Terrorist activities of Jehadi Islamic organisations in a part of Jammu and Kashmir has reached a new and crucial stage that calls for decisive and conclusive response from the Indian state. &nbsp;

The recent terrorist act in Pulwama, causing the death of 40 CRPF jawans travelling in a bus and not engaged in battle, makes it the turning point. It is “now or never” for ending terrorism in these parts of J&amp;K.&nbsp;

Violence to overawe a civilian population to attain political goals is terrorism. This type of violence is also a tool for dismembering a nation. The concern today is how, we as Indians, deter this terror and safeguard national integrity?&nbsp;

In Tamil Nadu, I was in charge in the Chandrashekar government [1990-91] and the process began by dismissing the Karunanidhi government. Tamils fully cooperated and we were able to decimate the LTTE without any civilian death. In the ensuing Assembly elections, the DMK won only two seats in the 224-seat House. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The dismemberment of Kashmir and the religious cleansing of Hindus from the state are the goals of J&amp;K Islamic terrorism.

In a cassette distributed in a mosque in Srinagar on June 8, 2007, Al Qaeda [now morphed into ISIS] confirmed that for Islam, India as presently constituted, is the target for terrorist acts and religious cleansing. The forced exodus of five lakh Hindu Kashmiris, principally the Pandit community, was beginning of religious cleansing in the Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;

In J&amp;K, terrorism today is a premeditated, politically motivated and Jehadi Islamic religion-inspired violence perpetrated against the non-combatant target population, primarily those of Hindu faith, by clandestine agents to secure compliance by intimidation, to overawe the Hindu civilian population. &nbsp;

Terrorism in the state,&nbsp;thus, is a strategy of violence to generate fear and disruption, with the ultimate aim to secure the balkanisation of the Indian nation, the rubbishing of its ancient Hindu civilisation, secured through capitulation of law-abiding civilian citizens.&nbsp;

J&amp;K is thus today a terrorist-challenged state, which has profound national security implications.&nbsp;

Combating such terrorism has, however, become extremely complicated and multi-dimensional. Hence, we need to understand it’s nature and scope clearly before an effective strategy to deter terrorism can be formulated. There has been a paradigm change in terrorism’s character since 1968, caused by three specific innovations of the 20th century.&nbsp;

First, the invention of television with instant satellite relay, which has suddenly given small unknown groups the possibility of worldwide publicity. &nbsp;

Internet has raised that publicity potential manifold. The fact that most terrorist incidents take place in democratic states, may in part, be due to its availability.&nbsp;

Under an authoritarian regime like China, terrorists can be cut off from their media audience in the target country, thereby reducing to a minimum all the expected impact of their actions.

With freely available media, small groups of terrorists can attain heavy leverage against powerful opponents by getting wide publicity on small political events. The impact is mostly psychological and meant for media coverage. But it has the desired effect of promoting fear, shock and awe in the civilian population.

Hence, democratic India now need&nbsp;to formulate their counter-terrorist strategy keeping this in view, by imposing reasonable restrictions permitted in the Constitution on democratic freedom without destroying the basic structure of democratic practice itself.

Second is the incredible sophistication of hand-held weapons, especially it’s miniaturisation and proliferation that have enabled a small number of criminally-minded persons to do great harm.&nbsp;

Third, easy communication through internet and cell/satellite phones-enabled networking between various disparate terrorist groups. The ISI of Pakistan is engaged in assisting this enterprise to unravel India, and push it toward balkanisation. Hence, a terror cartel and networking has emerged in India.&nbsp;

A counter-terror strategy for India thus requires a paradigm shift from the traditional law &amp; order approach of providing more personnel and sophisticated weapons.&nbsp;

What then are the elements of this counter-terror strategy? &nbsp;In my view, there are three steps for an effective strategy to eliminate terror in J&amp;K.

First, all remaining traces of so-called “disputed status” of Jammu and Kashmir must be erased. For that, India must write to the United Nations withdrawing the illegal application filed by then Prime Minister Nehru.&nbsp;

It is illegal because it violated the 1935 British Indian Constitution on the Instrument of Accession Clause, which the J&amp;K Maharaja had signed merging the state into India. &nbsp;Also Nehru never took Cabinet approval for the application. Hence, it is illegal and not binding on successive Indian governments since the Cabinet had not cleared it.

Second, Article 370 of the Constitution labelled as “temporary” by the Constituent Assembly, should be deleted as per procedure laid out in the Constitution itself, which is that a notification prepared by the Cabinet for its abolition is issued by the President of India. With that, Article 35 A will also fade away.&nbsp;

Third, 10 lakh former servicemen should be liberally provided with funds and weapons and requested to go to the Valley and settle down there with their families. After five years, they can return and the houses they acquire can be occupied by the expelled Hindu Kashmiris.&nbsp;

Fourth, liberally help the Kashmiri Muslim youth with clean credentials, and even surrendered extremists, to get education and jobs anywhere in India.&nbsp;

I know many who are today more patriotic and able than the average citizen.

Finally, for five years, impose AFSPA all over the state, introduce POTA and have no election for the first two years. The success of these proposals will be obtained only in the next two years. Pakistan, which is ripe for dismemberment, needs to be broken into four — Baluchistan, Pakhtoonistan, Sindh, and residual West Punjab.&nbsp;

For this, India has to obtain the tacit support of China and US by their non-interference. For doubting Thomases remember, China did not interfere in 1965, 1971 and 1999 Indo-Pak wars.

(This article was originally published on the DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-india-s-moment-to-act-is-here-2722269">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Terrorist activities of Jehadi Islamic organisations in a part of Jammu and Kashmir has reached a new and crucial stage that calls for decisive and conclusive response from the Indian state.

Terrorist activities of Jehadi Islamic organisations in a part of Jammu and Kashmir has reached a new and crucial stage that calls for decisive and conclusive response from the Indian state. The recent terrorist act in Pulwama, causing the death of 40 CRPF jawans travelling in a bus and not engaged in battle, makes it the turning point. It is “now or never” for ending terrorism in these parts of J&K. Violence to overawe a civilian population to attain political goals is terrorism. This type of violence is also a tool for dismembering a nation. The concern today is how, we as Indians, deter this terror and safeguard national integrity? In Tamil Nadu, I was in charge in the Chandrashekar government [1990-91] and the process began by dismissing the Karunanidhi government. Tamils fully cooperated and we were able to decimate the LTTE without any civilian death. In the ensuing Assembly elections, the DMK won only two seats in the 224-seat House. The dismemberment of Kashmir and the religious cleansing of Hindus from the state are the goals of J&K Islamic terrorism. In a cassette distributed in a mosque in Srinagar on June 8, 2007, Al Qaeda [now morphed into ISIS] confirmed that for Islam, India as presently constituted, is the target for terrorist acts and religious cleansing. The forced exodus of five lakh Hindu Kashmiris, principally the Pandit community, was beginning of religious cleansing in the Kashmir Valley. In J&K, terrorism today is a premeditated, politically motivated and Jehadi Islamic religion-inspired violence perpetrated against the non-combatant target population, primarily those of Hindu faith, by clandestine agents to secure compliance by intimidation, to overawe the Hindu civilian population. Terrorism in the state, thus, is a strategy of violence to generate fear and disruption, with the ultimate aim to secure the balkanisation of the Indian nation, the rubbishing of its ancient Hindu civilisation, secured through capitulation of law-abiding civilian citizens. J&K is thus today a terrorist-challenged state, which has profound national security implications. Combating such terrorism has, however, become extremely complicated and multi-dimensional. Hence, we need to understand it’s nature and scope clearly before an effective strategy to deter terrorism can be formulated. There has been a paradigm change in terrorism’s character since 1968, caused by three specific innovations of the 20th century. First, the invention of television with instant satellite relay, which has suddenly given small unknown groups the possibility of worldwide publicity. Internet has raised that publicity potential manifold. The fact that most terrorist incidents take place in democratic states, may in part, be due to its availability. Under an authoritarian regime like China, terrorists can be cut off from their media audience in the target country, thereby reducing to a minimum all the expected impact of their actions. With freely available media, small groups of terrorists can attain heavy leverage against powerful opponents by getting wide publicity on small political events. The impact is mostly psychological and meant for media coverage. But it has the desired effect of promoting fear, shock and awe in the civilian population. Hence, democratic India now need to formulate their counter-terrorist strategy keeping this in view, by imposing reasonable restrictions permitted in the Constitution on democratic freedom without destroying the basic structure of democratic practice itself. Second is the incredible sophistication of hand-held weapons, especially it’s miniaturisation and proliferation that have enabled a small number of criminally-minded persons to do great harm. Third, easy communication through internet and cell/satellite phones-enabled networking between various disparate terrorist groups. The ISI of Pakistan is engaged in assisting this enterprise to unravel India, and push it toward balkanisation. Hence, a terror cartel and networking has emerged in India. A counter-terror strategy for India thus requires a paradigm shift from the traditional law & order approach of providing more personnel and sophisticated weapons. What then are the elements of this counter-terror strategy? In my view, there are three steps for an effective strategy to eliminate terror in J&K. First, all remaining traces of so-called “disputed status” of Jammu and Kashmir must be erased. For that, India must write to the United Nations withdrawing the illegal application filed by then Prime Minister Nehru. It is illegal because it violated the 1935 British Indian Constitution on the Instrument of Accession Clause, which the J&K Maharaja had signed merging the state into India. Also Nehru never took Cabinet approval for the application. Hence, it is illegal and not binding on successive Indian governments since the Cabinet had not cleared it. Second, Article 370 of the Constitution labelled as “temporary” by the Constituent Assembly, should be deleted as per procedure laid out in the Constitution itself, which is that a notification prepared by the Cabinet for its abolition is issued by the President of India. With that, Article 35 A will also fade away. Third, 10 lakh former servicemen should be liberally provided with funds and weapons and requested to go to the Valley and settle down there with their families. After five years, they can return and the houses they acquire can be occupied by the expelled Hindu Kashmiris. Fourth, liberally help the Kashmiri Muslim youth with clean credentials, and even surrendered extremists, to get education and jobs anywhere in India. I know many who are today more patriotic and able than the average citizen. Finally, for five years, impose AFSPA all over the state, introduce POTA and have no election for the first two years. The success of these proposals will be obtained only in the next two years. Pakistan, which is ripe for dismemberment, needs to be broken into four — Baluchistan, Pakhtoonistan, Sindh, and residual West Punjab. For this, India has to obtain the tacit support of China and US by their non-interference. For doubting Thomases remember, China did not interfere in 1965, 1971 and 1999 Indo-Pak wars. (This article was originally published on the DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Pulwama attack: India's moment to act is here

Watch: WION Your Story, 21st February, 2019

In the wake of the Pulwama attack, the government has withdrawn the security of 18 more&nbsp;separatist leaders in Jammu and Kashmir.

This comes only a few days after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-government-withdraws-security-cover-of-5-separatist-leaders-including-mirwaiz-umar-farooq-197880">authorities revoked the security of moderate separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq</a>.&nbsp;

A statement released by the J&amp;K government&nbsp;said “it was felt that providing security to these separatist leaders is a wastage of scarce state resources which could be better utilised elsewhere.”

The new list includes names of some of the top separatist leaders from the hardcore fraction.&nbsp;

Apart from the separatists, the security of 155 political persons and activists, who according to the government did not require the security provided to them based on their threat assessment and activities, was also withdrawn.&nbsp;

Interestingly, this new list also includes the name of Shah Faesal, who resigned recently&nbsp;from the Indian Administrative Service and joined mainstream politics&nbsp;

Officials said that by doing this, over 1,000 police personnel and over a 100 vehicles had been freed to do regular police work.

At a recent press conference, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, while referring indirectly to the separatists, had said that the security given to people who get funds from Pakistan and its ISI should be reviewed.&nbsp;

In the wake of the Pulwama attack, the government has withdrawn the security of 18 more separatist leaders in Jammu and Kashmir. This comes only a few days after the authorities revoked the security of moderate separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

In the wake of the Pulwama attack, the government has withdrawn the security of 18 more separatist leaders in Jammu and Kashmir. This comes only a few days after the authorities revoked the security of moderate separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. A statement released by the J&K government said “it was felt that providing security to these separatist leaders is a wastage of scarce state resources which could be better utilised elsewhere.” The new list includes names of some of the top separatist leaders from the hardcore fraction. Apart from the separatists, the security of 155 political persons and activists, who according to the government did not require the security provided to them based on their threat assessment and activities, was also withdrawn. Interestingly, this new list also includes the name of Shah Faesal, who resigned recently from the Indian Administrative Service and joined mainstream politics Officials said that by doing this, over 1,000 police personnel and over a 100 vehicles had been freed to do regular police work. At a recent press conference, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, while referring indirectly to the separatists, had said that the security given to people who get funds from Pakistan and its ISI should be reviewed.

Pulwama attack fallout: Government withdraws security of 18 more separatist Kashmiri leaders

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fire-kills-scores-in-bangladesh-capital-dhaka-official-198658">Massive fire kills 56 in Bangladesh capital Dhaka: Official</a>

At least 56 people have died in a huge fire that tore through apartment buildings also used as chemical warehouses in an old part of the Bangladeshi capital, a fire official said Thursday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-fallout-government-withdraws-security-of-18-more-separatists-in-kashmir-198656">Pulwama attack fallout: Government withdraws security of 18 more separatist Kashmiri leaders</a>

In the wake of the Pulwama attack, the government has withdrawn the security of 18 more separatist leaders in Jammu and Kashmir. This comes only a few days after the authorities revoked the security of moderate separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trump-threatens-tariffs-on-eu-if-no-trade-deal-reached-198659">Trump threatens tariffs on EU if no trade deal reached</a>

US President Donald Trump threatened Wednesday to impose tariffs on European auto imports if he is unable to strike a trade deal with the EU. "We're negotiating. If we don't make the deal, we'll do the tariffs," Trump told reporters in response to a question on new tariffs.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/woman-who-joined-islamic-state-cannot-return-to-us-pompeo-198655">Trump says US woman who joined Islamic State cannot return</a>

President Donald Trump said Wednesday he is barring a US-born former Islamic State propagandist from returning home, making the highly unusual case that she is not a US citizen.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-reaches-south-korea-for-two-day-visit-198663">Modi in South Korea on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-reaches-south-korea-for-two-day-visit-198663">two-day</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-reaches-south-korea-for-two-day-visit-198663"> visit</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Seoul early on Thursday morning on a two-day visit aimed at strengthening the special strategic partnership between South Korea and India and boosting bilateral trade and cultural ties.

Massive fire kills 56 in Bangladesh capital Dhaka: Official At least 56 people have died in a huge fire that tore through apartment buildings also used as chemical warehouses in an old part of the Bangladeshi capital, a fire official said Thursday.

Massive fire kills 56 in Bangladesh capital Dhaka: Official At least 56 people have died in a huge fire that tore through apartment buildings also used as chemical warehouses in an old part of the Bangladeshi capital, a fire official said Thursday. Pulwama attack fallout: Government withdraws security of 18 more separatist Kashmiri leaders In the wake of the Pulwama attack, the government has withdrawn the security of 18 more separatist leaders in Jammu and Kashmir. This comes only a few days after the authorities revoked the security of moderate separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. Trump threatens tariffs on EU if no trade deal reached US President Donald Trump threatened Wednesday to impose tariffs on European auto imports if he is unable to strike a trade deal with the EU. "We're negotiating. If we don't make the deal, we'll do the tariffs," Trump told reporters in response to a question on new tariffs. Trump says US woman who joined Islamic State cannot return President Donald Trump said Wednesday he is barring a US-born former Islamic State propagandist from returning home, making the highly unusual case that she is not a US citizen. Modi in South Korea on two-day visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Seoul early on Thursday morning on a two-day visit aimed at strengthening the special strategic partnership between South Korea and India and boosting bilateral trade and cultural ties.

News brief: Big stories of the day

At the trailer launch of his new film 'Milan Talkies' filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia said the film will not release in Pakistan.

After the Pulwama terror attack earlier this month, some Indian filmmakers decided against the release of their films like ' Luka Chuppi' &nbsp;and ' Arjun Patiala' in the neighbouring country.

Asked whether he will release ' Milan Talkies' in Pakistan, Dhulia told the media here on Tuesday: "No. It will not be released in Pakistan. There are two reasons for that. First one is that we stand in solidarity with the martyrs` families.&nbsp;

"The second reason is that piracy of Hindi films takes place from Pakistan so, I feel that we should never release our films in Pakistan for that specific reason."

The event also saw the film`s cast Ali Fazal, Shraddha Srinath, Ashutosh Rana and Sikandar Kher in attendance.&nbsp;The film is a love story set in Uttar Pradesh around 2010-2013 when single screen theatres were still prominent in smaller Indian towns and film print was still in circulation.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pmC5wQ99o6Q" width="560"></iframe>

'Milan Talkies' has been Dhulia's dream project for a long time and has undergone several changes in terms of its lead pair untill Ali Fazal and Shraddha Srinath were signed for the film.&nbsp;

'Milan Talkies' &nbsp;is releasing in India on March 15.

At the trailer launch of his new film 'Milan Talkies' filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia said the film will not release in Pakistan. After the Pulwama terror attack earlier this month, some Indian filmmakers decided against the release of their films like ' Luka Chuppi' and ' Arjun Patiala' in the neighbouring country.

At the trailer launch of his new film 'Milan Talkies' filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia said the film will not release in Pakistan. After the Pulwama terror attack earlier this month, some Indian filmmakers decided against the release of their films like ' Luka Chuppi' and ' Arjun Patiala' in the neighbouring country. Asked whether he will release ' Milan Talkies' in Pakistan, Dhulia told the media here on Tuesday: "No. It will not be released in Pakistan. There are two reasons for that. First one is that we stand in solidarity with the martyrs` families. "The second reason is that piracy of Hindi films takes place from Pakistan so, I feel that we should never release our films in Pakistan for that specific reason." The event also saw the film`s cast Ali Fazal, Shraddha Srinath, Ashutosh Rana and Sikandar Kher in attendance. The film is a love story set in Uttar Pradesh around 2010-2013 when single screen theatres were still prominent in smaller Indian towns and film print was still in circulation. 'Milan Talkies' has been Dhulia's dream project for a long time and has undergone several changes in terms of its lead pair untill Ali Fazal and Shraddha Srinath were signed for the film. 'Milan Talkies' is releasing in India on March 15.

Trailer of Ali Fazal starrer 'Milan Talkies' out, director Tigmanshu Dhulia says film will not release in Pakistan

The Supreme Court will on Friday hear a plea seeking its intervention to prevent attacks on Kashmiri students in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror strike.

Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves on Thursday mentioned the matter before Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and sought its hearing at 2 pm. The top judge, however, posted the plea for hearing tomorrow.

The petition was filed by advocate Tariq Adeeb

According to the plea, Kashmiri students had to lock themselves up in order to remain safe as mob violence erupted in Dehradun in Uttarakhand after the terror attack in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed on February 14.

The petition has sought the court's direction to the authorities, including heads of educational institutions, for immediate steps to prevent attacks against Kashmiris and other minorities, their social boycott, ostracisation, eviction and other coercive acts.

It has said those indulging in hate speech and targeting of Kashmiris should be prosecuted.

The plea has asked for the appointment of a senior officer in every state and Union territory for prevention of such acts and prosecution of those involved.

It has also requested the court for a direction to the authorities concerned to set up a website which would contain details of such incidents besides a single helpline for assistance across the nation.

The Supreme Court will on Friday hear a plea seeking its intervention to prevent attacks on Kashmiri students in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror strike. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves on Thursday mentioned the matter before Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and sought its hearing at 2 pm.

The Supreme Court will on Friday hear a plea seeking its intervention to prevent attacks on Kashmiri students in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror strike. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves on Thursday mentioned the matter before Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and sought its hearing at 2 pm. The top judge, however, posted the plea for hearing tomorrow. The petition was filed by advocate Tariq Adeeb According to the plea, Kashmiri students had to lock themselves up in order to remain safe as mob violence erupted in Dehradun in Uttarakhand after the terror attack in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed on February 14. The petition has sought the court's direction to the authorities, including heads of educational institutions, for immediate steps to prevent attacks against Kashmiris and other minorities, their social boycott, ostracisation, eviction and other coercive acts. It has said those indulging in hate speech and targeting of Kashmiris should be prosecuted. The plea has asked for the appointment of a senior officer in every state and Union territory for prevention of such acts and prosecution of those involved. It has also requested the court for a direction to the authorities concerned to set up a website which would contain details of such incidents besides a single helpline for assistance across the nation.

Attacks on Kashmiri students: Supreme Court to hear plea on Friday

The Saudi Crown Prince’s visit to India has received mix reactions that not only expose lack of consensus about Indian Foreign Policy but also alert us about the urgent need to remove prevailing ambiguity in prioritising our strategic partnerships.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, the crown prince’s visit came soon after the shocking terror arrack on CRPF men in Pulwama when the nation was mourning the martyrs and was under a pall of gloom. Outrage against Pakistan was high as Jaish e Mohammed had accepted responsibility for this barbaric act. This terrorist organisation operates from sanctuaries in Pakistan and its leaders are protected protégés of Pakistani armed forces and its notorious intelligence agency ISI. Saudi Arabia has a long and intimate relationship with Pakistan and it is understandable that the warm welcome extended to the royal guest breaching poetical didn’t go down well with the majority of Indians cutting across party lines.&nbsp;

But the timing of the tour wasn’t the only thing that raised eyebrows. Mohammed Bin Salman has in his itinerary sandwiched India between Pakistan and China. South Block went into overdrive to emphasise that in 21st-century 'enemy’s friend can be our friend’ also. It was argued that we should forge ties with other countries entirely on the basis of our national interest and get rid of the deadwood of ideology.

The problem is that the Saudi Crown Prince has been a controversial figure ever since his succession was signalled. In the beginning, high hopes were aroused that he will usher in an era of long-awaited modernisation leading hopefully sooner rather than later to a whiff of democracy. The detention on charges of corruption of high ranking members of the ruling elite and allowing women to drive reinforced these expectations. But then the brutal murder of Khashoggi, a US journalist of Saudi descent, upset the proverbial apple cart. The assassination may well have been undertaken by rogue elements in Saudi armed forces or intelligence services but the stink hast quite cleared that they perpetrated the crime to please their new master.&nbsp;

Once we accept the logic of realpolitik all this pales into insignificance. So, let us limit ourselves here to an assessment of what we have gained and are likely to gain in foreseeable future from this visit. At the same time, it is imperative to take into account the costs the agreements signed may entail.&nbsp;

We have been informed that Saudi Arabia has promised to invest $100 billion in India in oil refining, infrastructure, tourism, broadcasting and education. India has also been assured that its quota of Haj pilgrims will be doubled to 200,000 per year. Exchange of intelligence will continue and the pro formation condemnation of terrorism is also there without any specifics.&nbsp;

A more than small hiccup here is that one doesn’t know when the 45 billion dollar investment in Oil Refinery will fructify. Earlier, the proposed site was at Ratnagiri but due to strong farmer’s protest, the Maharashtra government has been constrained to announce its shifting. Land acquisition is likely to create obstacles.

Contrast this with what the Pakistan is getting immediately $10 billion out of which $3 billion to bail it out from defaulting on repayment of loans, $3 billion against deferred payments for oil imports and approximately, another $3billion for development of Gwadar port that is described as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ on China’s One Belt One Road project. It is impossible to overlook that Gwadar is being developed to render impotent the potential of Chabahar in Iran to which India has already committed vast resources and considers extremely important to extend its strategic reach in Afghanistan and beyond in West Asia.&nbsp;

It is true that with the fall in oil prices globally and the US striving to explore shale oil had made Saudi Arab anxious and apprehensive about the future. The Crown Prince has indeed been exploring other options and looking for a new strategic alliance. However, it would be naive to conclude that suddenly India has begun to loom large on Saudi’s mental horizon.&nbsp;

It is impossible not to get alienated from Iran as we get embroiled into a tight embrace with Saudis. The US would like us to be more cordial with their long term allies when they tighten the screws on Iran. It would also like us to follow their lead in Afghanistan. What we must ask is that does this really serves our national interest?&nbsp;

Pakistan does need the Saudi crutches to survive but India is certainly not in such an abject and pitiable situation. We should remain alert that we don’t dissipate our energies chasing a mirage in the distant desert. True, we import 20 per cent of our oil from Saudi Arab and hundreds of thousands of Indians work in that country. This does not mean that we should change course suddenly or drastically dreaming of an Oasis that remains a long and hard way off. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The Saudi Crown Prince’s visit to India has received mix reactions that not only expose lack of consensus about Indian Foreign Policy but also alert us about the urgent need to remove prevailing ambiguity in prioritising our strategic partnerships.

The Saudi Crown Prince’s visit to India has received mix reactions that not only expose lack of consensus about Indian Foreign Policy but also alert us about the urgent need to remove prevailing ambiguity in prioritising our strategic partnerships. Unfortunately, the crown prince’s visit came soon after the shocking terror arrack on CRPF men in Pulwama when the nation was mourning the martyrs and was under a pall of gloom. Outrage against Pakistan was high as Jaish e Mohammed had accepted responsibility for this barbaric act. This terrorist organisation operates from sanctuaries in Pakistan and its leaders are protected protégés of Pakistani armed forces and its notorious intelligence agency ISI. Saudi Arabia has a long and intimate relationship with Pakistan and it is understandable that the warm welcome extended to the royal guest breaching poetical didn’t go down well with the majority of Indians cutting across party lines. But the timing of the tour wasn’t the only thing that raised eyebrows. Mohammed Bin Salman has in his itinerary sandwiched India between Pakistan and China. South Block went into overdrive to emphasise that in 21st-century 'enemy’s friend can be our friend’ also. It was argued that we should forge ties with other countries entirely on the basis of our national interest and get rid of the deadwood of ideology. The problem is that the Saudi Crown Prince has been a controversial figure ever since his succession was signalled. In the beginning, high hopes were aroused that he will usher in an era of long-awaited modernisation leading hopefully sooner rather than later to a whiff of democracy. The detention on charges of corruption of high ranking members of the ruling elite and allowing women to drive reinforced these expectations. But then the brutal murder of Khashoggi, a US journalist of Saudi descent, upset the proverbial apple cart. The assassination may well have been undertaken by rogue elements in Saudi armed forces or intelligence services but the stink hast quite cleared that they perpetrated the crime to please their new master. Once we accept the logic of realpolitik all this pales into insignificance. So, let us limit ourselves here to an assessment of what we have gained and are likely to gain in foreseeable future from this visit. At the same time, it is imperative to take into account the costs the agreements signed may entail. We have been informed that Saudi Arabia has promised to invest $100 billion in India in oil refining, infrastructure, tourism, broadcasting and education. India has also been assured that its quota of Haj pilgrims will be doubled to 200,000 per year. Exchange of intelligence will continue and the pro formation condemnation of terrorism is also there without any specifics. A more than small hiccup here is that one doesn’t know when the 45 billion dollar investment in Oil Refinery will fructify. Earlier, the proposed site was at Ratnagiri but due to strong farmer’s protest, the Maharashtra government has been constrained to announce its shifting. Land acquisition is likely to create obstacles. Contrast this with what the Pakistan is getting immediately $10 billion out of which $3 billion to bail it out from defaulting on repayment of loans, $3 billion against deferred payments for oil imports and approximately, another $3billion for development of Gwadar port that is described as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ on China’s One Belt One Road project. It is impossible to overlook that Gwadar is being developed to render impotent the potential of Chabahar in Iran to which India has already committed vast resources and considers extremely important to extend its strategic reach in Afghanistan and beyond in West Asia. It is true that with the fall in oil prices globally and the US striving to explore shale oil had made Saudi Arab anxious and apprehensive about the future. The Crown Prince has indeed been exploring other options and looking for a new strategic alliance. However, it would be naive to conclude that suddenly India has begun to loom large on Saudi’s mental horizon. It is impossible not to get alienated from Iran as we get embroiled into a tight embrace with Saudis. The US would like us to be more cordial with their long term allies when they tighten the screws on Iran. It would also like us to follow their lead in Afghanistan. What we must ask is that does this really serves our national interest? Pakistan does need the Saudi crutches to survive but India is certainly not in such an abject and pitiable situation. We should remain alert that we don’t dissipate our energies chasing a mirage in the distant desert. True, we import 20 per cent of our oil from Saudi Arab and hundreds of thousands of Indians work in that country. This does not mean that we should change course suddenly or drastically dreaming of an Oasis that remains a long and hard way off. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Crown Prince visit: Pakistan needs Saudi Arabia's crutches to survive, but India doesn't

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

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

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

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

The killing of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in the Pulwama terror attack feels like a "personal loss" and strong befitting reply must be given, `Uri` star Vicky Kaushal has said. 
 
Kaushal is currently basking in the success of ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ - a film based on the surgical strike carried out by the Indian Army in 2016 against terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control in Pakistan after four militants attacked the Army`s Uri`s base camp in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 and killed 19 unarmed soldiers.The movie was released on January 11 this year. 
 
"It feels like a personal loss. A strong befitting answer must be given to terrorism. As a nation, we should come together and give the required support to the families of the martyrs, emotionally and financially. Our prayers are with them," he told ANI on the sidelines of an event here on Saturday. 
 
Forty CRPF personnel were killed on Thursday after a suicide bomber rammed a car laden with explosives into a CRPF convoy in Awantipora area of Pulwama in Kashmir. 
 
Soon after the teror strike, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/pulwama-attack-anil-kapoor-alia-bhatt-farhan-akhtar-and-others-condemn-the-attack-197563">a number of B-town celebs, including Kaushal, had tweeted</a> condemning the ghastly attack. &nbsp; 
 
He will be next seen in Karan Johar`s magnum opus `Takht` alongside Anil Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Bhumi Pednekar and Janhvi Kapoor.

The killing of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in the Pulwama terror attack feels like a "personal loss" and strong befitting reply must be given, `Uri` star Vicky Kaushal has said.

The killing of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in the Pulwama terror attack feels like a "personal loss" and strong befitting reply must be given, `Uri` star Vicky Kaushal has said. Kaushal is currently basking in the success of ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ - a film based on the surgical strike carried out by the Indian Army in 2016 against terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control in Pakistan after four militants attacked the Army`s Uri`s base camp in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 and killed 19 unarmed soldiers.The movie was released on January 11 this year. "It feels like a personal loss. A strong befitting answer must be given to terrorism. As a nation, we should come together and give the required support to the families of the martyrs, emotionally and financially. Our prayers are with them," he told ANI on the sidelines of an event here on Saturday. Forty CRPF personnel were killed on Thursday after a suicide bomber rammed a car laden with explosives into a CRPF convoy in Awantipora area of Pulwama in Kashmir. Soon after the teror strike, a number of B-town celebs, including Kaushal, had tweeted condemning the ghastly attack. He will be next seen in Karan Johar`s magnum opus `Takht` alongside Anil Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Bhumi Pednekar and Janhvi Kapoor.

Pulwama attack: Vicky Kaushal terms it as a personal loss

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WION Dispatch: Indian security forces eliminate Pulwama masterminds

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-shows-time-for-talks-over-now-world-have-to-act-pm-narendra-modi-198108">Pulwama attack shows time for talks over, now </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-shows-time-for-talks-over-now-world-have-to-act-pm-narendra-modi-198108">world</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-shows-time-for-talks-over-now-world-have-to-act-pm-narendra-modi-198108"> has to act: PM Narendra Modi</a> 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Pulwama terror attack has shown that time for talks is over and hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging the menace.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-encounter-fierce-gun-battle-underway-dig-south-kashmir-injured-198102">Pulwama encounter: Fierce gun battle underway; DIG south Kashmir injured</a> 
 
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police South Kashmir range, Amit Kumar, who was injured in an exchange of fire with terrorists, has been shifted to Army hospital. His condition is stated to be stable.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kulbhushan-jadhav-case-pakistan-embarrassed-to-disclose-charges-against-jadhav-says-india-at-icj-198089">Pakistan embarrassed to disclose charges against Kulbhushan Jadhav, says India at ICJ</a> 
 
India's began its argument on the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice at The Hague on Monday with former solicitor general of India Harish Salve asserting that "Pakistan was using the platform for propaganda purposes".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maldives-court-orders-arrest-of-ex-president-yameen-on-money-laundering-charges-198101">Maldives: Court orders arrest of ex-President Yameen on money laundering charges</a> 
 
Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen will be arrested and detained on money laundering charges, as per the order by a Maldivian court on Monday, news agency AFP reported.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/judgment-cant-be-taken-based-purely-on-empathy-uk-home-secretary-on-return-of-shamima-begum-who-married-is-terrorist-in-syria-198104">Judgment can't be taken based purely on empathy: UK home secretary on Shamima Begum's return</a>

A British teenager, Shamima Begum, who left the United Kingdom to join terror outfit Islamic State in 2015 is now hoping to return home. Begum makes it clear that she does not regret her decision of joining the terror group.

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

Pulwama attack shows time for talks over, now world has to act: PM Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the Pulwama terror attack has shown that time for talks is over and hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging the menace. Pulwama encounter: Fierce gun battle underway; DIG south Kashmir injured Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police South Kashmir range, Amit Kumar, who was injured in an exchange of fire with terrorists, has been shifted to Army hospital. His condition is stated to be stable. Pakistan embarrassed to disclose charges against Kulbhushan Jadhav, says India at ICJ India's began its argument on the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice at The Hague on Monday with former solicitor general of India Harish Salve asserting that "Pakistan was using the platform for propaganda purposes". Maldives: Court orders arrest of ex-President Yameen on money laundering charges Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen will be arrested and detained on money laundering charges, as per the order by a Maldivian court on Monday, news agency AFP reported. Judgment can't be taken based purely on empathy: UK home secretary on Shamima Begum's return A British teenager, Shamima Begum, who left the United Kingdom to join terror outfit Islamic State in 2015 is now hoping to return home. Begum makes it clear that she does not regret her decision of joining the terror group.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two Jaish terrorists, including a Pakistani commander of the group being investigated for his role in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/awantipora-crpf-convoy-hit-by-explosives-laden-vehicle-several-jawans-killed-197418">February 14 CRPF bombing</a>, and an Army major were among the seven people killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday, officials said.

Four Army personnel, including a lieutenant colonel, were injured in the gun battle in Pulwama's Pinglan area, about 12 km from the spot where a suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed drove his explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus last week, killing 40 jawans and critically wounding five.

The encounter claimed the lives four Army personnel, two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists and a civilian, officials said.

The slain terrorists were identified as Kamran, a Pakistani national and top commander of the Jaish, and Hilal Ahmad, a local recruited by the terror group, they said.

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Curfew continues in Jammu for the fourth day following <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PulwamaAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PulwamaAttack</a> on 14th February. <a href="https://t.co/gmEL1QADVu">pic.twitter.com/gmEL1QADVu</a>
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"Kamran's role in the February 14 suicide bombing of a CRPF convoy was under the scanner of investigators," a senior police official said.

The slain soldiers are Major V S Dhondial, Havaldar Sheo Ram and Sepoys Hari Singh and Ajay Kumar.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation during the night after receiving inputs about the presence of militants in the area, a police official recounted.

Militants fired at forces as the searches got underway, triggering a gun battle, officials said.

The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. About 2,500 CRPF personnel were on their way to the Valley, many returning to work after leave.

Two Jaish terrorists, including a Pakistani commander of the group being investigated for his role in the February 14 CRPF bombing, and an Army major were among the seven people killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday, officials said.

Two Jaish terrorists, including a Pakistani commander of the group being investigated for his role in the February 14 CRPF bombing, and an Army major were among the seven people killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday, officials said. Four Army personnel, including a lieutenant colonel, were injured in the gun battle in Pulwama's Pinglan area, about 12 km from the spot where a suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed drove his explosives-laden vehicle into a CRPF bus last week, killing 40 jawans and critically wounding five. The encounter claimed the lives four Army personnel, two Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists and a civilian, officials said. The slain terrorists were identified as Kamran, a Pakistani national and top commander of the Jaish, and Hilal Ahmad, a local recruited by the terror group, they said. Curfew continues in Jammu for the fourth day following #PulwamaAttack on 14th February. pic.twitter.com/gmEL1QADVu — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019 × "Kamran's role in the February 14 suicide bombing of a CRPF convoy was under the scanner of investigators," a senior police official said. The slain soldiers are Major V S Dhondial, Havaldar Sheo Ram and Sepoys Hari Singh and Ajay Kumar. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation during the night after receiving inputs about the presence of militants in the area, a police official recounted. Militants fired at forces as the searches got underway, triggering a gun battle, officials said. The Jaish has claimed responsibility for the February 14 terror attack that targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles on its way from Jammu to Srinagar. About 2,500 CRPF personnel were on their way to the Valley, many returning to work after leave.

Jaish-e-Mohammed commander, Army major and five others killed in Pulwama gun battle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-summons-pakistans-envoy-over-deadly-suicide-bomb-attack-report-197911">Iran on Sunday summoned Pakistan ambassador</a> Riffat Masood to lodge a formal protest over a terror attack in the Southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan region that killed 27 of its Revolutionary Guards.&nbsp;

Pakistan based Jaish ul-Adl took the responsibility for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/iran-general-says-pakistan-backs-group-behind-suicide-bomb-197757">the attack</a>. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani pledged to avenge the attack saying, "our nation will certainly take revenge for the blood of these dear martyrs”.

On Friday, India had summoned Pakistani High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood over Thursday's ghastly terror attack on CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama that claimed over 40 lives.&nbsp;

Reactions poured in from Iran condemning the heinous attack. Iran's Commander of Revolution Guards (IRGC) <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/iran-general-says-pakistan-backs-group-behind-suicide-bomb-197757">Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said</a>, “Iran will retaliate against the group [that conducted the attack] if Pakistan fails to punish them”. Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani also slammed Pakistan and called on Islamabad to be held accountable for the terror attack.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi called on his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif and said that his country is ready to cooperate to investigate the attack.&nbsp;

India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had made a stopover in Tehran on Saturday while going to Bulgaria and held a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araqchi. During the meeting, both discussed the recent Pulwama terror attack in India and the attack on Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

The press statement issued by Iran's foreign ministry read, "They condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan and India's Srinagar, and offered sympathy to each other".

Adding further the release said, "The two sides underlined the necessity of establishing peace and calm in the region through dialogue". After the meet, Araqchi tweeted out saying, "we agreed on close cooperation to combat terrorism in the region. Enough is enough!"

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Iran &amp; India suffered from two heinous terrorist attacks in the past few days resulted in big casualties. Today in my meeting with Sushma Swaraj the Indian FM, when she had a stopover in Tehran, we agreed on close cooperation to combat terrorism in the region. Enough is enough! <a href="https://t.co/uvwlx45pZ6">pic.twitter.com/uvwlx45pZ6</a>
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) <a href="https://twitter.com/araghchi/status/1096802730881048578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Afghanistan complains to UNSC about Pakistan

Afghanistan has also come hard on Pakistan. Afghan foreign ministry spokesperson Sibghatullah Ahmadi said Kabul has complained to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) against Islamabad over its engagement with Taliban.

In a tweet, Ahmadi said, "Afghanistan complains to UN Security Council on Pakistan’s engagements with the Taliban on which Afghan Government is not consulted." Elaborating further he said, "It not only undermines the ongoing peace efforts but violates Afghanistan's National Sovereignty, also falls in violation of UNSC Resolution 1988."&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> complains to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNSecurityCouncil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNSecurityCouncil</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a>’s engagements with the Taliban on which <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afg</a> Government is not consulted. It not only undermines the ongoing peace efforts but violates Afghanistan's National Sovereignty, also falls in violation of UNSC Resolution 1988. <a href="https://t.co/FtmnwivvX2">pic.twitter.com/FtmnwivvX2</a>
— Sibghatullah Ahmadi (@Sibghat_Ah) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sibghat_Ah/status/1097092008093593600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan government had invited the Taliban for talks along with the United States. The Taliban in a release said at the "formal invitation of the government of Pakistan" meeting was scheduled to take place "between the negotiation teams of the Islamic Emirate and the US on 18th of February 2019 in Islamabad." The meeting now stands cancelled according to reports emanating from Pakistani media. The reason was not known immediately.&nbsp; 
‏ 
In past, Afghanistan had also raised the matter of Pakistan's support to terror in the region and asked Islamabad to stop giving safe haven to terrorists. A number of terror attacks in Afghanistan have been linked to terror outfits based in Pakistan.

India's diplomatic campaign against Pak continues

More diplomatic action is expected from India in the coming week. Argentina's President and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman will meet Prime Minister Modi next week. PM Modi will be travelling to South Korea on a two-day visit starting February 21 where he will meet South Korean President Moon Jae-in. In all the meetings, Pakistan's support to terror and its involvement in the Pulwama attack is due to be highlighted.

New Delhi has been calling on Islamabad to take immediate and verifiable action against Jaish-e-Mohammad, however, Pak Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has been saying it needs evidence to crack down on the terror outfit.&nbsp;

India had given evidence of Pakistan's involvement after the Parliament terror attack in 2001, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 and most recently Uri and Pathankote attacks but Islamabad did not take any action on terror infrastructure on its territory.

India, as part of the fallout of the Pulwama attack, has withdrawn Most Favoured Nation status (MNF) from Pakistan due to which customs duty on all Pak imports stands at 200 per cent now.&nbsp;

India has also mounted a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mission-to-isolate-pakistan-india-raises-pulwama-terror-attack-issue-at-munich-conference-197912">diplomatic campaign against Pakistan</a> to isolate the South Asian country. New Delhi has briefed as many as 40 envoys from ASEAN, Central Asia, Gulf, members of the United Nations Security Council over Pakistan's involvement in the Pulwama terror attack.&nbsp;

Iran on Sunday summoned Pakistan ambassador Riffat Masood to lodge a formal protest over a terror attack in the Southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan region that killed 27 of its Revolutionary Guards.

Iran on Sunday summoned Pakistan ambassador Riffat Masood to lodge a formal protest over a terror attack in the Southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan region that killed 27 of its Revolutionary Guards. Pakistan based Jaish ul-Adl took the responsibility for the attack. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani pledged to avenge the attack saying, "our nation will certainly take revenge for the blood of these dear martyrs”. On Friday, India had summoned Pakistani High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood over Thursday's ghastly terror attack on CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama that claimed over 40 lives. Reactions poured in from Iran condemning the heinous attack. Iran's Commander of Revolution Guards (IRGC) Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said, “Iran will retaliate against the group [that conducted the attack] if Pakistan fails to punish them”. Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani also slammed Pakistan and called on Islamabad to be held accountable for the terror attack. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi called on his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif and said that his country is ready to cooperate to investigate the attack. India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had made a stopover in Tehran on Saturday while going to Bulgaria and held a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araqchi. During the meeting, both discussed the recent Pulwama terror attack in India and the attack on Iran's Revolutionary Guards. The press statement issued by Iran's foreign ministry read, "They condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan and India's Srinagar, and offered sympathy to each other". Adding further the release said, "The two sides underlined the necessity of establishing peace and calm in the region through dialogue". After the meet, Araqchi tweeted out saying, "we agreed on close cooperation to combat terrorism in the region. Enough is enough!" Iran & India suffered from two heinous terrorist attacks in the past few days resulted in big casualties. Today in my meeting with Sushma Swaraj the Indian FM, when she had a stopover in Tehran, we agreed on close cooperation to combat terrorism in the region. Enough is enough! pic.twitter.com/uvwlx45pZ6 — Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) February 16, 2019 × Afghanistan complains to UNSC about Pakistan Afghanistan has also come hard on Pakistan. Afghan foreign ministry spokesperson Sibghatullah Ahmadi said Kabul has complained to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) against Islamabad over its engagement with Taliban. In a tweet, Ahmadi said, "Afghanistan complains to UN Security Council on Pakistan’s engagements with the Taliban on which Afghan Government is not consulted." Elaborating further he said, "It not only undermines the ongoing peace efforts but violates Afghanistan's National Sovereignty, also falls in violation of UNSC Resolution 1988." #Afghanistan complains to #UNSecurityCouncil on #Pakistan’s engagements with the Taliban on which #Afg Government is not consulted. It not only undermines the ongoing peace efforts but violates Afghanistan's National Sovereignty, also falls in violation of UNSC Resolution 1988. pic.twitter.com/FtmnwivvX2 — Sibghatullah Ahmadi (@Sibghat_Ah) February 17, 2019 × Pakistan government had invited the Taliban for talks along with the United States. The Taliban in a release said at the "formal invitation of the government of Pakistan" meeting was scheduled to take place "between the negotiation teams of the Islamic Emirate and the US on 18th of February 2019 in Islamabad." The meeting now stands cancelled according to reports emanating from Pakistani media. The reason was not known immediately. ‏ In past, Afghanistan had also raised the matter of Pakistan's support to terror in the region and asked Islamabad to stop giving safe haven to terrorists. A number of terror attacks in Afghanistan have been linked to terror outfits based in Pakistan. India's diplomatic campaign against Pak continues More diplomatic action is expected from India in the coming week. Argentina's President and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman will meet Prime Minister Modi next week. PM Modi will be travelling to South Korea on a two-day visit starting February 21 where he will meet South Korean President Moon Jae-in. In all the meetings, Pakistan's support to terror and its involvement in the Pulwama attack is due to be highlighted. New Delhi has been calling on Islamabad to take immediate and verifiable action against Jaish-e-Mohammad, however, Pak Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has been saying it needs evidence to crack down on the terror outfit. India had given evidence of Pakistan's involvement after the Parliament terror attack in 2001, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 and most recently Uri and Pathankote attacks but Islamabad did not take any action on terror infrastructure on its territory. India, as part of the fallout of the Pulwama attack, has withdrawn Most Favoured Nation status (MNF) from Pakistan due to which customs duty on all Pak imports stands at 200 per cent now. India has also mounted a diplomatic campaign against Pakistan to isolate the South Asian country. New Delhi has briefed as many as 40 envoys from ASEAN, Central Asia, Gulf, members of the United Nations Security Council over Pakistan's involvement in the Pulwama terror attack.

Neighbours mount pressure on Pakistan: Iran Summons Pak envoy; Afghanistan goes to UNSC against Islamabad

The CRPF has decided to tweak the standard operating procedures (SOPs) framed to secure its convoys, in the wake of a "new threat" where an explosives-laden vehicle was detonated by a terrorist alongside the force's bus in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mission-to-isolate-pakistan-india-raises-pulwama-terror-attack-issue-at-munich-conference-197912">Pulwama killing 40 personnel</a>, the chief of the paramilitary force said Sunday.

"We have decided to add new features to our convoy movement to and from Kashmir," CRPF Director General R R Bhatnagar told PTI after undertaking a two-day tour of the Valley in the wake of the February 14 attack, the worst against security forces in Jammu and Kashmir in three decades.

"Apart from traffic control, there will be changes in the timings of the convoys, their halt locations and movement in coordination with other security forces like the Army and the J-K police," he told the news agency.

He said two convoys have been run after the attack at Latoomode in Pulwama and these new measures are being tested and implemented as part of the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, after his tour to the Valley post the blast, had said it has been decided that movement of civilian vehicles will be restricted when convoys of security forces move in Jammu and Kashmir.

The DG said over the last two days he and his commanders in Kashmir have "discussed an laid down a new strategy" to not only secure the movement of convoys but also to enhance security measures for regular operations.

"I would not like to go into the specifics but we are formulating some strategies. This is something that we have done in the past and these things are dynamic.

"In view of this new threat, where a suicide bomber is suspected to have come close to our vehicle and detonated explosives, strategies are being worked upon," Bhatnagar said.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) chief said there was no ambush on any CRPF convoy in the last two years and the effort is to neutralise such threats as much as possible.

Asked if there was an intelligence input suggesting that a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) could be used by terrorists in Kashmir to hit the forces, Bhatnagar said that he would not talk about things related to operations and intelligence."

A senior official, however, said there was no "specific input" and such an attack was completely new for the security forces in the Valley.

The DG, when asked about sending all troops from Jammu to Srinagar on aircraft to avoid the vulnerability of road movement, said there is "no alternative" to convoys.

Air courier service for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) has been increased by adding flights from Delhi to Srinagar via Jammu and back in 2018, he said.

Many times the helicopters and planes of the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are also used to airlift CAPF troops to the Kashmir Valley, the DG said.

"As the Jammu-Srinagar Highway was closed due to landslides, the convoy operated on February 14 after a gap of 10 days and there was a large backlog of personnel who were to be transported to Srinagar from the transit camp of the CRPF in Jammu," a CRPF official based in Srinagar said.

"Thus, running of the convoy has very little to do with the availability of air effort, which can only supplement the convoys and not replace them," Bhatnagar said.

The proposal for introducing Delhi-Srinagar-Delhi fight (seven days a week) and a separate Jammu-Srinagar-Jammu flight (four days a week) has also been sanctioned by the home ministry and would soon be operational, the DG said.

This would more than double the present capacity to 1,892 seats per week for the forces deployed in the Kashmir Valley, he said.

During his visit to the Valley, the CRPF chief also met his troops at various units in and around Srinagar and also went to the blast site, about 20 km from Srinagar.

The CRPF is the lead counter-terrorism force in the state and has deployed about 65,000 troops as part of 61 battalions there.

The CRPF has decided to tweak the standard operating procedures (SOPs) framed to secure its convoys, in the wake of a "new threat" where an explosives-laden vehicle was detonated by a terrorist alongside the force's bus in Pulwama killing 40 personnel, the chief of the paramilitary force said Sunday.

The CRPF has decided to tweak the standard operating procedures (SOPs) framed to secure its convoys, in the wake of a "new threat" where an explosives-laden vehicle was detonated by a terrorist alongside the force's bus in Pulwama killing 40 personnel, the chief of the paramilitary force said Sunday. "We have decided to add new features to our convoy movement to and from Kashmir," CRPF Director General R R Bhatnagar told PTI after undertaking a two-day tour of the Valley in the wake of the February 14 attack, the worst against security forces in Jammu and Kashmir in three decades. "Apart from traffic control, there will be changes in the timings of the convoys, their halt locations and movement in coordination with other security forces like the Army and the J-K police," he told the news agency. He said two convoys have been run after the attack at Latoomode in Pulwama and these new measures are being tested and implemented as part of the standard operating procedures (SOPs). Home Minister Rajnath Singh, after his tour to the Valley post the blast, had said it has been decided that movement of civilian vehicles will be restricted when convoys of security forces move in Jammu and Kashmir. The DG said over the last two days he and his commanders in Kashmir have "discussed an laid down a new strategy" to not only secure the movement of convoys but also to enhance security measures for regular operations. "I would not like to go into the specifics but we are formulating some strategies. This is something that we have done in the past and these things are dynamic. "In view of this new threat, where a suicide bomber is suspected to have come close to our vehicle and detonated explosives, strategies are being worked upon," Bhatnagar said. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) chief said there was no ambush on any CRPF convoy in the last two years and the effort is to neutralise such threats as much as possible. Asked if there was an intelligence input suggesting that a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) could be used by terrorists in Kashmir to hit the forces, Bhatnagar said that he would not talk about things related to operations and intelligence." A senior official, however, said there was no "specific input" and such an attack was completely new for the security forces in the Valley. The DG, when asked about sending all troops from Jammu to Srinagar on aircraft to avoid the vulnerability of road movement, said there is "no alternative" to convoys. Air courier service for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) has been increased by adding flights from Delhi to Srinagar via Jammu and back in 2018, he said. Many times the helicopters and planes of the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are also used to airlift CAPF troops to the Kashmir Valley, the DG said. "As the Jammu-Srinagar Highway was closed due to landslides, the convoy operated on February 14 after a gap of 10 days and there was a large backlog of personnel who were to be transported to Srinagar from the transit camp of the CRPF in Jammu," a CRPF official based in Srinagar said. "Thus, running of the convoy has very little to do with the availability of air effort, which can only supplement the convoys and not replace them," Bhatnagar said. The proposal for introducing Delhi-Srinagar-Delhi fight (seven days a week) and a separate Jammu-Srinagar-Jammu flight (four days a week) has also been sanctioned by the home ministry and would soon be operational, the DG said. This would more than double the present capacity to 1,892 seats per week for the forces deployed in the Kashmir Valley, he said. During his visit to the Valley, the CRPF chief also met his troops at various units in and around Srinagar and also went to the blast site, about 20 km from Srinagar. The CRPF is the lead counter-terrorism force in the state and has deployed about 65,000 troops as part of 61 battalions there.

Have decided to add new features to convoy movement to and from Kashmir: CRPF DG

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/more-us-aid-for-venezuela-touches-down-amid-distribution-uncertainty-197833">More US aid for Venezuela touches down in Colombia</a>

A US military transport plane carrying humanitarian aid meant for Venezuelans landed in the Colombian border city of Cucuta on Saturday, where food and medicine is being stored amidst uncertainty over&nbsp;how and where aid will be distributed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-are-with-them-always-crpf-official-says-to-kashmiris-197846">We are with them always: CRPF to Kashmiris</a>

In the backdrop of reports of threats issued to Kashmiris based out of Jammu and Kashmir following&nbsp;the Pulwama terror attack, a Srinagar-based CRPF helpline Saturday asked them to approach it in case they face any harassment.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ex-fox-news-anchor-heather-nauert-ends-bid-to-be-next-us-ambassador-to-un-197838">Ex-Fox News anchor Heather Nauert ends bid to be next US ambassador to UN</a>

Former Fox News anchor and State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Saturday that she has withdrawn from&nbsp;consideration to be the next US ambassador to the United Nations.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/customs-duty-on-all-goods-imported-from-pakistan-hiked-to-200-arun-jaitley-197808">Pulwama attack: After scrapping MNF status, Government hikes customs duty on all Pak imports to 200%</a>

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday announced that customs duty on all goods imported from Pakistan will be hiked to 200 per cent with immediate effect.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-decision-made-on-spending-for-trumps-wall-pentagon-chief-197844">No decision made on spending for Trump's wall: Pentagon chief</a>

Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Saturday that no decision has been taken on funding President Donald Trump's border wall with Mexico, a project that may come partly from redirected military funds.

More US aid for Venezuela touches down in Colombia A US military transport plane carrying humanitarian aid meant for Venezuelans landed in the Colombian border city of Cucuta on Saturday, where food and medicine is being stored amidst uncertainty over how and where aid will be distributed.

More US aid for Venezuela touches down in Colombia A US military transport plane carrying humanitarian aid meant for Venezuelans landed in the Colombian border city of Cucuta on Saturday, where food and medicine is being stored amidst uncertainty over how and where aid will be distributed. We are with them always: CRPF to Kashmiris In the backdrop of reports of threats issued to Kashmiris based out of Jammu and Kashmir following the Pulwama terror attack, a Srinagar-based CRPF helpline Saturday asked them to approach it in case they face any harassment. Ex-Fox News anchor Heather Nauert ends bid to be next US ambassador to UN Former Fox News anchor and State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Saturday that she has withdrawn from consideration to be the next US ambassador to the United Nations. Pulwama attack: After scrapping MNF status, Government hikes customs duty on all Pak imports to 200% Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday announced that customs duty on all goods imported from Pakistan will be hiked to 200 per cent with immediate effect. No decision made on spending for Trump's wall: Pentagon chief Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Saturday that no decision has been taken on funding President Donald Trump's border wall with Mexico, a project that may come partly from redirected military funds.

After every terror attack in India, people want the government to take action against Pakistan the way Israel would in such circumstances. This feeling is further accentuated by the narrative built by mass media which, in turn, pressurises the state to fall back on the Indian Army.&nbsp;

Israel, that way, has behaved very differently from many states that find themselves surrounded by hostile neighbours. Instead of relying on its Army for all its covert operations, Israel's other agencies also carry out operations across the world. Israel reacts to threats in a continuous mode unlike in India where a punitive strike is always an after-thought.

Israel has carried out hits all over the world to protect its citizens and demolish organisations like the PLO and Hamas including those who stood in opposition to Israeli interest.&nbsp;

India, on the other hand, has never exercised such an approach. Rather, it begs the question of how our intelligence agencies lost their teeth after the glorious 1971 victory which led to the creation of independent Bangladesh.&nbsp; 
India has never been known to carry out such deep hits. Its peace-keeping mission in Sri Lanka also ended up in disaster as Indian forces became a victim of internecine politics of Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Israel, on the other hand, has gone all over the world to eliminate those who opposed its interests. The best example would that be of Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi who was part of Adolf Hitler's key leadership.&nbsp;

Eichmann was responsible for killing thousands of Jews in Europe and was part of Hitler’s favourite project - Final Solution. When Nazis started to lose the war, Eichmann first decamped in Germany and then fled to British occupied area under a false identity in 1950 from Italy. He fled to Argentina which was a preferred place for the Nazis to disappear after Reich had fallen. His family joined him in 1952. &nbsp;It did not break the resolve of Israel. They looked for him all across South America till they abducted him in 1960 in Argentina and got him back to Israel for a trial. He was tried in Jerusalem and sentenced to death in 1961.&nbsp;

Another example would that be of the Munich Massacre of 1972 where 11 Israeli athletes were killed by a Palestinian terror outfit called Black September. Under Golda Meir’s leadership, operation ‘Wrath of God’ was launched by Israel whose code word was 'Bayonet'. The hit team involved individuals from Mossad and special forces operatives from Israel Defence Forces.&nbsp;

The team hunted individuals associated with planning the attack across Europe and West Asia. The team also made mistakes and put down the wrong person in Norway in 1973 sparking international outrage. As a result, PM Meir had to suspend the operation for a while only to have it revived in 1979. This time around, Israel successfully located Ali Hassan Salameh, known as Red Prince, who was the operational head of the terrorist group Black September. He was put down in Beirut the same year.

In 1962, Israel targeted German scientist working for a rocket programme under the leadership of Egyptian leader Gamal Abdul Naseer. The operation was called Operation Damocles. Egyptians were forced to close down the programme, the scientists were intimidated. The operation damaged Egypt’s effort to build bigger, better rockets to target Israel.

Israel also targeted important functionaries of the &nbsp;Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Hamas throughout West Asia. Israel enjoys an audacious record of carrying deep strikes on countries like Syria, Jordan and Lebanon against terror groups.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The best recent example would that be of Isreal's national intelligence agency Mossad’s Dubai Operation in 2010. The agents neutralized chief weapons buyer of Hamas. Though agents were caught by CCTV cameras all over the place, the message which Israel sent was loud and clear. Israel reinforced that they will hunt down its enemies in any part of the world.&nbsp;

India has not been able to covertly target the key people of Pakistan Army whereas Pakistan has targeted important people of Indian Defence Forces and the police forces across India with impunity. We have not been able to send the message that we mean business when it comes to targeting us. We have failed to send the message to the enemies that we will get them at any cost. It is also because we have not built capacities like Israel. Also, political parties did not evolve a consensus on geopolitical realities. Till 2001, Indian politicians were not able to gauge the problem of Islamic fundamentalism.

In the absence of skill and assets abroad, the political party in power falls back on conventional tactics to counter Pakistan; a move that has its own limits. This too, disproportionately, falls on the shoulder of the Indian Army. &nbsp;

If India wants to behave like Israel, then it will have to build capacity and hit out at Pakistan across the world.

&nbsp;This is being said when India’s geopolitical reality is very different from that of Israel. In past, Israel received continuous backing from the US, unlike India.&nbsp;

Today, Pakistan is extremely close to China which is asserting itself all over the world. Doklam is an example in that case. It is a reality not shared by Israel. India shares a boundary with two nuclear-capable nations.

Pakistan has already forced America's hands in pushing them to talk to the Taliban in Qatar which has made them even bolder.&nbsp;

Also, Kashmir is an integral part of India, unlike the Palestinian areas which for Israel stand as enemy regions. Lastly, Pakistan is a nuclear-armed nation. Any conventional war will have the possibility of the nuke power being misused by the Pakistan Army. In this case, India must do two things which Pakistan.

Firstly, India must hit at Pakistan's interests all over the world. The Centre should also kick-start the political process in Jammu and Kashmir as India cannot afford to have alienated population in the Valley when Pakistan is openly attacking Indian forces.&nbsp;

Finally, India's response against Pakistan must be continuous until and unless the South Asian nation is forced to ask for time. In absence of it, we may end up repeating Operation Parakram which did not change the DNA of the Pakistani state.&nbsp;

All that has happened in the last five years signals the fact that we have simply consumed the idea of a powerful India. We consumed surgical strikes for electoral ends. All of this has ended up creating hysteria across the nation, demanding war. One has to go to Syria and Afghanistan to understand how a full-fledged war affects a country.&nbsp;

The bottom line? Simply put, in the multi-polar world, India’s engagement with Pakistan will be bloody and we will have to take them to war rather than bleeding and fighting it out on our own land. For this, the only answer is harnessing the covert capability to strike at Pakistan's deep state - its Army.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

After every terror attack in India, people want the government to take action against Pakistan the way Israel would in such circumstances. This feeling is further accentuated by the narrative built by mass media which, in turn, pressurises the state to fall back on the Indian Army.

After every terror attack in India, people want the government to take action against Pakistan the way Israel would in such circumstances. This feeling is further accentuated by the narrative built by mass media which, in turn, pressurises the state to fall back on the Indian Army. Israel, that way, has behaved very differently from many states that find themselves surrounded by hostile neighbours. Instead of relying on its Army for all its covert operations, Israel's other agencies also carry out operations across the world. Israel reacts to threats in a continuous mode unlike in India where a punitive strike is always an after-thought. Israel has carried out hits all over the world to protect its citizens and demolish organisations like the PLO and Hamas including those who stood in opposition to Israeli interest. India, on the other hand, has never exercised such an approach. Rather, it begs the question of how our intelligence agencies lost their teeth after the glorious 1971 victory which led to the creation of independent Bangladesh. India has never been known to carry out such deep hits. Its peace-keeping mission in Sri Lanka also ended up in disaster as Indian forces became a victim of internecine politics of Sri Lanka. Israel, on the other hand, has gone all over the world to eliminate those who opposed its interests. The best example would that be of Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi who was part of Adolf Hitler's key leadership. Eichmann was responsible for killing thousands of Jews in Europe and was part of Hitler’s favourite project - Final Solution. When Nazis started to lose the war, Eichmann first decamped in Germany and then fled to British occupied area under a false identity in 1950 from Italy. He fled to Argentina which was a preferred place for the Nazis to disappear after Reich had fallen. His family joined him in 1952. It did not break the resolve of Israel. They looked for him all across South America till they abducted him in 1960 in Argentina and got him back to Israel for a trial. He was tried in Jerusalem and sentenced to death in 1961. Another example would that be of the Munich Massacre of 1972 where 11 Israeli athletes were killed by a Palestinian terror outfit called Black September. Under Golda Meir’s leadership, operation ‘Wrath of God’ was launched by Israel whose code word was 'Bayonet'. The hit team involved individuals from Mossad and special forces operatives from Israel Defence Forces. The team hunted individuals associated with planning the attack across Europe and West Asia. The team also made mistakes and put down the wrong person in Norway in 1973 sparking international outrage. As a result, PM Meir had to suspend the operation for a while only to have it revived in 1979. This time around, Israel successfully located Ali Hassan Salameh, known as Red Prince, who was the operational head of the terrorist group Black September. He was put down in Beirut the same year. In 1962, Israel targeted German scientist working for a rocket programme under the leadership of Egyptian leader Gamal Abdul Naseer. The operation was called Operation Damocles. Egyptians were forced to close down the programme, the scientists were intimidated. The operation damaged Egypt’s effort to build bigger, better rockets to target Israel. Israel also targeted important functionaries of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Hamas throughout West Asia. Israel enjoys an audacious record of carrying deep strikes on countries like Syria, Jordan and Lebanon against terror groups. The best recent example would that be of Isreal's national intelligence agency Mossad’s Dubai Operation in 2010. The agents neutralized chief weapons buyer of Hamas. Though agents were caught by CCTV cameras all over the place, the message which Israel sent was loud and clear. Israel reinforced that they will hunt down its enemies in any part of the world. India has not been able to covertly target the key people of Pakistan Army whereas Pakistan has targeted important people of Indian Defence Forces and the police forces across India with impunity. We have not been able to send the message that we mean business when it comes to targeting us. We have failed to send the message to the enemies that we will get them at any cost. It is also because we have not built capacities like Israel. Also, political parties did not evolve a consensus on geopolitical realities. Till 2001, Indian politicians were not able to gauge the problem of Islamic fundamentalism. In the absence of skill and assets abroad, the political party in power falls back on conventional tactics to counter Pakistan; a move that has its own limits. This too, disproportionately, falls on the shoulder of the Indian Army. If India wants to behave like Israel, then it will have to build capacity and hit out at Pakistan across the world. This is being said when India’s geopolitical reality is very different from that of Israel. In past, Israel received continuous backing from the US, unlike India. Today, Pakistan is extremely close to China which is asserting itself all over the world. Doklam is an example in that case. It is a reality not shared by Israel. India shares a boundary with two nuclear-capable nations. Pakistan has already forced America's hands in pushing them to talk to the Taliban in Qatar which has made them even bolder. Also, Kashmir is an integral part of India, unlike the Palestinian areas which for Israel stand as enemy regions. Lastly, Pakistan is a nuclear-armed nation. Any conventional war will have the possibility of the nuke power being misused by the Pakistan Army. In this case, India must do two things which Pakistan. Firstly, India must hit at Pakistan's interests all over the world. The Centre should also kick-start the political process in Jammu and Kashmir as India cannot afford to have alienated population in the Valley when Pakistan is openly attacking Indian forces. Finally, India's response against Pakistan must be continuous until and unless the South Asian nation is forced to ask for time. In absence of it, we may end up repeating Operation Parakram which did not change the DNA of the Pakistani state. All that has happened in the last five years signals the fact that we have simply consumed the idea of a powerful India. We consumed surgical strikes for electoral ends. All of this has ended up creating hysteria across the nation, demanding war. One has to go to Syria and Afghanistan to understand how a full-fledged war affects a country. The bottom line? Simply put, in the multi-polar world, India’s engagement with Pakistan will be bloody and we will have to take them to war rather than bleeding and fighting it out on our own land. For this, the only answer is harnessing the covert capability to strike at Pakistan's deep state - its Army. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Pulwama terror attack: Can India respond like Israel?

Referring to the ghastly&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mission-to-isolate-pakistan-india-raises-pulwama-terror-attack-issue-at-munich-conference-197912">terror attack on CRPF convoy in J&amp;K’s Pulwama</a> district on Thursday which left 40 jawans killed and many others injured, former RAW chief Vikram Sood on Sunday said that such kind of terror attack “does not take place without a security lapse somewhere.”

Talking to media persons on the sidelines of an event here, Sood said, “I have no idea what actually went wrong, but this kind of incident does not take place without a security lapse somewhere.”

“What actually happened, I don’t know. Obviously, there was just more than one man involved. There would have been the guy who brought the explosives. Someone put it together. Somebody got the car. They have knowledge about the vehicles’ movement.”

“They knew the spot where they are going to do it. There must have been a group of people who did it and this person who did the bomb(ing), (was) selected, motivated to do it. It is too early to conclude—A went or B went wrong,” he said.

On the possible action, he said, “It’s not a boxing match. You do a reaction like the PM said you do it at your convenience, at your own time and place of your choice. It doesn’t happen tomorrow or today.”

Talking about the issue of Kashmir, the former RAW chief said, “First of all, we have to be consistent with what we do. Secondly, it should be an Indian approach&nbsp;and not a party approach.” &nbsp;

Earlier speaking at the event, Sood called for the establishment of an institution to “deeply analyse the wrong moves taken by India in the past.”

“There has to be a system where you can honestly do research on why things went wrong. We are known for our failures. But we don’t mind that because this helps us to preserve what we have done in the past,” said he.

Former chief of Research &amp; Analysis Wing (RAW) went on to add, “If someone has legal empowerment of the agency which includes accountability, then it is a fair game. But if you have only accountability, then that organisation will collapse. We cannot just have it one way.”

Highlighting the role of technology in the World War II, Cold War era and the rapid progress of globalisation, Sood said, “In the ’90s, the Internet became active and was touted to be a new weapon of war of intelligence and counterintelligence.”

“The 21st century has seen a rapid rise of globalisation and technology and until today mankind does not know that when technology will become overpowering. It is already a huge issue that we don’t know where it will lead us in the future,” he said.

Touching upon the topics of radicalism, Sood said, “The printed gun and other things have emerged because of the rise of powers like China and rise of Islamic radicalism from the west of our borders.”

“The west of Indian borders is all infected with various hues of Islamic fundamentalism, radicalism. It is going to be a problem for everybody including the moderates of the Islamic world,” he said.

The former RAW chief said that Russia was again emerging as a superpower. “During the Cold War, Americans had 65 allies who were dictators. When the Cold War ended, the Soviets were defeated in Afghanistan, and the Berlin Wall came down.”

“Mind you, at that time, the Soviet Union had ended but not Russia. The Soviet Union was an ideology and Russia was a nation. This nation will not come down. They are emerging again,” he said.

“The Americans had supported Jihadis and they never imagined the kind of monster they were about to create. They thought that a few agitated Muslims do not matter in the world when the aim is to make Europe safe from the Soviet Union. And now, those agitated Muslims are asking for the caliphates all over the world,” he said.

“America controls six per cent of the total population but 50 per cent of wealth and they would like to keep it that way. To hell with the democracy and to hell with the human rights is that what their policy has been,” Sood further said.

The former RAW chief said, “The world we are living in today is a massive global churn. Now if you imagine that you unstrip the globe and flatten it on the top of the table, you will find that in every corner of the earth there is a fire.”

“There are new powers who want to be the masters. Old powers do not want to leave. And India too needs a place under the sun, but we are not going to get it easily.

Nobody is giving it to us on a platter. So in this turmoil, we have innumerable problems—problems of fires of destruction, problems of fires of reconstructions. The natural disasters were not enough and man-made disasters are the latest,” said Sood.&nbsp;

Referring to the ghastly terror attack on CRPF convoy in J&K’s Pulwama district on Thursday which left 40 jawans killed and many others injured, former RAW chief Vikram Sood on Sunday said that such kind of terror attack “does not take place without a security lapse somewhere.

Referring to the ghastly terror attack on CRPF convoy in J&K’s Pulwama district on Thursday which left 40 jawans killed and many others injured, former RAW chief Vikram Sood on Sunday said that such kind of terror attack “does not take place without a security lapse somewhere.” Talking to media persons on the sidelines of an event here, Sood said, “I have no idea what actually went wrong, but this kind of incident does not take place without a security lapse somewhere.” “What actually happened, I don’t know. Obviously, there was just more than one man involved. There would have been the guy who brought the explosives. Someone put it together. Somebody got the car. They have knowledge about the vehicles’ movement.” “They knew the spot where they are going to do it. There must have been a group of people who did it and this person who did the bomb(ing), (was) selected, motivated to do it. It is too early to conclude—A went or B went wrong,” he said. On the possible action, he said, “It’s not a boxing match. You do a reaction like the PM said you do it at your convenience, at your own time and place of your choice. It doesn’t happen tomorrow or today.” Talking about the issue of Kashmir, the former RAW chief said, “First of all, we have to be consistent with what we do. Secondly, it should be an Indian approach and not a party approach.” Earlier speaking at the event, Sood called for the establishment of an institution to “deeply analyse the wrong moves taken by India in the past.” “There has to be a system where you can honestly do research on why things went wrong. We are known for our failures. But we don’t mind that because this helps us to preserve what we have done in the past,” said he. Former chief of Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) went on to add, “If someone has legal empowerment of the agency which includes accountability, then it is a fair game. But if you have only accountability, then that organisation will collapse. We cannot just have it one way.” Highlighting the role of technology in the World War II, Cold War era and the rapid progress of globalisation, Sood said, “In the ’90s, the Internet became active and was touted to be a new weapon of war of intelligence and counterintelligence.” “The 21st century has seen a rapid rise of globalisation and technology and until today mankind does not know that when technology will become overpowering. It is already a huge issue that we don’t know where it will lead us in the future,” he said. Touching upon the topics of radicalism, Sood said, “The printed gun and other things have emerged because of the rise of powers like China and rise of Islamic radicalism from the west of our borders.” “The west of Indian borders is all infected with various hues of Islamic fundamentalism, radicalism. It is going to be a problem for everybody including the moderates of the Islamic world,” he said. The former RAW chief said that Russia was again emerging as a superpower. “During the Cold War, Americans had 65 allies who were dictators. When the Cold War ended, the Soviets were defeated in Afghanistan, and the Berlin Wall came down.” “Mind you, at that time, the Soviet Union had ended but not Russia. The Soviet Union was an ideology and Russia was a nation. This nation will not come down. They are emerging again,” he said. “The Americans had supported Jihadis and they never imagined the kind of monster they were about to create. They thought that a few agitated Muslims do not matter in the world when the aim is to make Europe safe from the Soviet Union. And now, those agitated Muslims are asking for the caliphates all over the world,” he said. “America controls six per cent of the total population but 50 per cent of wealth and they would like to keep it that way. To hell with the democracy and to hell with the human rights is that what their policy has been,” Sood further said. The former RAW chief said, “The world we are living in today is a massive global churn. Now if you imagine that you unstrip the globe and flatten it on the top of the table, you will find that in every corner of the earth there is a fire.” “There are new powers who want to be the masters. Old powers do not want to leave. And India too needs a place under the sun, but we are not going to get it easily. Nobody is giving it to us on a platter. So in this turmoil, we have innumerable problems—problems of fires of destruction, problems of fires of reconstructions. The natural disasters were not enough and man-made disasters are the latest,” said Sood.

Pulwama kind of incidents don't take place without security lapse somewhere: Ex-Raw chief

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday welcomed the Jammu and Kashmir government's decision to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-government-withdraws-security-cover-of-5-separatist-leaders-including-mirwaiz-umar-farooq-197880">withdraw the security of separatist leaders</a> in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.

The Union Minister asserted that the step of revoking security cover accorded to separatists should have been taken earlier.

"These Hurriyat leaders talk to Pakistan and receive funding from various places. The most painful thing is that they get security from the central government and the Jammu and Kashmir government. India will not allow any step taken towards separating Kashmir from the country," Prasad told media here.

"Jammu and Kashmir is part of India and will remain so. This cannot be practised anymore that you talk about distributing India and take security from Indian government itself. We welcome this decision of the Jammu and Kashmir government. This step should have been taken earlier itself," he added.

Cracking down on pro-Pakistan elements in Kashmir, the state government earlier today withdrew the security provided to five separatist leaders. The decision came in the wake of Pulwama terror attack in which around 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

The separatist leaders whose security was withdrawn included All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

"The Government is issuing orders withdrawing all security and any government facilities provided to the following separatist leaders namely Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Abdul Ghani Bhat, Bilal Lone, Hashim Qureshi and Shabir Shah,” read the order by the Jammu and Kashmir administration.

As per orders of the state government, all security and any vehicles provided to them will stand withdrawn by today evening. No security forces or cover should be provided, under any pretext, to them or any other separatists said the administration order.

The state administration has also said that the Police Headquarters will review if there are any other separatists who have government security or facilities and will withdraw these immediately.&nbsp;

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday welcomed the Jammu and Kashmir government's decision to withdraw the security of separatist leaders in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday welcomed the Jammu and Kashmir government's decision to withdraw the security of separatist leaders in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack. The Union Minister asserted that the step of revoking security cover accorded to separatists should have been taken earlier. "These Hurriyat leaders talk to Pakistan and receive funding from various places. The most painful thing is that they get security from the central government and the Jammu and Kashmir government. India will not allow any step taken towards separating Kashmir from the country," Prasad told media here. "Jammu and Kashmir is part of India and will remain so. This cannot be practised anymore that you talk about distributing India and take security from Indian government itself. We welcome this decision of the Jammu and Kashmir government. This step should have been taken earlier itself," he added. Cracking down on pro-Pakistan elements in Kashmir, the state government earlier today withdrew the security provided to five separatist leaders. The decision came in the wake of Pulwama terror attack in which around 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The separatist leaders whose security was withdrawn included All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. "The Government is issuing orders withdrawing all security and any government facilities provided to the following separatist leaders namely Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Abdul Ghani Bhat, Bilal Lone, Hashim Qureshi and Shabir Shah,” read the order by the Jammu and Kashmir administration. As per orders of the state government, all security and any vehicles provided to them will stand withdrawn by today evening. No security forces or cover should be provided, under any pretext, to them or any other separatists said the administration order. The state administration has also said that the Police Headquarters will review if there are any other separatists who have government security or facilities and will withdraw these immediately.

Ravi Shankar Prasad welcomes J&K government's decision to withdraw security of separatist leaders

Saudi Arabia`s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is due to arrive in Pakistan on Sunday at the start of his tour of South Asia and China, but the visit risks being overshadowed by escalating tensions between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan.

The trip comes days after a suicide bomber killed 44 Indian paramilitary police in the disputed Kashmir region. New Delhi has accused Pakistan of having a hand in the bombing and vowed to punish Islamabad, which denies involvement.

Cash-strapped and in need of friends, Pakistan is welcoming the crown prince with open arms for a visit during which he is expected to sign investment agreements worth more than $10 billion.

Saudi Arabia has in recent months helped keep Pakistan`s economy afloat by propping up its rapidly dwindling foreign exchange reserves with a $6 billion loan, giving Islamabad breathing room as it negotiates a bailout with the International Monetary Fund.

Analyst say the crown prince`s trip is being treated by Islamabad as the biggest state visit since Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015, soon after Beijing announced plans to invest tens of billions of dollars on infrastructure in Pakistan as part of China`s global Belt and Road initiative.

The visit marks a deepening in ties between allies whose relationship has in the past centred on oil-rich Saudi Arabia backing Pakistan`s economy during difficult periods, and in return Pakistan`s powerful army lending support to Saudi Arabia and its royal family.

As the guardians of most holy sites in the birthplace of Islam, the Saudi royal family carries vast religious clout in Pakistan, a staunchly conservative and mainly-Muslim nation of 208 million people.

"What is happening in this relationship is a renewal of Pakistan`s commitment to help protect the royal family and the order as it exists in Saudi Arabia," said Mosharraf Zaidi, Senior Fellow at Tabadlab, a Pakistani think tank focused on global and local public policy.

"On the flip side, there is reassurance that Saudi Arabia will not only continue to serve as a strategic friend who will help shore up Pakistan`s finances when needed, but it`s also going to become a participant in the wider investment in Pakistan."

Pakistan is shutting down its airspace and has stepped up security in Islamabad for the crown prince, who is set to become the first guest to stay at the Prime Minister`s House. Pakistan`s new populist premier, Imran Khan, has refused to use the residence in a bid to save taxpayers` money.&nbsp;

Pakistani hopes for further investment opportunities from Saudi Arabia were dealt a blow on Saturday when the government announced that the Pak-Saudi Business Conference had been "postponed".

Pakistani officials have already flagged up that Saudi Arabia will announce eight investment agreements, including a $10 billion refinery and petrochemicals complex in the coastal city of Gwadar, where China is building a port.

But the crown prince`s arrival comes amid a vow by India to isolate Pakistan internationally following the deadliest attack in Kashmir in decades.&nbsp;

New Delhi is demanding Islamabad act against the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militant group, which it says has the backing of the Pakistani state, over the bombing. Islamabad denies playing a role and has called for an investigation.

In Islamabad, the crown prince is expected to meet Khan and Pakistan`s army chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa. He is also likely to meet representatives of the Afghan Taliban militant group to discuss peace negotiations to end the 17-year civil war in Afghanistan, Pakistani government sources say.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia`s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is due to arrive in Pakistan on Sunday at the start of his tour of South Asia and China, but the visit risks being overshadowed by escalating tensions between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia`s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is due to arrive in Pakistan on Sunday at the start of his tour of South Asia and China, but the visit risks being overshadowed by escalating tensions between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan. The trip comes days after a suicide bomber killed 44 Indian paramilitary police in the disputed Kashmir region. New Delhi has accused Pakistan of having a hand in the bombing and vowed to punish Islamabad, which denies involvement. Cash-strapped and in need of friends, Pakistan is welcoming the crown prince with open arms for a visit during which he is expected to sign investment agreements worth more than $10 billion. Saudi Arabia has in recent months helped keep Pakistan`s economy afloat by propping up its rapidly dwindling foreign exchange reserves with a $6 billion loan, giving Islamabad breathing room as it negotiates a bailout with the International Monetary Fund. Analyst say the crown prince`s trip is being treated by Islamabad as the biggest state visit since Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015, soon after Beijing announced plans to invest tens of billions of dollars on infrastructure in Pakistan as part of China`s global Belt and Road initiative. The visit marks a deepening in ties between allies whose relationship has in the past centred on oil-rich Saudi Arabia backing Pakistan`s economy during difficult periods, and in return Pakistan`s powerful army lending support to Saudi Arabia and its royal family. As the guardians of most holy sites in the birthplace of Islam, the Saudi royal family carries vast religious clout in Pakistan, a staunchly conservative and mainly-Muslim nation of 208 million people. "What is happening in this relationship is a renewal of Pakistan`s commitment to help protect the royal family and the order as it exists in Saudi Arabia," said Mosharraf Zaidi, Senior Fellow at Tabadlab, a Pakistani think tank focused on global and local public policy. "On the flip side, there is reassurance that Saudi Arabia will not only continue to serve as a strategic friend who will help shore up Pakistan`s finances when needed, but it`s also going to become a participant in the wider investment in Pakistan." Pakistan is shutting down its airspace and has stepped up security in Islamabad for the crown prince, who is set to become the first guest to stay at the Prime Minister`s House. Pakistan`s new populist premier, Imran Khan, has refused to use the residence in a bid to save taxpayers` money. Pakistani hopes for further investment opportunities from Saudi Arabia were dealt a blow on Saturday when the government announced that the Pak-Saudi Business Conference had been "postponed". Pakistani officials have already flagged up that Saudi Arabia will announce eight investment agreements, including a $10 billion refinery and petrochemicals complex in the coastal city of Gwadar, where China is building a port. But the crown prince`s arrival comes amid a vow by India to isolate Pakistan internationally following the deadliest attack in Kashmir in decades. New Delhi is demanding Islamabad act against the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militant group, which it says has the backing of the Pakistani state, over the bombing. Islamabad denies playing a role and has called for an investigation. In Islamabad, the crown prince is expected to meet Khan and Pakistan`s army chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa. He is also likely to meet representatives of the Afghan Taliban militant group to discuss peace negotiations to end the 17-year civil war in Afghanistan, Pakistani government sources say.

Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman heads for cash-strapped Pakistan

Amid slogans of "Pakistan Murdabaad", mortal remains of slain Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel draped in the Indian flag were brought to their respective native places on Saturday.

Teary-eyed locals of Tofapur village in Varanasi received the mortal remains of CRPF jawan Ramesh Yadav. The mortal remains of CRPF jawan Rohitash Lamba were brought to his native place in Govindpura, Jaipur.The daughter of deceased CRPF ASI Mohan Lal paid last tributes to her father.

Massive anger has erupted across the nation over the ghastly attack in Jammu and Kashmir`s Pulwama that claimed the lives of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-diplomacy-takes-centerstage-as-india-prepares-to-isolate-pakistan-197623">40 CRPF jawans</a>.

While people paid tributes to the martyrs by holding candlelight vigils, demonstrations were held at many places against Pakistan with demands being put forth to take action against the neighbouring country for its "continuous support to terror groups."

On Friday, agitators in Ahmedabad thrashed posters of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar during a protest against the dastardly terror attack in Pulwama.

Condemning the suicidal attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday warned Pakistan by saying, "The forces behind this act of terrorism and those responsible for it, will be definitely be punished."

The Narendra Modi government has called an all-party meeting on Saturday to hold consultations with the opposition parties in the wake of Pulwama terror attack. Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, other political leaders and Chiefs of Indian security forces paid their tributes to all 40 brave hearts at the Palam Airport on Friday.

In the deadliest attack on security forces in Kashmir, over 40 CRPF personnel were killed on Thursday when their convoy was targeted by a suspected suicide bomber of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-mfn-status-to-pakistan-what-it-means-how-it-impacts-trade-197569">Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad </a>in Pulwama district on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.

The convoy of 78 buses, in which around 2500 CRPF personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar, came under attack at around 3.15 pm at Ladhu Modi Lethpora.&nbsp;

Amid slogans of "Pakistan Murdabaad", mortal remains of slain Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel draped in the Indian flag were brought to their respective native places on Saturday.

Amid slogans of "Pakistan Murdabaad", mortal remains of slain Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel draped in the Indian flag were brought to their respective native places on Saturday. Teary-eyed locals of Tofapur village in Varanasi received the mortal remains of CRPF jawan Ramesh Yadav. The mortal remains of CRPF jawan Rohitash Lamba were brought to his native place in Govindpura, Jaipur.The daughter of deceased CRPF ASI Mohan Lal paid last tributes to her father. Massive anger has erupted across the nation over the ghastly attack in Jammu and Kashmir`s Pulwama that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF jawans. While people paid tributes to the martyrs by holding candlelight vigils, demonstrations were held at many places against Pakistan with demands being put forth to take action against the neighbouring country for its "continuous support to terror groups." On Friday, agitators in Ahmedabad thrashed posters of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar during a protest against the dastardly terror attack in Pulwama. Condemning the suicidal attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday warned Pakistan by saying, "The forces behind this act of terrorism and those responsible for it, will be definitely be punished." The Narendra Modi government has called an all-party meeting on Saturday to hold consultations with the opposition parties in the wake of Pulwama terror attack. Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, other political leaders and Chiefs of Indian security forces paid their tributes to all 40 brave hearts at the Palam Airport on Friday. In the deadliest attack on security forces in Kashmir, over 40 CRPF personnel were killed on Thursday when their convoy was targeted by a suspected suicide bomber of Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad in Pulwama district on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. The convoy of 78 buses, in which around 2500 CRPF personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar, came under attack at around 3.15 pm at Ladhu Modi Lethpora.

Pulwama attack: Mortal remains of bravehearts arrive amidst anti-Pak slogans

India's diplomatic campaign continued for the second day on Saturday as diplomats from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Central Asia, ASEAN, Africa and non-permanent members of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) were briefed at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) post-<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jem-commanders-responsible-for-pulwama-terror-attack-identified-traced-in-tral-sources-197758">Pulwama terror attack</a> that killed 40 CRPF personnel.&nbsp;

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and secretaries strongly rejected the denial by Pakistan of its involvement in the attack and highlighted how Pakistan has been using terrorism as an instrument of its state policy.&nbsp;

Diplomats from over 15 countries were briefed about Pakistan's involvement in the terror attack and its continued support to terrorism by providing safe havens to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). JeM has taken responsibility for the attack which has been billed as the worst ever in over two decades.

Dean of Diplomatic Corps Ambassador Frank Hans Dannenberg Castellanos was also present during the MEA briefing. Dean is the main representative of diplomatic corps and the longest serving ambassador in a country.

An ambassador, on the condition of anonymity, told WION, "this time it's much more than statements".

On Friday, India briefed 25 envoys from P-5 (Permanent Five of the United Nations Security Council) countries, South Asian countries and nations like Japan, Germany and South Korea.&nbsp;

After the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting on Friday, it was decided that India will be calling on the international community to isolate Pakistan owing to its support to terror. After the Uri attack, India and other South Asian countries in the region boycotted the SAARC summit in Islamabad.&nbsp;

India's focus will now be on highlighting Pakistan's support to terror at the&nbsp; 
Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting that begins from Sunday in Paris. Remember, Pakistan was put on the greylist last year by the group.

I am here for a while: Indian High Commissioner&nbsp;

Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria was at MEA for the consultations. He was at the ministry for over an hour. Speaking to reporters after the meet he said, "I am here for consultations". "I don't know for how many days but I am here for a while," Bisaria added.&nbsp;

There may be some special declaration on Pulwama attacks by the President of Argentina Mauricio Macri during his India visit which will begin Sunday.

US backs India's right to self-defence

Meanwhile, the United States has said it will back India's "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-us-supports-indias-right-to-self-defence-offers-help-to-bring-perpetrators-to-justice-197721">right to self-defence against cross-border terrorism</a>". In a phone call from US National Security Advisor (NSA) John Bolton to India's NSA Ajit Doval, Washington "offered all assistance to India to bring the perpetrators and backers of the attack promptly to justice," an MEA release said.

Both the NSAs "vowed to work together" to ensure that Pakistan "cease to be a safe haven" for Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) and other terrorist groups.

New Delhi and Washington also "resolved to hold Pakistan to account" for its "obligations under UN resolutions and to remove all obstacles to designating" JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

India had approached United Nation Security Council's 1267 Committee three years ago to designate Azhar as an international terrorist but Bejing blocked it citing lack of consensus.&nbsp;

The United States was one of the first countries to condemn the terror attack and called on Pakistan not to provide safe haven to terrorists. The White House called on "Pakistan to end immediately the support and safe haven provided to all terrorist groups operating on its soil".

US State Department called on "all countries to uphold their responsibilities pursuant to UN Security Council resolutions to deny safe haven and support for terrorists".&nbsp;

Meanwhile, expressions of strong condemnations continue to pour in from across the world. Around 50 countries have condemned the terror attacks so far, including US, Germany, Russia, France, China, EU, Australia, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Iran, among other nations.&nbsp;

Iran comes hard on Pakistan

As India mounts pressure on Islamabad, Iran also hit out and called for action on terror groups responsible for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/iran-general-says-pakistan-backs-group-behind-suicide-bomb-197757">terror attack that killed 27 of its Revolutionary Guards</a> on Wednesday in south-eastern Sistan-Baluchistan province.&nbsp;

"If Pakistan does not carry out its responsibilities, Iran reserves the right to confront threats on its borders ... based on international law and will retaliate to punish the terrorists", Revolutionary Guards commander Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari was quoted by the state media.

India's diplomatic campaign continued for the second day on Saturday as diplomats from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Central Asia, ASEAN, Africa and non-permanent members of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) were briefed at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) post-Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel.

India's diplomatic campaign continued for the second day on Saturday as diplomats from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Central Asia, ASEAN, Africa and non-permanent members of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) were briefed at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) post-Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and secretaries strongly rejected the denial by Pakistan of its involvement in the attack and highlighted how Pakistan has been using terrorism as an instrument of its state policy. Diplomats from over 15 countries were briefed about Pakistan's involvement in the terror attack and its continued support to terrorism by providing safe havens to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). JeM has taken responsibility for the attack which has been billed as the worst ever in over two decades. Dean of Diplomatic Corps Ambassador Frank Hans Dannenberg Castellanos was also present during the MEA briefing. Dean is the main representative of diplomatic corps and the longest serving ambassador in a country. An ambassador, on the condition of anonymity, told WION, "this time it's much more than statements". On Friday, India briefed 25 envoys from P-5 (Permanent Five of the United Nations Security Council) countries, South Asian countries and nations like Japan, Germany and South Korea. After the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting on Friday, it was decided that India will be calling on the international community to isolate Pakistan owing to its support to terror. After the Uri attack, India and other South Asian countries in the region boycotted the SAARC summit in Islamabad. India's focus will now be on highlighting Pakistan's support to terror at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meeting that begins from Sunday in Paris. Remember, Pakistan was put on the greylist last year by the group. I am here for a while: Indian High Commissioner Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria was at MEA for the consultations. He was at the ministry for over an hour. Speaking to reporters after the meet he said, "I am here for consultations". "I don't know for how many days but I am here for a while," Bisaria added. There may be some special declaration on Pulwama attacks by the President of Argentina Mauricio Macri during his India visit which will begin Sunday. US backs India's right to self-defence Meanwhile, the United States has said it will back India's "right to self-defence against cross-border terrorism". In a phone call from US National Security Advisor (NSA) John Bolton to India's NSA Ajit Doval, Washington "offered all assistance to India to bring the perpetrators and backers of the attack promptly to justice," an MEA release said. Both the NSAs "vowed to work together" to ensure that Pakistan "cease to be a safe haven" for Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) and other terrorist groups. New Delhi and Washington also "resolved to hold Pakistan to account" for its "obligations under UN resolutions and to remove all obstacles to designating" JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. India had approached United Nation Security Council's 1267 Committee three years ago to designate Azhar as an international terrorist but Bejing blocked it citing lack of consensus. The United States was one of the first countries to condemn the terror attack and called on Pakistan not to provide safe haven to terrorists. The White House called on "Pakistan to end immediately the support and safe haven provided to all terrorist groups operating on its soil". US State Department called on "all countries to uphold their responsibilities pursuant to UN Security Council resolutions to deny safe haven and support for terrorists". Meanwhile, expressions of strong condemnations continue to pour in from across the world. Around 50 countries have condemned the terror attacks so far, including US, Germany, Russia, France, China, EU, Australia, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Iran, among other nations. Iran comes hard on Pakistan As India mounts pressure on Islamabad, Iran also hit out and called for action on terror groups responsible for the terror attack that killed 27 of its Revolutionary Guards on Wednesday in south-eastern Sistan-Baluchistan province. "If Pakistan does not carry out its responsibilities, Iran reserves the right to confront threats on its borders ... based on international law and will retaliate to punish the terrorists", Revolutionary Guards commander Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari was quoted by the state media.

Pulwama attack: India continues its diplomatic campaign; briefs Gulf, ASEAN and African envoys 

Star cricketer Virat Kohli has postponed the RP-SG Indian Sports Honours, which was to take place on Saturday, as a "mark of respect" to the CRPF personnel martyred in the Pulwama terrorist attack.

On Thursday, at least 40 CRPF paramilitary troopers were killed in a terror attack while several others are battling for their lives following what is being termed as the deadliest terrorist strike in three decades in Jammu and Kashmir.

Indian Sports Honours is an initiative of Virat Kohli Foundation and RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group.

"The RP-SG Indian Sports Honours has been postponed. At this heavy moment of loss that we all find ourselves in, we would like to cancel this event that was scheduled to take place tomorrow," Kohli wrote on his twitter handle Friday night.

The sporting fraternity, including Kohli, had joined the country in condemning the dastardly attack.

The batting mainstay annually rewards excellence in sports and nurtures promising athletes through his foundation.

"The RP-SG Indian Sports Honours that was supposed to happen tomorrow night has been postponed by Virat as a mark of respect to the CRPF jawans who were martyred at Pulwama by a tragic terror attack," the foundation said in a statement.

"The who's who of entertainment and sports industry were supposed to be present for the award ceremony. Every partner and all the sportstars and delegates associated with this award have been informed and communicated with(,) stating that hosting an event was unacceptable at this moment when India is mourning the death of its jawans."

An explosive-laden SUV rammed into one of the buses in the CRPF convoy at Awantipora town in the Pulwama district.

Condolence messages have been pouring in for the family of the deceased CRPF soldiers since the news of the attack broke out.

The foundation, an organisation dedicated to assisting the underprivileged sections of society, provides scholarships to promising young athletes, as well as individuals and initiatives that have promoted sport at the grassroot level.&nbsp;

Star cricketer Virat Kohli has postponed the RP-SG Indian Sports Honours, which was to take place on Saturday, as a "mark of respect" to the CRPF personnel martyred in the Pulwama terrorist attack.

Star cricketer Virat Kohli has postponed the RP-SG Indian Sports Honours, which was to take place on Saturday, as a "mark of respect" to the CRPF personnel martyred in the Pulwama terrorist attack. On Thursday, at least 40 CRPF paramilitary troopers were killed in a terror attack while several others are battling for their lives following what is being termed as the deadliest terrorist strike in three decades in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian Sports Honours is an initiative of Virat Kohli Foundation and RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group. "The RP-SG Indian Sports Honours has been postponed. At this heavy moment of loss that we all find ourselves in, we would like to cancel this event that was scheduled to take place tomorrow," Kohli wrote on his twitter handle Friday night. The sporting fraternity, including Kohli, had joined the country in condemning the dastardly attack. The batting mainstay annually rewards excellence in sports and nurtures promising athletes through his foundation. "The RP-SG Indian Sports Honours that was supposed to happen tomorrow night has been postponed by Virat as a mark of respect to the CRPF jawans who were martyred at Pulwama by a tragic terror attack," the foundation said in a statement. "The who's who of entertainment and sports industry were supposed to be present for the award ceremony. Every partner and all the sportstars and delegates associated with this award have been informed and communicated with(,) stating that hosting an event was unacceptable at this moment when India is mourning the death of its jawans." An explosive-laden SUV rammed into one of the buses in the CRPF convoy at Awantipora town in the Pulwama district. Condolence messages have been pouring in for the family of the deceased CRPF soldiers since the news of the attack broke out. The foundation, an organisation dedicated to assisting the underprivileged sections of society, provides scholarships to promising young athletes, as well as individuals and initiatives that have promoted sport at the grassroot level.

Pulwama terror attack: Kohli postpones Indian Sports Honours

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday announced ex-gratia of Rs 12 lakh and a government job to the kin of CRPF jawans from the state, who were martyred in Pulwama terror attack.

Among the deceased, four CRPF jawans--Kulwinder Singh, Jaimal Singh, Sukhjinder Singh and Maninder Singhand--were from Punjab.

"Even though we can never compensate the loss of these brave sons of Punjab, my government has announced a compensation of Rs 12 lakh and a job to next of kin of the martyrs belonging to Punjab. I stand by the families of these brave-hearts who made the supreme sacrifice in #Pulwama," the Chief Minister tweeted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-jharkhand-cm-announces-compensation-of-rs-10-lakh-job-to-family-of-deceased-soldier-197695">Pulwama attack: Jharkhand CM announces compensation of Rs 10 lakh, job to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-jharkhand-cm-announces-compensation-of-rs-10-lakh-job-to-family-of-deceased-soldier-197695">family</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-jharkhand-cm-announces-compensation-of-rs-10-lakh-job-to-family-of-deceased-soldier-197695"> of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-jharkhand-cm-announces-compensation-of-rs-10-lakh-job-to-family-of-deceased-soldier-197695">deceased</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-jharkhand-cm-announces-compensation-of-rs-10-lakh-job-to-family-of-deceased-soldier-197695"> soldier</a>

Around 40 CRPF personnel were killed after a suicide bomber rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus carrying them on Thursday.

The bus was extensively damaged in the blast.

The convoy comprised 78 buses in which around 2,500 personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar.

Soon after the attack, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which is based in Pakistan and backed by Islamabad, claimed the responsibility for the attack and said it was carried out by its suicide bomber.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday announced ex-gratia of Rs 12 lakh and a government job to the kin of CRPF jawans from the state, who were martyred in Pulwama terror attack.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday announced ex-gratia of Rs 12 lakh and a government job to the kin of CRPF jawans from the state, who were martyred in Pulwama terror attack. Among the deceased, four CRPF jawans--Kulwinder Singh, Jaimal Singh, Sukhjinder Singh and Maninder Singhand--were from Punjab. "Even though we can never compensate the loss of these brave sons of Punjab, my government has announced a compensation of Rs 12 lakh and a job to next of kin of the martyrs belonging to Punjab. I stand by the families of these brave-hearts who made the supreme sacrifice in #Pulwama," the Chief Minister tweeted. Also read: Pulwama attack: Jharkhand CM announces compensation of Rs 10 lakh, job to family of deceased soldier Around 40 CRPF personnel were killed after a suicide bomber rammed a car laden with explosives into a bus carrying them on Thursday. The bus was extensively damaged in the blast. The convoy comprised 78 buses in which around 2,500 personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar. Soon after the attack, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which is based in Pakistan and backed by Islamabad, claimed the responsibility for the attack and said it was carried out by its suicide bomber.

Pulwama terror attack: Punjab CM announces Rs 12 lakh ex gratia, job to next of kin of slain CRPF jawans

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