Soon <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/operation-bandar-was-iafs-code-name-for-balakot-airstrike-229212">after the Pulwama terror attack</a>, India pulled out its <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/gulf-crisis-navy-launches-operation-operation-sankalp-to-reassure-indian-vessels-amid-us-iran-row-229020">Navy</a> from an exercise and deployed a major part of its fleet, including nuclear and conventional submarines, close to Pakistani territorial waters.

During the aggressive deployment of the naval assets by the Indian side, the Pakistanis were getting an impression that New Delhi might use its maritime force to avenge the killing of its 40 CRPF personnel in the suicide bombing by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-pulwama-attack-key-conspirator-killed-in-anantnag-encounter-228205">Pulwama</a>.

India was continuously keeping an eye on the movement of the Pakistani military but after Indian Air Force hit the Jaish terrorist factory in Balakot, one of the most advanced Pakistani Agosta-class submarines - PNS Saad - vanished from the Pakistani waters, a senior government source said.

Having accounted for all other surface warships and all the submarines, the vanishing act done by the PNS Saad fitted with Air Independent Propulsion (a technology which allows the submarines to stay for a longer period under the water than normal submarines) swung the entire Indian Navy swung into action.

"The location near Karachi from where the PNS Saad vanished, it could reach the Gujarat coast in three days and the headquarters of the western fleet in Mumbai within five days and was seen as a major threat to the security of the country," the sources said.

The anti-submarine warfare specialist warships and aircraft were positioned to help in the hunt for the missing Pakistani submarine.

"All the areas where it could have gone in the given timeframe, extensive searches were carried out by the Indian Navy. P-8Is were pressed into service to locate the submarine along with the coastal areas of Gujarat followed by Maharashtra and other states," the sources said.

Watch: What happened after IAF airstrikes in Balakot<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-happened-after-iaf-airstrikes-in-balakot-discussion-with-journalist-francesca-marino-217098/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

All precautionary measures had been taken by the Navy to ensure that even if the PNS Saad had entered Indian waters, all necessary actions were to be taken to force it to come on the surface, and if required take military punitive action against it, the sources said.

Nuclear submarine INS Chakra had also been deployed in an aggressive posture along the Pakistani waters and instructed to keep looking for the missing Pakistani submarine.

The Indian Navy's latest induction, Scorpene-class submarine <a href="http://wionews.com/world/opinion-ins-kalvari-will-change-the-face-of-war-in-south-asia-26706">INS Kalvari</a>, was also deployed in the hunt while their posture kept threatening Pakistan against doing any misadventure in the Indian waters.

As the days progressed, the Indian Navy kept expanding its area of search for the Pakistani boat and satellites were also used to locate it, meanwhile, the force was almost certain that the Pakistanis may have kept it hidden somewhere else.

After 21 days of an extensive search, the Indian Navy finally located the PNS Saad on the western side of Pakistan.

It was sent there for hiding, to ensure a covert capability in case of extension in hostilities in the aftermath of the Balakot airstrikes.

Sources said the Navy is maintaining complete surveillance of the Arabian Sea, especially Pakistani waters, and is aware of Pakistan's naval activities in the area.

Soon after the tensions spiked, the Navy had deployed over 60 warships, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, along with its battle group as part of a rapid redeployment in the North Arabian Sea.

"The overwhelming superiority of Indian Navy in all three dimensions forced the Pakistan Navy to remain deployed close to the Makran coast and not venture out in the open ocean," a statement by Indian Navy spokesperson Captain DK Sharma had said at that time.&nbsp;

Soon after the Pulwama terror attack, India pulled out its Navy from an exercise and deployed a major part of its fleet, including nuclear and conventional submarines, close to Pakistani territorial waters.

Soon after the Pulwama terror attack, India pulled out its Navy from an exercise and deployed a major part of its fleet, including nuclear and conventional submarines, close to Pakistani territorial waters. During the aggressive deployment of the naval assets by the Indian side, the Pakistanis were getting an impression that New Delhi might use its maritime force to avenge the killing of its 40 CRPF personnel in the suicide bombing by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pulwama. India was continuously keeping an eye on the movement of the Pakistani military but after Indian Air Force hit the Jaish terrorist factory in Balakot, one of the most advanced Pakistani Agosta-class submarines - PNS Saad - vanished from the Pakistani waters, a senior government source said. Having accounted for all other surface warships and all the submarines, the vanishing act done by the PNS Saad fitted with Air Independent Propulsion (a technology which allows the submarines to stay for a longer period under the water than normal submarines) swung the entire Indian Navy swung into action. "The location near Karachi from where the PNS Saad vanished, it could reach the Gujarat coast in three days and the headquarters of the western fleet in Mumbai within five days and was seen as a major threat to the security of the country," the sources said. The anti-submarine warfare specialist warships and aircraft were positioned to help in the hunt for the missing Pakistani submarine. "All the areas where it could have gone in the given timeframe, extensive searches were carried out by the Indian Navy. P-8Is were pressed into service to locate the submarine along with the coastal areas of Gujarat followed by Maharashtra and other states," the sources said. Watch: What happened after IAF airstrikes in Balakot All precautionary measures had been taken by the Navy to ensure that even if the PNS Saad had entered Indian waters, all necessary actions were to be taken to force it to come on the surface, and if required take military punitive action against it, the sources said. Nuclear submarine INS Chakra had also been deployed in an aggressive posture along the Pakistani waters and instructed to keep looking for the missing Pakistani submarine. The Indian Navy's latest induction, Scorpene-class submarine INS Kalvari, was also deployed in the hunt while their posture kept threatening Pakistan against doing any misadventure in the Indian waters. As the days progressed, the Indian Navy kept expanding its area of search for the Pakistani boat and satellites were also used to locate it, meanwhile, the force was almost certain that the Pakistanis may have kept it hidden somewhere else. After 21 days of an extensive search, the Indian Navy finally located the PNS Saad on the western side of Pakistan. It was sent there for hiding, to ensure a covert capability in case of extension in hostilities in the aftermath of the Balakot airstrikes. Sources said the Navy is maintaining complete surveillance of the Arabian Sea, especially Pakistani waters, and is aware of Pakistan's naval activities in the area. Soon after the tensions spiked, the Navy had deployed over 60 warships, including the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, along with its battle group as part of a rapid redeployment in the North Arabian Sea. "The overwhelming superiority of Indian Navy in all three dimensions forced the Pakistan Navy to remain deployed close to the Makran coast and not venture out in the open ocean," a statement by Indian Navy spokesperson Captain DK Sharma had said at that time.

Post-Balakot, Indian Navy hunted for Pakistani submarine for 21 days

An Army driver was injured and some other soldiers suffered minor bruises after terrorists attempted to attack their vehicle in Arihal area of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. According to the Army, the terrorists tried to attack a mobile vehicle patrol of 44 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) with an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in the evening.

J&K: One Soldier Injured, Others Suffer Bruises In Terror Attack In Pulwama

Security forces in the state of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered 10 casualties in the last seven days while eliminating four terrorists in two districts of Anantnag and Pulwama.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-exchange-of-fire-underway-between-terrorists-security-forces-in-anantnag-district-228142">The latest casualty came in Anantnag</a> where security forces gunned down Sajjad Maqbool Bhat and Tawseef Ahmad Bhat, both affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed terror outfit. Rifleman Anil Kumar Jaswal also lost his life in the exchange of fire. Two army men were also injured in the gunbattle.

Army's Srinagar-based spokesperson, while confirming the killing of two terrorists, said, "Sajjad was the one who managed the vehicle for Pulwama attack on February 14," adding that Tauseef was his handler.

Jammu and Kashmir Police, while giving details about the slain, said that "as per the material evidence collected during the course of the investigation, it was learned that Maruti Eco vehicle used for carrying out the blast in Lethpora was owned by one Sajad Bhat of Marhama. As the news of &nbsp;Sajad’s involvement spread, he escaped and joined the proscribed terror outfit JeM."

In the morning, two Indian army soldiers succumbed to death at Army's 92 base hospital in Srinagar. They were injured in a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack on a Hardened ALS vehicle carrying army men in Arihal area of Pulwama district. Although the police said 6 army men were hurt, sources say at least 9 of them suffered injuries.&nbsp;

Sources in the police said that Sajad was also involved in Monday's IED attack in Pulwama.&nbsp;

On the same day, Major Ketan Sharma died <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-pulwama-attack-key-conspirator-killed-in-anantnag-encounter-228205">fighting terrorists in Anantnag</a> while another Major rank officer and two other jawans suffered injuries, they are undergoing treatment. One foreign terrorist was also eliminated in the encounter.&nbsp;

On June 12, terrorists carried out a suicide attack on security forces deployed at KP road in Anantnag district, killing 5 CRPF personnel and injuring four others including a police Inspector Arshad Khan, who later succumbed to his injuries at AIIMS New Delhi. One foreign terrorist was also shot dead while he was firing at the security forces.&nbsp;

VBIED attacks

Monday's Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack in Pulwama was third of such nature. First, on February 14, a Maruti ECO car was used by a local Jaish terrorist to target security forces convoy which resulted in the killing of over 40 CRPF men. The incident triggered tension in the sub-continent as both India and Pakistan indulged in a dogfight.&nbsp;

After Pulwama, yet another suicide attack was attempted in Banihal area in Ramban district on a CRPF convoy which was moving towards Jammu. According to sources, the attacker, at the final moment, changed his mind and left the car. The vehicle blasted without causing any major damage. Police later arrested the terrorist and his other associates in Kashmir.&nbsp;

Arihal VBIED attack was the third such incident in J&amp;K. This has raised an alarm in the security establishment, who were successful in minimizing collateral damage in the encounters.&nbsp;

Security forces in the state of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered 10 casualties in the last seven days while eliminating four terrorists in two districts of Anantnag and Pulwama.

Security forces in the state of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered 10 casualties in the last seven days while eliminating four terrorists in two districts of Anantnag and Pulwama. The latest casualty came in Anantnag where security forces gunned down Sajjad Maqbool Bhat and Tawseef Ahmad Bhat, both affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed terror outfit. Rifleman Anil Kumar Jaswal also lost his life in the exchange of fire. Two army men were also injured in the gunbattle. Army's Srinagar-based spokesperson, while confirming the killing of two terrorists, said, "Sajjad was the one who managed the vehicle for Pulwama attack on February 14," adding that Tauseef was his handler. Jammu and Kashmir Police, while giving details about the slain, said that "as per the material evidence collected during the course of the investigation, it was learned that Maruti Eco vehicle used for carrying out the blast in Lethpora was owned by one Sajad Bhat of Marhama. As the news of Sajad’s involvement spread, he escaped and joined the proscribed terror outfit JeM." In the morning, two Indian army soldiers succumbed to death at Army's 92 base hospital in Srinagar. They were injured in a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack on a Hardened ALS vehicle carrying army men in Arihal area of Pulwama district. Although the police said 6 army men were hurt, sources say at least 9 of them suffered injuries. Sources in the police said that Sajad was also involved in Monday's IED attack in Pulwama. On the same day, Major Ketan Sharma died fighting terrorists in Anantnag while another Major rank officer and two other jawans suffered injuries, they are undergoing treatment. One foreign terrorist was also eliminated in the encounter. On June 12, terrorists carried out a suicide attack on security forces deployed at KP road in Anantnag district, killing 5 CRPF personnel and injuring four others including a police Inspector Arshad Khan, who later succumbed to his injuries at AIIMS New Delhi. One foreign terrorist was also shot dead while he was firing at the security forces. VBIED attacks Monday's Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack in Pulwama was third of such nature. First, on February 14, a Maruti ECO car was used by a local Jaish terrorist to target security forces convoy which resulted in the killing of over 40 CRPF men. The incident triggered tension in the sub-continent as both India and Pakistan indulged in a dogfight. After Pulwama, yet another suicide attack was attempted in Banihal area in Ramban district on a CRPF convoy which was moving towards Jammu. According to sources, the attacker, at the final moment, changed his mind and left the car. The vehicle blasted without causing any major damage. Police later arrested the terrorist and his other associates in Kashmir. Arihal VBIED attack was the third such incident in J&K. This has raised an alarm in the security establishment, who were successful in minimizing collateral damage in the encounters.

Jammu and Kashmir: 4 terrorists, 10 security personnel killed in 7 days 

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Watch: India Watch, 17th June 2019

Nine Army personnel and two civilians were injured when militants triggered an improvised explosive device (IED) fitted in a vehicle near an Army patrol in the militancy-hit Pulwama district of south Kashmir Monday, officials said.

They said the multi-vehicle patrol of the 44 Rashtriya Rifles was moving on Arihal-Pulwama road when the IED was detonated by the militants, injuring the personnel travelling in a bullet-and-mine-proof Casper vehicle.

The Army personnel immediately swung into action and fired in air to dominate the situation and ward off any surprise attack, the officials said.

The injured have been admitted to a hospital and all of them were reported to be in stable condition, the officials said.

Srinagar-based defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said it was a "failed attempt" to attack the patrol and except for a "few minor injuries, all troops are safe".

"A failed attempt was made to attack a mobile vehicle patrol of 44 RR with a vehicle-based IED while the Army patrol was moving in the general area Arihal in district Pulwama today evening," he said in a statement here.

"Troops are all safe, (except a) few minor injuries," the defence spokesman said, adding the damage was minimised due to the alertness of the patrol team.&nbsp;

The area has been cordoned off and a search operation is in progress, he said.

The site of the blast is 27 kms from the area where a convoy of vehicles carrying security personnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was attacked by a suicide bomber on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.&nbsp;

Nine Army personnel and two civilians were injured when militants triggered an improvised explosive device (IED) fitted in a vehicle near an Army patrol in the militancy-hit Pulwama district of south Kashmir Monday, officials said.

Nine Army personnel and two civilians were injured when militants triggered an improvised explosive device (IED) fitted in a vehicle near an Army patrol in the militancy-hit Pulwama district of south Kashmir Monday, officials said. They said the multi-vehicle patrol of the 44 Rashtriya Rifles was moving on Arihal-Pulwama road when the IED was detonated by the militants, injuring the personnel travelling in a bullet-and-mine-proof Casper vehicle. The Army personnel immediately swung into action and fired in air to dominate the situation and ward off any surprise attack, the officials said. The injured have been admitted to a hospital and all of them were reported to be in stable condition, the officials said. Srinagar-based defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said it was a "failed attempt" to attack the patrol and except for a "few minor injuries, all troops are safe". "A failed attempt was made to attack a mobile vehicle patrol of 44 RR with a vehicle-based IED while the Army patrol was moving in the general area Arihal in district Pulwama today evening," he said in a statement here. "Troops are all safe, (except a) few minor injuries," the defence spokesman said, adding the damage was minimised due to the alertness of the patrol team. The area has been cordoned off and a search operation is in progress, he said. The site of the blast is 27 kms from the area where a convoy of vehicles carrying security personnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was attacked by a suicide bomber on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

Jammu and Kashmir: Army patrol targeted with IED blast in Pulwama, 9 jawans and 2 civilians injured 

An army vehicle was targeted with an improvised explosive device today in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, where a convoy of the Central Reserve Police Force was attacked by a suicide bomber in February.

Army Vehicle Attacked In Jammu And Kashmir's Pulwama

Terrorists Monday targeted an Army convoy with an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

The Army Casper, a bullet and mine-proof vehicle, of 44 Rashtriya Rifles was targeted by the IED explosion near Eidgah Arihal on the Arihal-Lassipora road in the south Kashmir's district, a police official said.

There are no reports of any loss of life but the Army cordoned off the area and fired in air to maintain area domination, an official said.

The site of the blast is 27 kilometres from the area where a convoy of vehicles carrying security personnel on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway was attacked by a suicide bomber on 14 February in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, an Army major and a militant were killed, while another officer and two troopers were injured on Monday in an encounter between security forces and the ultras in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district, officials said.

A major-rank officer was killed while another officer of the same rank and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-army-officer-one-terrorist-killed-in-anantnag-encounter-228061">two soldiers were injured in the encounter</a> in the Achabal area of south Kashmir's Anantnag district, they added.

The injured were rushed to the 92 base hospital of the Army in Srinagar, the officials said.

They added that an unidentified militant was also killed in the gunfight and his body recovered.

Arms and ammunition were also seized from the encounter site, the officials said.

The identity and group affiliation of the slain militant was being ascertained, they added.

Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area this morning. The search operation led to a gunfight after the militants fired on the forces, who retaliated.&nbsp;

Terrorists Monday targeted an Army convoy with an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. The Army Casper, a bullet and mine-proof vehicle, of 44 Rashtriya Rifles was targeted by the IED explosion near Eidgah Arihal on the Arihal-Lassipora road in the south Kashmir's district, a police official said.

Terrorists Monday targeted an Army convoy with an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. The Army Casper, a bullet and mine-proof vehicle, of 44 Rashtriya Rifles was targeted by the IED explosion near Eidgah Arihal on the Arihal-Lassipora road in the south Kashmir's district, a police official said. There are no reports of any loss of life but the Army cordoned off the area and fired in air to maintain area domination, an official said. The site of the blast is 27 kilometres from the area where a convoy of vehicles carrying security personnel on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway was attacked by a suicide bomber on 14 February in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. Meanwhile, an Army major and a militant were killed, while another officer and two troopers were injured on Monday in an encounter between security forces and the ultras in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district, officials said. A major-rank officer was killed while another officer of the same rank and two soldiers were injured in the encounter in the Achabal area of south Kashmir's Anantnag district, they added. The injured were rushed to the 92 base hospital of the Army in Srinagar, the officials said. They added that an unidentified militant was also killed in the gunfight and his body recovered. Arms and ammunition were also seized from the encounter site, the officials said. The identity and group affiliation of the slain militant was being ascertained, they added. Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area this morning. The search operation led to a gunfight after the militants fired on the forces, who retaliated.

Jammu and Kashmir: Army convoy targeted in IED blast in Pulwama

Two terrorists&nbsp;were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Friday, police said.

According to a police official, security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in Braw Bandina area of Awantipora in the district in south Kashmir after receiving intelligence input about presence of militants in the area.

As the forces were conducting searches in the area, the terrorists&nbsp;fired upon them. The security forces retaliated, he said.

"Two militants have been killed in the Awantipora operation," the official said, adding the bodies along with arms and ammunition have been recovered from the site.

The identity and affiliation of the slain terrorists&nbsp;are being ascertained, the official said.

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Friday, police said. According to a police official, security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in Braw Bandina area of Awantipora in the district in south Kashmir after receiving intelligence input about presence of militants in the area.

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Friday, police said. According to a police official, security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in Braw Bandina area of Awantipora in the district in south Kashmir after receiving intelligence input about presence of militants in the area. As the forces were conducting searches in the area, the terrorists fired upon them. The security forces retaliated, he said. "Two militants have been killed in the Awantipora operation," the official said, adding the bodies along with arms and ammunition have been recovered from the site. The identity and affiliation of the slain terrorists are being ascertained, the official said.

2 terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district

Pakistan has taken some "important" steps against terror groups post Pulwama attack but they are still reversible, a top US official said Wednesday, urging the Pakistani leadership to take sustained actions against terrorists operating in the country.

Terrorist organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) will continue to pose a grave risk to international peace as long as they are able to operate freely in Pakistan, Alice G Wells, Senior State Department Official for South and Central Asian Affairs told House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee for Asia, the Pacific and Nonproliferation.

"On the broader issue of counter-terrorism, the Pulwama terrorist attack in February that sparked a crisis between India and Pakistan underscored the importance and immediate need to halt terrorist activity in the region," she said in a prepared statement.

The sub-committee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing US Interests in South Asia and the FY 2020 Budget on Thursday.&nbsp;

"We continue to urge Pakistan's leaders to make good on their pledges to take sustained and irreversible actions against terrorist groups operating within the country's borders, which is necessary for the long-term stability and prosperity of the region," she said.&nbsp;

"In recent months, we have seen Pakistan detain some militants and seize assets belonging to front organisations raising funds for terrorist groups. While these steps are important, they are still reversible," she told the lawmakers.&nbsp;

She asserting that Pakistan must sustain these measures and expand upon them, including by prosecuting terrorist leaders.

"On a multilateral level, we succeeded on May 1 in listing JeM leader Masood Azhar at the UN 1267 Sanctions Committee" an achievement 10 years in the making. His listing sends an important message that the international community will not tolerate terrorism," she said.

Wells said that US relationship with Pakistan remains one of its most complex and most consequential.&nbsp;

In line with the Trump administration's South Asia strategy, its approach to Pakistan has focused largely on securing Islamabad's support for the Afghan peace process and for Pakistan to follow through on its pledges to take sustained and irreversible actions against all militant groups operating from within its territory, she said.&nbsp;

"Our engagement with Pakistan on nonproliferation issues is also crucial. The US and Pakistan both attach high importance to preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We remain concerned, however, about Pakistan's development of certain categories of nuclear weapons and delivery systems," Wells said.&nbsp;

On Afghanistan reconciliation, she said, "We recognise that Pakistan has taken steps to encourage Taliban participation in peace negotiations, which has been important to the progress we have made thus far."

"However, there is much more work to be done to achieve our ultimate goal of a peaceful Afghanistan free of terrorist groups," she said.&nbsp;

"Pakistani officials are correct when they say that no other country will benefit more from a peaceful Afghanistan than Pakistan, and we expect Pakistan to continue to play a constructive role in reconciliation efforts," she added.&nbsp;

Wells said that sustained progress on these two issues "reconciliation and counterterrorism " will lie at the heart of a renewed bilateral relationship.

"We believe in the potential of the US-Pakistan relationship to foster regional stability and economic prosperity," she said.&nbsp;

In the next year's budget, she said the Trump administration will focus civilian assistance programming on priority areas such as building capacity to deter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; building law enforcement capacity to fight crime and terrorism; and supporting economic development that can expand US business ties with Pakistan.

It will also focus on addressing communicable diseases that threaten both the countries; supporting civil society and religious freedom; and working with Pakistan to ensure that communities in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region are stable and cannot be used as a base by terrorists, she said.&nbsp;

"The request reflects the trajectory of our relationship away from an assistance focus and toward a more trade-based one, and the bright economic future we believe a more robust US-Pakistan partnership can bring for Pakistan and the region, should Pakistan follow through on its pledges to fight terrorism and promote peace in Afghanistan," Wells said.

Pakistan has taken some "important" steps against terror groups post Pulwama attack but they are still reversible, a top US official said Wednesday, urging the Pakistani leadership to take sustained actions against terrorists operating in the country.

Pakistan has taken some "important" steps against terror groups post Pulwama attack but they are still reversible, a top US official said Wednesday, urging the Pakistani leadership to take sustained actions against terrorists operating in the country. Terrorist organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) will continue to pose a grave risk to international peace as long as they are able to operate freely in Pakistan, Alice G Wells, Senior State Department Official for South and Central Asian Affairs told House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee for Asia, the Pacific and Nonproliferation. "On the broader issue of counter-terrorism, the Pulwama terrorist attack in February that sparked a crisis between India and Pakistan underscored the importance and immediate need to halt terrorist activity in the region," she said in a prepared statement. The sub-committee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing US Interests in South Asia and the FY 2020 Budget on Thursday. "We continue to urge Pakistan's leaders to make good on their pledges to take sustained and irreversible actions against terrorist groups operating within the country's borders, which is necessary for the long-term stability and prosperity of the region," she said. "In recent months, we have seen Pakistan detain some militants and seize assets belonging to front organisations raising funds for terrorist groups. While these steps are important, they are still reversible," she told the lawmakers. She asserting that Pakistan must sustain these measures and expand upon them, including by prosecuting terrorist leaders. "On a multilateral level, we succeeded on May 1 in listing JeM leader Masood Azhar at the UN 1267 Sanctions Committee" an achievement 10 years in the making. His listing sends an important message that the international community will not tolerate terrorism," she said. Wells said that US relationship with Pakistan remains one of its most complex and most consequential. In line with the Trump administration's South Asia strategy, its approach to Pakistan has focused largely on securing Islamabad's support for the Afghan peace process and for Pakistan to follow through on its pledges to take sustained and irreversible actions against all militant groups operating from within its territory, she said. "Our engagement with Pakistan on nonproliferation issues is also crucial. The US and Pakistan both attach high importance to preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We remain concerned, however, about Pakistan's development of certain categories of nuclear weapons and delivery systems," Wells said. On Afghanistan reconciliation, she said, "We recognise that Pakistan has taken steps to encourage Taliban participation in peace negotiations, which has been important to the progress we have made thus far." "However, there is much more work to be done to achieve our ultimate goal of a peaceful Afghanistan free of terrorist groups," she said. "Pakistani officials are correct when they say that no other country will benefit more from a peaceful Afghanistan than Pakistan, and we expect Pakistan to continue to play a constructive role in reconciliation efforts," she added. Wells said that sustained progress on these two issues "reconciliation and counterterrorism " will lie at the heart of a renewed bilateral relationship. "We believe in the potential of the US-Pakistan relationship to foster regional stability and economic prosperity," she said. In the next year's budget, she said the Trump administration will focus civilian assistance programming on priority areas such as building capacity to deter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; building law enforcement capacity to fight crime and terrorism; and supporting economic development that can expand US business ties with Pakistan. It will also focus on addressing communicable diseases that threaten both the countries; supporting civil society and religious freedom; and working with Pakistan to ensure that communities in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region are stable and cannot be used as a base by terrorists, she said. "The request reflects the trajectory of our relationship away from an assistance focus and toward a more trade-based one, and the bright economic future we believe a more robust US-Pakistan partnership can bring for Pakistan and the region, should Pakistan follow through on its pledges to fight terrorism and promote peace in Afghanistan," Wells said.

Pakistan's action against terror groups post Pulwama attack still reversible: US

Imports from Pakistan declined by 92 per cent to $2.84 million in March this year after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/customs-duty-on-all-goods-imported-from-pakistan-hiked-to-200-arun-jaitley-197808">imposition of 200 per cent customs duties </a>on all products following Pulwama terror attack.

On February 16 this year, taking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-mfn-status-to-pakistan-what-it-means-how-it-impacts-trade-197569">strong economic action against Pakistan</a> following the attack, India raised the customs duty to 200 per cent on all goods imported from the neighbouring country, including cotton, fresh fruits, cement, petroleum products and mineral ore.

According to the data of the commerce ministry, the imports from the neighbouring country stood at $34.61 million in March 2018. Out of the $2.84 million imports in March, as much as $1.19 million was accounted for cotton import by India.

According to experts, certain domestic manufacturing exporters could be availing nil import duty benefit under advance authorisation scheme to import products, especially raw materials from Pakistan, as it would not be viable for anyone to import goods at 200 per cent customs duties.

The main commodities imported during the month from the neighbouring country include plastics, knitted fabrics, preparation of vegetables, articles of apparel and clothing, spices, chemicals, man-made filaments, and wool.

During the January-March period of 2018-19 fiscal, the imports from Pakistan declined by 47 per cent to $53.65 million.

India's exports to Pakistan too have dipped by about 32 per cent to $171.34 million in March. However, the exports grew by 7.4 per cent to $2 billion during 2018-19.

The main products being exported by India include organic chemicals; cotton; nuclear reactors, boilers; plastic products; tanning or dyeing extracts; cereals; sugar; coffee, tea; articles of iron and steel; copper and footwear.

India had also revoked the MFN (most favoured nation) status to Pakistan in the aftermath of the terror attack. The country has repealed a security exception clause of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to withdraw this status. Both countries are a member of this body.

India can also restrict the trade of certain goods and impose port-related restrictions on Pakistani goods. India had granted the MFN status to Pakistan way back in 1996, but the neighbouring country had not reciprocated.

Under the MFN pact, a WTO member country is obliged to treat the other trading nation in a non-discriminatory manner, especially with regard to customs duty and other levies.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed in a vehicle-borne IED attack on November 14, 2018, at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. This was one of the deadliest terror attacks on security forces in the Kashmir valley.

Imports from Pakistan declined by 92 per cent to $2.84 million in March this year after imposition of 200 per cent customs duties on all products following Pulwama terror attack.

Imports from Pakistan declined by 92 per cent to $2.84 million in March this year after imposition of 200 per cent customs duties on all products following Pulwama terror attack. On February 16 this year, taking strong economic action against Pakistan following the attack, India raised the customs duty to 200 per cent on all goods imported from the neighbouring country, including cotton, fresh fruits, cement, petroleum products and mineral ore. According to the data of the commerce ministry, the imports from the neighbouring country stood at $34.61 million in March 2018. Out of the $2.84 million imports in March, as much as $1.19 million was accounted for cotton import by India. According to experts, certain domestic manufacturing exporters could be availing nil import duty benefit under advance authorisation scheme to import products, especially raw materials from Pakistan, as it would not be viable for anyone to import goods at 200 per cent customs duties. The main commodities imported during the month from the neighbouring country include plastics, knitted fabrics, preparation of vegetables, articles of apparel and clothing, spices, chemicals, man-made filaments, and wool. During the January-March period of 2018-19 fiscal, the imports from Pakistan declined by 47 per cent to $53.65 million. India's exports to Pakistan too have dipped by about 32 per cent to $171.34 million in March. However, the exports grew by 7.4 per cent to $2 billion during 2018-19. The main products being exported by India include organic chemicals; cotton; nuclear reactors, boilers; plastic products; tanning or dyeing extracts; cereals; sugar; coffee, tea; articles of iron and steel; copper and footwear. India had also revoked the MFN (most favoured nation) status to Pakistan in the aftermath of the terror attack. The country has repealed a security exception clause of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to withdraw this status. Both countries are a member of this body. India can also restrict the trade of certain goods and impose port-related restrictions on Pakistani goods. India had granted the MFN status to Pakistan way back in 1996, but the neighbouring country had not reciprocated. Under the MFN pact, a WTO member country is obliged to treat the other trading nation in a non-discriminatory manner, especially with regard to customs duty and other levies. Forty CRPF personnel were killed in a vehicle-borne IED attack on November 14, 2018, at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. This was one of the deadliest terror attacks on security forces in the Kashmir valley.

Imports from Pakistan plunge 92% in March after imposition of 200% customs duties

4 terrorists have been eliminated in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. Watch this video to know more.

4 Terrorists killed in Pulwama encounter

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/100-hours-on-iaf-intensifies-search-for-an-32-amid-adverse-weather-225110">100 hours on, IAF intensifies search for AN-32 amid adverse weather</a>

The&nbsp;Indian Air Force (IAF)&nbsp;has intensified and expanded search operations for the&nbsp;AN-32 aircraft&nbsp;which went missing on June 3, despite extreme weather and an unfavourable terrain posing a challenge.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bodyguards-strict-schedule-and-no-outdoor-activity-this-is-how-george-and-amal-clooney-are-protecting-their-kids-from-isis-225115">Bodyguards, secret schedule &amp; no outdoors; this is how George and Amal Clooney are protecting their kids from IS</a>

George Clooney and wife Amal are under massive pressure as their twin children could next become targets for terrorist organisation IS(Islamic State). As Amal, a high-profile lawyer takes the organisation to court for human rights abuses, the celebrity couple fear for the safety of their children.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/3-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-lassipora-225122">4 terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Lassipora</a>

Four terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir' Lassipora early Friday morning. The encounter between the terrorists and the forces&nbsp;broke out in the Pulwama district's Lassipora&nbsp;on Thursday evening.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sophisticated-tanker-attacks-likely-the-work-of-a-state-actor-uae-225109">'Sophisticated' tanker attacks likely the work of a state actor: UAE</a>

The United Arab Emirates told United Nations Security Council members on Thursday that&nbsp;attacks on four tankers off its coast&nbsp;on May 12 bore the hallmarks of a "sophisticated and coordinated operation," most likely by a state actor.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/umpiring-decisions-sent-ripples-through-the-dressing-room-brathwaite-after-australia-defeat-225114">Umpiring decisions sent ripples through West Indies dressing room: Brathwaite after Australia defeat</a>

Carlos Brathwaite said the West Indies were on the wrong end of too much poor umpiring following a&nbsp;15-run World Cup defeat&nbsp;by champions Australia as Michael Holding slammed an "atrocious" display by the match officials.&nbsp;

100 hours on, IAF intensifies search for AN-32 amid adverse weather The Indian Air Force (IAF) has intensified and expanded search operations for the AN-32 aircraft which went missing on June 3, despite extreme weather and an unfavourable terrain posing a challenge.

100 hours on, IAF intensifies search for AN-32 amid adverse weather The Indian Air Force (IAF) has intensified and expanded search operations for the AN-32 aircraft which went missing on June 3, despite extreme weather and an unfavourable terrain posing a challenge. Bodyguards, secret schedule & no outdoors; this is how George and Amal Clooney are protecting their kids from IS George Clooney and wife Amal are under massive pressure as their twin children could next become targets for terrorist organisation IS(Islamic State). As Amal, a high-profile lawyer takes the organisation to court for human rights abuses, the celebrity couple fear for the safety of their children. 4 terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Lassipora Four terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir' Lassipora early Friday morning. The encounter between the terrorists and the forces broke out in the Pulwama district's Lassipora on Thursday evening. 'Sophisticated' tanker attacks likely the work of a state actor: UAE The United Arab Emirates told United Nations Security Council members on Thursday that attacks on four tankers off its coast on May 12 bore the hallmarks of a "sophisticated and coordinated operation," most likely by a state actor. Umpiring decisions sent ripples through West Indies dressing room: Brathwaite after Australia defeat Carlos Brathwaite said the West Indies were on the wrong end of too much poor umpiring following a 15-run World Cup defeat by champions Australia as Michael Holding slammed an "atrocious" display by the match officials.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Four terrorists were killed, a day after an encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir. The encounter started on Thursday evening at Panjran Lasipora area of the district. Incidentally, two Special Police Officers (SPOs), who were reported missing, are among the terrorists killed. Watch this video to know more.

Encounter in Pulwama ends, Another success for Indian Army

A girl was shot dead by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's&nbsp;Pulwama village in early hours of Wednesday, police said.

The deceased has been identified as Nigeena, a resident of Narbal Kakapora.

A youth was also shot at by ultras, police said.

Soon, after the incident both were shifted to a hospital, however, the girl was declared brought dead, while the condition of the boy is said to be critical.

&nbsp;

A girl was shot dead by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama village in early hours of Wednesday, police said. The deceased has been identified as Nigeena, a resident of Narbal Kakapora.

A girl was shot dead by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama village in early hours of Wednesday, police said. The deceased has been identified as Nigeena, a resident of Narbal Kakapora. A youth was also shot at by ultras, police said. Soon, after the incident both were shifted to a hospital, however, the girl was declared brought dead, while the condition of the boy is said to be critical.

Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorists shot at two civilians in Pulwama, 1 dead

All temporary restrictions imposed on all air routes, in the country's air space have been lifted, the Indian Air Force said.

The move comes immediately after Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/cabinet-20-most-ministers-retain-earlier-ministries-check-complete-list-223154">Narendra Modi began his second term in office</a>.

"Temporary restrictions on all air routes in the Indian airspace, imposed by the Indian Air Force on 27 Feb 19, have been removed," the IAF tweeted on Friday.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Information?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Information</a> : Temporary restrictions on all air routes in the Indian airspace, imposed by the Indian Air Force on 27 Feb 19, have been removed.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC/status/1134431025612767232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The IAF said it had removed restrictions that were imposed on all routes a day after its 12 Mirage 2000s crossed over to Pakistan and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-to-move-air-defence-units-closer-to-pakistan-border-post-balakot-strikes-218676">attacked a JeM terrorist training camp</a> in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The strikes were in response to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/virtual-sims-used-in-pulwama-terror-attack-india-to-approach-us-for-help-205320">terror attack in Pulwama</a>, in which about 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives on February 14.

Pakistan on Wednesday extended the ban on India using its airspace for commercial flights till June 14.

Since then, foreign carriers using Indian airspace have been forced to take costly detours because they cannot fly over Pakistan. The closure mainly affects flights from Europe to Southeast Asia.

Pakistan lies in the middle of a vital aviation corridor whereby the airspace restrictions, which have been continuing since a long time, impacts hundreds of commercial flights each day, extending flight timings for passengers, as well as fuel costs for airlines.

All temporary restrictions imposed on all air routes, in the country's air space have been lifted, the Indian Air Force said. The move comes immediately after Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his second term in office.

All temporary restrictions imposed on all air routes, in the country's air space have been lifted, the Indian Air Force said. The move comes immediately after Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his second term in office. "Temporary restrictions on all air routes in the Indian airspace, imposed by the Indian Air Force on 27 Feb 19, have been removed," the IAF tweeted on Friday. #Information : Temporary restrictions on all air routes in the Indian airspace, imposed by the Indian Air Force on 27 Feb 19, have been removed. — Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) May 31, 2019 × The IAF said it had removed restrictions that were imposed on all routes a day after its 12 Mirage 2000s crossed over to Pakistan and attacked a JeM terrorist training camp in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The strikes were in response to the terror attack in Pulwama, in which about 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives on February 14. Pakistan on Wednesday extended the ban on India using its airspace for commercial flights till June 14. Since then, foreign carriers using Indian airspace have been forced to take costly detours because they cannot fly over Pakistan. The closure mainly affects flights from Europe to Southeast Asia. Pakistan lies in the middle of a vital aviation corridor whereby the airspace restrictions, which have been continuing since a long time, impacts hundreds of commercial flights each day, extending flight timings for passengers, as well as fuel costs for airlines.

Indian Air Force lifts temporary airspace restrictions, imposed after Balakot strike

Nuclear deterrence led to the de-escalation of tensions during the post-Pulwama military stand-off between India and Pakistan, a senior official associated with Pakistan's nuclear programme said here Friday.

Brigadier Zahir Kazmi, Director General Arms Control and Disarmament Affairs at Strategic Plans Division (SPD) told journalists that the stated purpose of deterrence was to close space for war and bring states to the negotiating table.

"Stability actually means peaceful resolution of territorial disputes in the subcontinent... Nuclear deterrence should be a factor of stability between Pakistan and Hindustan," The Express Tribune quoted him as saying during a media interaction with senior Pakistani officials dealing with strategic affairs.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the February 14 Pulwama attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group which killed 40 CRPF personnel.

Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting a JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26.

The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured an Indian pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

Brig Kazmi said deterrence worked during the post-Pulwama military stand-off despite India's attempt to escalate to a different level by talking about mobilisation of nuclear missile and nuclear submarines. 
He clarified that deterrence was not an end in itself but a psychological state.&nbsp;

"It should inspire fear in which the perceived cost of deterrence breakdown is higher than the desired benefits of preferring war as an instrument for dispute resolution," the report quoted him as saying.

The Director-General Arms Control and Disarmament, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Muhammad Kamran Akhtar said that Pakistan demonstrated a more responsible and restrained behaviour during the Indo-Pakistan standoff that led to de-escalation.

He claimed that Pakistan was a responsible and restrained nuclear power and the country's safety and security record was immaculate and an example for many countries.

At the media interaction organised by Islamabad Policy Institute, Akhtar dismissed the allegations that Pakistan possessed the fastest growing nuclear programme in the world.

Defense analyst Syed Muhammad Ali said Pakistan's nuclear programme had significantly contributed towards meeting both its traditional and non-traditional security needs.

Nuclear deterrence, he added, had enabled Pakistan timely manage and de-escalate several regional crises with India during the past three decades.&nbsp;

This, he said, also gave Pakistan's leadership and diplomats more confidence in international diplomacy.

Nuclear deterrence led to the de-escalation of tensions during the post-Pulwama military stand-off between India and Pakistan, a senior official associated with Pakistan's nuclear programme said here Friday.

Nuclear deterrence led to the de-escalation of tensions during the post-Pulwama military stand-off between India and Pakistan, a senior official associated with Pakistan's nuclear programme said here Friday. Brigadier Zahir Kazmi, Director General Arms Control and Disarmament Affairs at Strategic Plans Division (SPD) told journalists that the stated purpose of deterrence was to close space for war and bring states to the negotiating table. "Stability actually means peaceful resolution of territorial disputes in the subcontinent... Nuclear deterrence should be a factor of stability between Pakistan and Hindustan," The Express Tribune quoted him as saying during a media interaction with senior Pakistani officials dealing with strategic affairs. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the February 14 Pulwama attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group which killed 40 CRPF personnel. Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting a JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured an Indian pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1. Brig Kazmi said deterrence worked during the post-Pulwama military stand-off despite India's attempt to escalate to a different level by talking about mobilisation of nuclear missile and nuclear submarines. He clarified that deterrence was not an end in itself but a psychological state. "It should inspire fear in which the perceived cost of deterrence breakdown is higher than the desired benefits of preferring war as an instrument for dispute resolution," the report quoted him as saying. The Director-General Arms Control and Disarmament, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Muhammad Kamran Akhtar said that Pakistan demonstrated a more responsible and restrained behaviour during the Indo-Pakistan standoff that led to de-escalation. He claimed that Pakistan was a responsible and restrained nuclear power and the country's safety and security record was immaculate and an example for many countries. At the media interaction organised by Islamabad Policy Institute, Akhtar dismissed the allegations that Pakistan possessed the fastest growing nuclear programme in the world. Defense analyst Syed Muhammad Ali said Pakistan's nuclear programme had significantly contributed towards meeting both its traditional and non-traditional security needs. Nuclear deterrence, he added, had enabled Pakistan timely manage and de-escalate several regional crises with India during the past three decades. This, he said, also gave Pakistan's leadership and diplomats more confidence in international diplomacy.

Nuclear deterrence helped de-escalate tensions during Pulwama crisis: Pak official

An encounter between security forces and terrorists is underway in Tral area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district after terrorists opened fire at a CRPF position.&nbsp;

A joint team of Indian army's 42RR, Jammu and Kashmir police are conducting the operation in Naner area.&nbsp;

Sources told WION that Jaish terrorists, two to three in number, have been trapped and the exchange of gunfire was ongoing.&nbsp;

Clashes have also been reported from the area.&nbsp;

Earlier today, security forces have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/3-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-shopian-223145">killed two terrorists and their accomplice</a> in an encounter in Shopian district of south Kashmir after inputs about their presence in the area.&nbsp;

During the search operation, the hiding terrorists opened fire at the joint forces of the Indian army, J&amp;K police and CRPF, triggering an encounter.

In the exchange of fire, two Hizbul-Mujahideen terrorists including a top commander Abid Manzoor alias Sajju Tiger were killed.

Police said both terrorists were involved in several attacks on security establishment and were wanted in different cases.

An encounter between security forces and terrorists is underway in Tral area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district after terrorists opened fire at a CRPF position.

An encounter between security forces and terrorists is underway in Tral area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district after terrorists opened fire at a CRPF position. A joint team of Indian army's 42RR, Jammu and Kashmir police are conducting the operation in Naner area. Sources told WION that Jaish terrorists, two to three in number, have been trapped and the exchange of gunfire was ongoing. Clashes have also been reported from the area. Earlier today, security forces have killed two terrorists and their accomplice in an encounter in Shopian district of south Kashmir after inputs about their presence in the area. During the search operation, the hiding terrorists opened fire at the joint forces of the Indian army, J&K police and CRPF, triggering an encounter. In the exchange of fire, two Hizbul-Mujahideen terrorists including a top commander Abid Manzoor alias Sajju Tiger were killed. Police said both terrorists were involved in several attacks on security establishment and were wanted in different cases.

J&K: Fresh encounter erupts in Pulwama, two killed in Shopian

Suspected terrorists shot dead a 39-year-old man in Babagund area of Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on Monday evening.

This comes days after one of the most wanted terrorists, Zakir Musa was killed in an encounter with security forces in Trial in Pulwama.

Musa was the commander of al Qaeda linked Ansar Ghazwat-ul Hind.

More details are currently awaited.

Suspected terrorists shot dead a 39-year-old man in Babagund area of Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on Monday evening. This comes days after one of the most wanted terrorists, Zakir Musa was killed in an encounter with security forces in Trial in Pulwama.

Suspected terrorists shot dead a 39-year-old man in Babagund area of Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on Monday evening. This comes days after one of the most wanted terrorists, Zakir Musa was killed in an encounter with security forces in Trial in Pulwama. Musa was the commander of al Qaeda linked Ansar Ghazwat-ul Hind. More details are currently awaited.

J&K: Man shot dead in Kupwara by terrorists

Curfew continued in parts of Kashmir for a second day Saturday following the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tral-encounter-curfew-imposed-in-parts-of-kashmir-after-zakir-musa-believed-to-be-killed-221162"> killing of Zakir Musa</a>, the so-called chief of an Al-Qaeda affiliated group, in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama district Friday.

Officials said the curbs on the movement of people were in force in parts of Srinagar, and Kulgam and Pulwama towns.&nbsp;

Schools and colleges remained shut, while mobile internet continued to be suspended across the valley. Trains on the Baramulla-Banihal line remained off the tracks due to the situation, the officials said.

"Curfew continued to remain imposed in parts of the Kashmir valley today (Saturday) as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order," they said.

In Srinagar, the officials said, "strict restrictions" were in place in Nowhatta, Rainawari, Khanyar, Safakadal and M R Gung police station areas, while "partial restrictions" were in force in Maisuma and Kralkhud areas.

Watch: Zakir Musa killed in an encounter in South Kashmir

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The officials said security forces have been deployed in strength in other parts of the valley to avoid any untoward incident.

Musa, the so-called head of the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, was killed in the encounter at Dadsara village of Tral in the south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Friday after forces launched a search operation on late Thursday evening following specific information about the presence of militants there.

The officials said efforts were made to make Musa surrender, but the request fell on deaf ears and he lobbed grenades on the forces using a launcher, triggering a gunfight in which Musa was killed in the early hours of Friday.

His killing led to spontaneous shutdown and protests in the valley.

Meanwhile, most of the shops, fuel stations and other business establishments remained shut in the valley due to a strike called by hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani against the killing of Musa and a civilian Zahoor Ahmad, a resident of Naira Pulwama ,&nbsp;who was killed by unidentified gunmen on Thursday, the officials said.

They said public transport was off the roads, but few private cars and auto-rickshaws were seen plying.

Curfew continued in parts of Kashmir for a second day Saturday following the killing of Zakir Musa, the so-called chief of an Al-Qaeda affiliated group, in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama district Friday.

Curfew continued in parts of Kashmir for a second day Saturday following the killing of Zakir Musa, the so-called chief of an Al-Qaeda affiliated group, in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama district Friday. Officials said the curbs on the movement of people were in force in parts of Srinagar, and Kulgam and Pulwama towns. Schools and colleges remained shut, while mobile internet continued to be suspended across the valley. Trains on the Baramulla-Banihal line remained off the tracks due to the situation, the officials said. "Curfew continued to remain imposed in parts of the Kashmir valley today (Saturday) as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order," they said. In Srinagar, the officials said, "strict restrictions" were in place in Nowhatta, Rainawari, Khanyar, Safakadal and M R Gung police station areas, while "partial restrictions" were in force in Maisuma and Kralkhud areas. Watch: Zakir Musa killed in an encounter in South Kashmir × The officials said security forces have been deployed in strength in other parts of the valley to avoid any untoward incident. Musa, the so-called head of the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, was killed in the encounter at Dadsara village of Tral in the south Kashmir's Pulwama district on Friday after forces launched a search operation on late Thursday evening following specific information about the presence of militants there. The officials said efforts were made to make Musa surrender, but the request fell on deaf ears and he lobbed grenades on the forces using a launcher, triggering a gunfight in which Musa was killed in the early hours of Friday. His killing led to spontaneous shutdown and protests in the valley. Meanwhile, most of the shops, fuel stations and other business establishments remained shut in the valley due to a strike called by hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani against the killing of Musa and a civilian Zahoor Ahmad, a resident of Naira Pulwama , who was killed by unidentified gunmen on Thursday, the officials said. They said public transport was off the roads, but few private cars and auto-rickshaws were seen plying.

Zakir Musa killing: Curfew continues in parts of Kashmir for second day

External Affairs Minister of India Sushma Swaraj says the wounds of Pulwama attack are still raw on the minds of India at the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation meeting. Here's all that happened on Day 1 of the two-day long SCO Meet

Gravitas: Sushma Swaraj addresses SCO meet

Four militants were gunned down in two separate encounters in Pulwama and Baramulla districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, police said.

While three Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militants, including the one belonging to a group of ultras who were involved in the killing of Army jawan Aurangzeb last year, were gunned down in a pre-dawn operation by security forces in Pulwama district of south Kashmir, another militant, belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), was killed in Sopore town of Baramulla, a police spokesman said.

He said based on credible input a cordon and search operation was launched by the police and security forces in the pre-dawn hours on Saturday in Panzgam area of Awantipora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district.

During the search operation, the hiding militants fired on the search party of the forces, who retaliated, leading to an encounter, he said.

In the ensuing encounter, the spokesman said, three militants were killed and the bodies were retrieved from the site.

He said the slain militants have been identified as Showkat Dar of Panzgam Awantipora, Irfan War of Wadoora Payeen Sopore and Muzaffar Sheikh of Tahab Pulwama.

"All three killed terrorists, according to police records, were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit HM.

They were wanted by law for their complicity in a series of terror crimes including attack on security establishments and civilian atrocities. Several terror crime cases were registered against them," he said.

As per police records, the spokesman said, Dar had a long history of terror crime records.

"He was involved in planning and executing series of terror attacks in the area and many other civilian atrocities. He was part of a group involved in killing of Army jawan Aurangzeb in 2018. He was also involved in killing of a policeman Aqib Ahmad Wagay last year. Several terror crime cases were registered against him," he said.

Aurangzeb was abducted and later killed by militants in Pulwama in June last year, while he was on his way home in Poonch to celebrate Eid.

The spokesman said War was part of terror groups responsible for conspiring and executing attacks on security establishments and civilian atrocities in the area.

"Accordingly terror crime cases were registered against him. Similarly, Sheikh, as per police records, was involved in several terror attacks on security establishments in the area. Several criminal cases were registered against him for terrorist activities," he said.

Incriminating materials including arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter, the spokesman said, adding police have registered a case and all these materials have been taken in the case records for the purpose of investigation and to probe their complicity in other terror crimes.

The spokesman said with the efforts of police and security forces, it was a clean operation and no collateral damage took place during the exchange of fire.

In another anti-militancy operation, the spokesman said, a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces in Hathlangoo area of Sopore in north Kashmir's Baramulla district.

During the search operation, militants fired on the forces, triggering an encounter in which one militant was killed, he said.

The body of the slain militant was retrieved from the site and he has been identified as Waseem Ahmad Naikoo of Barsoo Awantipora, the spokesman said.

He said according to the police records, Naikoo had joined the proscribed terror outfit JeM after he went missing from his home in February this year.

Police have registered a case in this regard and further investigation in the matter is in progress, the spokesman said.

Four militants were gunned down in two separate encounters in Pulwama and Baramulla districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, police said. While three Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militants, including the one belonging to a group of ultras who were involved in the killing of Army jawan Aurangzeb last year, were gunned down in a pre-dawn operation by security forces in Pulwama district of south Kashmir, another militant, belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), was killed in Sopore town of Baramulla, a police spokesman said.

Four militants were gunned down in two separate encounters in Pulwama and Baramulla districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, police said. While three Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militants, including the one belonging to a group of ultras who were involved in the killing of Army jawan Aurangzeb last year, were gunned down in a pre-dawn operation by security forces in Pulwama district of south Kashmir, another militant, belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), was killed in Sopore town of Baramulla, a police spokesman said. He said based on credible input a cordon and search operation was launched by the police and security forces in the pre-dawn hours on Saturday in Panzgam area of Awantipora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district. During the search operation, the hiding militants fired on the search party of the forces, who retaliated, leading to an encounter, he said. In the ensuing encounter, the spokesman said, three militants were killed and the bodies were retrieved from the site. He said the slain militants have been identified as Showkat Dar of Panzgam Awantipora, Irfan War of Wadoora Payeen Sopore and Muzaffar Sheikh of Tahab Pulwama. "All three killed terrorists, according to police records, were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit HM. They were wanted by law for their complicity in a series of terror crimes including attack on security establishments and civilian atrocities. Several terror crime cases were registered against them," he said. As per police records, the spokesman said, Dar had a long history of terror crime records. "He was involved in planning and executing series of terror attacks in the area and many other civilian atrocities. He was part of a group involved in killing of Army jawan Aurangzeb in 2018. He was also involved in killing of a policeman Aqib Ahmad Wagay last year. Several terror crime cases were registered against him," he said. Aurangzeb was abducted and later killed by militants in Pulwama in June last year, while he was on his way home in Poonch to celebrate Eid. The spokesman said War was part of terror groups responsible for conspiring and executing attacks on security establishments and civilian atrocities in the area. "Accordingly terror crime cases were registered against him. Similarly, Sheikh, as per police records, was involved in several terror attacks on security establishments in the area. Several criminal cases were registered against him for terrorist activities," he said. Incriminating materials including arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter, the spokesman said, adding police have registered a case and all these materials have been taken in the case records for the purpose of investigation and to probe their complicity in other terror crimes. The spokesman said with the efforts of police and security forces, it was a clean operation and no collateral damage took place during the exchange of fire. In another anti-militancy operation, the spokesman said, a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces in Hathlangoo area of Sopore in north Kashmir's Baramulla district. During the search operation, militants fired on the forces, triggering an encounter in which one militant was killed, he said. The body of the slain militant was retrieved from the site and he has been identified as Waseem Ahmad Naikoo of Barsoo Awantipora, the spokesman said. He said according to the police records, Naikoo had joined the proscribed terror outfit JeM after he went missing from his home in February this year. Police have registered a case in this regard and further investigation in the matter is in progress, the spokesman said.

Four militants killed in encounters in J&K's Pulwama and Baramulla​

The security forces gunned down three&nbsp;terrorists on Saturday morning&nbsp;and one of the body&nbsp;was found in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-three-jem-terrorists-shot-in-pulwama-encounter-soldier-civilian-also-killed-219169">Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district</a> during the post counter search. The operation has now ended.

Among the two, one of them is believed to be Showkat Dar, a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander.

An AK-56 rifle, weapons and warlike stores&nbsp;were&nbsp;also recovered from the spot.

An encounter broke out in the wee hours of Saturday between terrorists and troops of 130 Battalion CRPF, 55 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Special Operations Group (SOG) in Panzgam village of Awantipora in South Kashmir's Pulwama district.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a>: Body of a terrorist has been found during the post encounter search. An encounter had broken out between terrorists and troops of 130 Battalion CRPF, 55 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Special Operations Group (SOG) in Panzgam village of Awantipora, Pulwama today at 2.10 AM. <a href="https://t.co/ouTgJ2AkNW">https://t.co/ouTgJ2AkNW</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1129548765570854912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Two separate encounters took place between terrorists and security forces in Pulwama and Anantnag.

Earlier on Thursday, three terrorists were killed in an encounter in Pulwama district. The encounter also claimed the life of one army personnel and a civilian during the exchange of gunfire.

The security forces gunned down three terrorists on Saturday morning and one of the body was found in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district during the post counter search.

The security forces gunned down three terrorists on Saturday morning and one of the body was found in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district during the post counter search. The operation has now ended. Among the two, one of them is believed to be Showkat Dar, a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander. An AK-56 rifle, weapons and warlike stores were also recovered from the spot. An encounter broke out in the wee hours of Saturday between terrorists and troops of 130 Battalion CRPF, 55 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Special Operations Group (SOG) in Panzgam village of Awantipora in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. #UPDATE: Body of a terrorist has been found during the post encounter search. An encounter had broken out between terrorists and troops of 130 Battalion CRPF, 55 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Special Operations Group (SOG) in Panzgam village of Awantipora, Pulwama today at 2.10 AM. https://t.co/ouTgJ2AkNW — ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2019 × Two separate encounters took place between terrorists and security forces in Pulwama and Anantnag. Earlier on Thursday, three terrorists were killed in an encounter in Pulwama district. The encounter also claimed the life of one army personnel and a civilian during the exchange of gunfire.

Jammu and Kashmir: Three terrorists killed in encounter in Pulwama district

An army man and three&nbsp;terrorists were killed in an encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday.

The gunbattle started between the terrorists and the security forces in Dalipora area of Pulwama early this morning.

The forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation.

News agency ANI reported that the&nbsp;terrorists were&nbsp;holed up in a house in Dalipora.

According to intelligence inputs, a top self-styled commander of Hizbul Mujahideen was believed to be among those trapped in the security forces cordon.

Meanwhile, the internet has also been&nbsp;suspended in the area.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

An army man and three terrorists were killed in an encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday. The gunbattle started between the terrorists and the security forces in Dalipora area of Pulwama early this morning.

An army man and three terrorists were killed in an encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday. The gunbattle started between the terrorists and the security forces in Dalipora area of Pulwama early this morning. The forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. News agency ANI reported that the terrorists were holed up in a house in Dalipora. According to intelligence inputs, a top self-styled commander of Hizbul Mujahideen was believed to be among those trapped in the security forces cordon. Meanwhile, the internet has also been suspended in the area. (With inputs from agencies)

Soldier, 3 terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama

An encounter broke out between terrorists and Indian security forces on Thursday morning in Dalipora area of Pulwama district. Watch this video to know more.

3 Jaish terrorists eliminated in Pulwama

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, May 16th 2019

Encounter is currently underway between terrorists and security forces in PUlwama, J&K. Watch this video to know more.

Encounter underway in Pulwama, J&K

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-declares-national-emergency-bars-huawei-from-us-telecommunications-networks-219053">Trump declares national emergency, bars Huawei from US telecommunications networks</a>

President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order declaring a&nbsp;national emergency&nbsp;and barring US&nbsp;companies from using telecommunications equipment made by firms posing a national security risk, paving the way for a ban on doing business with China`s Huawei Technologies Co.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alabama-governor-signs-nations-strictest-abortion-ban-219055">Alabama governor signs nation's strictest abortion ban</a>

Alabama's governor on Wednesday signed a&nbsp;bill to ban nearly all abortions in the state, even in cases of rape and incest, in political conservatives' latest challenge to the landmark 1973 US Supreme Court decision establishing a woman's right to terminate her pregnancy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-election-commission-asks-twitter-india-to-remove-all-tweets-related-to-exit-polls-219060">Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission asks Twitter India to remove all tweets related to exit polls</a>

The Election Commission is learnt to have asked Twitter to take down an exit poll-related tweet. The EC's move came after it received certain "complaint", sources aware of the development said Thursday, adding that the user later removed the tweet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1-soldierterrorist-killed-in-encounter-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-pulwama-219056">Soldier, 2 terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama</a>

An army man and two Jaish-e-Mohammed&nbsp;terrorists were killed in an encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday. The gunbattle started between the terrorists and the security forces in Dalipora area of Pulwama early this morning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-restricts-live-feature-white-house-snubs-call-for-new-zealand-shooting-response-219062">Facebook restricts Live feature, White House snubs call for New Zealand shooting response</a>

Facebook announced steps on Wednesday to&nbsp;temporarily block users who break its rules from broadcasting live video, in the wake of an international outcry after a&nbsp;gunman killed 51 people in New Zealand&nbsp;last month and streamed the attack live on his page.

&nbsp;

Trump declares national emergency, bars Huawei from US telecommunications networks President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order declaring a national emergency and barring US companies from using telecommunications equipment made by firms posing a national security risk, paving the way for a ban on doing business with China`s Huawei Technologies Co.

Trump declares national emergency, bars Huawei from US telecommunications networks President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order declaring a national emergency and barring US companies from using telecommunications equipment made by firms posing a national security risk, paving the way for a ban on doing business with China`s Huawei Technologies Co. Alabama governor signs nation's strictest abortion ban Alabama's governor on Wednesday signed a bill to ban nearly all abortions in the state, even in cases of rape and incest, in political conservatives' latest challenge to the landmark 1973 US Supreme Court decision establishing a woman's right to terminate her pregnancy. Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission asks Twitter India to remove all tweets related to exit polls The Election Commission is learnt to have asked Twitter to take down an exit poll-related tweet. The EC's move came after it received certain "complaint", sources aware of the development said Thursday, adding that the user later removed the tweet. Soldier, 2 terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama An army man and two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists were killed in an encounter that broke out in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday. The gunbattle started between the terrorists and the security forces in Dalipora area of Pulwama early this morning. Facebook restricts Live feature, White House snubs call for New Zealand shooting response Facebook announced steps on Wednesday to temporarily block users who break its rules from broadcasting live video, in the wake of an international outcry after a gunman killed 51 people in New Zealand last month and streamed the attack live on his page.

A heart-warming video is doing the rounds on Twitter, in which a CRPF jawan in Jammu and Kashmir is seen feeding a child with special needs on the streets.

Video showing CRPF jawan feeding a differently abled child in Jammu Kashmir wins heart, goes viral

BJP <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/india-will-become-superpower-if-modi-becomes-pm-again-amit-shah-216183&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj3pYPX-oviAhUxguYKHY-KAEcQFjADegQICxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1xRMOlhKWs_6DaPKMfHS4S">President Amit Shah</a> asserted on Wednesday that the only relevant issue in this election is national security and there is only one man who has delivered results on this count and that is Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Don`t give a vote for development works to BJP candidate Bidyut Baran Mahto in Jamshedpur,&nbsp;vote for him because Narendra Modi made the country's border security.&nbsp; The Prime Minister has taken effective steps to secure the borders of the country. In the regime of UPA-I and II, enemy forces used to run havoc in the country but no action was taken on that front," he said addressing an election rally.

"In the recent past, our 40 security personnel lost their lives in the attack by Pakistan-aided terrorism in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-phase-5-grenade-attack-on-polling-station-in-pulwama-216256&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjdu9e3-oviAhXy63MBHegsDsYQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw02VZSsEQlOYC149LgosQTE"> Pulwama</a>. Due to the decisive nature of PM Modi, our brave Indian Air Force (IAF) troops retaliated and entered enemy territory to debase their terror camps. India is only the third country after Israel and the United States of America (USA) to have retaliated to terrorism in this brave manner," Shah asserted.

He attacked the opposition saying, "After our surgical strike, everywhere there was a celebratory atmosphere but there was widespread hopelessness in Pakistan and in the Congress camp."On Jammu and Kashmir, Shah made BJP`s stand clear that they would surely remove article 370 from the state. "Omar Abdullah said that Jammu and Kashmir should have a separate Prime Minister. We will never let that happen and we will surely remove article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir," Shah said.

"I have been to 296 Lok Sabha constituencies around the country and everywhere in the country there is only one wave - `Modi, Modi`. The people of India were looking for a person for 70 years who will not work for his own family but for every person in the country. That man is Narendra Modi," he contended.

Shah spoke about Jamshedpur as being India`s pride. "Jamshedpur is India`s pride. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda, Jamshedji Tata founded India`s first steel factory in Jamshedpur," he said."I want to talk about Jamshedpur. Bidyut Baran Mahto is the MP from Jamshedpur who works day and night for his constituency`s welfare. At the cost of Rs 447 crores, roads have been built in Jamshedpur. At the cost of Rs 1215 crores, 121 km of national highways have been built in Jharkhand. MGM medical college`s graduation work has started," he said about Jamshedpur.

"Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), 16,500 people in Jamshedpur have got houses. Duronto express has been flagged off from Jamshedpur. A Regional Passport Office has been opened in Jamshedpur. 3,05,000 children have got scholarships in Jamshedpur. 1.5 lakh houses have got piped water connection in Jamshedpur," he added.

"Along with the central government, the Raghuvar Das government in Jharkhand has also done good work. The state government took the agricultural growth rate from 4.5% to 14% in the state in the last 5 years. More than 35 lakh employment opportunities were created and around one lakh government jobs were created for the people of Jharkhand. 13 Polytechnics and 6 medical colleges were opened. Earlier, there were 300 medical seats,&nbsp;now the figure stands at 900. Naxalism has more or less been wiped off from Jharkhand," he stated.

He finally appealed for votes from the people for BJP in large numbers. Jharkhand has polled in four phases out of which two phases are over and two remain on May 12 and 19. The counting of votes shall take place on May 23.&nbsp;

BJP President Amit Shah asserted on Wednesday that the only relevant issue in this election is national security and there is only one man who has delivered results on this count and that is Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

BJP President Amit Shah asserted on Wednesday that the only relevant issue in this election is national security and there is only one man who has delivered results on this count and that is Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Don`t give a vote for development works to BJP candidate Bidyut Baran Mahto in Jamshedpur, vote for him because Narendra Modi made the country's border security. The Prime Minister has taken effective steps to secure the borders of the country. In the regime of UPA-I and II, enemy forces used to run havoc in the country but no action was taken on that front," he said addressing an election rally. "In the recent past, our 40 security personnel lost their lives in the attack by Pakistan-aided terrorism in Pulwama. Due to the decisive nature of PM Modi, our brave Indian Air Force (IAF) troops retaliated and entered enemy territory to debase their terror camps. India is only the third country after Israel and the United States of America (USA) to have retaliated to terrorism in this brave manner," Shah asserted. He attacked the opposition saying, "After our surgical strike, everywhere there was a celebratory atmosphere but there was widespread hopelessness in Pakistan and in the Congress camp."On Jammu and Kashmir, Shah made BJP`s stand clear that they would surely remove article 370 from the state. "Omar Abdullah said that Jammu and Kashmir should have a separate Prime Minister. We will never let that happen and we will surely remove article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir," Shah said. "I have been to 296 Lok Sabha constituencies around the country and everywhere in the country there is only one wave - `Modi, Modi`. The people of India were looking for a person for 70 years who will not work for his own family but for every person in the country. That man is Narendra Modi," he contended. Shah spoke about Jamshedpur as being India`s pride. "Jamshedpur is India`s pride. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda, Jamshedji Tata founded India`s first steel factory in Jamshedpur," he said."I want to talk about Jamshedpur. Bidyut Baran Mahto is the MP from Jamshedpur who works day and night for his constituency`s welfare. At the cost of Rs 447 crores, roads have been built in Jamshedpur. At the cost of Rs 1215 crores, 121 km of national highways have been built in Jharkhand. MGM medical college`s graduation work has started," he said about Jamshedpur. "Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), 16,500 people in Jamshedpur have got houses. Duronto express has been flagged off from Jamshedpur. A Regional Passport Office has been opened in Jamshedpur. 3,05,000 children have got scholarships in Jamshedpur. 1.5 lakh houses have got piped water connection in Jamshedpur," he added. "Along with the central government, the Raghuvar Das government in Jharkhand has also done good work. The state government took the agricultural growth rate from 4.5% to 14% in the state in the last 5 years. More than 35 lakh employment opportunities were created and around one lakh government jobs were created for the people of Jharkhand. 13 Polytechnics and 6 medical colleges were opened. Earlier, there were 300 medical seats, now the figure stands at 900. Naxalism has more or less been wiped off from Jharkhand," he stated. He finally appealed for votes from the people for BJP in large numbers. Jharkhand has polled in four phases out of which two phases are over and two remain on May 12 and 19. The counting of votes shall take place on May 23.

Vote for National Security, says Amit Shah in a rally in Jamshedpur

Violence took place in Shopian and Pulwama, Kashmir before 5th phase of LS polls. Watch this video to know more.

Clashes broke out in Shopian & Pulwama

pulwama

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Four militants killed in encounters in J&K's Pulwama and Baramulla​

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Soldier, 3 terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama

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WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, May 16th 2019

Four militants killed in encounters in J&K's Pulwama and Baramulla