, was behind the terror attack</a>.</p>

<p>Over the weekend, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-india-iran-lashes-out-on-pakistan-on-terror-front-summons-pak-envoy-197945">Iran summoned its envoy to Pakistan</a> and lodged a strong protest against the terror attack. Tehran also highlighted the growing number of terrorist attacks "designed in and led from Pakistan including the latest terrorist attack", according to a release from Iranian foreign ministry.</p>


France will push for a new proposal to list Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. Jaish-e Mohammad, the Pakistan based terror group, took responsibility of Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14.

France will push for a new proposal to list Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. Jaish-e Mohammad, the Pakistan based terror group, took responsibility of Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14. France's decision came after a discussion between Philippe Etienne, Diplomatic Advisor to the French President, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Tuesday morning. In 2016, India had requested the Security Council Committee, established pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 1267, to include Masood Azhar in the list of "designated sanctioned entities", declaring him an international terrorist. China has been blocking his listing citing lack of consensus. Just a day after the ghastly Pulwama attack, India asked China again if it will support Azhar's listing as an international terrorist; Bejing reiterated its stance. Spokesperson of Chinese foreign ministry, Geng Shuang, said, "the UN Security Council 1267 Committee has detailed criteria for the listing and designation procedures for terrorist entities or individuals. China will continue to deal with the relevant listing issue in a constructive and responsible manner. We will also keep in close communication with all relevant parties on this issue." Paris will also be backing Pakistan's continuation on the FATF greylist. Islamabad was put on the greylist last year after which the South Asian nation came under the financial jurisdiction with “structural deficiencies” in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT). India has started a diplomatic campaign against Pakistan to isolate the country as a fallout of Pulwama terror attack. The Ministry of External Affairs briefed envoys of more 30 countries over Islamabad's involvement in Pulwama terror attack and its continued support to terror as a state policy. Meanwhile, Iran has named a Pakistani national in connection to last week's terror attack which killed 27 of its Revolutionary Guards. Local media reported that Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Ground Force, Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour said Hafiz Mohammad Ali, a Pakistani national, was behind the terror attack. Over the weekend, Iran summoned its envoy to Pakistan and lodged a strong protest against the terror attack. Tehran also highlighted the growing number of terrorist attacks "designed in and led from Pakistan including the latest terrorist attack", according to a release from Iranian foreign ministry.

Pressure mounts on Pakistan as France decides to move proposal to ban JeM chief Masood Azhar at UN 

Dispatch: Pakistan will retaliate, if India attacks, says Pakistan PM Imran Khan

<p>Pakistan on Tuesday responded to India at the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/international-court-of-justice-rejects-pak-request-to-adjourn-kulbushan-jadhav-case-after-ad-hoc-judge-gillani-falls-ill-198288">International Court of Justice(ICJ)</a> in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, insisting that the Indian Navy officer was a "spy" and not a businessman.</p>

<p>The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case opened on Monday at the UN court headquarters in The Hague amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-india-blaming-pakistan-without-evidence-says-imran-khan-198266">terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir</a> by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed at least 40 CRPF soldiers.</p>

<p>"India, I am sorry to say, has demonstrated a lack of faith throughout these proceedings... Good faith is part of international law," lawyer Khawar Qureshi said.</p>

<p>"India doesn't know Pakistan, Pakistan is a state that has provided the largest contingent for peacekeeping, whose soldiers have lost lives in pursuing world security," he said.</p>

<p>"India's conduct and abusive process... India has deployed this process for political theatre," lawyer Qureshi said.</p>

<p>He alleged that the Indian Navy officer was a "spy" and not a businessman.</p>

<p>Qureshi also alleged that Jadhav was an "instrument of India's official policy of terror".</p>

<p>On the first day of hearing, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kulbhushan-jadhav-case-pakistan-embarrassed-to-disclose-charges-against-jadhav-says-india-at-icj-198089">India urged the International Court</a> of Justice (ICJ) to annul Jadhav's death sentence and order his immediate release, saying the verdict by a Pakistani military court based on a "farcical case" hopelessly fails to satisfy even the minimum standards of due process.</p>

<p>India moved the ICJ in May in 2017 against the "farcical trial" by the military court of Pakistan against 48-year-old Jadhav.</p>

<p>Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017.<br />
India first approached the ICJ on May 8, 2017 for the "egregious violation" of the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963 by Pakistan by repeatedly denying it consular access to Jadhav.</p>

<p>A 10-member bench of the ICJ, which was set up after World War II to resolve international disputes, on May 18, 2017 had restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till adjudication of the case.</p>

<p>The ICJ has set a timetable for the public hearing in the high-profile case from Febraury 18th to 21st at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands.</p>

<p>While India argued on Monday and Pakistan responded to India's arguments on Tuesday. India will reply on February 20 while Islamabad will make its closing submissions on February 21.</p>

<p>It is expected that the ICJ's decision may be delivered by the summer of 2019.</p>

<p>Both India and Pakistan have already submitted their detailed pleas and responses in the world court.</p>

<p>Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016, after he reportedly entered from Iran.</p>

<p>However, India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy. Jadhav's sentencing had evoked a sharp reaction in India.</p>

<p>Pakistan had rejected India's plea for consular access to Jadhav at the ICJ, claiming that New Delhi wants the access to get the information gathered by its "spy".</p>

<p>However, Pakistan facilitated a meeting of Jadhav with his mother and wife in Islamabad on December 25, 2017.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan on Tuesday responded to India at the International Court of Justice(ICJ) in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, insisting that the Indian Navy officer was a "spy" and not a businessman.

Pakistan on Tuesday responded to India at the International Court of Justice(ICJ) in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, insisting that the Indian Navy officer was a "spy" and not a businessman. The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case opened on Monday at the UN court headquarters in The Hague amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed at least 40 CRPF soldiers. "India, I am sorry to say, has demonstrated a lack of faith throughout these proceedings... Good faith is part of international law," lawyer Khawar Qureshi said. "India doesn't know Pakistan, Pakistan is a state that has provided the largest contingent for peacekeeping, whose soldiers have lost lives in pursuing world security," he said. "India's conduct and abusive process... India has deployed this process for political theatre," lawyer Qureshi said. He alleged that the Indian Navy officer was a "spy" and not a businessman. Qureshi also alleged that Jadhav was an "instrument of India's official policy of terror". On the first day of hearing, India urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to annul Jadhav's death sentence and order his immediate release, saying the verdict by a Pakistani military court based on a "farcical case" hopelessly fails to satisfy even the minimum standards of due process. India moved the ICJ in May in 2017 against the "farcical trial" by the military court of Pakistan against 48-year-old Jadhav. Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017. India first approached the ICJ on May 8, 2017 for the "egregious violation" of the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963 by Pakistan by repeatedly denying it consular access to Jadhav. A 10-member bench of the ICJ, which was set up after World War II to resolve international disputes, on May 18, 2017 had restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till adjudication of the case. The ICJ has set a timetable for the public hearing in the high-profile case from Febraury 18th to 21st at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands. While India argued on Monday and Pakistan responded to India's arguments on Tuesday. India will reply on February 20 while Islamabad will make its closing submissions on February 21. It is expected that the ICJ's decision may be delivered by the summer of 2019. Both India and Pakistan have already submitted their detailed pleas and responses in the world court. Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016, after he reportedly entered from Iran. However, India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy. Jadhav's sentencing had evoked a sharp reaction in India. Pakistan had rejected India's plea for consular access to Jadhav at the ICJ, claiming that New Delhi wants the access to get the information gathered by its "spy". However, Pakistan facilitated a meeting of Jadhav with his mother and wife in Islamabad on December 25, 2017.

Kulbhushan Jadhav case: India has demonstrated lack of faith throughout the proceedings, alleges Pakistan at ICJ

<p>India on Tuesday came hard on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-india-blaming-pakistan-without-evidence-says-imran-khan-198266">Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> for saying there is no evidence of his country's involvement in Pulwama terror attack declaring that it was "not surprised that the Prime Minister of Pakistan refuses to acknowledge the attack on our security forces in Pulwama as an act of terrorism" and said the country is the "nerve centre of terrorism."</p>

<p>The ministry of external affairs (MEA) said, "Pakistani Prime Minister has ignored claims made by the Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM), as well as by the terrorist, who perpetrated this heinous crime. These should be sufficient proof for Pakistan to take action."</p>

<p>Pakistan based terror group <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-claims-victory-says-eliminated-jem-leadership-in-less-than-100-hours-198278">(JeM)</a> has claimed responsibility for the terror attack at Pulwama.</p>

<p>Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday for first time broke his silence on Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel and offered to investigate the terror attack if evidence was given. New Delhi dismissed Pakistani PM's offer to investigate calling it a "lame excuse".</p>

<p>Recalling how proof was given after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and the terror attack on Pathankot, MEA said "promises of “guaranteed action” ring hollow given the track record of Pakistan."</p>

<p>New Delhi asked Islamabad to "stop misleading" the international community and "take credible and visible action against the perpetrators of Pulwama terrorist attack and other terrorists and terror groups operating from areas under their control."</p>

<p>India highlighted how ministers in the Imran Khan government&nbsp;have been sharing the stage with terrorist like Hafiz Saeed.</p>

<p>In September 2018, Pakistan's religious affairs and inter-faith minister Noor-ul-Haq Qadri had shared a platform with Hafiz Saeed, with both making anti-India statements.</p>

<p>Last year a video surfaced in which Pakistan's minister of state for interior Shehryar Khan Afridi had openly expressed the support of current Imran Khan administration to Hafiz Saeed and his organization.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan had also said since the election are approaching in India there has been talk of action on Pakistan.</p>

<p>India slammed the statement saying "it is regrettable that the Pakistani Prime Minister has insinuated that India’s response to the terrorist attack is determined by the forthcoming general election", adding, "India’s democracy is a model for the world which Pakistan would never understand."&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is important to know that PM Imran Khan has till now neither condemned nor condoled the terror attack.</p>

<p>India has mounted a diplomatic campaign to isolate Islamabad since the terror attack.</p>

<p>Over thirty foreign envoys from ASEAN, Africa, central Asia, permanent and non-permanent members of the United Nation Security Council(UNSC) have been briefed about Pakistan's involvement in Pulwama terror attack.</p>

<p>On the economic front, New Delhi has withdrawn the Most Favoured Nation(MFN) status to Pakistan increasing customs duty on the goods coming from the&nbsp;other side of the border by 200 per cent.</p>

<p>Both India and Pakistan have also called back there envoys for consultations.</p>


India on Tuesday came hard on Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan for saying there is no evidence of his country's involvement in Pulwama terror attack declaring that it was "not surprised that the Prime Minister of Pakistan refuses to acknowledge the attack on our security forces in Pulwama as an act of terrorism" and said the country is the "nerve centre of terrorism.

India on Tuesday came hard on Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan for saying there is no evidence of his country's involvement in Pulwama terror attack declaring that it was "not surprised that the Prime Minister of Pakistan refuses to acknowledge the attack on our security forces in Pulwama as an act of terrorism" and said the country is the "nerve centre of terrorism." The ministry of external affairs (MEA) said, "Pakistani Prime Minister has ignored claims made by the Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM), as well as by the terrorist, who perpetrated this heinous crime. These should be sufficient proof for Pakistan to take action." Pakistan based terror group (JeM) has claimed responsibility for the terror attack at Pulwama. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday for first time broke his silence on Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel and offered to investigate the terror attack if evidence was given. New Delhi dismissed Pakistani PM's offer to investigate calling it a "lame excuse". Recalling how proof was given after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and the terror attack on Pathankot, MEA said "promises of “guaranteed action” ring hollow given the track record of Pakistan." New Delhi asked Islamabad to "stop misleading" the international community and "take credible and visible action against the perpetrators of Pulwama terrorist attack and other terrorists and terror groups operating from areas under their control." India highlighted how ministers in the Imran Khan government have been sharing the stage with terrorist like Hafiz Saeed. In September 2018, Pakistan's religious affairs and inter-faith minister Noor-ul-Haq Qadri had shared a platform with Hafiz Saeed, with both making anti-India statements. Last year a video surfaced in which Pakistan's minister of state for interior Shehryar Khan Afridi had openly expressed the support of current Imran Khan administration to Hafiz Saeed and his organization. Khan had also said since the election are approaching in India there has been talk of action on Pakistan. India slammed the statement saying "it is regrettable that the Pakistani Prime Minister has insinuated that India’s response to the terrorist attack is determined by the forthcoming general election", adding, "India’s democracy is a model for the world which Pakistan would never understand." It is important to know that PM Imran Khan has till now neither condemned nor condoled the terror attack. India has mounted a diplomatic campaign to isolate Islamabad since the terror attack. Over thirty foreign envoys from ASEAN, Africa, central Asia, permanent and non-permanent members of the United Nation Security Council(UNSC) have been briefed about Pakistan's involvement in Pulwama terror attack. On the economic front, New Delhi has withdrawn the Most Favoured Nation(MFN) status to Pakistan increasing customs duty on the goods coming from the other side of the border by 200 per cent. Both India and Pakistan have also called back there envoys for consultations.

Not surprised PM Imran Khan refused to acknowledge Pulwama terrorist attack: India

<p>Does it make sense for India to get words of help from a superpower called the United States of America that no longer behaves like one? Does it make sense for India to have hostile neighbours when it has the world's fastest-growing major economy? Should it do something that could exacerbate tensions that affects the mood of investors?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tough challenges face Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence after last week's horrendous car bomb attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists on a convoy of Central Reserve Police Force jawans at Pulwama in Kashmir, in which at least 40 men were martyred.</p>

<p>It is fine to light candles to mourn the victims and cry out in outrage against Pakistan's help for jihadi terror groups on its soil, and fine for the Army to carry out retaliatory operations as it happened in the aftermath of the attack. But one harsh reality remains: the world has changed so much, that a painstakingly built-up diplomatic advantage that India had in cornering Pakistan after the 9/11 attacks in New York by Al Qaeda in 2001 and then the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai in 2008 has been considerably eroded by the flow of events since then.</p>

<p>What this means is that even as India reserves the right to secure its territory from attackers and terrorists, it is a lonely game in which it has to walk diplomatic tightropes all around.</p>

<p>Pakistan is neither the failed state it is often painted to be, nor isolated in the international community. While Indians lit candles to mourn dead jawans, Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad was playing chauffeur to Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman, whose team pledged $20 billion investments into Pakistan - and that is about Rs 140,000 crore! Contrast that with the fact that the annual export from Pakistan to India affected by New Delhi withdrawing the Most Favoured Nation status to Pakistan is less than $ 0.5 billion.</p>

<p>China, which has rejected India's attempts at the United Nations to declare Jaish-e-Mohammed's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist despite overwhelming evidence is clearly not helping India in containing terrorism. Please also recall that Pakistan's then army chief and later miltary dictator Pervez Musharraf was in Beijing when the Kargil war broke out in 1999 - under his supervision.</p>

<p>Last month, Pakistan and China decided to widen the scope of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), including expansion of activities in the Gwadar Port in Balochistan. CPEC passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and involves investments estimated at $62 billion - and that is worth about Rs 440,000 crore! The Chinese dragon won't spew that kind of money without a quid-pro-quo. Beijing's mandarins now have a clear access to the Arabian Sea through Pakistan.</p>

<p>All this is happening while the US is busy pulling its troops out of Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India now has to deal with a new geopolitical reality in which Washington is less interested in policing the planet while China is helping Pakistan. Some of that Saudi money coming into Pakistan may well trickle towards jihadi groups. Islamabad is cleverly hedging its bets by keeping both the Saudis and the Chinese happy. Failed state, did someone say?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, as India warms up to Iran, Saudi Arabia is slamming Tehran for blaming it for an attack last week that killed 27 members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard. Tehran, after blaming the Saudis, now blames Pakistan. It is all very messy but it is vital to note the attack took place on the Iranian side of Balochistan.</p>

<p>Officially, everybody condemns terrorism but ground realities are different.</p>

<p>India now has the lever of trade to tackle Beijing. China is the leading maker or exporter of smartphones sold in India and its investors are hot in India's digital economy. The RSS-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek a ban on Chinese companies in India. India imported Chinese goods worth $68 billion in 2017 and its exports to China was about $16 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's best bet could stem from the fact that the US and China are also in the middle of a trade war while Beijing badly needs help to boost its sagging economy. But India also gets investments into India from China, with billion-dollar-valuation startups like PayTm gaining significantly. It is a complicated chessboard, but trade seems to be the best lever India can use to make China see reason.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indians lighting candles for Pulwama victims may well pause a moment to think of the dragon in the neighbourhood. The government could do with some help.</p>

<p><br />
<em>(This article was originally published on Zee News. Read the <a href="https://zeenews.india.com/blogs/lonely-after-pulwama-indias-diplomatic-challenge-as-saudi-arabia-and-china-embrace-pakistan-2181690.html">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><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Does it make sense for India to get words of help from a superpower called the United States of America that no longer behaves like one? Does it make sense for India to have hostile neighbours when it has the world's fastest-growing major economy?

Does it make sense for India to get words of help from a superpower called the United States of America that no longer behaves like one? Does it make sense for India to have hostile neighbours when it has the world's fastest-growing major economy? Should it do something that could exacerbate tensions that affects the mood of investors? Tough challenges face Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence after last week's horrendous car bomb attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists on a convoy of Central Reserve Police Force jawans at Pulwama in Kashmir, in which at least 40 men were martyred. It is fine to light candles to mourn the victims and cry out in outrage against Pakistan's help for jihadi terror groups on its soil, and fine for the Army to carry out retaliatory operations as it happened in the aftermath of the attack. But one harsh reality remains: the world has changed so much, that a painstakingly built-up diplomatic advantage that India had in cornering Pakistan after the 9/11 attacks in New York by Al Qaeda in 2001 and then the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai in 2008 has been considerably eroded by the flow of events since then. What this means is that even as India reserves the right to secure its territory from attackers and terrorists, it is a lonely game in which it has to walk diplomatic tightropes all around. Pakistan is neither the failed state it is often painted to be, nor isolated in the international community. While Indians lit candles to mourn dead jawans, Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad was playing chauffeur to Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman, whose team pledged $20 billion investments into Pakistan - and that is about Rs 140,000 crore! Contrast that with the fact that the annual export from Pakistan to India affected by New Delhi withdrawing the Most Favoured Nation status to Pakistan is less than $ 0.5 billion. China, which has rejected India's attempts at the United Nations to declare Jaish-e-Mohammed's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist despite overwhelming evidence is clearly not helping India in containing terrorism. Please also recall that Pakistan's then army chief and later miltary dictator Pervez Musharraf was in Beijing when the Kargil war broke out in 1999 - under his supervision. Last month, Pakistan and China decided to widen the scope of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), including expansion of activities in the Gwadar Port in Balochistan. CPEC passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and involves investments estimated at $62 billion - and that is worth about Rs 440,000 crore! The Chinese dragon won't spew that kind of money without a quid-pro-quo. Beijing's mandarins now have a clear access to the Arabian Sea through Pakistan. All this is happening while the US is busy pulling its troops out of Afghanistan. India now has to deal with a new geopolitical reality in which Washington is less interested in policing the planet while China is helping Pakistan. Some of that Saudi money coming into Pakistan may well trickle towards jihadi groups. Islamabad is cleverly hedging its bets by keeping both the Saudis and the Chinese happy. Failed state, did someone say? Meanwhile, as India warms up to Iran, Saudi Arabia is slamming Tehran for blaming it for an attack last week that killed 27 members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard. Tehran, after blaming the Saudis, now blames Pakistan. It is all very messy but it is vital to note the attack took place on the Iranian side of Balochistan. Officially, everybody condemns terrorism but ground realities are different. India now has the lever of trade to tackle Beijing. China is the leading maker or exporter of smartphones sold in India and its investors are hot in India's digital economy. The RSS-affiliated Swadeshi Jagran Manch has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek a ban on Chinese companies in India. India imported Chinese goods worth $68 billion in 2017 and its exports to China was about $16 billion. India's best bet could stem from the fact that the US and China are also in the middle of a trade war while Beijing badly needs help to boost its sagging economy. But India also gets investments into India from China, with billion-dollar-valuation startups like PayTm gaining significantly. It is a complicated chessboard, but trade seems to be the best lever India can use to make China see reason. Indians lighting candles for Pulwama victims may well pause a moment to think of the dragon in the neighbourhood. The government could do with some help. (This article was originally published on Zee News. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India faces diplomatic challenge as Saudi Arabia and China embrace Pakistan

<p>China on Tuesday urged restraint by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-india-blaming-pakistan-without-evidence-says-imran-khan-198266">India and Pakistan amid </a>escalating tensions over the Pulwama terror attack and called on both the countries to peacefully resolve their issues through dialogue as soon as possible.</p>

<p>On February 14, at least 40 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-anyone-who-has-picked-up-a-gun-will-be-killed-says-indian-army-198231">Central Reserve Police Force</a> (CRPF) personnel were killed in Kashmir's Pulwama district in a suicide attack claimed by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group.</p>

<p>The attack has heightened bilateral tensions with both New Delhi and Islamabad calling back their envoys for "consultations". India on Friday announced the withdrawal of the Most Favoured Nation(MFN) status for Pakistan and hiked the customs duty by 200 per cent on goods originating from the neighbouring country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Pakistan and India are both important countries in South Asia. A stable bilateral relationship between the two is essential to the peace and stability in the region," Geng Shuang, spokesman of the Chinese foreign ministry told a media briefing when asked about the tensions between the two countries following the Pulwama attack.</p>

<p>"South Asia has maintained an overall stability which should be cherished and upheld by all sides. China hopes that Pakistan and India will exercise restraint, engage in dialogue and realise the soft landing of the relevant issues as soon as possible," he said.</p>

<p>In a televised address to the nation, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had said &nbsp;India was blaming Pakistan for the Pulwama attack "without any evidence".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If you (Indian govt) thinks you will attack us and we will not think of retaliating, we will retaliate," he said. "We all know starting a war is in the hands of humans, where it will lead us only god knows."</p>

<p>To another question about Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signing $20 billion agreement for Saudi investments in Pakistan during the just concluded visit of Saudi crown prince Muhammad Bin Salman, Geng said, "China is glad to see Pakistan having friendly exchanges and cooperation with other countries including Saudi Arabia".</p>

<p>On the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC), Geng said, "It will help with connectivity and shared development. China is ready to on the basis of consultation and consensus with Pakistan have a third party cooperation."</p>

<p>"The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a pilot project under the BRI (Belt and Road Initiative). It is committed to consultation and collaboration for shared benefits and when foreign minister Wang Yi visited Pakistan the two sides agreed to third party cooperation under this framework.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


China on Tuesday urged restraint by India and Pakistan amid escalating tensions over the Pulwama terror attack and called on both the countries to peacefully resolve their issues through dialogue as soon as possible.

China on Tuesday urged restraint by India and Pakistan amid escalating tensions over the Pulwama terror attack and called on both the countries to peacefully resolve their issues through dialogue as soon as possible. On February 14, at least 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in Kashmir's Pulwama district in a suicide attack claimed by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group. The attack has heightened bilateral tensions with both New Delhi and Islamabad calling back their envoys for "consultations". India on Friday announced the withdrawal of the Most Favoured Nation(MFN) status for Pakistan and hiked the customs duty by 200 per cent on goods originating from the neighbouring country. "Pakistan and India are both important countries in South Asia. A stable bilateral relationship between the two is essential to the peace and stability in the region," Geng Shuang, spokesman of the Chinese foreign ministry told a media briefing when asked about the tensions between the two countries following the Pulwama attack. "South Asia has maintained an overall stability which should be cherished and upheld by all sides. China hopes that Pakistan and India will exercise restraint, engage in dialogue and realise the soft landing of the relevant issues as soon as possible," he said. In a televised address to the nation, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had said India was blaming Pakistan for the Pulwama attack "without any evidence". "If you (Indian govt) thinks you will attack us and we will not think of retaliating, we will retaliate," he said. "We all know starting a war is in the hands of humans, where it will lead us only god knows." To another question about Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signing $20 billion agreement for Saudi investments in Pakistan during the just concluded visit of Saudi crown prince Muhammad Bin Salman, Geng said, "China is glad to see Pakistan having friendly exchanges and cooperation with other countries including Saudi Arabia". On the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC), Geng said, "It will help with connectivity and shared development. China is ready to on the basis of consultation and consensus with Pakistan have a third party cooperation." "The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a pilot project under the BRI (Belt and Road Initiative). It is committed to consultation and collaboration for shared benefits and when foreign minister Wang Yi visited Pakistan the two sides agreed to third party cooperation under this framework.

Hope Pakistan, India will exercise restraint, engage in dialogue: China on Pulwama tensions

Pakistan PM Imran Khan denies role in Pulwama terror attack

<p>Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said Tuesday that India was blaming Pakistan for the Pulwama attack "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-anyone-who-has-picked-up-a-gun-will-be-killed-says-indian-army-198231">without any evidence</a>".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan, who made a televised address saying his message was for the "Indian government", asked why Pakistan would do such a thing — mastermind <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-seeks-urgent-un-intervention-to-de-escalate-fresh-tensions-with-india-198228">the Pulwama attack</a> — just before the visit of Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Salman. "Why would we want to draw attention from that to this?"&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also asked what there was in it for Pakistan? &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Why will Pakistan do this right now when it is heading towards stability?" Khan asked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan said Pakistan had also borne the brunt of terrorism — losing 70,000 people over 15 years to violence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan also warned India that Pakistan would be forced to retaliate if India should attack it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If you (Indian govt) thinks you will attack us and we will not think of retaliating, we will retaliate," he said. "We all know starting a war is in the hands of humans, where it will lead us only god knows."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pakistan PM Imran Khan's statement on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pulwama?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pulwama</a> terrorist attack: My statement is for the Indian government. You (Indian govt) have blamed the Pakistan government without any evidence. (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/yOVFFamT28">pic.twitter.com/yOVFFamT28</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1097769717740290048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"It is in our interest that nobody from our soil spreads violence. I want to tell Indian govt that we will take action if evidence is found against anyone from Pakistan," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over 40 CRPF personnel died last Thursday in the Pulwama attack after a local youth, Adil Adhmad Dar, rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus ferrying Central Reserve Police Force personnel from Jammu to Srinagar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The attack was later claimed by the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group which is headed by Pakistani national Masood Azhar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Azhar has been living in Pakistan ever since India released him after the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814 in December 1999.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking about Kashmir on Tuesday, Khan said India is guilty of "one-dimensional oppression".</p>

<p>He said New Delhi Islamabad should talk, while referencing the current peace talks in Afghanistan.</p>

<p>"After 17 years, everyone has agreed&nbsp;there is no military solution in Afghanistan," said Khan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the Pulwama attack, India has raised custom duties on Pakistani imports by 200% making trade between the neighbours virtually impossible.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>India and Pakistan meanwhile have both called back their envoys for consultations.</p>


Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said Tuesday that India was blaming Pakistan for the Pulwama attack "without any evidence". Khan, who made a televised address saying his message was for the "Indian government", asked why Pakistan would do such a thing — mastermind the Pulwama attack — just before the visit of Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Salman.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said Tuesday that India was blaming Pakistan for the Pulwama attack "without any evidence". Khan, who made a televised address saying his message was for the "Indian government", asked why Pakistan would do such a thing — mastermind the Pulwama attack — just before the visit of Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Salman. "Why would we want to draw attention from that to this?" He also asked what there was in it for Pakistan? "Why will Pakistan do this right now when it is heading towards stability?" Khan asked. Khan said Pakistan had also borne the brunt of terrorism — losing 70,000 people over 15 years to violence. Khan also warned India that Pakistan would be forced to retaliate if India should attack it. "If you (Indian govt) thinks you will attack us and we will not think of retaliating, we will retaliate," he said. "We all know starting a war is in the hands of humans, where it will lead us only god knows." Pakistan PM Imran Khan's statement on #Pulwama terrorist attack: My statement is for the Indian government. You (Indian govt) have blamed the Pakistan government without any evidence. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/yOVFFamT28 — ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2019 × "It is in our interest that nobody from our soil spreads violence. I want to tell Indian govt that we will take action if evidence is found against anyone from Pakistan," he added. Over 40 CRPF personnel died last Thursday in the Pulwama attack after a local youth, Adil Adhmad Dar, rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus ferrying Central Reserve Police Force personnel from Jammu to Srinagar. The attack was later claimed by the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group which is headed by Pakistani national Masood Azhar. Azhar has been living in Pakistan ever since India released him after the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814 in December 1999. Speaking about Kashmir on Tuesday, Khan said India is guilty of "one-dimensional oppression". He said New Delhi Islamabad should talk, while referencing the current peace talks in Afghanistan. "After 17 years, everyone has agreed there is no military solution in Afghanistan," said Khan. Since the Pulwama attack, India has raised custom duties on Pakistani imports by 200% making trade between the neighbours virtually impossible. India and Pakistan meanwhile have both called back their envoys for consultations.

Pulwama attack: India blaming Pakistan 'without any evidence', says Imran Khan

<p>Yet another tragic terror incident in Kashmir! It’s so serious that it has shaken the soul of the nation once again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There is no change in Pakistan-sponsored terrorists’ strategy. But the methodology adopted this time is new. A bus carrying CRPF personnel was attacked by a suicide bomber driving an explosive-laden car alongside the running convoy in Pulwama. More than 40 CRPF personnel were killed and many others were critically injured. Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed, ready with a video of the local suicide bomber Adil Ahmad Dar, has promptly claimed credit for organising this terror attack. Its new tactics, and likely repetition in J&amp;K, will definitely cause more challenges for the security forces and the government.</p>

<p>How did they manage to organise such a planned attack? This and related investigations are in progress by the J&amp;K Police and the National Investigation Agency. These are being reported every minute in the media. My comments are on more fundamental issues.</p>

<p>Terrorism in J&amp;K has two dimensions: Internal and external. The latter is related to Pakistan with which India has a running territorial dispute and a violence-prone boundary or Line of Control. Both dimensions, though linked, require integrated and well-coordinated policies and a comprehensive grand strategy. Unfortunately, there has been a lack of focus on our policies/grand strategy, if there were any.</p>

<p><strong>Internal dimension</strong></p>

<p>In J&amp;K, we have had several political failures. The last one was the PDP-BJP coalition, formed on March 1, 2015. We forgot that PDP rose to power with solid support of Jamaat-e-Islami elements in South Kashmir. Its ideology would not gel with that of BJP. The resultant coalition failure, rise of radicalisation, and further deterioration of law-and-order situation was no surprise. It also gave large space to the separatists; so much that even mainstream politicians felt compelled to tow their line and often coerce security forces to dilute safety and security measures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These failures and the deteriorating situation have led to an approach that has put the security forces on the forefront. A hard military strategy without a proper political strategy does not succeed. They now have to take the flak from the local population and from those in the government if there is any mistake or collateral damage. The political and social aspects — contact with local communities and local development initiatives — have been lost.</p>

<p>Terrorism is not just a military problem. It is primarily a major socio-political-economic problem. A pure military approach, given the lack or fragility of the institutional framework in operational areas, can worsen the situation.</p>

<p>Security forces are meant to handle terrorists and violence, not the rise of radicalisation, or the separatists’ calls for hartals and marshalling of stone-pelters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Worldwide, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations have not succeeded unless the ideologues have been neutralised. In India, we not only give them more outreach space but also state security, communication and other facilities. We claim that they are being funded by the ISI and yet do not block their bank accounts. We also allow them to take telephone calls from Pakistani ministers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now that we have Governor’s rule in J&amp;K, here are a few suggestions:</p>

<p>The Governor should reactivate the United Headquarter (UHQ) and meet regularly to ensure better civil-military coordination and its effectiveness.</p>

<p>Take immediate steps to isolate and neutralise Hurriyat leaders and other separatists and withdraw all their government-funded facilities.</p>

<p>The Governor should hold separate regular meetings with political leaders, civil society leaders, educational networks, youth organisations, NGOs, business leaders and local professionals. Local development initiatives should play a role with government as a supportive partner.</p>

<p>Arrest radicalisation attempts in schools, colleges and religious institutes.</p>

<p>Security grid in South Kashmir, lifeline to Srinagar, should be further strengthened to deal with the current terrorist situation.</p>

<p><strong>External dimension</strong></p>

<p>Causing terrorism in India is a decades-old Pakistani state policy, sponsored and controlled by Pakistani Army. Terror outfits like Lashkar and Jaish are only cheap tools. For justice, it is necessary to book or neutralise their leaders like Hafiz Saeed and Maulana Masood Azhar. However, that is unlikely to deter Pakistani Army from changing its policy. Pakistan can find many more such already trained terror leaders. In fact, even if J&amp;K issue is somehow resolved, its anti-India policy is unlikely to change. In its present polity, Pakistan does not believe in sub-continental geo-political stability and co-existence.</p>

<p>Pakistan’s quest to destabilise India and keep the pot boiling in J&amp;K will not change. Another surgical strike on terrorists’ camps will not lead to deterrence or dissuasion. In any case, it has already lost its surprise element and political or strategic impact. The government could consider taking covert action in Pakistan. A major military option requires not only capacity assessment but also its build-up, if necessary. More importantly, it cannot be left to the armed forces alone as has been stated in public by some of our political leaders. A major strike or a limited war option is a national issue. It requires political will, diplomatic push, economic sustenance, and advanced preparations. We should prepare our grounds well. A half-hearted or a divided national power should never be employed in a conflict, without adequate escalation control politico-military ability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>I am happy that despite forthcoming elections, all opposition parties have extended full support to the government at this juncture. It is now up to the government to keep them adequately briefed and take their views and suggestions. We had an almost similar political climate during the Kargil war. India’s national security should always take precedence over our political ideologies and interests.</p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-pakistan-s-thirst-for-violence-2720901">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>


Yet another tragic terror incident in Kashmir! It’s so serious that it has shaken the soul of the nation once again. There is no change in Pakistan-sponsored terrorists’ strategy.

Yet another tragic terror incident in Kashmir! It’s so serious that it has shaken the soul of the nation once again. There is no change in Pakistan-sponsored terrorists’ strategy. But the methodology adopted this time is new. A bus carrying CRPF personnel was attacked by a suicide bomber driving an explosive-laden car alongside the running convoy in Pulwama. More than 40 CRPF personnel were killed and many others were critically injured. Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed, ready with a video of the local suicide bomber Adil Ahmad Dar, has promptly claimed credit for organising this terror attack. Its new tactics, and likely repetition in J&K, will definitely cause more challenges for the security forces and the government. How did they manage to organise such a planned attack? This and related investigations are in progress by the J&K Police and the National Investigation Agency. These are being reported every minute in the media. My comments are on more fundamental issues. Terrorism in J&K has two dimensions: Internal and external. The latter is related to Pakistan with which India has a running territorial dispute and a violence-prone boundary or Line of Control. Both dimensions, though linked, require integrated and well-coordinated policies and a comprehensive grand strategy. Unfortunately, there has been a lack of focus on our policies/grand strategy, if there were any. Internal dimension In J&K, we have had several political failures. The last one was the PDP-BJP coalition, formed on March 1, 2015. We forgot that PDP rose to power with solid support of Jamaat-e-Islami elements in South Kashmir. Its ideology would not gel with that of BJP. The resultant coalition failure, rise of radicalisation, and further deterioration of law-and-order situation was no surprise. It also gave large space to the separatists; so much that even mainstream politicians felt compelled to tow their line and often coerce security forces to dilute safety and security measures. These failures and the deteriorating situation have led to an approach that has put the security forces on the forefront. A hard military strategy without a proper political strategy does not succeed. They now have to take the flak from the local population and from those in the government if there is any mistake or collateral damage. The political and social aspects — contact with local communities and local development initiatives — have been lost. Terrorism is not just a military problem. It is primarily a major socio-political-economic problem. A pure military approach, given the lack or fragility of the institutional framework in operational areas, can worsen the situation. Security forces are meant to handle terrorists and violence, not the rise of radicalisation, or the separatists’ calls for hartals and marshalling of stone-pelters. Worldwide, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations have not succeeded unless the ideologues have been neutralised. In India, we not only give them more outreach space but also state security, communication and other facilities. We claim that they are being funded by the ISI and yet do not block their bank accounts. We also allow them to take telephone calls from Pakistani ministers. Now that we have Governor’s rule in J&K, here are a few suggestions: The Governor should reactivate the United Headquarter (UHQ) and meet regularly to ensure better civil-military coordination and its effectiveness. Take immediate steps to isolate and neutralise Hurriyat leaders and other separatists and withdraw all their government-funded facilities. The Governor should hold separate regular meetings with political leaders, civil society leaders, educational networks, youth organisations, NGOs, business leaders and local professionals. Local development initiatives should play a role with government as a supportive partner. Arrest radicalisation attempts in schools, colleges and religious institutes. Security grid in South Kashmir, lifeline to Srinagar, should be further strengthened to deal with the current terrorist situation. External dimension Causing terrorism in India is a decades-old Pakistani state policy, sponsored and controlled by Pakistani Army. Terror outfits like Lashkar and Jaish are only cheap tools. For justice, it is necessary to book or neutralise their leaders like Hafiz Saeed and Maulana Masood Azhar. However, that is unlikely to deter Pakistani Army from changing its policy. Pakistan can find many more such already trained terror leaders. In fact, even if J&K issue is somehow resolved, its anti-India policy is unlikely to change. In its present polity, Pakistan does not believe in sub-continental geo-political stability and co-existence. Pakistan’s quest to destabilise India and keep the pot boiling in J&K will not change. Another surgical strike on terrorists’ camps will not lead to deterrence or dissuasion. In any case, it has already lost its surprise element and political or strategic impact. The government could consider taking covert action in Pakistan. A major military option requires not only capacity assessment but also its build-up, if necessary. More importantly, it cannot be left to the armed forces alone as has been stated in public by some of our political leaders. A major strike or a limited war option is a national issue. It requires political will, diplomatic push, economic sustenance, and advanced preparations. We should prepare our grounds well. A half-hearted or a divided national power should never be employed in a conflict, without adequate escalation control politico-military ability. I am happy that despite forthcoming elections, all opposition parties have extended full support to the government at this juncture. It is now up to the government to keep them adequately briefed and take their views and suggestions. We had an almost similar political climate during the Kargil war. India’s national security should always take precedence over our political ideologies and interests. (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.)

Pakistan’s quest to keep the pot boiling in J&K will not change

<p>Union minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-hotel-fire-that-killed-17-emergency-exit-was-locked-says-union-minister-kj-alphons-196987">KJ Alphons</a> has said that he did not take a selfie with a slain CRPF jawan's coffin. The jawan, Havildar Vasantha Kumar VV, had died in the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His body was brought back to Wayanad, Kerala on Saturday. Hundreds of people had come to pay their last respects to him, with Alphons, who is minister of state (with independent charge) for tourism, being one of them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That was when the photograph was taken.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="823" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKJAlphons%2Fposts%2F2296185213765382&amp;width=500" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="500"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>With the country in shock after the Pulwama attack, in which over 40 CRPF jawans died, Alphons had faced a massive amount of flak on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Union minister Alphons Kj<br />
Taking selfie with martyreds coffin<br />
Why it is so imp to do publicity<a href="https://twitter.com/manojnair96?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@manojnair96</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/bhushankpatil12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bhushankpatil12</a> <a href="https://t.co/8whHx59IkM">pic.twitter.com/8whHx59IkM</a></p>
— SANDIP DAVE (@SandipskDave) <a href="https://twitter.com/SandipskDave/status/1096851741163823104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We Malayalis would like to apologise for Alphons KJ. Better late than never</p>
— Weed (@goonerblues) <a href="https://twitter.com/goonerblues/status/1096851583248281603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Alphons has now said the photograph in question was not a selfie. That "some person had taken my photographs standing near the coffin. My media secretary had put the same on Facebook."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alphons has also complained to the Kerala director general of police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Alleging that the photo was a selfie taken by me, some miscreants had spread false news against me on social media. The act of those miscreants reduced my reputation in the public, which is an offence punishable under the provisions of IPC," Alphons said to the DGP.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Union Minister KJ Alphons to Kerala DGP: I attended the last ceremonial rites of Vasantha Kumar, who sacrificed his life for the nation, on 16th Feb at Wayanad. Some person had taken my photographs standing near the coffin. My media secretary had put the same on Facebook. <a href="https://t.co/P7q2EQOK1b">pic.twitter.com/P7q2EQOK1b</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1097301793736843265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"It's uncharitable, unbecoming and illegal to spread false news when I, representing the nation as a union minister, was paying homage to a jawan who laid down his life for the nation. Kindly take appropriate action against culprits and bring them before law," Alphons added.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Union minister KJ Alphons has said that he did not take a selfie with a slain CRPF jawan's coffin. The jawan, Havildar Vasantha Kumar VV, had died in the Pulwama attack.

Union minister KJ Alphons has said that he did not take a selfie with a slain CRPF jawan's coffin. The jawan, Havildar Vasantha Kumar VV, had died in the Pulwama attack. His body was brought back to Wayanad, Kerala on Saturday. Hundreds of people had come to pay their last respects to him, with Alphons, who is minister of state (with independent charge) for tourism, being one of them. That was when the photograph was taken. × With the country in shock after the Pulwama attack, in which over 40 CRPF jawans died, Alphons had faced a massive amount of flak on social media. Union minister Alphons Kj Taking selfie with martyreds coffin Why it is so imp to do publicity@manojnair96 @bhushankpatil12 pic.twitter.com/8whHx59IkM — SANDIP DAVE (@SandipskDave) February 16, 2019 × We Malayalis would like to apologise for Alphons KJ. Better late than never — Weed (@goonerblues) February 16, 2019 × Alphons has now said the photograph in question was not a selfie. That "some person had taken my photographs standing near the coffin. My media secretary had put the same on Facebook." Alphons has also complained to the Kerala director general of police. "Alleging that the photo was a selfie taken by me, some miscreants had spread false news against me on social media. The act of those miscreants reduced my reputation in the public, which is an offence punishable under the provisions of IPC," Alphons said to the DGP. Union Minister KJ Alphons to Kerala DGP: I attended the last ceremonial rites of Vasantha Kumar, who sacrificed his life for the nation, on 16th Feb at Wayanad. Some person had taken my photographs standing near the coffin. My media secretary had put the same on Facebook. pic.twitter.com/P7q2EQOK1b — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019 × "It's uncharitable, unbecoming and illegal to spread false news when I, representing the nation as a union minister, was paying homage to a jawan who laid down his life for the nation. Kindly take appropriate action against culprits and bring them before law," Alphons added.

Did not take selfie with slain CRPF jawan, union minister says after flak

<p>In the wake of the terrorist attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir where 40 CRPF personnel were killed, music label T-Series has pulled down all the songs sung by Pakistani singers Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan from its Youtube channel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>T-Series, owned by Bhushan Kumar, had recently collaborated with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Atif Aslam for two different singles. In fact, Atif’s new song titled 'Baarishein' featuring Bollywood actress Nushrat Bharucha was released on the channel on the eve of Valentine’s Day. The song does not exist on the channel anymore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The move was taken after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) asked all the music companies to stop working with Pakistani artists. "We have verbally communicated to Indian music companies like T-Series, Sony Music, Venus, Tips Music etc to not work with Pakistani singers. These companies should stop it immediately or we will take action in our own style," Amey Khopkar, head of the MNS Chitrapat Sena told a news agency.</p>

<p>Earlier, a day after the horrific attack, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/after-pulwama-attack-shabana-azmi-javed-akhtar-pull-out-of-an-event-in-pakistan-197593">Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar</a> pulled out of an event in Karachi which they were scheduled to attend in the coming days.&nbsp;</p>


In the wake of the terrorist attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir where 40 CRPF personnel were killed, music label T-Series has pulled down all the songs sung by Pakistani singers Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan from its Youtube channel.

In the wake of the terrorist attack in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir where 40 CRPF personnel were killed, music label T-Series has pulled down all the songs sung by Pakistani singers Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan from its Youtube channel. T-Series, owned by Bhushan Kumar, had recently collaborated with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Atif Aslam for two different singles. In fact, Atif’s new song titled 'Baarishein' featuring Bollywood actress Nushrat Bharucha was released on the channel on the eve of Valentine’s Day. The song does not exist on the channel anymore. The move was taken after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) asked all the music companies to stop working with Pakistani artists. "We have verbally communicated to Indian music companies like T-Series, Sony Music, Venus, Tips Music etc to not work with Pakistani singers. These companies should stop it immediately or we will take action in our own style," Amey Khopkar, head of the MNS Chitrapat Sena told a news agency. Earlier, a day after the horrific attack, Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar pulled out of an event in Karachi which they were scheduled to attend in the coming days.

Post Pulwama attack, music company delists Atif Aslam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's songs on Youtube

<p>Argentina, India on Monday came strong on the issue of terror on Monday. Argentina President Mauricio Macri is on a 3 day India visit and is the first foreign leader to visit India after the Pulwama terror attack last week that killed 40 CRPF personnel.</p>

<p>During the press statement, Argentinian President Mauricio Macri firmly condemned the Pulwama terror attack. He said, " I would like to pay my condolences to the victims of the cruel attack perpetrated just a few days ago. We firmly condemn, as we have done for the last 3 year. We condemn every terror attack. It goes against what we think should be health coexistence"&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi also slammed terror and said, "terrorism is a threat to world peace and stability. Pulwama terror attack shows time for talks is over. He said the world should take strong action against terror and supporters of terror. "</p>

<p>He called on G20 countries to act on the issue of terror and take into account the 11 point agenda on counter-terror issued during the 2017 G20 Hamburg summit in Germany. The agenda called on G20 countries to exchange of suspected terrorist list, joint action against them among other things.</p>

<p>Remember both India and Argentina are members of powerful G20 grouping. Last year Argentina became the first South American country to host the G20 summit. During the Buenos Aires G20 summit, it was announced that India will host G20 in 2022.</p>

<p>Both also issued "India-Argentina Special declaration to Fight Terrorism". In the declaration leaders "gave a call that no country must allow their territory to be used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries" and without taking Pakistan's name said, "terrorist safe havens rooted out in every part of the world."</p>

<p>The declaration affirmed their support for a "U.N. Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism that will advance and strengthen the framework for global cooperation and reinforce the message that no cause or grievance justifies terrorism."</p>

<p>The Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism or CCIT has called for a common definition of terror but lack of consensus at the united nation is making it passage difficult at the multilateral body. The cabinet committee on security (CCS) which met in the aftermath of Pulwama attack on Friday has called for the formation of an India led global consensus on CCIT.</p>

<p>India and Argentina signed ten MoUs in several areas, including Defence, Tourism, pharmaceuticals, Civil nuclear and agriculture. An MoU was also signed on Cooperation in Antarctica.</p>


Argentina, India on Monday came strong on the issue of terror on Monday. Argentina President Mauricio Macri is on a 3 day India visit and is the first foreign leader to visit India after the Pulwama terror attack last week that killed 40 CRPF personnel.

Argentina, India on Monday came strong on the issue of terror on Monday. Argentina President Mauricio Macri is on a 3 day India visit and is the first foreign leader to visit India after the Pulwama terror attack last week that killed 40 CRPF personnel. During the press statement, Argentinian President Mauricio Macri firmly condemned the Pulwama terror attack. He said, " I would like to pay my condolences to the victims of the cruel attack perpetrated just a few days ago. We firmly condemn, as we have done for the last 3 year. We condemn every terror attack. It goes against what we think should be health coexistence" Prime Minister Narendra Modi also slammed terror and said, "terrorism is a threat to world peace and stability. Pulwama terror attack shows time for talks is over. He said the world should take strong action against terror and supporters of terror. " He called on G20 countries to act on the issue of terror and take into account the 11 point agenda on counter-terror issued during the 2017 G20 Hamburg summit in Germany. The agenda called on G20 countries to exchange of suspected terrorist list, joint action against them among other things. Remember both India and Argentina are members of powerful G20 grouping. Last year Argentina became the first South American country to host the G20 summit. During the Buenos Aires G20 summit, it was announced that India will host G20 in 2022. Both also issued "India-Argentina Special declaration to Fight Terrorism". In the declaration leaders "gave a call that no country must allow their territory to be used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries" and without taking Pakistan's name said, "terrorist safe havens rooted out in every part of the world." The declaration affirmed their support for a "U.N. Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism that will advance and strengthen the framework for global cooperation and reinforce the message that no cause or grievance justifies terrorism." The Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism or CCIT has called for a common definition of terror but lack of consensus at the united nation is making it passage difficult at the multilateral body. The cabinet committee on security (CCS) which met in the aftermath of Pulwama attack on Friday has called for the formation of an India led global consensus on CCIT. India and Argentina signed ten MoUs in several areas, including Defence, Tourism, pharmaceuticals, Civil nuclear and agriculture. An MoU was also signed on Cooperation in Antarctica.

Pulwama attack: India, Argentina come strong on terror during President Macri's visit

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaish-e-mohammed-commander-army-major-and-five-others-killed-in-pulwama-gun-battle-198095">Pulwama terror attack</a> has shown that time for talks is over and hesitation to take <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-encounter-fierce-gun-battle-underway-dig-south-kashmir-injured-198102">action against terrorism</a> and those who support it is akin to encouraging the menace.</p>

<p>Without naming Pakistan, Modi, after holding delegation-level talks with Argentine President Mauricio Macri here, said the world should unite to take concrete action against terrorism and those who support it.</p>

<p>After the talks, the two sides signed ten agreements in diverse areas like defence, nuclear energy, tourism, information and communication technology, and agriculture.</p>

<p>"I and President Macri agree with the view that terrorism is a serious danger to the world's peace and stability. The cruel attack in Pulwama shows that the time for talks has passed.</p>

<p>"Now, it is required that the world unites against terrorism and those who support it. Hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging terrorism," Modi said in a press statement in the presence of Marci.</p>

<p>The Argentine President is the first international leader to visit India after the Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Kashmir last week.</p>

<p>Condoling the death of the CRPF personnel, Macri said India and Argentina must work together to fight the menace of terrorism.</p>

<p>Referring to the defence cooperation agreement signed between the two nations, Modi said this will give new a dimension to bilateral ties.</p>

<p>Modi said India and Argentina have been cooperating at different international fora.</p>

<p>Argentina, Modi said, has strongly backed India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Australia Group, and Wassenaar Arrangement. Of the four groups, India has gained entry in three export control regimes, except the NSG.</p>

<p>Modi also welcomed Argentina's entry into the International Solar Alliance.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Pulwama terror attack has shown that time for talks is over and hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging the menace.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Pulwama terror attack has shown that time for talks is over and hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging the menace. Without naming Pakistan, Modi, after holding delegation-level talks with Argentine President Mauricio Macri here, said the world should unite to take concrete action against terrorism and those who support it. After the talks, the two sides signed ten agreements in diverse areas like defence, nuclear energy, tourism, information and communication technology, and agriculture. "I and President Macri agree with the view that terrorism is a serious danger to the world's peace and stability. The cruel attack in Pulwama shows that the time for talks has passed. "Now, it is required that the world unites against terrorism and those who support it. Hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging terrorism," Modi said in a press statement in the presence of Marci. The Argentine President is the first international leader to visit India after the Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Kashmir last week. Condoling the death of the CRPF personnel, Macri said India and Argentina must work together to fight the menace of terrorism. Referring to the defence cooperation agreement signed between the two nations, Modi said this will give new a dimension to bilateral ties. Modi said India and Argentina have been cooperating at different international fora. Argentina, Modi said, has strongly backed India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Australia Group, and Wassenaar Arrangement. Of the four groups, India has gained entry in three export control regimes, except the NSG. Modi also welcomed Argentina's entry into the International Solar Alliance.

Pulwama attack shows time for talks over, now world has to act: PM Narendra Modi

<p>A senior police officer was injured in a fierce gun battle between <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaish-e-mohammed-commander-army-major-and-five-others-killed-in-pulwama-gun-battle-198095">terrorists and security forces</a> in Pulwama on Monday.</p>

<p>Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police South Kashmir range, Amit Kumar, who was injured in an exchange of fire with terrorists, has been shifted to Army hospital. His condition is stated to be stable.</p>

<p>Amit Kumar&nbsp;received a gunshot wound in the abdomen.</p>

<p>Police in Pulwama appeal to locals to leave the site of Pulwama encounter. Four 55 Rashtriya Rifles personnel have lost their lives and one injured and two terrorists neutralised in the ongoing operation.</p>

<p>The operation is being carried out by a joint team consisting of 55 Rashtriya Rifles, police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Curfew continues in Jammu for the fourth day following <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PulwamaAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PulwamaAttack</a> on 14th February. <a href="https://t.co/gmEL1QADVu">pic.twitter.com/gmEL1QADVu</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1097392085911650305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Security forces launched a cordon and search operation during the night after receiving inputs about the presence of militants in the area, a police official recounted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in the morning, Army shot dead Gazi Rashid who was the alleged mastermind of the 14th Feb Pulwama attack.</p>

<p>"Kamran's role in the February 14 suicide bombing of a CRPF convoy was under the scanner of investigators," a senior police official said.</p>

<p>The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A senior police officer was injured in a fierce gun battle between terrorists and security forces in Pulwama on Monday. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police South Kashmir range, Amit Kumar, who was injured in an exchange of fire with terrorists, has been shifted to Army hospital.

A senior police officer was injured in a fierce gun battle between terrorists and security forces in Pulwama on Monday. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police South Kashmir range, Amit Kumar, who was injured in an exchange of fire with terrorists, has been shifted to Army hospital. His condition is stated to be stable. Amit Kumar received a gunshot wound in the abdomen. Police in Pulwama appeal to locals to leave the site of Pulwama encounter. Four 55 Rashtriya Rifles personnel have lost their lives and one injured and two terrorists neutralised in the ongoing operation. The operation is being carried out by a joint team consisting of 55 Rashtriya Rifles, police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Curfew continues in Jammu for the fourth day following #PulwamaAttack on 14th February. pic.twitter.com/gmEL1QADVu — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019 × Security forces launched a cordon and search operation during the night after receiving inputs about the presence of militants in the area, a police official recounted. Earlier in the morning, Army shot dead Gazi Rashid who was the alleged mastermind of the 14th Feb Pulwama attack. "Kamran's role in the February 14 suicide bombing of a CRPF convoy was under the scanner of investigators," a senior police official said. The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. (With inputs from agencies)

Pulwama encounter: Fierce gun battle underway; DIG south Kashmir injured

<p>Pakistan has called back its high commissioner to India, Sohail Mahmood, 'for consultations'</p>

<p>"We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations," Dr Mohammad Faisal, spokesperson of Pakistan's Foreign Office, tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He left New Delhi this morning," Faisal added.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We have called back our HIgh Commissioner in India for consultations.<br />
He left New Delhi this morning .</p>
— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) <a href="https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/1097385840513302528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Tensions between India and Pakistan have been running high ever since <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/awantipora-crpf-convoy-hit-by-explosives-laden-vehicle-several-jawans-killed-197418">last Thursday's Pulwama attack in which over 40 CRPF men died</a>. A local youth, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/adil-ahmad-dar-the-man-who-carried-out-the-pulwama-attack-197476">Adil Ahmad Dar</a>, had rammed a car filled with explosives into a bus carrying the Central Reserve Police Force men.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The attack was claimed by the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed, which is led by Masood Azhar who is based out of Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the attack, India has raised customs duties on Pakistani goods by 200 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also said that he has given the armed forces a free hand to respond to the perpetrators of the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-encounter-between-security-forces-and-terrorists-197988">Indian security forces killed two terrorists on Monday in Pulwama</a>, about 10 kilometres from the site of the attack. That encounter is still ongoing but it is thought the two terrorists killed in the attack are Kamran Hilal, the mastermind of the Pulwama attack, and Abdul Rashid Gazi, the maker of the bomb used in the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan has called back its high commissioner to India, Sohail Mahmood, 'for consultations' "We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations," Dr Mohammad Faisal, spokesperson of Pakistan's Foreign Office, tweeted.

Pakistan has called back its high commissioner to India, Sohail Mahmood, 'for consultations' "We have called back our High Commissioner in India for consultations," Dr Mohammad Faisal, spokesperson of Pakistan's Foreign Office, tweeted. "He left New Delhi this morning," Faisal added. We have called back our HIgh Commissioner in India for consultations. He left New Delhi this morning . — Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) February 18, 2019 × Tensions between India and Pakistan have been running high ever since last Thursday's Pulwama attack in which over 40 CRPF men died. A local youth, Adil Ahmad Dar, had rammed a car filled with explosives into a bus carrying the Central Reserve Police Force men. The attack was claimed by the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed, which is led by Masood Azhar who is based out of Pakistan. Since the attack, India has raised customs duties on Pakistani goods by 200 per cent. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also said that he has given the armed forces a free hand to respond to the perpetrators of the attack. Indian security forces killed two terrorists on Monday in Pulwama, about 10 kilometres from the site of the attack. That encounter is still ongoing but it is thought the two terrorists killed in the attack are Kamran Hilal, the mastermind of the Pulwama attack, and Abdul Rashid Gazi, the maker of the bomb used in the Pulwama attack.

Pulwama attack: Pakistan calls back high commissioner to India 'for consultations'

<p>Joining the likes of Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan who have donated money to the families of 40 CRPF troopers that were slain in a deadly attack in Pulwama, Jammu &amp; Kashmir; Diljit Dosanjh has now given Rs 3 lacs to the same cause.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He donated the money to the wives of the CRPF troopers who died in the terror attack. Diljit shared a snapshot of his donation receipt to the CRPF Wives Welfare Association on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He captioned the post, "Our soldiers protect the country and the citizens of the country. They have to live away from their loved ones, not knowing what the next day will bring. The families don't know when will they see them next. But there was always a hope which is now gone for these families."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt-UpyxlNyh/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt-UpyxlNyh/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt-UpyxlNyh/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt-UpyxlNyh/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Our Soldiers Protect the Country and the Citizens of the country. They have to live away from their loved ones, not knowing what the next day will bring. The families don’t know when will they see them next. But there was always a hope which is now gone for these families. We can’t take the sorrow away but can try to help a little by donating. It’s our time to do something to help the families of our Shaheed Jawans in this Difficult Time 🙏🏽 WE STAND WITH THE SOLDIERS AND THEIR FAMILIES 🙏🏽</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/diljitdosanjh/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Diljit Dosanjh</a> (@diljitdosanjh) on <time datetime="2019-02-17T07:02:22+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 16, 2019 at 11:02pm PST</time></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The actor urged his fans and followers to contribute their bit to help the martyrs' families.</p>

<p>He said: "We can't take the sorrow away but can try to help a little by donating. It's our time to do something to help the families of our shaheed jawans in this difficult time. We stand with the soldiers and their families."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt-YDmkFRtJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt-YDmkFRtJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt-YDmkFRtJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt-YDmkFRtJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">🇮🇳 We stand with our soldiers and their families. We can’t do much but the least we can do is donate and help the families in this difficult time🙏🙏</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/diljitdosanjh/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Diljit Dosanjh</a> (@diljitdosanjh) on <time datetime="2019-02-17T07:32:06+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 16, 2019 at 11:32pm PST</time></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Amitabh Bachchan will donate Rs 500,000 each to the families of the 40 troopers. The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, took to his Twitter account to thank actor Salman Khan for "offering to contribute for Pulwama Martyrs through BEING HUMAN FOUNDATION."</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has announced a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/post-pulwama-attack-all-indian-cine-workers-association-announces-ban-on-pakistani-artists-198062">total ban on Pakistani actors and artists </a>in the wake of a deadly attack on CRPF soldiers in Pulwama, Jammu &amp; Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>


Joining the likes of Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan who have donated money to the families of 40 CRPF troopers that were slain in a deadly attack in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir; Diljit Dosanjh has now given Rs 3 lacs to the same cause.

Joining the likes of Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan who have donated money to the families of 40 CRPF troopers that were slain in a deadly attack in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir; Diljit Dosanjh has now given Rs 3 lacs to the same cause. He donated the money to the wives of the CRPF troopers who died in the terror attack. Diljit shared a snapshot of his donation receipt to the CRPF Wives Welfare Association on Sunday. He captioned the post, "Our soldiers protect the country and the citizens of the country. They have to live away from their loved ones, not knowing what the next day will bring. The families don't know when will they see them next. But there was always a hope which is now gone for these families." View this post on Instagram Our Soldiers Protect the Country and the Citizens of the country. They have to live away from their loved ones, not knowing what the next day will bring. The families don’t know when will they see them next. But there was always a hope which is now gone for these families. We can’t take the sorrow away but can try to help a little by donating. It’s our time to do something to help the families of our Shaheed Jawans in this Difficult Time 🙏🏽 WE STAND WITH THE SOLDIERS AND THEIR FAMILIES 🙏🏽 A post shared by Diljit Dosanjh (@diljitdosanjh) on Feb 16, 2019 at 11:02pm PST × The actor urged his fans and followers to contribute their bit to help the martyrs' families. He said: "We can't take the sorrow away but can try to help a little by donating. It's our time to do something to help the families of our shaheed jawans in this difficult time. We stand with the soldiers and their families." View this post on Instagram 🇮🇳 We stand with our soldiers and their families. We can’t do much but the least we can do is donate and help the families in this difficult time🙏🙏 A post shared by Diljit Dosanjh (@diljitdosanjh) on Feb 16, 2019 at 11:32pm PST × Amitabh Bachchan will donate Rs 500,000 each to the families of the 40 troopers. The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, took to his Twitter account to thank actor Salman Khan for "offering to contribute for Pulwama Martyrs through BEING HUMAN FOUNDATION." Meanwhile, The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has announced a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists in the wake of a deadly attack on CRPF soldiers in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir.

Diljit Dosanjh donates Rs 3 lakh for families of CRPF jawans killed in Pulwama attack

<p>The mastermind of the Pulwama attack has been killed in an encounter in the Pinglan area of Pulwama.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The firefight between the security forces and the terrorists broke out early Monday morning, at about 2 am, after the forces received a tip-off about the presence of terrorists in the area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A joint team of the Army's 55RR, CRPF and SOG Pulwama launched cordon and search operation in Pinglan area.</p>

<p>Two terrorists — Hilal Ahmad and Kamran Hilaal — were killed in the encounter. Authorities believe Kamran Hilaal, who they say is a Pakistani official, was the mastermind of the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-encounter-between-security-forces-and-terrorists-197988">Four Indian Army soldiers including a major were also killed</a> in the gun battle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So was a civilian, who authorities said was killed in the crossfire.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As the searches were going on, terrorists from inside the target house fired indiscriminately on the search party. In the initial burst of fire four army jawans and one civilian sustained critical gunshot injuries. They were evacuated to hospital for medical attention. Consequently, four injured jawans attained martyrdom and the civilian also succumbed to his injuries," J&amp;K police said in a press release.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Police in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pulwama?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pulwama</a> appeals to locals to leave the site of Pulwama encounter. Four 55 Rashtriya Rifles personnel have lost their lives &amp; one injured and two terrorists neutralised in the ongoing operation. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/q2X13OitXX">pic.twitter.com/q2X13OitXX</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1097384049591701504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the ongoing encounter in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pulwama?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pulwama</a>, J&amp;K: The morale of the security forces is high. They are being successful in neutralising the terrorists. <a href="https://t.co/21DHSFB7CS">pic.twitter.com/21DHSFB7CS</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1097402260919803905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Monday's encounter comes only three days after the Pulwama attack.</p>

<p>A local youth, Adil Ahmad Dar, had last Thursday rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus ferrying Central Reserve Police Force personnel. The bus had been part of a convoy of 78 vehicles transporting 2,500 CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thursday's attack was claimed by the Jaish-e-Mohammed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Jaish is headed by Masood Azhar, a Pakistani national. Azhar was one of the three terrorists released by India after the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814 in December 1999.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the attack, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-pakistan-calls-back-high-commissioner-to-india-for-consultations-198050">India has raised customs duties on Pakistani imports to 200%</a>, thereby making trade with its neighbour virtually impossible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said after the attack that he has given the security forces a free hand to respond to the perpetrators of the attack, at a time and place of their choosing.</p>


The mastermind of the Pulwama attack has been killed in an encounter in the Pinglan area of Pulwama. The firefight between the security forces and the terrorists broke out early Monday morning, at about 2 am, after the forces received a tip-off about the presence of terrorists in the area.

The mastermind of the Pulwama attack has been killed in an encounter in the Pinglan area of Pulwama. The firefight between the security forces and the terrorists broke out early Monday morning, at about 2 am, after the forces received a tip-off about the presence of terrorists in the area. A joint team of the Army's 55RR, CRPF and SOG Pulwama launched cordon and search operation in Pinglan area. Two terrorists — Hilal Ahmad and Kamran Hilaal — were killed in the encounter. Authorities believe Kamran Hilaal, who they say is a Pakistani official, was the mastermind of the Pulwama attack. Four Indian Army soldiers including a major were also killed in the gun battle. So was a civilian, who authorities said was killed in the crossfire. "As the searches were going on, terrorists from inside the target house fired indiscriminately on the search party. In the initial burst of fire four army jawans and one civilian sustained critical gunshot injuries. They were evacuated to hospital for medical attention. Consequently, four injured jawans attained martyrdom and the civilian also succumbed to his injuries," J&K police said in a press release. #WATCH Police in #Pulwama appeals to locals to leave the site of Pulwama encounter. Four 55 Rashtriya Rifles personnel have lost their lives & one injured and two terrorists neutralised in the ongoing operation. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/q2X13OitXX — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019 × Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the ongoing encounter in #Pulwama, J&K: The morale of the security forces is high. They are being successful in neutralising the terrorists. pic.twitter.com/21DHSFB7CS — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019 × Monday's encounter comes only three days after the Pulwama attack. A local youth, Adil Ahmad Dar, had last Thursday rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus ferrying Central Reserve Police Force personnel. The bus had been part of a convoy of 78 vehicles transporting 2,500 CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar. Thursday's attack was claimed by the Jaish-e-Mohammed. The Jaish is headed by Masood Azhar, a Pakistani national. Azhar was one of the three terrorists released by India after the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814 in December 1999. Since the attack, India has raised customs duties on Pakistani imports to 200%, thereby making trade with its neighbour virtually impossible. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said after the attack that he has given the security forces a free hand to respond to the perpetrators of the attack, at a time and place of their choosing.

J&K: Mastermind of Pulwama attack killed in encounter; 4 soldiers dead

<p>The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has announced a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists in the wake of a deadly attack on CRPF soldiers in Pulwama, Jammu &amp; Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The major terror attack that has left the world in a shock took the lives of at least 40 personnel as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-mastermind-of-pulwama-attack-killed-in-encounter-4-soldiers-dead-too-198057">local youth, Adil Ahmad Dar</a>, rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus ferrying Central Reserve Police Force personnel. The bus had been part of a convoy of 78 vehicles transporting 2,500 CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a notice issued by the AICWA read: “All Indian Cine Workers Association strongly condemns the brutal terrorist attack on our soldiers at Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. AICWA stands with nation in confronting such terror and inhumanity. Were officially announcing a total ban on Pakistani Actors and Artists working in Film Industry. Still if any organisation insist on working with Pakistani Artists will be banned by AICWA and a strong action will be taken against them. Nation comes first, we stand with our nation.”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">All India Cine Workers Association announce a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists working in the film industry. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PulwamaAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PulwamaAttack</a> <a href="https://t.co/QpSMUg9r8b">pic.twitter.com/QpSMUg9r8b</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1097400718426812416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>As the issue gains momentum in the Bollywood camp with celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan pledging money to the Pulwama fund, another celeb to join is actor Ajay Devgn who announced that his upcoming film ‘Total Dhamaal’ will not release in Pakistan. He tweeted: “In light of the current situation, the team of ‘Total Dhamaal’ has decided to not release the film in Pakistan.”</p>

<p>He further tweeted: “Horrible and disgusting. Anger can’t be put into words. #KashmirTerrorAttack.”</p>

<p>Also, the music label T-Series has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/post-pulwama-attack-music-company-delists-atif-aslam-rahat-fateh-ali-khans-songs-on-youtube-197998">pulled down all the songs sung by Pakistani singers </a>Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan from its Youtube channel.&nbsp;</p>


The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has announced a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists in the wake of a deadly attack on CRPF soldiers in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir.

The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has announced a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists in the wake of a deadly attack on CRPF soldiers in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir. The major terror attack that has left the world in a shock took the lives of at least 40 personnel as local youth, Adil Ahmad Dar, rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus ferrying Central Reserve Police Force personnel. The bus had been part of a convoy of 78 vehicles transporting 2,500 CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar. Meanwhile, a notice issued by the AICWA read: “All Indian Cine Workers Association strongly condemns the brutal terrorist attack on our soldiers at Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. AICWA stands with nation in confronting such terror and inhumanity. Were officially announcing a total ban on Pakistani Actors and Artists working in Film Industry. Still if any organisation insist on working with Pakistani Artists will be banned by AICWA and a strong action will be taken against them. Nation comes first, we stand with our nation.” All India Cine Workers Association announce a total ban on Pakistani actors and artists working in the film industry. #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/QpSMUg9r8b — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019 × As the issue gains momentum in the Bollywood camp with celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan pledging money to the Pulwama fund, another celeb to join is actor Ajay Devgn who announced that his upcoming film ‘Total Dhamaal’ will not release in Pakistan. He tweeted: “In light of the current situation, the team of ‘Total Dhamaal’ has decided to not release the film in Pakistan.” He further tweeted: “Horrible and disgusting. Anger can’t be put into words. #KashmirTerrorAttack.” Also, the music label T-Series has pulled down all the songs sung by Pakistani singers Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan from its Youtube channel.

Post-Pulwama attack, All Indian Cine Workers Association announces ban on Pakistani artists

<p>Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan has batted for a plebiscite in Kashmir and asked the government about&nbsp;what they are 'afraid of'.&nbsp; At an event in Chennai on Sunday, the Makkal Needhi Maiam leader Haasan said, "Why India is not holding a plebiscite in Kashmir? &nbsp;What are they (government) afraid of?"<br />
<br />
Referring to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) as `Azad Kashmir`, he said: "In Azad Kashmir, they are using Jihadis` pictures in trains to portray them as heroes. That is a foolish thing to do. India too behaves with an equal amount of foolishness, it is not a correct thing to do. If we want to prove that India is a far better country then we should not behave like this. That is where politics begins, a new political culture begins,” he said.<br />
<br />
Talking at length about Kashmir and problems plaguing in the region, Haasan said that if India and Pakistan “behave well”, the Line of Control (LoC) will be under check.<br />
<br />
"Why do soldiers die? &nbsp;Why should those guarding our home (border) die? If both sides (India and Pakistan) behave properly, no soldier needs to die. The Line of Control will be under control, " questioned the actor.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
On being asked to comment on the ghastly <a href="Pulwama attack: Anil Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Farhan Akhtar and others condemn the attack">Pulwama terror attack on CRPF convoy</a> in which nearly 40 jawans lost their lives on 14th February, the leader said: "When I was running a magazine called `Maiyam`, I wrote on the Kashmir issue and what is expected. Hold plebiscite and make people talk...why have they not conducted it? What are they scared of? They want to divide the nation, that`s all. Why don`t you ask them again? They won`t do it?"&nbsp;</p>

<p>The actor though later backtracked and stated his statement had been taken out of context. His party, Makkal Needhi Maiam, later issued a clarification on Monday morning stating that Haasan's comments had been taken out of context by Times Now channel. "The references made in the Times Now report were mentioned by our party president in the context of a magazine article published three decades ago about an option that available at one point in time of history,” the statement said. “This is no longer relevant and is no way an indication of his position or party’s position today.”</p>

<p>The statement said the party believed entire Kashmir is an integral part of India. “Our president and our party stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the armed forces in this hour of grief.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>


Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan has batted for a plebiscite in Kashmir and asked the government about what they are 'afraid of'. At an event in Chennai on Sunday, the Makkal Needhi Maiam leader Haasan said, "Why India is not holding a plebiscite in Kashmir?

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan has batted for a plebiscite in Kashmir and asked the government about what they are 'afraid of'. At an event in Chennai on Sunday, the Makkal Needhi Maiam leader Haasan said, "Why India is not holding a plebiscite in Kashmir? What are they (government) afraid of?" Referring to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) as `Azad Kashmir`, he said: "In Azad Kashmir, they are using Jihadis` pictures in trains to portray them as heroes. That is a foolish thing to do. India too behaves with an equal amount of foolishness, it is not a correct thing to do. If we want to prove that India is a far better country then we should not behave like this. That is where politics begins, a new political culture begins,” he said. Talking at length about Kashmir and problems plaguing in the region, Haasan said that if India and Pakistan “behave well”, the Line of Control (LoC) will be under check. "Why do soldiers die? Why should those guarding our home (border) die? If both sides (India and Pakistan) behave properly, no soldier needs to die. The Line of Control will be under control, " questioned the actor. On being asked to comment on the ghastly Pulwama terror attack on CRPF convoy in which nearly 40 jawans lost their lives on 14th February, the leader said: "When I was running a magazine called `Maiyam`, I wrote on the Kashmir issue and what is expected. Hold plebiscite and make people talk...why have they not conducted it? What are they scared of? They want to divide the nation, that`s all. Why don`t you ask them again? They won`t do it?" The actor though later backtracked and stated his statement had been taken out of context. His party, Makkal Needhi Maiam, later issued a clarification on Monday morning stating that Haasan's comments had been taken out of context by Times Now channel. "The references made in the Times Now report were mentioned by our party president in the context of a magazine article published three decades ago about an option that available at one point in time of history,” the statement said. “This is no longer relevant and is no way an indication of his position or party’s position today.” The statement said the party believed entire Kashmir is an integral part of India. “Our president and our party stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the armed forces in this hour of grief.” (With inputs from ANI)

Kamal Haasan calls for plebiscite in Kashmir, party says words taken out of context

<p>In protest against the terror attack a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, the Cricket Club of India (CCI) covered a portrait of former cricketer and current Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in one of its restaurants. &nbsp;</p>

<p>CCI President Premal Udani also confirmed the development.</p>

<p>"See, CCI is a sports-club and we have photographs of past and present cricketers from all countries. We wanted to show, in our way - displeasure - on whatever is happening right now. It is mark of protest. We have covered it as of now but can't say right now if we would take it down," Udani said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over 40 CRPF paramilitary troopers were killed in what is being termed as the deadliest terrorist strike in three decades in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan-based terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed responsibility for it.</p>

<p>The CCI, which is an affiliated unit of BCCI, adorn portraits of the greatest cricketers across eras and from all nations in its premises, including its restaurants.&nbsp;</p>


In protest against the terror attack a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, the Cricket Club of India (CCI) covered a portrait of former cricketer and current Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in one of its restaurants.

In protest against the terror attack a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, the Cricket Club of India (CCI) covered a portrait of former cricketer and current Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in one of its restaurants. CCI President Premal Udani also confirmed the development. "See, CCI is a sports-club and we have photographs of past and present cricketers from all countries. We wanted to show, in our way - displeasure - on whatever is happening right now. It is mark of protest. We have covered it as of now but can't say right now if we would take it down," Udani said. Over 40 CRPF paramilitary troopers were killed in what is being termed as the deadliest terrorist strike in three decades in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan-based terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad has claimed responsibility for it. The CCI, which is an affiliated unit of BCCI, adorn portraits of the greatest cricketers across eras and from all nations in its premises, including its restaurants.

Pulwama attack: Cricket Club of India 'covers' Imran Khan's portrait in its restaurant

<p>Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Saturday directed the state police to take "strict action without mercy" against those indulging in violence in the aftermath of a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-outpouring-of-grief-anger-as-india-says-final-goodbye-to-slain-crpf-jawans-197851">terrorist attack in Pulwama</a> in which <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/pulwama-attack-pm-modi-vows-to-avenge-death-of-crpf-soldiers-197742">40 CRPF personnel died</a>, an official said.</p>

<p>Reviewing the law and order situation at a high-level meeting at Raj Bhavan, Malik also urged people to maintain communal harmony, so that the forces trying to disrupt peace in the state are defeated.</p>

<p>"The governor directed the police to take strict action without mercy against those indulging in any type of violence, arson or rumour-mongering irrespective of political and religious affiliation," an official spokesman said in Jammu.</p>

<p>The direction came after incidents of violence and stone-pelting were reported from Jammu city. A curfew was imposed in the city after several vehicles were torched on Friday.</p>

<p>The violence happened during protests against the attack in Pulwama on Thursday.</p>

<p>The spokesman said the governor also reviewed the security of students from Jammu and Kashmir studying in universities and colleges across the country.<br />
Officials informed Malik that liaison officers were working effectively and coordinating with university authorities and the local police to ensure safety of the students, he said.</p>

<p>Minor incidents involving students from Jammu and Kashmir were reported from Baba Fareed Institute of Technology, Dehradun; Maharishi Markand University, Ambala; and Chitkara University, Batti, Himachal Pradesh.</p>

<p>In all three places, liaison officers worked with the deans and vice chancellors to ensure safety of the students, the spokesman said.</p>

<p>Jammu divisional commissioner held a meeting of the Peace Committee Friday. In the meeting, all parties condemned the violence in Jammu and agreed to restrain their supporters from indulging in any unlawful behaviour.</p>

<p>Malik asked all political parties and senior political leaders to appeal to people to maintain peace and harmony. He urged them not to pay heed to rumours, the spokesman said.</p>

<p>"People of the state have always believed in mutual brotherhood and co-existence throughout the ages," the governor said during the meeting.&nbsp;</p>


Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Saturday directed the state police to take "strict action without mercy" against those indulging in violence in the aftermath of a terrorist attack in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel died, an official said.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Saturday directed the state police to take "strict action without mercy" against those indulging in violence in the aftermath of a terrorist attack in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel died, an official said. Reviewing the law and order situation at a high-level meeting at Raj Bhavan, Malik also urged people to maintain communal harmony, so that the forces trying to disrupt peace in the state are defeated. "The governor directed the police to take strict action without mercy against those indulging in any type of violence, arson or rumour-mongering irrespective of political and religious affiliation," an official spokesman said in Jammu. The direction came after incidents of violence and stone-pelting were reported from Jammu city. A curfew was imposed in the city after several vehicles were torched on Friday. The violence happened during protests against the attack in Pulwama on Thursday. The spokesman said the governor also reviewed the security of students from Jammu and Kashmir studying in universities and colleges across the country. Officials informed Malik that liaison officers were working effectively and coordinating with university authorities and the local police to ensure safety of the students, he said. Minor incidents involving students from Jammu and Kashmir were reported from Baba Fareed Institute of Technology, Dehradun; Maharishi Markand University, Ambala; and Chitkara University, Batti, Himachal Pradesh. In all three places, liaison officers worked with the deans and vice chancellors to ensure safety of the students, the spokesman said. Jammu divisional commissioner held a meeting of the Peace Committee Friday. In the meeting, all parties condemned the violence in Jammu and agreed to restrain their supporters from indulging in any unlawful behaviour. Malik asked all political parties and senior political leaders to appeal to people to maintain peace and harmony. He urged them not to pay heed to rumours, the spokesman said. "People of the state have always believed in mutual brotherhood and co-existence throughout the ages," the governor said during the meeting.

Violence in Jammu after Pulwama attack: J&K governor tells police to take 'strict action without mercy'

<p>Security forces have detained 23 men suspected of links to the Pakistan-based militant group that masterminded the bombing of a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/have-decided-to-add-new-features-to-convoy-movement-to-and-from-kashmir-crpf-dg-197948">CRPF convoy</a>&nbsp;in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama that over 40 paramilitary police, a top police official said on Sunday.</p>

<p>The 23 men included members and sympathizers of Jaish-e-Mohammad, the militant group which has claimed responsibility for Thursday's attack, the deadliest on Indian security forces in decades.</p>

<p>The attack has fuelled tensions between India and Pakistan.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mission-to-isolate-pakistan-india-raises-pulwama-terror-attack-issue-at-munich-conference-197912">India has demanded</a> Pakistan close down the Jaish and other Islamist militant groups that operate from its soil, while Islamabad has rejected suggestions it was linked to the attack.</p>

<p>National Investigating Agency (NIA) officials questioned the suspects about the bombing on Sunday, two security officials said.</p>

<p>"They are trying to reach out to the top commanders of Jaish-e-Mohammad, including its Kashmir Chief," one of the sources said.</p>

<p>Mohammed Umair, the commander of the Jaish in Kashmir who is believed to have plotted the attack, is suspected to be hiding in the region where the attacks took place, the officials said.</p>

<p>The officials say Umair had "radicalized and motivated" the Kashmiri school dropout who rammed a car laden with explosives into the convoy on Thursday.</p>

<p>Umair is thought to have entered Kashmir from Pakistan in September to head the Jaish in the region. Security forces suspect he is in hiding in southern Kashmir, according to the officials, who could not be named as a matter of policy.</p>

<p>Officials say Umair is a nephew of the chief of the Jaish, Masood Azhar, who is believed to be in Pakistan.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised a strong response to the attack and says he has given the military a free hand to tackle cross-border militancy.</p>

<p>The Jaish, considered to be one of the most lethal militant groups, has expanded its presence in Kashmir, the police officer said.</p>

<p>India has raided the houses of suspected militants across South Kashmir to find information on those who masterminded and executed the attack.</p>

<p>Muzaffar Ahmad Malik, whose brother declared himself a militant a year ago, told Reuters that his house was raided on Saturday by troops.</p>

<p>"They were looking for militants, as they said that they had information about militants hiding in the house," Malik said.</p>

<p>Investigators are now trying to figure out how a large quantity of explosives used in the attack was smuggled into Kashmir, the officials said.</p>

<p>A spokesman for the ministry of home affairs declined to comment.</p>


Security forces have detained 23 men suspected of links to the Pakistan-based militant group that masterminded the bombing of a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama that over 40 paramilitary police, a top police official said on Sunday.

Security forces have detained 23 men suspected of links to the Pakistan-based militant group that masterminded the bombing of a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama that over 40 paramilitary police, a top police official said on Sunday. The 23 men included members and sympathizers of Jaish-e-Mohammad, the militant group which has claimed responsibility for Thursday's attack, the deadliest on Indian security forces in decades. The attack has fuelled tensions between India and Pakistan. India has demanded Pakistan close down the Jaish and other Islamist militant groups that operate from its soil, while Islamabad has rejected suggestions it was linked to the attack. National Investigating Agency (NIA) officials questioned the suspects about the bombing on Sunday, two security officials said. "They are trying to reach out to the top commanders of Jaish-e-Mohammad, including its Kashmir Chief," one of the sources said. Mohammed Umair, the commander of the Jaish in Kashmir who is believed to have plotted the attack, is suspected to be hiding in the region where the attacks took place, the officials said. The officials say Umair had "radicalized and motivated" the Kashmiri school dropout who rammed a car laden with explosives into the convoy on Thursday. Umair is thought to have entered Kashmir from Pakistan in September to head the Jaish in the region. Security forces suspect he is in hiding in southern Kashmir, according to the officials, who could not be named as a matter of policy. Officials say Umair is a nephew of the chief of the Jaish, Masood Azhar, who is believed to be in Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised a strong response to the attack and says he has given the military a free hand to tackle cross-border militancy. The Jaish, considered to be one of the most lethal militant groups, has expanded its presence in Kashmir, the police officer said. India has raided the houses of suspected militants across South Kashmir to find information on those who masterminded and executed the attack. Muzaffar Ahmad Malik, whose brother declared himself a militant a year ago, told Reuters that his house was raided on Saturday by troops. "They were looking for militants, as they said that they had information about militants hiding in the house," Malik said. Investigators are now trying to figure out how a large quantity of explosives used in the attack was smuggled into Kashmir, the officials said. A spokesman for the ministry of home affairs declined to comment.

Pulwama attack: Security forces detain over 23 men with suspected links to Jaish-e-Mohammad

<p>National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said Sunday that the people of Kashmir are not responsible for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mission-to-isolate-pakistan-india-raises-pulwama-terror-attack-issue-at-munich-conference-197912">Pulwama attack</a> but such type of incidents will continue till the "Kashmir issue is resolved politically".</p>

<p>Expressing concern over the alleged attacks on Kashmiri students and businessmen outside the Valley, he said the common people have no role in the attack which left 40 CRPF personnel dead when a suicide bomber struck their convoy on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on Thursday.</p>

<p>Abdullah was speaking to a group of Kashmiri people who are stranded in Jammu and staying at a mosque in Bathindi area near his residence following the imposition of curfew in the city on Friday.</p>

<p>Referring to the all-party meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi in the aftermath of the deadly attack, Abdullah said, "I said in the meeting that it is not our fault but your mistake as you did not address our aspirations."</p>

<p>"You are targeting our children and compounding our problems. We are caught in a grave situation and are not responsible for what had happened as we have no connection with these outfits," he said.</p>

<p>"Such attacks will continue and will not come down till the Kashmir issue is resolved politically. Please don't beat us. We have no role in it (attack) and we are not with it (terrorism). We want to live with dignity, study and earn our two meals and do not wish to build castles," the NC president said.</p>

<p>Abdullah asked the people to maintain patience and do not indulge in sloganeering.</p>

<p>"You people have done nothing wrong but the allegations will still come to you. We have to keep patience and seek help from almighty to bring us out of this situation. The day will come when we will come out of this grave situation," he said.</p>

<p>Without naming anyone, he said some forces are bent upon to create a rift among the people but "we will maintain peace and will not allow them to succeed in their designs".&nbsp;</p>


National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said Sunday that the people of Kashmir are not responsible for the Pulwama attack but such type of incidents will continue till the "Kashmir issue is resolved politically".

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said Sunday that the people of Kashmir are not responsible for the Pulwama attack but such type of incidents will continue till the "Kashmir issue is resolved politically". Expressing concern over the alleged attacks on Kashmiri students and businessmen outside the Valley, he said the common people have no role in the attack which left 40 CRPF personnel dead when a suicide bomber struck their convoy on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on Thursday. Abdullah was speaking to a group of Kashmiri people who are stranded in Jammu and staying at a mosque in Bathindi area near his residence following the imposition of curfew in the city on Friday. Referring to the all-party meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi in the aftermath of the deadly attack, Abdullah said, "I said in the meeting that it is not our fault but your mistake as you did not address our aspirations." "You are targeting our children and compounding our problems. We are caught in a grave situation and are not responsible for what had happened as we have no connection with these outfits," he said. "Such attacks will continue and will not come down till the Kashmir issue is resolved politically. Please don't beat us. We have no role in it (attack) and we are not with it (terrorism). We want to live with dignity, study and earn our two meals and do not wish to build castles," the NC president said. Abdullah asked the people to maintain patience and do not indulge in sloganeering. "You people have done nothing wrong but the allegations will still come to you. We have to keep patience and seek help from almighty to bring us out of this situation. The day will come when we will come out of this grave situation," he said. Without naming anyone, he said some forces are bent upon to create a rift among the people but "we will maintain peace and will not allow them to succeed in their designs".

Pulwama type attacks will continue till Kashmir issue is resolved politically: Farooq Abdullah

pulwama-attack

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

pulwama attack

High Court dismisses a plea asking media to use word martyr for reporting casualties in terror attacks

Our helpline has been helping Kashmiris across the country in wake of Pulwama attack: CRPF

J&K: 'Anyone who has picked up a gun will be killed,' says Indian Army

Pulwama attack: Pakistan asks UN to intervene, de-escalate tensions with India

Pulwama attack: India needs calibrated modus operandi to deal boldly with Pakistan

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman lands in Delhi today, India to take up Pakistan-sponsored terror with him

Imran Khan's ex-wife Reham Khan speaks exclusively to WION

'Total Dhamaal' to not release in Pakistan, cast and crew donate 50 lakh to martyrs' families

Pressure mounts on Pakistan as France decides to move proposal to ban JeM chief Masood Azhar at UN

Dispatch: Pakistan will retaliate, if India attacks, says Pakistan PM Imran Khan

Kulbhushan Jadhav case: India has demonstrated lack of faith throughout the proceedings, alleges Pakistan at ICJ

Not surprised PM Imran Khan refused to acknowledge Pulwama terrorist attack: India

India faces diplomatic challenge as Saudi Arabia and China embrace Pakistan

India faces diplomatic challenge as Saudi Arabia and China embrace Pakistan

Hope Pakistan, India will exercise restraint, engage in dialogue: China on Pulwama tensions

Pakistan PM Imran Khan denies role in Pulwama terror attack

Pulwama attack: India blaming Pakistan 'without any evidence', says Imran Khan

Pakistan’s quest to keep the pot boiling in J&K will not change

Did not take selfie with slain CRPF jawan, union minister says after flak

Post Pulwama attack, music company delists Atif Aslam, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's songs on Youtube

Pulwama attack: India, Argentina come strong on terror during President Macri's visit

Pulwama attack shows time for talks over, now world has to act: PM Narendra Modi

Pulwama encounter: Fierce gun battle underway; DIG south Kashmir injured

Pulwama attack: Pakistan calls back high commissioner to India 'for consultations'