Terrorists Monday lobbed a grenade towards a polling station in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-elections-polling-underway-in-seven-states-in-fifth-phase-216212">polling is underway</a> for the Anantnag constituency in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections, police said.

A grenade was lobbed towards Rohmoo polling station in Pulwama but there were no reports of any casualties in the blast, a police official said.

He said security forces have cordoned off the area.

This was the first terrorist attack on a polling station in this Lok Sabha election in Jammu and Kashmir.

Polling is being held in Pulwama and Shopian districts of Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency which also includes Anantnag and Kulgam districts as well.

The Lok Sabha polls to this constituency are being held in three phases due to security reasons.

Anantnag district went to polls on 23 April, while voting in Kulgam district took place on 29 April.

There are 18 candidates in the fray for Anantnag constituency including PDP president and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti.&nbsp;

Terrorists Monday lobbed a grenade towards a polling station in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir where polling is underway for the Anantnag constituency in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections, police said.

Terrorists Monday lobbed a grenade towards a polling station in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir where polling is underway for the Anantnag constituency in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections, police said. A grenade was lobbed towards Rohmoo polling station in Pulwama but there were no reports of any casualties in the blast, a police official said. He said security forces have cordoned off the area. This was the first terrorist attack on a polling station in this Lok Sabha election in Jammu and Kashmir. Polling is being held in Pulwama and Shopian districts of Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency which also includes Anantnag and Kulgam districts as well. The Lok Sabha polls to this constituency are being held in three phases due to security reasons. Anantnag district went to polls on 23 April, while voting in Kulgam district took place on 29 April. There are 18 candidates in the fray for Anantnag constituency including PDP president and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti.

Lok Sabha polls phase 5: Grenade attack on polling station in Pulwama

Strangely Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar’s long-awaited designation as an international terrorist by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on May 1 evoked celebration on both sides of the border, in India and in Pakistan.

The Indian side had much to celebrate the naming and shaming of Masood &nbsp;Azhar, long a thorn in its side. Azhar founded the JeM in 2000 post his release from an Indian prison in exchange for the passengers held hostage after the much-publicised hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 at the end of December 1999.

Azhar and his JeM are known to have not only perpetrated the dastardly Pulwama car bomb attack on February 14 &nbsp;which killed 40 CRPF personnel but also the attack on the Pathankot Air Force Station in January 2016 and on Indian Parliament in December 2001, among many others. JeM was already designated as a terrorist organisation by various countries including Pakistan itself, UK, US and the UN but attempts in the UNSC to proscribe its leader Masood Azhar failed four times over the last ten years due to the intransigence of China which placed obstacles in the way.

After the Pulwama attack as pressure built up, France and UK joined by the US re-initiated the process on March 13 to label Masood Azhar an international terrorist. However, the process came a cropper in the face of China’s demands to put it on hold pending more information. Under much diplomatic pressure from India and the US, China finally gave its assent which led to the action by the UNSC on May 1. The only slightly awkward thing in it is the absence of any specific mention of the Pulwama carnage and the hand of Azhar behind it. It has given scope to Pakistan to stamp India’s diplomatic victory as a pyrrhic one.&nbsp;

So what is there for Pakistan to celebrate? The sheer idiocy of that nation, its leadership, people and a hugely controlled media became evident when they collectively perceived that the absence of the mention of the Pulwama attack or any specific reference to Azhar’s involvement in Kashmir was a great diplomatic victory for Pakistan.&nbsp;

The spin, for which Pakistan is well known, also attempts to whitewash its entire sponsorship of the proxy war in J&amp;K with perceived certification from the UNSC. The world reads sufficiently between the lines and realises that it was perhaps at China’s insistence that Pulwama and the JeM chief’s personal involvement in Kashmir were omitted from the draft resolution. That is as far as China could be convinced to go even in the light of pressure brought on by trade issues with the US, the spirit of the Wuhan dialogue and the overall emerging strategic environment around South West Asia. Pakistan’s lack of subtlety is reflected by ignorance of the context of the proscription which stares in the face. The world is aware that the process of the UNSC commenced this time, with Pulwama and the final proscription was a progression of events commencing with the February 2019 condemnation by the UNSC. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had then reiterated his strong condemnation of the Pulwama attack. It will only be with wishful thinking that Pakistan will not perceive the effect of this proscription on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) proceedings, which could certify insufficiency of efforts by Pakistan to curb terror activities from its soil.&nbsp;

Even with cause for celebration in India, most people appeared to overestimate and misread the effect of the UNSC action. I had queries inquiring how soon this would affect JeM’s capability in Kashmir, especially in light of recent achievements of the Army against JeM cadres. What we need to understand is that Azhar’s proscription is not the last act to marginalise him and the JeM; it’s just about the beginning. Lashkar e Taiyaba (LeT) leader Hafiz Sayeed’s similar proscription and placement of a $10 million bounty on his head had little effect on LeT capability and intent on the ground.&nbsp;

The foreign terrorist (FT) group structures are today much reliant on the separatist networks due to extensive army control over infiltration. The army and police must work towards prevention of the creation of alternative leadership and induction of fresh local cadres, to keep the initiative.

Virtually in anticipation of the UNSC decision, Pakistan ISPR chief Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor conducted a long presser two days prior. He went hammer and tongs after the Pashtoon Tahafuz Movement (PTM) to balance the effect of the UNSC proceedings, accusing PTM of sponsorship from India and Afghanistan. He then warned India that Pakistan was not the same country which succumbed in 1971 and continued to deny the impact of Balakot attack.

This is a new normal with Pakistan’s deep state which must be read in conjunction with its celebration of the proscription of Masood Azhar by the UNSC. It strongly believes that with each climb of a rung on the military escalatory ladder India only proves that in the threshold below conventional war Pakistan can match it action for action; even in the conventional fold, it has enough in its nuclear arsenal to deter or dissuade Indian adventurism. Given this belief and the idea that Azhar’s proscription is not linked to Kashmir, the Pakistani deep state could feel encouraged to continue with acts of proxy war.&nbsp;

Should India, therefore, brace itself for more terror against itself? What the next government will need to do is to continue playing aggressively in the diplomatic field. Pakistan is financially on the back foot. The pressure at the FATF, with the big powers and engagement with China in the Wuhan spirit, may discourage Pakistan’s deep state from attempting to do something spectacular early in the tenure of the next government.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-masood-azhar-s-proscription-2745709">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Strangely Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar’s long-awaited designation as an international terrorist by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on May 1 evoked celebration on both sides of the border, in India and in Pakistan.

Strangely Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar’s long-awaited designation as an international terrorist by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on May 1 evoked celebration on both sides of the border, in India and in Pakistan. The Indian side had much to celebrate the naming and shaming of Masood Azhar, long a thorn in its side. Azhar founded the JeM in 2000 post his release from an Indian prison in exchange for the passengers held hostage after the much-publicised hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 at the end of December 1999. Azhar and his JeM are known to have not only perpetrated the dastardly Pulwama car bomb attack on February 14 which killed 40 CRPF personnel but also the attack on the Pathankot Air Force Station in January 2016 and on Indian Parliament in December 2001, among many others. JeM was already designated as a terrorist organisation by various countries including Pakistan itself, UK, US and the UN but attempts in the UNSC to proscribe its leader Masood Azhar failed four times over the last ten years due to the intransigence of China which placed obstacles in the way. After the Pulwama attack as pressure built up, France and UK joined by the US re-initiated the process on March 13 to label Masood Azhar an international terrorist. However, the process came a cropper in the face of China’s demands to put it on hold pending more information. Under much diplomatic pressure from India and the US, China finally gave its assent which led to the action by the UNSC on May 1. The only slightly awkward thing in it is the absence of any specific mention of the Pulwama carnage and the hand of Azhar behind it. It has given scope to Pakistan to stamp India’s diplomatic victory as a pyrrhic one. So what is there for Pakistan to celebrate? The sheer idiocy of that nation, its leadership, people and a hugely controlled media became evident when they collectively perceived that the absence of the mention of the Pulwama attack or any specific reference to Azhar’s involvement in Kashmir was a great diplomatic victory for Pakistan. The spin, for which Pakistan is well known, also attempts to whitewash its entire sponsorship of the proxy war in J&K with perceived certification from the UNSC. The world reads sufficiently between the lines and realises that it was perhaps at China’s insistence that Pulwama and the JeM chief’s personal involvement in Kashmir were omitted from the draft resolution. That is as far as China could be convinced to go even in the light of pressure brought on by trade issues with the US, the spirit of the Wuhan dialogue and the overall emerging strategic environment around South West Asia. Pakistan’s lack of subtlety is reflected by ignorance of the context of the proscription which stares in the face. The world is aware that the process of the UNSC commenced this time, with Pulwama and the final proscription was a progression of events commencing with the February 2019 condemnation by the UNSC. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had then reiterated his strong condemnation of the Pulwama attack. It will only be with wishful thinking that Pakistan will not perceive the effect of this proscription on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) proceedings, which could certify insufficiency of efforts by Pakistan to curb terror activities from its soil. Even with cause for celebration in India, most people appeared to overestimate and misread the effect of the UNSC action. I had queries inquiring how soon this would affect JeM’s capability in Kashmir, especially in light of recent achievements of the Army against JeM cadres. What we need to understand is that Azhar’s proscription is not the last act to marginalise him and the JeM; it’s just about the beginning. Lashkar e Taiyaba (LeT) leader Hafiz Sayeed’s similar proscription and placement of a $10 million bounty on his head had little effect on LeT capability and intent on the ground. The foreign terrorist (FT) group structures are today much reliant on the separatist networks due to extensive army control over infiltration. The army and police must work towards prevention of the creation of alternative leadership and induction of fresh local cadres, to keep the initiative. Virtually in anticipation of the UNSC decision, Pakistan ISPR chief Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor conducted a long presser two days prior. He went hammer and tongs after the Pashtoon Tahafuz Movement (PTM) to balance the effect of the UNSC proceedings, accusing PTM of sponsorship from India and Afghanistan. He then warned India that Pakistan was not the same country which succumbed in 1971 and continued to deny the impact of Balakot attack. This is a new normal with Pakistan’s deep state which must be read in conjunction with its celebration of the proscription of Masood Azhar by the UNSC. It strongly believes that with each climb of a rung on the military escalatory ladder India only proves that in the threshold below conventional war Pakistan can match it action for action; even in the conventional fold, it has enough in its nuclear arsenal to deter or dissuade Indian adventurism. Given this belief and the idea that Azhar’s proscription is not linked to Kashmir, the Pakistani deep state could feel encouraged to continue with acts of proxy war. Should India, therefore, brace itself for more terror against itself? What the next government will need to do is to continue playing aggressively in the diplomatic field. Pakistan is financially on the back foot. The pressure at the FATF, with the big powers and engagement with China in the Wuhan spirit, may discourage Pakistan’s deep state from attempting to do something spectacular early in the tenure of the next government. (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.)

Masood Azhar’s proscription

The Pulwama and Shopian districts of South Kashmir are slated to go to polls in the three-phase schedule for Anantnag Parliamentary constituency on May 06, 2019.

Over 5.22 lakh electors are going to exercise their franchise in the twin districts spread over six assembly segments comprising Tral, Pampore, Pulwama, Rajpora, Wachi and Shopian. As many as 695 polling stations have been established across the districts for smooth conduct of the elections.

“These Southern Kashmir Districts have 522,530 electors including 271,127 males, 250,735 females, 657 service electors (646 males and 11 females) and 11 transgender voters,” an official from the administration said.&nbsp;

For smooth polling, the ECI has set up 450 polling stations across the Pulwama district. The comprises four assembly segments of Tral, Pampore, Pulwama and Rajpora.

“Similarly, Shopian District has 171,216 electors including 89,868 males, 81,227 females, 116 service electors (113 male and 03 female) and five transgender voters. For smooth polling, the ECI has set up 245 polling stations across the district,” he said.&nbsp;

The candidates in the fray are Hasnain Masoodi of Jammu Kashmir National Conference, Sofi Yousuf of Bhartiya Janta Party, Ghulam Ahmad Mir of Indian National Congress, Mehbooba Mufti among others.

The Anantnag Parliamentary Constituency is spread over four districts comprising Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama.

The Anantnag and Kulgam districts of Anantnag PC went to polls on April 23 and April 29 respectively. The voting timing has been fixed from 7 am to 4 pm.

The Pulwama and Shopian districts of South Kashmir are slated to go to polls in the three-phase schedule for Anantnag Parliamentary constituency on May 06, 2019.

The Pulwama and Shopian districts of South Kashmir are slated to go to polls in the three-phase schedule for Anantnag Parliamentary constituency on May 06, 2019. Over 5.22 lakh electors are going to exercise their franchise in the twin districts spread over six assembly segments comprising Tral, Pampore, Pulwama, Rajpora, Wachi and Shopian. As many as 695 polling stations have been established across the districts for smooth conduct of the elections. “These Southern Kashmir Districts have 522,530 electors including 271,127 males, 250,735 females, 657 service electors (646 males and 11 females) and 11 transgender voters,” an official from the administration said. For smooth polling, the ECI has set up 450 polling stations across the Pulwama district. The comprises four assembly segments of Tral, Pampore, Pulwama and Rajpora. “Similarly, Shopian District has 171,216 electors including 89,868 males, 81,227 females, 116 service electors (113 male and 03 female) and five transgender voters. For smooth polling, the ECI has set up 245 polling stations across the district,” he said. The candidates in the fray are Hasnain Masoodi of Jammu Kashmir National Conference, Sofi Yousuf of Bhartiya Janta Party, Ghulam Ahmad Mir of Indian National Congress, Mehbooba Mufti among others. The Anantnag Parliamentary Constituency is spread over four districts comprising Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama. The Anantnag and Kulgam districts of Anantnag PC went to polls on April 23 and April 29 respectively. The voting timing has been fixed from 7 am to 4 pm.

Over 5.22 lakh voters in J&K's Pulwama and Shopian districts to cast their votes on May 6

SSP Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir Abdul Qayoom on Wednesday said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arrested-terrorist-is-a-living-proof-provided-to-pakistan-jammu-and-kashmir-police-213247">Mohammad Waqas, a Pak national has been arrested</a>.&nbsp;Waqas&nbsp;was held by security forces in Pattan area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday.&nbsp;

A resident of Mohalla Miana, Mianwali in Punjab, Pakistan, Waqas&nbsp;came to India in July 2017 by crossing the border and was operating in Srinagar for over a year.&nbsp;

"His plan was to resurrect militancy in Baramulla," the official added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Lt Gen Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps, earlier in the day, briefed the media and stated that the Indian forces have "targeted Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) leadership".&nbsp;

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SSP Baramulla, Abdul Qayoom: His name is Mohammad Waqar, a resident of Mohalla Miana, Mianwali, Punjab, Pakistan. He came here in July 2017 by crossing the border, he was operating in Srinagar for over a year. His plan was to resurrect militancy in Baramulla. <a href="https://t.co/BWUEkdQj50">pic.twitter.com/BWUEkdQj50</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1121012801156407296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The situation now is that no one is coming forward to take over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/post-pulwama-terror-attack-top-jem-commanders-eliminated-in-targeted-action-by-india-212590">leadership of JeM</a> in the valley. Even after Pakistan's best efforts, we will continue to suppress JeM, especially after Pulwama," he said.

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KJS Dhillon, GOC 15 Corps: Total 69 terrorists have been killed and 12 have been apprehended this year. Post Pulwama 41 terrorists have been killed and out of them 25 belonged to Jaish-e-Mohammed, 13 of them were Pakistanis. <a href="https://t.co/IYkBLXs1TR">pic.twitter.com/IYkBLXs1TR</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1121006237188001793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Dhillon informed that as many as 69 terrorists have been killed and 12 have been apprehended this year. "Post Pulwama 41 terrorists have been killed and out of them 25 belonged to Jaish-e-Mohammed, 13 of them were Pakistanis," he added.&nbsp;

"Operations against the terrorists will continue with full vigour and we will not let terrorism rise up," the top official said.&nbsp;

On February 14 this year, over 40 CRPF personnel were killed in a JeM-orchestrated terror attack in South Kashmir's Pulwama district.

The incident took place when a CRPF convoy, consisting of around 2,500 personnel, was attacked by a suicide bomber who rammed a car laden with explosives into one of the buses on the Jammu-Srinagar highway.&nbsp;

SSP Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir Abdul Qayoom on Wednesday said that Mohammad Waqas, a Pak national has been arrested. Waqas was held by security forces in Pattan area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday.

SSP Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir Abdul Qayoom on Wednesday said that Mohammad Waqas, a Pak national has been arrested. Waqas was held by security forces in Pattan area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday. A resident of Mohalla Miana, Mianwali in Punjab, Pakistan, Waqas came to India in July 2017 by crossing the border and was operating in Srinagar for over a year. "His plan was to resurrect militancy in Baramulla," the official added. Meanwhile, Lt Gen Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps, earlier in the day, briefed the media and stated that the Indian forces have "targeted Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) leadership". SSP Baramulla, Abdul Qayoom: His name is Mohammad Waqar, a resident of Mohalla Miana, Mianwali, Punjab, Pakistan. He came here in July 2017 by crossing the border, he was operating in Srinagar for over a year. His plan was to resurrect militancy in Baramulla. pic.twitter.com/BWUEkdQj50 — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2019 × "The situation now is that no one is coming forward to take over the leadership of JeM in the valley. Even after Pakistan's best efforts, we will continue to suppress JeM, especially after Pulwama," he said. KJS Dhillon, GOC 15 Corps: Total 69 terrorists have been killed and 12 have been apprehended this year. Post Pulwama 41 terrorists have been killed and out of them 25 belonged to Jaish-e-Mohammed, 13 of them were Pakistanis. pic.twitter.com/IYkBLXs1TR — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2019 × Dhillon informed that as many as 69 terrorists have been killed and 12 have been apprehended this year. "Post Pulwama 41 terrorists have been killed and out of them 25 belonged to Jaish-e-Mohammed, 13 of them were Pakistanis," he added. "Operations against the terrorists will continue with full vigour and we will not let terrorism rise up," the top official said. On February 14 this year, over 40 CRPF personnel were killed in a JeM-orchestrated terror attack in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. The incident took place when a CRPF convoy, consisting of around 2,500 personnel, was attacked by a suicide bomber who rammed a car laden with explosives into one of the buses on the Jammu-Srinagar highway.

Pak terrorist arrested, was operating in Srinagar to revive militancy in Baramulla: SSP

Top Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commanders have been eliminated in targeted action by India post the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/post-pulwama-attack-government-grants-emergency-powers-to-armed-forces-to-buy-weapon-systems-210971">Pulwama terror attack</a>, sources said on Monday.

Of the 66 terrorists killed in Jammu and Kashmir this year, 27 belong to the Pakistan-based terror outfit out of which 19 were eliminated after the February 14 Pulwama attack, sources added.

Within 45 days of the Pulwama attack, the entire JeM team involved in the attack was "neutralised"&nbsp;through a combination of technical and human intelligence-based operations.

This also includes arrest and deportation of Jaish cadre who were involved in the operation, sources mentioned.

After the Pulwama attack, sources said, four Jaish terrorists involved directly in the attack were killed while four others were arrested in different operations.

Sources said inputs were gathered after the interrogation of around 40 Jaish overground supporters in the Kashmir valley.

Top Indian security brass feels Pakistan trying to obfuscate its role in terrorist activities by projecting Jammu and Kashmir as part of a larger global jihadi narrative and next battleground after Afghanistan, sources added.

The terrorists killed include Kamran, Mushashir Ahmed Khan and Sajjad Bhat, sources said.

Two terrorists, including Nisar Ahmed Tantray and Sajjad, are in NIA custody for their role in the terror attack, it added.

Sources revealed that Tantray helped the suicide bomber Aadil Ahmed Dar by getting a vehicle-based improvised explosive device (IED) from Yasir, a Pakistan-based JeM terrorist.

On February 14 this year, over 40 CRPF personnel were killed in a JeM-orchestrated terror attack in South Kashmir's Pulwama district.

The incident took place when a CRPF convoy, consisting of around 2,500 personnel, was attacked by a suicide bomber who rammed a car laden with explosives into one of the buses on the Jammu-Srinagar highway.&nbsp;

Top Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commanders have been eliminated in targeted action by India post the Pulwama terror attack, sources said on Monday. Of the 66 terrorists killed in Jammu and Kashmir this year, 27 belong to the Pakistan-based terror outfit out of which 19 were eliminated after the February 14 Pulwama attack, sources added.

Top Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commanders have been eliminated in targeted action by India post the Pulwama terror attack, sources said on Monday. Of the 66 terrorists killed in Jammu and Kashmir this year, 27 belong to the Pakistan-based terror outfit out of which 19 were eliminated after the February 14 Pulwama attack, sources added. Within 45 days of the Pulwama attack, the entire JeM team involved in the attack was "neutralised" through a combination of technical and human intelligence-based operations. This also includes arrest and deportation of Jaish cadre who were involved in the operation, sources mentioned. After the Pulwama attack, sources said, four Jaish terrorists involved directly in the attack were killed while four others were arrested in different operations. Sources said inputs were gathered after the interrogation of around 40 Jaish overground supporters in the Kashmir valley. Top Indian security brass feels Pakistan trying to obfuscate its role in terrorist activities by projecting Jammu and Kashmir as part of a larger global jihadi narrative and next battleground after Afghanistan, sources added. The terrorists killed include Kamran, Mushashir Ahmed Khan and Sajjad Bhat, sources said. Two terrorists, including Nisar Ahmed Tantray and Sajjad, are in NIA custody for their role in the terror attack, it added. Sources revealed that Tantray helped the suicide bomber Aadil Ahmed Dar by getting a vehicle-based improvised explosive device (IED) from Yasir, a Pakistan-based JeM terrorist. On February 14 this year, over 40 CRPF personnel were killed in a JeM-orchestrated terror attack in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. The incident took place when a CRPF convoy, consisting of around 2,500 personnel, was attacked by a suicide bomber who rammed a car laden with explosives into one of the buses on the Jammu-Srinagar highway.

Post Pulwama terror attack, top JeM commanders eliminated in targeted action by India

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/month-after-balakot-strikes-pakistan-continues-to-block-airspace-205852">Pakistan military</a> on Wednesday took a group of international media personnel and foreign diplomats on a tour of the seminary and its surrounding areas in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strike-heres-why-balakot-was-chosen-by-indian-air-force-199792">Balakot</a>, where India carried out a counter-terror operation on JeM's biggest training camp 43 days ago.

Tensions flared up between India and Pakistan after a suicide bomber of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-to-50-killed-in-indian-air-strike-on-pakistans-balakot-italian-journalist-quoting-eyewitness-200787">Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed</a> (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting the biggest 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 IAF pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

According to BBC Urdu, the group was flown from Islamabad in a helicopter to Jabba in Balakot. They visitors trekked for about one-and-a-half hour to reach the madrassa on the top of a mountain surrounded by lush green trees.

The group, while going up, also saw a ditch on a hillside where India jets dropped its payload, according to Pakistan military.

About 150 students, aged 12-13, were present inside the seminary building and were being taught Quran when the group reached inside the madrassa, they said.

The visit by the group lasted for about 20 minutes and the participants were allowed to take pictures and even some of them spoke to the teachers present there.

Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor held formal and informal chat with the reporters.

"This is an old madrassah and has always been like this," he said, indicating that Indian claim of hitting it was not true.

This was the first formal visit of foreign media and diplomats to the place about which India claimed that its strike killed scores of militants.

The purpose of organising the trip was apparently to fortify Pakistan's claim that Indian failed to destroy any structure or kill anyone during the ariel attack of February 26 which brought the two nations to the verge of a war, he said.&nbsp;

Pakistan military on Wednesday took a group of international media personnel and foreign diplomats on a tour of the seminary and its surrounding areas in Balakot, where India carried out a counter-terror operation on JeM's biggest training camp 43 days ago.

Pakistan military on Wednesday took a group of international media personnel and foreign diplomats on a tour of the seminary and its surrounding areas in Balakot, where India carried out a counter-terror operation on JeM's biggest training camp 43 days ago. Tensions flared up between India and Pakistan after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting the biggest 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 IAF pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1. According to BBC Urdu, the group was flown from Islamabad in a helicopter to Jabba in Balakot. They visitors trekked for about one-and-a-half hour to reach the madrassa on the top of a mountain surrounded by lush green trees. The group, while going up, also saw a ditch on a hillside where India jets dropped its payload, according to Pakistan military. About 150 students, aged 12-13, were present inside the seminary building and were being taught Quran when the group reached inside the madrassa, they said. The visit by the group lasted for about 20 minutes and the participants were allowed to take pictures and even some of them spoke to the teachers present there. Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor held formal and informal chat with the reporters. "This is an old madrassah and has always been like this," he said, indicating that Indian claim of hitting it was not true. This was the first formal visit of foreign media and diplomats to the place about which India claimed that its strike killed scores of militants. The purpose of organising the trip was apparently to fortify Pakistan's claim that Indian failed to destroy any structure or kill anyone during the ariel attack of February 26 which brought the two nations to the verge of a war, he said.

Pakistan military takes international media, foreign diplomats on tour of Balakot seminary, hit by India on February 26

An encounter between security forces and terrorists took place in Tral in Pulwama district on Sunday, an official said.

The firing has stopped and a search operation is underway, the official said.

On Saturday, two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Imam Sahib area of Shopian district.

An encounter between security forces and terrorists took place in Tral in Pulwama district on Sunday, an official said. The firing has stopped and a search operation is underway, the official said.

An encounter between security forces and terrorists took place in Tral in Pulwama district on Sunday, an official said. The firing has stopped and a search operation is underway, the official said. On Saturday, two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Imam Sahib area of Shopian district.

J&K: Encounter between security forces and terrorists underway in Pulwama

An Indian defence spokesperson in Jammu said on Wednesday that Pakistan did not violate Indian air space on Wednesday.

He issued the statement after media reports earlier had suggested an airspace violation near&nbsp;the&nbsp;Line of Control&nbsp;(LoC).

The news agency ANI quoted him as saying there "was no air space violation by Pakistan along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch."

Indian radar had early on Monday detected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-radars-catch-four-pakistani-f-16s-flying-close-to-the-border-in-punjab-207239">four Pakistani F-16s flying close to the Punjab border</a>.&nbsp;

The incident had taken place at 3 am Monday morning, when Indian radars detected a large-sized UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) and four F-16s flying close to the Indian border in Punjab's Khemkaran sector.&nbsp;

India scrambled Sukhoi 30MKIs and Mirage jets in response after which the Pakistani jets retreated further into their territory.&nbsp;

Tensions between India and Pakistan have been high ever since the Indian Air Force conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakote in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province on February 26.&nbsp;

A day later, on February 27, Indian and Pakistani jets engaged in a dogfight after Pakistan dropped bombs on Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir from its side of the Line of Control. India says the bombs were targeting military installations but that they missed their targets.&nbsp;

It was the first time in over 40 years the air forces of the two countries had engaged in combat. Both sides lost a plane each — India a MiG-21 and the Pakistanis an F-16.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian defence spokesperson in Jammu said on Wednesday that Pakistan did not violate Indian air space on Wednesday. He issued the statement after media reports earlier had suggested an airspace violation near the Line of Control (LoC).

An Indian defence spokesperson in Jammu said on Wednesday that Pakistan did not violate Indian air space on Wednesday. He issued the statement after media reports earlier had suggested an airspace violation near the Line of Control (LoC). The news agency ANI quoted him as saying there "was no air space violation by Pakistan along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch." Indian radar had early on Monday detected four Pakistani F-16s flying close to the Punjab border. The incident had taken place at 3 am Monday morning, when Indian radars detected a large-sized UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) and four F-16s flying close to the Indian border in Punjab's Khemkaran sector. India scrambled Sukhoi 30MKIs and Mirage jets in response after which the Pakistani jets retreated further into their territory. Tensions between India and Pakistan have been high ever since the Indian Air Force conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakote in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province on February 26. A day later, on February 27, Indian and Pakistani jets engaged in a dogfight after Pakistan dropped bombs on Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir from its side of the Line of Control. India says the bombs were targeting military installations but that they missed their targets. It was the first time in over 40 years the air forces of the two countries had engaged in combat. Both sides lost a plane each — India a MiG-21 and the Pakistanis an F-16. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan did not violate Indian air space on Wednesday: Defence spokesperson

A day after Indian Air Force(IAF) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-scrambles-sukhoi-30-jets-after-sighting-pakistani-drone-207336">scambled Sukhoi-30 jets</a> after sighting Pakistani drones, IAF planes have been flying over Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri area.

Locals in the area witnessed jets flying over Mendhar in Poonch.

On Tuesday, India officials had spotted two Pakistani F-16 fighter aircraft close to the LoC(Line of Control). Sources had told PTI that Sukhoi-30 MKI jets were deployed soon after the Pakistani unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) were seen hovering over the border.

The incident which took place on Tuesday afternoon comes just over a month after India conducted air strikes on&nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) terror facilities at Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Last month, a Pakistani UAV which intruded into Rajasthan's Ganganagar was shot down by the Army, another Pakistani military drone was shot down by IAF's Sukhoi-30 fighter jet.

Tensions have escalated at the international border in the past month with Pakistan opening fire on Indian troops. On Tuesday, seven Pakistani posts across the LoC was destroyed by the Indian Army during cross-border shelling as Pakistan targeted Indian posts in Rajouri and Poonch districts.

On Monday, a BSF inspector and a five-year-old girl were among three persons killed while 24 others were injured as Pakistani troops heavily shelled forward areas along the LoC&nbsp;in Poonch district.

A day after Indian Air Force(IAF) scambled Sukhoi-30 jets after sighting Pakistani drones, IAF planes have been flying over Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri area.

A day after Indian Air Force(IAF) scambled Sukhoi-30 jets after sighting Pakistani drones, IAF planes have been flying over Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri area. Locals in the area witnessed jets flying over Mendhar in Poonch. On Tuesday, India officials had spotted two Pakistani F-16 fighter aircraft close to the LoC(Line of Control). Sources had told PTI that Sukhoi-30 MKI jets were deployed soon after the Pakistani unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) were seen hovering over the border. The incident which took place on Tuesday afternoon comes just over a month after India conducted air strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) terror facilities at Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Last month, a Pakistani UAV which intruded into Rajasthan's Ganganagar was shot down by the Army, another Pakistani military drone was shot down by IAF's Sukhoi-30 fighter jet. Tensions have escalated at the international border in the past month with Pakistan opening fire on Indian troops. On Tuesday, seven Pakistani posts across the LoC was destroyed by the Indian Army during cross-border shelling as Pakistan targeted Indian posts in Rajouri and Poonch districts. On Monday, a BSF inspector and a five-year-old girl were among three persons killed while 24 others were injured as Pakistani troops heavily shelled forward areas along the LoC in Poonch district.

Day after Pak drone sighting, Indian Air Force jets seen over J&K

4 terrorists neutralized in Pulwama, Encounter underway

A suspected terrorist, who made an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/car-explosion-reported-on-jammu-srinagar-highway-no-casualties-206653">abortive attempt to target a CRPF convoy </a>on Jammu-Srinagar national highway on Saturday, was arrested Monday and is being questioned, police sources said.

A CRPF vehicle had suffered slight damage when a Santro car went up in flames after an explosion at Tethar village, seven km from Banihal, shortly after a Jammu-bound convoy crossed the Jawahar Tunnel, the gateway to Kashmir valley.

The driver of the private vehicle managed to flee before the fire engulfed the vehicle and turned it into a mangled heap of iron.

The inspection of the vehicle and surrounding areas led to the recovery of LPG cylinders, a jerrycan filled with petrol, gelatin stick, urea and sulphur -- material which is used for fabricating the Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), police said.

A massive hunt was launched and finally the suspected terrorist was arrested in the early hours of Monday and is being questioned, the sources said.

The sources, however, did not reveal whether the arrest was made from Banihal or somewhere else.

A letter recovered from the scene had identified the driver as a Hizbul Mujahideen operative, who mentioned his intention to carry out a February 14 Pulwama type terror attack which left 40 CRPF personnel dead after a terrorist of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit drove an explosive-laden vehicle and targeted a CRPF convoy.

The forensic experts and a team of National Investigation Agency (NIA) visited Banihal and inspected the scene to help in the investigation.

A suspected terrorist, who made an abortive attempt to target a CRPF convoy on Jammu-Srinagar national highway on Saturday, was arrested Monday and is being questioned, police sources said.

A suspected terrorist, who made an abortive attempt to target a CRPF convoy on Jammu-Srinagar national highway on Saturday, was arrested Monday and is being questioned, police sources said. A CRPF vehicle had suffered slight damage when a Santro car went up in flames after an explosion at Tethar village, seven km from Banihal, shortly after a Jammu-bound convoy crossed the Jawahar Tunnel, the gateway to Kashmir valley. The driver of the private vehicle managed to flee before the fire engulfed the vehicle and turned it into a mangled heap of iron. The inspection of the vehicle and surrounding areas led to the recovery of LPG cylinders, a jerrycan filled with petrol, gelatin stick, urea and sulphur -- material which is used for fabricating the Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), police said. A massive hunt was launched and finally the suspected terrorist was arrested in the early hours of Monday and is being questioned, the sources said. The sources, however, did not reveal whether the arrest was made from Banihal or somewhere else. A letter recovered from the scene had identified the driver as a Hizbul Mujahideen operative, who mentioned his intention to carry out a February 14 Pulwama type terror attack which left 40 CRPF personnel dead after a terrorist of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit drove an explosive-laden vehicle and targeted a CRPF convoy. The forensic experts and a team of National Investigation Agency (NIA) visited Banihal and inspected the scene to help in the investigation.

J&K: Suspect terrorist behind abortive bid to target CRPF convoy arrested

One Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel got injured on Saturday after terrorists lobbed a grenade at a CRPF bunker near SBI branch in Pulwama, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

No casualties have been reported. More details are awaited.&nbsp;

The incident comes over a month after the Pulwama terror attack which killed over 40 CRPF personnel.&nbsp;

Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terror outfit based in Pakistan, claimed the responsibility of orchestrating the attack.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a>: One Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel injured after terrorists lobbed grenade at a CRPF bunker near SBI branch in Pulwama, today. More details awaited. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/DxL6HKRrLC">https://t.co/DxL6HKRrLC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1111946631300202496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The man who carried out the terror attack was identified as Adil Ahmad Dar. He rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a CRPF convoy on February 14.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Delhi's Patiala House Court on Friday sent alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/close-aide-of-pulwama-attack-mastermind-sent-to-judicial-custody-till-april-26-206529">Sajjad Khan to judicial custody till April 26</a>.&nbsp;

Khan is believed to be a close associate of Pulwama attack mastermind Mudassir Ahmed Khan who was gunned down by the security forces in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir on March 11.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

One Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel got injured on Saturday after terrorists lobbed a grenade at a CRPF bunker near SBI branch in Pulwama, news agency ANI reported.

One Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel got injured on Saturday after terrorists lobbed a grenade at a CRPF bunker near SBI branch in Pulwama, news agency ANI reported. No casualties have been reported. More details are awaited. The incident comes over a month after the Pulwama terror attack which killed over 40 CRPF personnel. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terror outfit based in Pakistan, claimed the responsibility of orchestrating the attack. #UPDATE: One Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel injured after terrorists lobbed grenade at a CRPF bunker near SBI branch in Pulwama, today. More details awaited. #JammuAndKashmir https://t.co/DxL6HKRrLC — ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2019 × The man who carried out the terror attack was identified as Adil Ahmad Dar. He rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a CRPF convoy on February 14. Meanwhile, Delhi's Patiala House Court on Friday sent alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Sajjad Khan to judicial custody till April 26. Khan is believed to be a close associate of Pulwama attack mastermind Mudassir Ahmed Khan who was gunned down by the security forces in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir on March 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorists hurl grenade at CRPF bunker in Pulwama, one jawaan injured

India has expressed disappointment over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-terror-camps-exist-on-22-locations-shared-by-india-pak-on-pulwama-attack-206266">Pakistan's response to the dossier</a> sent by Indian authorities on Jaish-e-Mohammed’s (JEM) involvement in the Pulwama terror attack.

The Ministry of External Affairs in a release said, "Regrettably, Pakistan continues to be in denial mode and even refuses to acknowledge Pulwama as a terror attack".

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BJvQoCim0q8" width="560"></iframe>

Adding further MEA said, "We are hardly surprised, as this identical script was followed by Pakistan in the past, after the terror attacks in Mumbai in 2008 or in Pathankot in 2016. It is a well-known fact that the UN-designated terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed and its leader Masood Azhar are based in Pakistan."

On February 27, India had summoned Pakistan's deputy high commissioner Syed Haider Shah and handed over a detailed dossier of JeM's complicity in the worst terror attack on Indian security personnel in last two decades.

Earlier Pakistani foreign minister SM Qureshi had publically acknowledged Masood Azhar's present in Pakistan in an interview to a western media outlet.

Reacting to Pakistan's request for more evidence of JeM's involvement in the Pulwama terror attack, New Delhi said, "There's no dearth of sufficient actionable information and evidence in Pakistan itself to take action against them if there is sincerity and intent to do so. "

Pakistan on Wednesday shared its preliminary findings on the dossier and asked New Delhi to provide "credible evidence" for the country to act on. The findings were shared by the Pakistani Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua with Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad Ajay Bisaria.

Meanwhile, reminding Pakistan to abide by 2004 commitment that it will not allow its territory to be used for terrorism against India, New Delhi called on Islamabad to take immediate, credible, irreversible and verifiable actions "against terrorists and terror organisations operating from territories under its control."

Earlier on Thursday Pakistani Foreign Ministry said that 54 individuals it detained days after Pulwama terror attack have no link with the attack and the locations provided by New Delhi in the dossier have no terror camps.

India has expressed disappointment over Pakistan's response to the dossier sent by Indian authorities on Jaish-e-Mohammed’s (JEM) involvement in the Pulwama terror attack.

India has expressed disappointment over Pakistan's response to the dossier sent by Indian authorities on Jaish-e-Mohammed’s (JEM) involvement in the Pulwama terror attack. The Ministry of External Affairs in a release said, "Regrettably, Pakistan continues to be in denial mode and even refuses to acknowledge Pulwama as a terror attack". Adding further MEA said, "We are hardly surprised, as this identical script was followed by Pakistan in the past, after the terror attacks in Mumbai in 2008 or in Pathankot in 2016. It is a well-known fact that the UN-designated terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed and its leader Masood Azhar are based in Pakistan." On February 27, India had summoned Pakistan's deputy high commissioner Syed Haider Shah and handed over a detailed dossier of JeM's complicity in the worst terror attack on Indian security personnel in last two decades. Earlier Pakistani foreign minister SM Qureshi had publically acknowledged Masood Azhar's present in Pakistan in an interview to a western media outlet. Reacting to Pakistan's request for more evidence of JeM's involvement in the Pulwama terror attack, New Delhi said, "There's no dearth of sufficient actionable information and evidence in Pakistan itself to take action against them if there is sincerity and intent to do so. " Pakistan on Wednesday shared its preliminary findings on the dossier and asked New Delhi to provide "credible evidence" for the country to act on. The findings were shared by the Pakistani Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua with Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad Ajay Bisaria. Meanwhile, reminding Pakistan to abide by 2004 commitment that it will not allow its territory to be used for terrorism against India, New Delhi called on Islamabad to take immediate, credible, irreversible and verifiable actions "against terrorists and terror organisations operating from territories under its control." Earlier on Thursday Pakistani Foreign Ministry said that 54 individuals it detained days after Pulwama terror attack have no link with the attack and the locations provided by New Delhi in the dossier have no terror camps.

Pakistan continues to be in denial mode on Pulwama attack: India

Pakistan shared its preliminary findings on the dossier that India gave to Islamabad on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-india-hits-out-at-pakistan-sends-a-message-to-china-197486">Pulwama terror attack</a> and asked New Delhi to provide "credible evidence" for the country to act on.&nbsp;

In a release, Pakistani Foreign Ministry said, "The Government of Pakistan has shared preliminary findings with the Government of India after examining the Indian report on Pulwama incident."

Adding, "We have sought further information/evidence from India to take the process forward."

The findings were shared by the Pakistani Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua with Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad Ajay Bisaria.

India had summoned Pakistani Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah on February 27 and handed over a detailed dossier of Pakistani based United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM).

JeM had claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack in Pulwama in which India lost more than 40 CRPF personnel.

Many will see the action by Pakistan as a repetition of what it has done in the past after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-asks-pakistan-to-take-credible-steps-against-jem-expedite-2611-trial-pathankot-probe-204605">Mumbai 26/11 attacks or Pathankot attack</a> in which it asked New Delhi to give more evidence while continuing to be blind on terror groups based on its soil.

Pakistan shared its preliminary findings on the dossier that India gave to Islamabad on Pulwama terror attack and asked New Delhi to provide "credible evidence" for the country to act on.

Pakistan shared its preliminary findings on the dossier that India gave to Islamabad on Pulwama terror attack and asked New Delhi to provide "credible evidence" for the country to act on. In a release, Pakistani Foreign Ministry said, "The Government of Pakistan has shared preliminary findings with the Government of India after examining the Indian report on Pulwama incident." Adding, "We have sought further information/evidence from India to take the process forward." The findings were shared by the Pakistani Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua with Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad Ajay Bisaria. India had summoned Pakistani Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah on February 27 and handed over a detailed dossier of Pakistani based United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM). JeM had claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack in Pulwama in which India lost more than 40 CRPF personnel. Many will see the action by Pakistan as a repetition of what it has done in the past after Mumbai 26/11 attacks or Pathankot attack in which it asked New Delhi to give more evidence while continuing to be blind on terror groups based on its soil.

We have sought further evidence from India on Pulwama incident: Pakistan Foreign Ministry

Pakistan denied acting against Pulwama terror attack, demands more proof

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/over-200-kg-of-explosives-was-used-in-pulwamas-terror-attack-197469">CRPF will procure a new fleet</a> of mine protected vehicles (MPVs) and small 30-seater buses to ensure the safety of its troop convoys in the Kashmir Valley, the chief of the force has said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
The paramilitary has also decided to enhance the number of its bomb detection and disposal squads (BDDS) for its about 65 battalions based in the Kashmir Valley for anti-terror and law and order duties. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
These new measures have been chalked out by the force in the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 personnel travelling in a bus, part of a convoy from Jammu to Srinagar, was killed by a suicide bomber as he exploded a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED). 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
"We are enhancing our counter-IED capabilities in Kashmir. We are procuring and sending more MPVs and are bullet-proofing force buses. As it is difficult to armour large buses, we are looking at procuring small 30-seater buses that can be better armour plated," CRPF Director General (DG) R R Bhatnagar said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
The force uses MPVs for limited troop movements in the anti-Naxal operations theatre and some of them are being used in Jammu and Kashmir too. About six personnel can travel in these four-wheeled vehicles.

Bhatnagar said small buses can be better fabricated and provided bullet-resistant armour as compared to the standard large buses that seat 54-57 people.

A similar large bus was blown up during the Pulwama attack.

Officials said once a large bus is fabricated with bullet-proof sheets, its engine takes a toll and its speed and endurance are restricted due to the weight of the additional metal used for the armour.

The CRPF chief said it has been decided to provide bomb detection and disposal squads to each battalion of the force deployed in the Kashmir Valley and those units which had them will see an increase in the number of personnel and equipment to detect and counter explosives and IEDs.

Seats have been increased in the Pune-based IED education school of the force so that more personnel are trained in the trade of detection and disarming such bombs in Kashmir, Bhatnagar said.

The bullet-proof armour to the buses will only save force personnel from firing attacks by terrorists and will not provide fool-proof protection from explosions like the one that was carried out in Pulwama, a senior officer said.

To counter Pulwama-like attacks, new procedures for convoy movement and protection have been notified, he added.

The new convoy movement procedure involves restricting the movement of civilian vehicles, regularly changing halting points and dynamic movement of convoys to and from the Kashmir Valley, he said.

Facing criticism for allowing large convoys to ply on roads in an operationally sensitive area like Jammu and Kashmir, the home ministry had announced last month that all jawans and officers of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) deployed in the Kashmir Valley can now take a commercial flight while going in to join duty or for tour and while proceeding on leave.

The CRPF cavalcade that came under attack on February 14 had seventy-eight vehicles and the ill-fated bus was fifth in line.

The CRPF will procure a new fleet of mine protected vehicles (MPVs) and small 30-seater buses to ensure the safety of its troop convoys in the Kashmir Valley, the chief of the force has said.

The CRPF will procure a new fleet of mine protected vehicles (MPVs) and small 30-seater buses to ensure the safety of its troop convoys in the Kashmir Valley, the chief of the force has said. The paramilitary has also decided to enhance the number of its bomb detection and disposal squads (BDDS) for its about 65 battalions based in the Kashmir Valley for anti-terror and law and order duties. These new measures have been chalked out by the force in the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 personnel travelling in a bus, part of a convoy from Jammu to Srinagar, was killed by a suicide bomber as he exploded a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED). "We are enhancing our counter-IED capabilities in Kashmir. We are procuring and sending more MPVs and are bullet-proofing force buses. As it is difficult to armour large buses, we are looking at procuring small 30-seater buses that can be better armour plated," CRPF Director General (DG) R R Bhatnagar said. The force uses MPVs for limited troop movements in the anti-Naxal operations theatre and some of them are being used in Jammu and Kashmir too. About six personnel can travel in these four-wheeled vehicles. Bhatnagar said small buses can be better fabricated and provided bullet-resistant armour as compared to the standard large buses that seat 54-57 people. A similar large bus was blown up during the Pulwama attack. Officials said once a large bus is fabricated with bullet-proof sheets, its engine takes a toll and its speed and endurance are restricted due to the weight of the additional metal used for the armour. The CRPF chief said it has been decided to provide bomb detection and disposal squads to each battalion of the force deployed in the Kashmir Valley and those units which had them will see an increase in the number of personnel and equipment to detect and counter explosives and IEDs. Seats have been increased in the Pune-based IED education school of the force so that more personnel are trained in the trade of detection and disarming such bombs in Kashmir, Bhatnagar said. The bullet-proof armour to the buses will only save force personnel from firing attacks by terrorists and will not provide fool-proof protection from explosions like the one that was carried out in Pulwama, a senior officer said. To counter Pulwama-like attacks, new procedures for convoy movement and protection have been notified, he added. The new convoy movement procedure involves restricting the movement of civilian vehicles, regularly changing halting points and dynamic movement of convoys to and from the Kashmir Valley, he said. Facing criticism for allowing large convoys to ply on roads in an operationally sensitive area like Jammu and Kashmir, the home ministry had announced last month that all jawans and officers of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) deployed in the Kashmir Valley can now take a commercial flight while going in to join duty or for tour and while proceeding on leave. The CRPF cavalcade that came under attack on February 14 had seventy-eight vehicles and the ill-fated bus was fifth in line.

Post-Pulwama, mine-protected vehicles, 30-seater buses for CRPF convoys in J&K

JeM terrorist arrested from Delhi, terrorist was recruiting sleeper cells

Delhi: DP Special Cell arrests JeM terrorist from Red Fort area

Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist Sajjad Khan has been arrested by Delhi Police Special Cell. Khan is believed to be a close associate of Pulwama terror attack mastermind Mudassir who had been killed earlier this month.&nbsp;

Sajjad Khan, 27, a resident of Pulwama was arrested near the Lajpat Rai market late Thursday night, officials said.

"Mudasir, the mastermind of Pulwama attack was killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir recently," Pramod Singh Kushwah, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) said.

Sajjad was tasked by Mudassir to establish a sleeper cell in Delhi, the officer added.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Army in Srinagar held a joint briefing earlier this month. T<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/key-pulwama-conspirator-killed-in-tral-encounter-today-44-terrorists-eliminated-in-first-70-days-of-2019-army-jk-police-202613">op officials told media that the security forces had "eliminated" another JeM commander</a>, a key conspirator of the Pulwama terror attack.&nbsp;

The briefing was jointly addressed by Lt General KJS Dhillon, GoC 15 Corps, and SP Pani, IG, J&amp;K Police.

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Jaish e Mohammad terrorist Sajjad Khan arrested by Delhi Police Special Cell. He was a close associate of Pulwama attack mastermind Mudassir who had been eliminated earlier this month
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1108973027323195392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"In last 21 days, we have eliminated 18 terrorists, out of the 14 being from JeM, 6 out of 14 were main commanders. JeM's 2nd commander Mudasir-main conspirator in national highway convoy attack has also been eliminated," Dhillon, Corps Commander of the Chinar Corps, said. Pakistani militant Khalid was also killed in the encounter.&nbsp;

"The main conspirators (of Pulwama) Mudasir and Kamran have been killed. We have gone with all force against JeM. Six terrorists killed since attack are A+ category," he said.&nbsp;

The officials added that in the first 70 days of 2019, security forces have been successful in eliminating 44 terrorists, mainly from Jaish-e-Mohammed. "Against 1629 ceasefire violations along Line of Control in 2018, this year 478 ceasefire violations have already taken place along LoC," the officials stated.&nbsp;

Over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district after a JeM terrorist rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into their bus, which was part of a convoy going to Srinagar from Jammu in February.&nbsp;

Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist Sajjad Khan has been arrested by Delhi Police Special Cell. Khan is believed to be a close associate of Pulwama terror attack mastermind Mudassir who had been killed earlier this month.

Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist Sajjad Khan has been arrested by Delhi Police Special Cell. Khan is believed to be a close associate of Pulwama terror attack mastermind Mudassir who had been killed earlier this month. Sajjad Khan, 27, a resident of Pulwama was arrested near the Lajpat Rai market late Thursday night, officials said. "Mudasir, the mastermind of Pulwama attack was killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir recently," Pramod Singh Kushwah, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) said. Sajjad was tasked by Mudassir to establish a sleeper cell in Delhi, the officer added. Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Army in Srinagar held a joint briefing earlier this month. Top officials told media that the security forces had "eliminated" another JeM commander, a key conspirator of the Pulwama terror attack. The briefing was jointly addressed by Lt General KJS Dhillon, GoC 15 Corps, and SP Pani, IG, J&K Police. Jaish e Mohammad terrorist Sajjad Khan arrested by Delhi Police Special Cell. He was a close associate of Pulwama attack mastermind Mudassir who had been eliminated earlier this month — ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2019 × "In last 21 days, we have eliminated 18 terrorists, out of the 14 being from JeM, 6 out of 14 were main commanders. JeM's 2nd commander Mudasir-main conspirator in national highway convoy attack has also been eliminated," Dhillon, Corps Commander of the Chinar Corps, said. Pakistani militant Khalid was also killed in the encounter. "The main conspirators (of Pulwama) Mudasir and Kamran have been killed. We have gone with all force against JeM. Six terrorists killed since attack are A+ category," he said. The officials added that in the first 70 days of 2019, security forces have been successful in eliminating 44 terrorists, mainly from Jaish-e-Mohammed. "Against 1629 ceasefire violations along Line of Control in 2018, this year 478 ceasefire violations have already taken place along LoC," the officials stated. Over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district after a JeM terrorist rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into their bus, which was part of a convoy going to Srinagar from Jammu in February.

Pulwama terror attack: Delhi Police's Special Cell arrests close aide of JeM mastermind Mudasir Khan

Talking tough with Pakistan, India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has said strong action against terrorism will continue including those who support terror.

Speaking at the 80th Raising Day celebrations of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Gurugram, where he was the chief guest, Doval said, "India will continue to act against terrorism and supporters of terrorist and the time and location will be decided by the leadership".

Paying homage to the CRPF security personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack, Doval said, "the country will never forget the sacrifices made by them".

Pakistan-based, United Nations-listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed took responsibility for the Pulwama attack which is being described as the worst on Indian security personnel in the last 2 decades. Over 40 CRPF personnel died in the terror attack.

This is the first time Doval spoke at a public event since the Pulwama terror attack. There wasn't any cultural programme at the Raising Day celebrations this time as a mark of respect to the Pulwama martyrs.

Since the Pulwama attack, India has withdrawn Most Favoured Nation status from Pakistan, increasing customs duty on Pak goods by 200 per cent. India also carried out a non-military, counter-terror strike on JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan. 
&nbsp;

Talking tough with Pakistan, India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has said strong action against terrorism will continue including those who support terror.

Talking tough with Pakistan, India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has said strong action against terrorism will continue including those who support terror. Speaking at the 80th Raising Day celebrations of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Gurugram, where he was the chief guest, Doval said, "India will continue to act against terrorism and supporters of terrorist and the time and location will be decided by the leadership". Paying homage to the CRPF security personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack, Doval said, "the country will never forget the sacrifices made by them". Pakistan-based, United Nations-listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed took responsibility for the Pulwama attack which is being described as the worst on Indian security personnel in the last 2 decades. Over 40 CRPF personnel died in the terror attack. This is the first time Doval spoke at a public event since the Pulwama terror attack. There wasn't any cultural programme at the Raising Day celebrations this time as a mark of respect to the Pulwama martyrs. Since the Pulwama attack, India has withdrawn Most Favoured Nation status from Pakistan, increasing customs duty on Pak goods by 200 per cent. India also carried out a non-military, counter-terror strike on JeM camps in Balakot, Pakistan.

NSA Doval talks tough with Pakistan, says India will continue acting against terrorism and its supporters 

China said on Monday that tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terrorist attack would figure in the first strategic dialogue between foreign minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-qureshi-visits-china-to-boost-bilateral-ties-foreign-office-203916">Shah Mehmood Qureshi </a>on Tuesday.

Qureshi is visiting China, days after Beijing for the fourth time blocked a bid in the United Nations (UN) Security Council on Wednesday to designate Pakistan-based chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/there-is-time-for-continued-consultations-issue-will-be-resolved-china-to-india-on-masood-azhars-blacklisting-203822">(JeM) terror group Masood Azhar</a> as a "global terrorist" by putting a technical hold on the proposal, a move India termed as disappointing.

The JeM has claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama attack that left 40 CRPF personnel dead and raised tensions between India and Pakistan.

The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jpdx-dMwZWk" width="560"></iframe>

"As a neighbour, China would like to see easing of tensions between the two. We would like to see the two countries continue to engage in dialogue for the peace and stability of the region," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing here. 
&nbsp; 
"I believe the issues causing regional tensions will be discussed," Geng said.

To another question whether the issue of listing of Azhar would figure in the talks especially in the backdrop of Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui expressing confidence that it would be resolved, Geng said, "well I can't prejudge the topics" that are going figure in the talks.

"But they will discuss issues of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual concern," he said.

As per listing of Azhar, "China will continue to deal with the issue with a responsible and constructive manner and will maintain close communication with all parties, including India and Pakistan," he said.

Lu on Sunday exuded confidence of resolving the sticky issue of designating Azhar as a global terrorist through consultations.

"I am quite sure this matter (listing of Azhar by the UN) will be resolved. This is only a technical hold and the matter can be resolved through continued consultation," Luo said on the sidelines of an event at the Chinese embassy.

According reports in the Pakistani media, Qureshi, during his three-day visit to China will hold comprehensive discussions on the entire range of bilateral relations, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).&nbsp;

Both sides will also discuss the regional situation and cooperation at multilateral fora.

Qureshi will also address the Political Parties Forum on the CPEC and participate in the ruling parties' dialogue between the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and the Communist Party of China. He will also call on the Chinese leadership, the reports said.

The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India is opposed to the project as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Geng said China welcomed the talks between India and Pakistan last week to open the Kartarupur Corridor.

India and Pakistan last year agreed to open up a special border crossing linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district.

"We welcome this interaction. Hope this can further ease tensions between both sides and improve regional situation. India and Pakistan are neighbours and always live with each other," he said.

Good relations between both will serve the interest of both and common aspirations of the international community, he said.

"We hope the two sides continue to show goodwill meet halfway, resolve difference through dialogue and uphold regional peace and stability together," he said. 
Asked whether Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou who recently visited Pakistan would visit India also, Geng said "as far as I know China and India maintain communication at various levels. So if there such a visit we will release the information in a timely manner."

China said on Monday that tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terrorist attack would figure in the first strategic dialogue between foreign minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday.

China said on Monday that tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terrorist attack would figure in the first strategic dialogue between foreign minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday. Qureshi is visiting China, days after Beijing for the fourth time blocked a bid in the United Nations (UN) Security Council on Wednesday to designate Pakistan-based chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) terror group Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" by putting a technical hold on the proposal, a move India termed as disappointing. The JeM has claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama attack that left 40 CRPF personnel dead and raised tensions between India and Pakistan. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27. "As a neighbour, China would like to see easing of tensions between the two. We would like to see the two countries continue to engage in dialogue for the peace and stability of the region," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing here. "I believe the issues causing regional tensions will be discussed," Geng said. To another question whether the issue of listing of Azhar would figure in the talks especially in the backdrop of Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui expressing confidence that it would be resolved, Geng said, "well I can't prejudge the topics" that are going figure in the talks. "But they will discuss issues of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual concern," he said. As per listing of Azhar, "China will continue to deal with the issue with a responsible and constructive manner and will maintain close communication with all parties, including India and Pakistan," he said. Lu on Sunday exuded confidence of resolving the sticky issue of designating Azhar as a global terrorist through consultations. "I am quite sure this matter (listing of Azhar by the UN) will be resolved. This is only a technical hold and the matter can be resolved through continued consultation," Luo said on the sidelines of an event at the Chinese embassy. According reports in the Pakistani media, Qureshi, during his three-day visit to China will hold comprehensive discussions on the entire range of bilateral relations, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Both sides will also discuss the regional situation and cooperation at multilateral fora. Qureshi will also address the Political Parties Forum on the CPEC and participate in the ruling parties' dialogue between the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and the Communist Party of China. He will also call on the Chinese leadership, the reports said. The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India is opposed to the project as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Geng said China welcomed the talks between India and Pakistan last week to open the Kartarupur Corridor. India and Pakistan last year agreed to open up a special border crossing linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district. "We welcome this interaction. Hope this can further ease tensions between both sides and improve regional situation. India and Pakistan are neighbours and always live with each other," he said. Good relations between both will serve the interest of both and common aspirations of the international community, he said. "We hope the two sides continue to show goodwill meet halfway, resolve difference through dialogue and uphold regional peace and stability together," he said. Asked whether Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou who recently visited Pakistan would visit India also, Geng said "as far as I know China and India maintain communication at various levels. So if there such a visit we will release the information in a timely manner."

Regional tensions to be discussed during talks with Pakistan foreign minister Qureshi: China

China backed its "iron friend" Pakistan on Tuesday, applauding its recent<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/willing-to-hold-more-talks-with-india-on-blacklisting-masood-azhar-china-203655"> counter-terrorism measures</a> as Islamabad faces criticism for harbouring militants.

"China commends Pakistan's recent strong counter-terrorism measures at home," foreign minister Wang Yi told reporters after meeting with his Pakistani counterpart&nbsp;Shah Mehmood Qureshi

"We fully support Pakistan in carrying through its counter-terrorism campaign," Wang said.

Since March 5, Pakistani authorities have arrested hundreds of suspected militants and shuttered more than 700 madrassas, mosques, and clinics linked to banned groups.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GKb16_MxfIc" width="560"></iframe>

Islamabad has come under pressure to demonstrate it is sincere about eliminating militancy, but the crackdown has yet to convince the international community.

"We also call on the international community to adopt a fair perspective of the commitments and efforts made by Pakistan over the years to combat terrorism," Wang said as he stood beside Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

New Delhi has long accused Islamabad of harbouring terrorist&nbsp;groups, which it says are used by Pakistan intelligence agencies to launch attacks on India.

On&nbsp;February 14 suicide blast in Pulwama in J&amp;K&nbsp;killed over 40 CRPF troops - claimed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/european-union-begins-discussions-on-declaring-masood-azhar-a-terrorist-204354">Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM)</a>. However, China a long-time ally of Pakistan, last week blocked measures by the UN Security Council to blacklist JeM leader Masood Azhar.&nbsp;

It was the fourth time China has blocked such attempts, reinforcing suspicions that it was acting on Pakistan's behest.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Pakistan expressed gratitude for China's continued support as it faces international criticism.

"Pakistan appreciates the role China has played once again, standing by Pakistan in these difficult times," Shah said.

"We have been cooperating against this menace of terrorism, and we feel strengthening this in relevant fields is important," Shah said.

"We have made considerable progress vis-a-vis terrorism, we have paid a huge price, everybody recognises that," Shah said.&nbsp;

Wang welcomed Shah to Beijing by noting China calls&nbsp;Pakistan "our iron friends" because Islamabad "provides us with iron-like support" on Beijing's core issues of concern. &nbsp;

"Of course, China does the same," Wang said.

China backed its "iron friend" Pakistan on Tuesday, applauding its recent counter-terrorism measures as Islamabad faces criticism for harbouring militants. "China commends Pakistan's recent strong counter-terrorism measures at home," foreign minister Wang Yi told reporters after meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi "We fully support Pakistan in carrying through its counter-terrorism campaign," Wang said.

China backed its "iron friend" Pakistan on Tuesday, applauding its recent counter-terrorism measures as Islamabad faces criticism for harbouring militants. "China commends Pakistan's recent strong counter-terrorism measures at home," foreign minister Wang Yi told reporters after meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi "We fully support Pakistan in carrying through its counter-terrorism campaign," Wang said. Since March 5, Pakistani authorities have arrested hundreds of suspected militants and shuttered more than 700 madrassas, mosques, and clinics linked to banned groups. Islamabad has come under pressure to demonstrate it is sincere about eliminating militancy, but the crackdown has yet to convince the international community. "We also call on the international community to adopt a fair perspective of the commitments and efforts made by Pakistan over the years to combat terrorism," Wang said as he stood beside Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. New Delhi has long accused Islamabad of harbouring terrorist groups, which it says are used by Pakistan intelligence agencies to launch attacks on India. On February 14 suicide blast in Pulwama in J&K killed over 40 CRPF troops - claimed by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM). However, China a long-time ally of Pakistan, last week blocked measures by the UN Security Council to blacklist JeM leader Masood Azhar. It was the fourth time China has blocked such attempts, reinforcing suspicions that it was acting on Pakistan's behest. On Tuesday, Pakistan expressed gratitude for China's continued support as it faces international criticism. "Pakistan appreciates the role China has played once again, standing by Pakistan in these difficult times," Shah said. "We have been cooperating against this menace of terrorism, and we feel strengthening this in relevant fields is important," Shah said. "We have made considerable progress vis-a-vis terrorism, we have paid a huge price, everybody recognises that," Shah said. Wang welcomed Shah to Beijing by noting China calls Pakistan "our iron friends" because Islamabad "provides us with iron-like support" on Beijing's core issues of concern. "Of course, China does the same," Wang said.

Fully support Pakistan in carrying out counter-terrorism campaign: China

Amid speculation&nbsp;that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indo-pak-world-cup-match-bound-by-icc-agreement-icc-chief-david-richardson-204177">India might not&nbsp;play Pakistan at the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2019</a>, former India opener Gautam Gambhir has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to develop a firm stand on cricketing relations with Pakistan.&nbsp;

Gambhir, who was addressing the media on the sidelines of a promotional event, stressed that BCCI should either snap all cricketing ties with Pakistan, including multi-lateral events, or engage with India's arch-rivals at every level as "there can't be conditional bans".&nbsp;

After the Pulwama terror attack, Gambhir had voiced his opinion — of snapping all cricketing ties with Pakistan — several times and said BCCI has to decide and then be prepared for the consequences.

"There can't be conditional bans. Either you ban everything with Pakistan or open everything with Pakistan. What has happened in Pulwama is absolutely not acceptable," Gambhir had said.

"I am sure its going to be difficult for India to boycott them in ICC tournaments but stop playing Pakistan in the Asia Cup," the left-hander said.

Gambhir reiterated that there should be a blanket ban on engagement with Pakistan even if it comes at the cost of being ostracised by the sporting community.

"There could be repercussions and we may not qualify for the semi-finals. No media should blame the Indian team if they plan to boycott playing Pakistan," he said.

The BCCI had appealed to the ICC to snap ties with countries from where terror emanates in a veiled reference to Pakistan but the request was turned down at the ICC board meeting in Dubai.

When asked what should be done if the two teams meet in the final, Gambhir said that in that case, India should forfeit the final.

Amid speculation that India might not play Pakistan at the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, former India opener Gautam Gambhir has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to develop a firm stand on cricketing relations with Pakistan.

Amid speculation that India might not play Pakistan at the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, former India opener Gautam Gambhir has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to develop a firm stand on cricketing relations with Pakistan. Gambhir, who was addressing the media on the sidelines of a promotional event, stressed that BCCI should either snap all cricketing ties with Pakistan, including multi-lateral events, or engage with India's arch-rivals at every level as "there can't be conditional bans". After the Pulwama terror attack, Gambhir had voiced his opinion — of snapping all cricketing ties with Pakistan — several times and said BCCI has to decide and then be prepared for the consequences. "There can't be conditional bans. Either you ban everything with Pakistan or open everything with Pakistan. What has happened in Pulwama is absolutely not acceptable," Gambhir had said. "I am sure its going to be difficult for India to boycott them in ICC tournaments but stop playing Pakistan in the Asia Cup," the left-hander said. Gambhir reiterated that there should be a blanket ban on engagement with Pakistan even if it comes at the cost of being ostracised by the sporting community. "There could be repercussions and we may not qualify for the semi-finals. No media should blame the Indian team if they plan to boycott playing Pakistan," he said. The BCCI had appealed to the ICC to snap ties with countries from where terror emanates in a veiled reference to Pakistan but the request was turned down at the ICC board meeting in Dubai. When asked what should be done if the two teams meet in the final, Gambhir said that in that case, India should forfeit the final.

Either snap all cricketing ties or engage at every level with Pakistan: Gautam Gambhir to BCCI

Days after China put on hold the listing of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/there-is-time-for-continued-consultations-issue-will-be-resolved-china-to-india-on-masood-azhars-blacklisting-203822"> Masood Azhar as a terrorist</a> in the UNSC, discussions&nbsp;have&nbsp;started in the European Union(EU) regarding designation of Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) chief as a terrorist.

Confirming the development, Germany embassy spokesperson Hans Christian Winkler in Delhi told WION, "There are discussions for the listing of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/willing-to-hold-more-talks-with-india-on-blacklisting-masood-azhar-china-203655">&nbsp;Masood Azhar by European Union</a>. Germany as part of EU member state is also taking part in the discussion"

On 15th March, France announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with European Union. 
&nbsp; 
A joint release by French foreign, interior and finance ministry said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree."

Barring China, all UNSC members had agreed to list Masood Azhar as a terrorist under the UN terror list. The proposal was moved by USA, France and UK and supported by 14 of the 15 UN Security Council Members. Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan co-sponsored the move.

China in 2009, 2016, 2017 has put a hold on the listing of Masood Azhar. The hold this time continues for nine&nbsp;months before which Beijing has to take a&nbsp;decision on listing of Azhar.

JeM&nbsp;is the United Nations listed Pakistan-based terror group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack on 14th February that killed more 40 CRPF personnel.

Days after China put on hold the listing of Masood Azhar as a terrorist in the UNSC, discussions have started in the European Union(EU) regarding designation of Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) chief as a terrorist.

Days after China put on hold the listing of Masood Azhar as a terrorist in the UNSC, discussions have started in the European Union(EU) regarding designation of Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) chief as a terrorist. Confirming the development, Germany embassy spokesperson Hans Christian Winkler in Delhi told WION, "There are discussions for the listing of Masood Azhar by European Union. Germany as part of EU member state is also taking part in the discussion" On 15th March, France announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with European Union. A joint release by French foreign, interior and finance ministry said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree." Barring China, all UNSC members had agreed to list Masood Azhar as a terrorist under the UN terror list. The proposal was moved by USA, France and UK and supported by 14 of the 15 UN Security Council Members. Australia, Bangladesh, Italy and Japan co-sponsored the move. China in 2009, 2016, 2017 has put a hold on the listing of Masood Azhar. The hold this time continues for nine months before which Beijing has to take a decision on listing of Azhar. JeM is the United Nations listed Pakistan-based terror group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack on 14th February that killed more 40 CRPF personnel.

European Union begins discussions on declaring Masood Azhar a terrorist

The United States is "focused on pressing Pakistan to take sustained, irreversible action on terrorist groups operating on its soil" and is "working with others in the international community to achieve this goal" in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, a senior US State Department official noted.

The statement also comes following<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/willing-to-hold-more-talks-with-india-on-blacklisting-masood-azhar-china-203655"> China blocking a proposal </a>- for the fourth time - in the UN Security Council to list JeM chief Masood Azhar under the UN sanctions committee.

"The events of the past few weeks have underscored that the US-India relationship is a global and long-term partnership, that we will stand by each other in times of crisis, and that we are working diligently to expand our habits of cooperation...We stood publicly and resolutely with India in its response to the attack, as you saw in our statements while joining the international community in encouraging both sides to avoid military escalation, de-escalate tensions, and communicate directly," the official said.

"Now we are focused on pressing Pakistan to take sustained, irreversible action on terrorist groups operating on its soil, and we are working with others in the international community to achieve this goal," the official added.

Talking about Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale's recent visit to Washington, the official outlined that the visit "demonstrated the transformation of our strategic relationship".

"My overarching conclusion from the visit is that US-India strategic interests are broadly aligned, structural, and deep; that our relationship will continue to thrive; and that commitment to this relationship transcends party lines both here and in New Delhi. We see eye to eye on Indo-Pacific issues, the pressing need to confront terrorism, and the critical importance of the growing US-India defence relationship," the official mentioned.

The official stated the outcomes from Gokhale`s meeting with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo. "The Foreign Secretary’s visit started with a meeting with Secretary Pompeo, who emphasised that the United States stands with India in the fight against terrorism and that we are committed to assisting India in bringing those responsible for the reprehensible Pulwama attack to justice. The two also discussed expanding our defence and economic partnership, our complementary visions for the Indo-Pacific, and our appreciation for India’s contributions in Afghanistan, as well as continued support for the mission of Special Representative Khalilzad," the senior official said.

"We then held the Foreign Office Consultations, led by Under Secretary for Political Affairs David Hale on our side, reinvigorating an important mechanism in which the United States and India get together to compare notes on global issues and talk about our cooperation throughout the world. This year’s consultations included discussion of developments in the DPRK (North Korea), Iran, and Venezuela. It was clear in these conversations that we have many joint goals and priorities," the official stated.

"Foreign Secretary Gokhale also co-chaired the Strategic Security Dialogue with Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Andrea Thompson; and members of his delegation held the India-US Space Dialogue with Assistant Secretary for Arms Control, Verification, and Compliance Yleem Poblete.

These discussions focused on some of the most pressing global threats and reaffirmed our commitment to working together to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, and confronting threats in space. Our consultations with India on these issues are of the same nature as those with our closest allies, demonstrating the level of trust and cooperation between our two governments.

And, as was the case throughout Foreign Secretary Gokhale’s visit, these conversations were frank, substantive, and strategic," the official mentioned.

The official also outlined the meeting of the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) this week, co-chaired by US Under Secretary of Defence for Acquisition and Sustainment, Ellen Lord, and Indian Secretary of Defense Production, Ajay Kumar, "which focused on encouraging US and Indian industry to work together and develop next-generation technologies".

"DTTI included updates on ongoing projects and collaborative opportunities in land, naval, air, and aircraft carrier technologies; a meeting with US and Indian industry representatives; a visit to Norfolk Naval Station to tour the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and destroyer USS Bainbridge; and a visit to a US defence company. I...wanted to mention this to further underscore the multifaceted nature of our partnership with India as captured by just one week’s worth of meetings," the official stated.

Speaking on the economic front, the official said,"The United States is proud to be India’s largest export market and most important economic partner, but we have struggled with regulatory issues that get in the way of the ease of doing business and market access for American companies and products. And despite intensive engagement with the Government of India for nearly a year, India did not assure the United States that it would provide equitable and reasonable access to its market, which led to its termination from the Generalized System of Preferences program."

"While we were pleased that growing US exports to India, largely crude oil and LNG, led to a 7.1 per cent reduction in our bilateral goods trade deficit last year, many structural challenges in our trade relationship have yet to be resolved. Trade has frankly been an area of frustration in the relationship, but the door is open if India is prepared to bring a serious proposal to the table," they stated.

The official also appreciated the Ambassador of India to the USA, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, before concluding.

"I want to note that I attended a dinner last night at which Indian Ambassador Shringla spoke eloquently and in great detail about the value and positive trajectory of our bilateral relationship. Only here for less than two months, Ambassador Shringla has already made an extraordinary impression here in DC, and we look forward to working with him in the months and years to come," the official mentioned.

The United States is "focused on pressing Pakistan to take sustained, irreversible action on terrorist groups operating on its soil" and is "working with others in the international community to achieve this goal" in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, a senior US State Department official noted.

The United States is "focused on pressing Pakistan to take sustained, irreversible action on terrorist groups operating on its soil" and is "working with others in the international community to achieve this goal" in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack carried out by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, a senior US State Department official noted. The statement also comes following China blocking a proposal - for the fourth time - in the UN Security Council to list JeM chief Masood Azhar under the UN sanctions committee. "The events of the past few weeks have underscored that the US-India relationship is a global and long-term partnership, that we will stand by each other in times of crisis, and that we are working diligently to expand our habits of cooperation...We stood publicly and resolutely with India in its response to the attack, as you saw in our statements while joining the international community in encouraging both sides to avoid military escalation, de-escalate tensions, and communicate directly," the official said. "Now we are focused on pressing Pakistan to take sustained, irreversible action on terrorist groups operating on its soil, and we are working with others in the international community to achieve this goal," the official added. Talking about Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale's recent visit to Washington, the official outlined that the visit "demonstrated the transformation of our strategic relationship". "My overarching conclusion from the visit is that US-India strategic interests are broadly aligned, structural, and deep; that our relationship will continue to thrive; and that commitment to this relationship transcends party lines both here and in New Delhi. We see eye to eye on Indo-Pacific issues, the pressing need to confront terrorism, and the critical importance of the growing US-India defence relationship," the official mentioned. The official stated the outcomes from Gokhale`s meeting with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo. "The Foreign Secretary’s visit started with a meeting with Secretary Pompeo, who emphasised that the United States stands with India in the fight against terrorism and that we are committed to assisting India in bringing those responsible for the reprehensible Pulwama attack to justice. The two also discussed expanding our defence and economic partnership, our complementary visions for the Indo-Pacific, and our appreciation for India’s contributions in Afghanistan, as well as continued support for the mission of Special Representative Khalilzad," the senior official said. "We then held the Foreign Office Consultations, led by Under Secretary for Political Affairs David Hale on our side, reinvigorating an important mechanism in which the United States and India get together to compare notes on global issues and talk about our cooperation throughout the world. This year’s consultations included discussion of developments in the DPRK (North Korea), Iran, and Venezuela. It was clear in these conversations that we have many joint goals and priorities," the official stated. "Foreign Secretary Gokhale also co-chaired the Strategic Security Dialogue with Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Andrea Thompson; and members of his delegation held the India-US Space Dialogue with Assistant Secretary for Arms Control, Verification, and Compliance Yleem Poblete. These discussions focused on some of the most pressing global threats and reaffirmed our commitment to working together to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, and confronting threats in space. Our consultations with India on these issues are of the same nature as those with our closest allies, demonstrating the level of trust and cooperation between our two governments. And, as was the case throughout Foreign Secretary Gokhale’s visit, these conversations were frank, substantive, and strategic," the official mentioned. The official also outlined the meeting of the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) this week, co-chaired by US Under Secretary of Defence for Acquisition and Sustainment, Ellen Lord, and Indian Secretary of Defense Production, Ajay Kumar, "which focused on encouraging US and Indian industry to work together and develop next-generation technologies". "DTTI included updates on ongoing projects and collaborative opportunities in land, naval, air, and aircraft carrier technologies; a meeting with US and Indian industry representatives; a visit to Norfolk Naval Station to tour the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and destroyer USS Bainbridge; and a visit to a US defence company. I...wanted to mention this to further underscore the multifaceted nature of our partnership with India as captured by just one week’s worth of meetings," the official stated. Speaking on the economic front, the official said,"The United States is proud to be India’s largest export market and most important economic partner, but we have struggled with regulatory issues that get in the way of the ease of doing business and market access for American companies and products. And despite intensive engagement with the Government of India for nearly a year, India did not assure the United States that it would provide equitable and reasonable access to its market, which led to its termination from the Generalized System of Preferences program." "While we were pleased that growing US exports to India, largely crude oil and LNG, led to a 7.1 per cent reduction in our bilateral goods trade deficit last year, many structural challenges in our trade relationship have yet to be resolved. Trade has frankly been an area of frustration in the relationship, but the door is open if India is prepared to bring a serious proposal to the table," they stated. The official also appreciated the Ambassador of India to the USA, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, before concluding. "I want to note that I attended a dinner last night at which Indian Ambassador Shringla spoke eloquently and in great detail about the value and positive trajectory of our bilateral relationship. Only here for less than two months, Ambassador Shringla has already made an extraordinary impression here in DC, and we look forward to working with him in the months and years to come," the official mentioned.

Focused on pressing Pak to take sustained, irreversible action against terrorist groups on its soil: US

France has decided to freeze the assets of Masood Azhar, chief of the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed which claimed the responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel on February 14.

A joint release by French Foreign Ministry, Economy Ministry and the Interior Ministry said, "France has decided to sanction Masood Azhar at the national level by freezing his assets in application of the Monetary and Financial Code. A joint decree of the Ministries of the Interior, and Economy and Finance was published today in the Official Gazette."

France also said that it will ask the European Union to include Azhar in the list of people involved in terror attacks.

The release said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree."

France also said that it has "always been and always will be by India’s side" in the fight against terrorism. 
&nbsp; 
The development comes even as China on March 13 blocked the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee. This is the fourth time China has blocked the listing of Azhar under the UN terror list.

France has come as one of the major supports of India and backed New Delhi's counter-terror operations against JeM camps in Pakistan saying, it "recognises India’s legitimacy to ensure its security against cross-border terrorism" and asked, "Pakistan to put an end to the operations of terrorist groups established on its territory."

France has decided to freeze the assets of Masood Azhar, chief of the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed which claimed the responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel on February 14.

France has decided to freeze the assets of Masood Azhar, chief of the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed which claimed the responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel on February 14. A joint release by French Foreign Ministry, Economy Ministry and the Interior Ministry said, "France has decided to sanction Masood Azhar at the national level by freezing his assets in application of the Monetary and Financial Code. A joint decree of the Ministries of the Interior, and Economy and Finance was published today in the Official Gazette." France also said that it will ask the European Union to include Azhar in the list of people involved in terror attacks. The release said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree." France also said that it has "always been and always will be by India’s side" in the fight against terrorism. The development comes even as China on March 13 blocked the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee. This is the fourth time China has blocked the listing of Azhar under the UN terror list. France has come as one of the major supports of India and backed New Delhi's counter-terror operations against JeM camps in Pakistan saying, it "recognises India’s legitimacy to ensure its security against cross-border terrorism" and asked, "Pakistan to put an end to the operations of terrorist groups established on its territory."

France freezes JeM chief Masood Azhar's assets, will also take up his listing with EU

The Indian delegation arrived at the integrated check post at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kartarpur-corridor-talks-india-hopes-for-meaningful-talks-may-raise-khalistani-propaganda-with-pakistan-203092">Attari-Wagah border today</a> to meet the Pakistan delegation for discussions on the Kartarpur Corridor development which is due to open in November this year.

While the Indian delegation is being led by SCL Das, Joint Secretary (Internal Security) in MHA and Joint Secretary (PAI--Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran) MEA, Deepak Mittal, the Pakistan delegation will be led by Director-General South Asia and SAARC Dr Mohammad Faisal along with officials from Pakistan's interior, law and religious affairs ministry.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2ddeX986uL0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Pakistan has brought a 18-member delegation which include Dr Fareha Bugti, director India at the Pakistani foreign ministry, Dilshad Ahmad, Joint Secretary, Pakistan's interior ministry, Tahir Ehsan, Joint Secretary, chairman, Evacuee Trust Property Board, which takes care of Hindu and Sikh shrines in Pakistan, Brig M Akhtar Khan, Deputy DG Pakistan Rangers and Col Nadeem Afzal, Project deputy director, Kartarpur corridor.

Ahead of crossing over to Indian side, the Pakistani foreign office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal, speaking to media said, "Continuing with our spirit of constructive engagement and flexibility and in line with our sincere efforts to deescalate the situation for regional peace and stability, we decided to agree to the India proposal and that is why we are here today".

There are two primary things on the agenda - the draft memorandum on the agreement which New Delhi shared with Islamabad on the operational modalities of the corridor and border infrastructure alignment.&nbsp;

India will also raise the Khalistani propaganda which Pakistan has given free rein in Sikh Shrines in its territory.

It is important to note that Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan met members of the Sikh and Hindu community on Wednesday which includes Khalistan ideologue Gopal Chawla. Gopal Singh Chawla has had a very close relationship with 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed. Chawla on multiple occasions has released videos threatening India with violence.

India has already clarified the talks do not mean the resumption of dialogue. Kartarpur corridor has been a long-standing demand of Indian citizens of Sikh faith which Pakistan agreed to after India announced last year in November that it will build the corridor.

The Indian delegation arrived at the integrated check post at Attari-Wagah border today to meet the Pakistan delegation for discussions on the Kartarpur Corridor development which is due to open in November this year.

The Indian delegation arrived at the integrated check post at Attari-Wagah border today to meet the Pakistan delegation for discussions on the Kartarpur Corridor development which is due to open in November this year. While the Indian delegation is being led by SCL Das, Joint Secretary (Internal Security) in MHA and Joint Secretary (PAI--Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran) MEA, Deepak Mittal, the Pakistan delegation will be led by Director-General South Asia and SAARC Dr Mohammad Faisal along with officials from Pakistan's interior, law and religious affairs ministry. Pakistan has brought a 18-member delegation which include Dr Fareha Bugti, director India at the Pakistani foreign ministry, Dilshad Ahmad, Joint Secretary, Pakistan's interior ministry, Tahir Ehsan, Joint Secretary, chairman, Evacuee Trust Property Board, which takes care of Hindu and Sikh shrines in Pakistan, Brig M Akhtar Khan, Deputy DG Pakistan Rangers and Col Nadeem Afzal, Project deputy director, Kartarpur corridor. Ahead of crossing over to Indian side, the Pakistani foreign office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal, speaking to media said, "Continuing with our spirit of constructive engagement and flexibility and in line with our sincere efforts to deescalate the situation for regional peace and stability, we decided to agree to the India proposal and that is why we are here today". There are two primary things on the agenda - the draft memorandum on the agreement which New Delhi shared with Islamabad on the operational modalities of the corridor and border infrastructure alignment. India will also raise the Khalistani propaganda which Pakistan has given free rein in Sikh Shrines in its territory. It is important to note that Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan met members of the Sikh and Hindu community on Wednesday which includes Khalistan ideologue Gopal Chawla. Gopal Singh Chawla has had a very close relationship with 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed. Chawla on multiple occasions has released videos threatening India with violence. India has already clarified the talks do not mean the resumption of dialogue. Kartarpur corridor has been a long-standing demand of Indian citizens of Sikh faith which Pakistan agreed to after India announced last year in November that it will build the corridor.

India, Pak officials meet at Wagah to discuss Kartarpur Corridor development

Suspected terrorists have shot dead a 25-year-old man in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-new-york-times-faces-backlash-for-missplelling-pm-modis-name-calling-pulwama-terror-attack-an-explosion-202885">Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama</a>.&nbsp;The man was identified as Ashiq Ahmad.&nbsp;

Ashiq was shot and critically wounded in Pulwama's Pingleena village. He was rushed to hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival.&nbsp;

Initial reports had suggested Ashiq used to work as a gardener with the Indian Army but that he resigned his job a few months ago.&nbsp;

The army however said Ashiq had enrolled with them on January 15, 2018 but that he deserted eight months later.&nbsp;

The army said Ashiq had been sent to the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry regimental centre on March 21, 2018. He then went on three days of leave on September 14 and never returned.&nbsp;

Since he never took his oath as a solider, the army said, Ashiq is technically a civilian.&nbsp;

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Jammu and Kashmir: A 25-year old man has been shot dead by terrorists outside his house at Pingleena village in south Kashmir’s Pulwama. A joint team of Army and SOG has launched a cordon and search operation in the area to nab the assailants. <a href="https://t.co/b9JxFzgDHz">pic.twitter.com/b9JxFzgDHz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1105767457753427968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A joint team of the army and Jammu and Kashmir Police's Special Operations Group meanwhile has launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area to nab Ashiq's killers.&nbsp;

Suspected terrorists have shot dead a 25-year-old man in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. The man was identified as Ashiq Ahmad. Ashiq was shot and critically wounded in Pulwama's Pingleena village.

Suspected terrorists have shot dead a 25-year-old man in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. The man was identified as Ashiq Ahmad. Ashiq was shot and critically wounded in Pulwama's Pingleena village. He was rushed to hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival. Initial reports had suggested Ashiq used to work as a gardener with the Indian Army but that he resigned his job a few months ago. The army however said Ashiq had enrolled with them on January 15, 2018 but that he deserted eight months later. The army said Ashiq had been sent to the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry regimental centre on March 21, 2018. He then went on three days of leave on September 14 and never returned. Since he never took his oath as a solider, the army said, Ashiq is technically a civilian. Jammu and Kashmir: A 25-year old man has been shot dead by terrorists outside his house at Pingleena village in south Kashmir’s Pulwama. A joint team of Army and SOG has launched a cordon and search operation in the area to nab the assailants. pic.twitter.com/b9JxFzgDHz — ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2019 × A joint team of the army and Jammu and Kashmir Police's Special Operations Group meanwhile has launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area to nab Ashiq's killers.

J&K: Suspected terrorists shoot dead man who had enrolled with the army

As the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) gets set to discuss the resolution to<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-must-take-meaningful-action-against-terrorists-on-its-soil-says-pompeo-in-meeting-with-gokhale-202720"> list Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM)</a> chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" on Wednesday, the Chinese foreign ministry said today that a decision needs to be arrived at through "responsible and serious discussions" over the issue.

The UNSC had moved the resolution just days after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/18-terrorists-killed-in-21-days-succeeded-in-eliminating-jem-leadership-lt-gen-dhillon-202727">Pulwama terrorist attack</a> in which India blamed the JeM chief of masterminding the attack. The JeM had taken responsibility&nbsp;for the attack on a CRPF bus on February 14th at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K)&nbsp;in which over 40 personnel were killed.

“China will continue to communicate and work with relevant parties in a responsible manner so as to properly resolve this matter. Only by making a decision through responsible and serious discussions can we resolve the issue in a sustainable manner,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said during a media briefing on Masood's issue.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8bb8lFaX9hI" width="560"></iframe>

France, US and UK had proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and if no country raises any issue by March 13, Azhar will be put on the UN terror list.

China has vetoed Azhar's resolution&nbsp;thrice earlier - 2009, 2016, 2017, however in recent days pressure has grown to list Masood as a "global terrorist" after France backed India's stand on the issue.

On Monday, India's foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo to press the terror issue. Pompeo told the Indian foreign secretary that Pakistan should &nbsp;to take "meaningful action" against terrorist groups.

During the Pulwama attack, Gokhale had briefed the media during which he had said there was credible information information that &nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, as a result a pre-emptive strike became important and India struck the biggest camp of JeM at Balakot.

As Indian Air Force jets pounded targets Balakot in February, China had called for calm and had said it was in touch with both India and Pakistan regarding recent tensions. During a press conference, Kang had expressed the hope that India and Pakistan would maintain "good neighbourly&nbsp;and friendly ties and settle issues through friendly consultation." 
&nbsp;

As the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) gets set to discuss the resolution to list Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" on Wednesday, the Chinese foreign ministry said today that a decision needs to be arrived at through "responsible and serious discussions" over the issue.

As the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) gets set to discuss the resolution to list Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" on Wednesday, the Chinese foreign ministry said today that a decision needs to be arrived at through "responsible and serious discussions" over the issue. The UNSC had moved the resolution just days after the Pulwama terrorist attack in which India blamed the JeM chief of masterminding the attack. The JeM had taken responsibility for the attack on a CRPF bus on February 14th at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) in which over 40 personnel were killed. “China will continue to communicate and work with relevant parties in a responsible manner so as to properly resolve this matter. Only by making a decision through responsible and serious discussions can we resolve the issue in a sustainable manner,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said during a media briefing on Masood's issue. France, US and UK had proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and if no country raises any issue by March 13, Azhar will be put on the UN terror list. China has vetoed Azhar's resolution thrice earlier - 2009, 2016, 2017, however in recent days pressure has grown to list Masood as a "global terrorist" after France backed India's stand on the issue. On Monday, India's foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo to press the terror issue. Pompeo told the Indian foreign secretary that Pakistan should to take "meaningful action" against terrorist groups. During the Pulwama attack, Gokhale had briefed the media during which he had said there was credible information information that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, as a result a pre-emptive strike became important and India struck the biggest camp of JeM at Balakot. As Indian Air Force jets pounded targets Balakot in February, China had called for calm and had said it was in touch with both India and Pakistan regarding recent tensions. During a press conference, Kang had expressed the hope that India and Pakistan would maintain "good neighbourly and friendly ties and settle issues through friendly consultation."

Responsible discussions can resolve the issue in a sustainable manner: China on listing JeM chief Masood Azhar as global terrorist at UNSC

Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo in Washington on Monday evening as they discussed terrorism and the need for Pakistan to take <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-mastermind-mudasir-believed-to-be-killed-in-encounter-jk-police-202489">"meaningful action" against terrorist groups</a>.

India's foreign secretary<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-putin-calls-pm-modi-expresses-condolences-over-pulwama-attack-200360"> Gokhale discussed the strength</a> of India's partnership as both agreed on&nbsp;the importance of bringing the perpetrators of the Pulwama terrorist attack to justice.

Both men noted the strength of India-US partnership and discussed ways to further enhance cooperation including in counter-terrorism. They also sought complementary&nbsp;vision for Indo-Pacific and US-India defence cooperation.

Pompeo and foreign secretary Gokhale recognised the growing US-India economic partnership, including joint efforts to expand bilateral trade in a balanced and reciprocal&nbsp;manner.

During his three-day visit, India's foreign secretary is also likely to meet with senior leaders in the US administration and US Congress. Gokhale is expected to meet Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale and Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Andrea Thompson.

During the Pulwama attack, Gokhale had briefed the media during which he had said there was credible information information that &nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, as a result a pre-emptive strike became important and India struck the biggest camp of JeM at&nbsp;Balakot.

Gokhale had said that India was firmly and resolutely committed to taking all measures to fight the menace of terrorism and that Indian Air Force strike at Balakot was "non-military pre-emptive"&nbsp;action targeted specifically at JeM camp.

The strike was&nbsp;aimed with a desire to to avoid civilian casualties, he had informed the media days after IAF planes stuck JeM terror targets deep inside Pakistan at Balakot in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on February 26th.

Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo in Washington on Monday evening as they discussed terrorism and the need for Pakistan to take "meaningful action" against terrorist groups.

Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo in Washington on Monday evening as they discussed terrorism and the need for Pakistan to take "meaningful action" against terrorist groups. India's foreign secretary Gokhale discussed the strength of India's partnership as both agreed on the importance of bringing the perpetrators of the Pulwama terrorist attack to justice. Both men noted the strength of India-US partnership and discussed ways to further enhance cooperation including in counter-terrorism. They also sought complementary vision for Indo-Pacific and US-India defence cooperation. Pompeo and foreign secretary Gokhale recognised the growing US-India economic partnership, including joint efforts to expand bilateral trade in a balanced and reciprocal manner. During his three-day visit, India's foreign secretary is also likely to meet with senior leaders in the US administration and US Congress. Gokhale is expected to meet Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale and Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Andrea Thompson. During the Pulwama attack, Gokhale had briefed the media during which he had said there was credible information information that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, as a result a pre-emptive strike became important and India struck the biggest camp of JeM at Balakot. Gokhale had said that India was firmly and resolutely committed to taking all measures to fight the menace of terrorism and that Indian Air Force strike at Balakot was "non-military pre-emptive" action targeted specifically at JeM camp. The strike was aimed with a desire to to avoid civilian casualties, he had informed the media days after IAF planes stuck JeM terror targets deep inside Pakistan at Balakot in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on February 26th.

Pakistan must take meaningful action against terrorists on its soil, says Pompeo in meeting with Gokhale

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/country-built-on-love-harmony-brotherhood-priyanka-gandhi-at-her-first-rally-202902">Country</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/country-built-on-love-harmony-brotherhood-priyanka-gandhi-at-her-first-rally-202902"> built on love, harmony &amp; brotherhood: Priyanka Gandhi at her first rally&nbsp;</a>

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood." She added that "today, whatever is happening in the country is very sad."&nbsp;

The rally is being seen as the Congress kicking off its campaign for the general elections which will be held from April 11 to May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-i-reiterate-bsp-will-not-have-any-alliance-with-congress-says-mayawati-202862">Lok Sabha polls: No 'grand alliance' in Uttar Pradesh as Mayawati rules out </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-i-reiterate-bsp-will-not-have-any-alliance-with-congress-says-mayawati-202862">tie-up</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-i-reiterate-bsp-will-not-have-any-alliance-with-congress-says-mayawati-202862"> with Congress in any state</a>

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday reiterated that her party will "not have any alliance with Congress party in any state". Her remarks came just a couple of days after the Election Commission of India announced dates for the Lok Sabha polls next month.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
"It has been reiterated once again that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will not have any alliance with Congress party in any state, to contest the upcoming elections," Mayawati said.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-should-not-be-impeached-unless-reasons-are-overwhelming-house-speaker-nancy-pelosi-202904">Trump should not be impeached unless reasons are 'overwhelming': Nancy Pelosi</a>

US President Donald Trump should not be impeached unless the reasons are overwhelming and bipartisan, given how divisive it would be for the country, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a Washington Post interview published on Monday.

"I’m not for impeachment," Pelosi, the top US Democrat, said in the interview, which was conducted last week.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/consumer-inflation-rises-to-257-in-february-government-data-202903">Retail inflation up to 2.57% in February: Government data</a>

Consumer inflation in the month of February rose to 2.57 per cent, government data revealed on Tuesday. Consumer inflation was revised to 1.97 per cent in January this year from 2.05 per cent.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/the-new-york-times-faces-backlash-for-missplelling-pm-modis-name-calling-pulwama-terror-attack-an-explosion-202885">New York Times faces backlash for calling Pulwama terror attack an 'explosion', misspelling PM Modi's name</a>

The New York Times, a leading American daily, raked controversy on Monday after it referred to Pulwama terror attack as an "explosion". Twitterati didn't spare a second to troll the US media giant with some even asking if the 9/11 terror attack was an airplane crash if Pulwama bombing was an "explosion".&nbsp;

The "explosion" bit wasn't the only folly exhibited in the NYT tweet. Its post on a story on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls had the Prime Minister's name spelt wrongly as "Narandra Modi".&nbsp;

Country built on love, harmony & brotherhood: Priyanka Gandhi at her first rally Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood.

Country built on love, harmony & brotherhood: Priyanka Gandhi at her first rally Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was recently made Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, addressed her first rally today in Gujarat's Gandhinagar where she said "this country is made on the foundations of love, harmony and brotherhood." She added that "today, whatever is happening in the country is very sad." The rally is being seen as the Congress kicking off its campaign for the general elections which will be held from April 11 to May 19. The results will be declared on May 23. Lok Sabha polls: No 'grand alliance' in Uttar Pradesh as Mayawati rules out tie-up with Congress in any state Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Tuesday reiterated that her party will "not have any alliance with Congress party in any state". Her remarks came just a couple of days after the Election Commission of India announced dates for the Lok Sabha polls next month. "It has been reiterated once again that Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) will not have any alliance with Congress party in any state, to contest the upcoming elections," Mayawati said. Trump should not be impeached unless reasons are 'overwhelming': Nancy Pelosi US President Donald Trump should not be impeached unless the reasons are overwhelming and bipartisan, given how divisive it would be for the country, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a Washington Post interview published on Monday. "I’m not for impeachment," Pelosi, the top US Democrat, said in the interview, which was conducted last week. Retail inflation up to 2.57% in February: Government data Consumer inflation in the month of February rose to 2.57 per cent, government data revealed on Tuesday. Consumer inflation was revised to 1.97 per cent in January this year from 2.05 per cent. New York Times faces backlash for calling Pulwama terror attack an 'explosion', misspelling PM Modi's name The New York Times, a leading American daily, raked controversy on Monday after it referred to Pulwama terror attack as an "explosion". Twitterati didn't spare a second to troll the US media giant with some even asking if the 9/11 terror attack was an airplane crash if Pulwama bombing was an "explosion". The "explosion" bit wasn't the only folly exhibited in the NYT tweet. Its post on a story on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls had the Prime Minister's name spelt wrongly as "Narandra Modi".

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