Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday gave a stern warning to Pakistan stating that it will break into several parts if it does not stop supporting terrorism.

"In 1971, Pakistan which was formed on the basis of religion was divided into two parts. If politics based on religion goes on in Pakistan, no one can prevent it from getting divided into several parts...If Pakistan does not stop supporting terrorism then it cannot be denied that it will break into several parts in future", he said here.

The Defence Minister made these remarks while addressing an event of Bharatiya Veer Jawan Trust in Surat where families of soldiers who lost their lives in line of duty were felicitated.

Reiterating India's firm stand on Jammu and Kashmir, Singh also affirmed that talk between India and Pakistan can happen only on Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

"I have clearly stated that if talks take place between India and Pakistan, then it will be on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK)," he said.

The Defence Minister also outlined India's firm belief in humanity and justice and said, "I want to say to Pakistan that India was divided on the basis of religion during the partition and it was made possible by those who made Pakistan and have the ideology to do politics of religion. India does not believe in the politics of caste and religion. It believes in humanity and justice."

Asserting that Pakistan did not like the development and progress of India, he said, "Article 370 was abrogated but Pakistan did not digest it well. It went to the United Nations and started lying to deceive the international organisation. Pakistan is talking about human Rights Commission when it could not protect minorities in its own land."

Singh continued, "Human Rights violations are taking place in Pakistan. It is taking place against Baloch people, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. Pakistan is trying to defame India by talking about human rights at the international organisation. But nobody agrees with Pakistan."

On Friday, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale had also said that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan should hand over the portion of Kashmir (PoK) to India, which it has occupied illegally if it wanted to hold talks with India.Earlier this week, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideologue Indresh Kumar had also said that Pakistan is getting weaker "day-by-day" and is headed towards another partition - this time into five-six parts.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday gave a stern warning to Pakistan stating that it will break into several parts if it does not stop supporting terrorism.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday gave a stern warning to Pakistan stating that it will break into several parts if it does not stop supporting terrorism. "In 1971, Pakistan which was formed on the basis of religion was divided into two parts. If politics based on religion goes on in Pakistan, no one can prevent it from getting divided into several parts...If Pakistan does not stop supporting terrorism then it cannot be denied that it will break into several parts in future", he said here. The Defence Minister made these remarks while addressing an event of Bharatiya Veer Jawan Trust in Surat where families of soldiers who lost their lives in line of duty were felicitated. Reiterating India's firm stand on Jammu and Kashmir, Singh also affirmed that talk between India and Pakistan can happen only on Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). "I have clearly stated that if talks take place between India and Pakistan, then it will be on Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK)," he said. The Defence Minister also outlined India's firm belief in humanity and justice and said, "I want to say to Pakistan that India was divided on the basis of religion during the partition and it was made possible by those who made Pakistan and have the ideology to do politics of religion. India does not believe in the politics of caste and religion. It believes in humanity and justice." Asserting that Pakistan did not like the development and progress of India, he said, "Article 370 was abrogated but Pakistan did not digest it well. It went to the United Nations and started lying to deceive the international organisation. Pakistan is talking about human Rights Commission when it could not protect minorities in its own land." Singh continued, "Human Rights violations are taking place in Pakistan. It is taking place against Baloch people, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. Pakistan is trying to defame India by talking about human rights at the international organisation. But nobody agrees with Pakistan." On Friday, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale had also said that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan should hand over the portion of Kashmir (PoK) to India, which it has occupied illegally if it wanted to hold talks with India.Earlier this week, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideologue Indresh Kumar had also said that Pakistan is getting weaker "day-by-day" and is headed towards another partition - this time into five-six parts.

Pakistan will break into several parts if it doesn't stop supporting terrorism: Rajnath Singh

On August 5, by revoking the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K) by Article 370, India scored a major victory against cross-border terrorism as well as separatism in the Valley. Hailed by many as a constitutional coup, the move paves the way to for the full integration of J&amp;K into the Union of India. This should have happened way back in 1947, after the signing of the instrument of accession on October 26. However, better late than never. Even if turning the former state into two union territories is unprecedented in the history of independent India, national interest as well as the good of the people of the region, is paramount.

Ladakh, which is also a separate Union Territory, will now have a much better chance to protect its unique religious and cultural heritage. The fragile Himalayan ecology of one of India’s most beautiful, rugged, and inaccessible parts must be preserved by regulating the pace and quantum of both development and access to the region. What is more the overt and covert Islamisation of the largely Buddhist area will also be checked. In a few more decades, the entire state, not just the Valley, faced the very real danger of not just being alienated, but lost to India, both culturally and politically. That most Indians understood this instinctively and emotionally even if not intellectually or rationally, is evident in the overwhelming public support for the government surgical strike on Article 370.

But what we might have perhaps failed fully to grasp is that though the constitutional battle has been won, the war over Kashmir is still being waged, but on other fronts. We have very carefully to monitor as well as manage the global narrative on Kashmir. This has been stacked, by and large, against India in the past. Both in the media and only marginally less so in international multilateral or bilateral fora, the United Nations (UN) being the key example of the former, as the United States is of the latter. Luckily, Pakistan has not made much headway in either so far. After getting US President Trump to offer to mediate, Pakistan’s Imran Khan had to eat humble pie after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi got Trump to retract. While US meddling, given their own troubles in Afghanistan, cannot be ruled out, India has managed to make its position loud and clear.

As to the UN, it has several platforms where Pakistan is likely to mount its Kashmir offensive. The latest skirmish, at the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC), is only one instance. India came out on top. On Tuesday, Vijay Thakur Singh, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, denounced Pakistan’s “state sponsored terrorism” and underscored India’s right to revoke J&amp;K’s special status. Highlighting Pakistan’s shoddy and shameful human rights record, she sarcastically questioned our neighbour right to point fingers at us when “trampling upon them [human rights] at will in their own country.” She accused Pakistan’s of pushing a “malicious political agenda under the garb of human rights.”

Projecting India as a law-abiding, sovereign power, Singh said, “These decisions were taken by our Parliament after a full debate that was televised and enjoyed widespread support. We wish to reiterate that this sovereign decision, like other legislations passed by Parliament, is entirely internal to India. No country can accept interference in its internal affairs, certainly not India.” On Wednesday, first secretary to India’s permanent mission at the UNHRC, Geneva, Vimarsh Aryan, followed up by exposing “Pakistan’s hysterical statements with false, fabricated narratives aimed to politicise and polarize this forum.” Himself from J&amp;K, Aryan excoriated Pakistan for being “the epicentre of global terrorism,” encouraging violence by calling for jihad in J&amp;K and elsewhere.&nbsp;

In addition to trying to foment trouble in the Valley and mounting international pressure on India, Pakistan will also encourage its friends and proxies in foreign media houses to push its case. The leading newspapers and TV channels, not to mention national broadcasters, have often fallen for its victimhood narratives. In India, too, the last vestiges of Lutyens Delhi will also scream day in and day out that things are not normal in Kashmir. But when were they normal, we might ask them. Normalcy is only now returning to the region with the anomalous 370 and 35A being altered. Both India and the world need to accept the new normal in Kashmir. For this the narrative and diplomatic war must supplement the battle-ready formations on the border and the internal law and order machinery in the new Union Territory. Coming back to the UNHRC, let’s be fully prepared for Imran Khan’s tirade on 27th September. &nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-kashmir-the-new-battlefront-2789583">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

On August 5, by revoking the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) by Article 370, India scored a major victory against cross-border terrorism as well as separatism in the Valley.

On August 5, by revoking the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) by Article 370, India scored a major victory against cross-border terrorism as well as separatism in the Valley. Hailed by many as a constitutional coup, the move paves the way to for the full integration of J&K into the Union of India. This should have happened way back in 1947, after the signing of the instrument of accession on October 26. However, better late than never. Even if turning the former state into two union territories is unprecedented in the history of independent India, national interest as well as the good of the people of the region, is paramount. Ladakh, which is also a separate Union Territory, will now have a much better chance to protect its unique religious and cultural heritage. The fragile Himalayan ecology of one of India’s most beautiful, rugged, and inaccessible parts must be preserved by regulating the pace and quantum of both development and access to the region. What is more the overt and covert Islamisation of the largely Buddhist area will also be checked. In a few more decades, the entire state, not just the Valley, faced the very real danger of not just being alienated, but lost to India, both culturally and politically. That most Indians understood this instinctively and emotionally even if not intellectually or rationally, is evident in the overwhelming public support for the government surgical strike on Article 370. But what we might have perhaps failed fully to grasp is that though the constitutional battle has been won, the war over Kashmir is still being waged, but on other fronts. We have very carefully to monitor as well as manage the global narrative on Kashmir. This has been stacked, by and large, against India in the past. Both in the media and only marginally less so in international multilateral or bilateral fora, the United Nations (UN) being the key example of the former, as the United States is of the latter. Luckily, Pakistan has not made much headway in either so far. After getting US President Trump to offer to mediate, Pakistan’s Imran Khan had to eat humble pie after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi got Trump to retract. While US meddling, given their own troubles in Afghanistan, cannot be ruled out, India has managed to make its position loud and clear. As to the UN, it has several platforms where Pakistan is likely to mount its Kashmir offensive. The latest skirmish, at the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC), is only one instance. India came out on top. On Tuesday, Vijay Thakur Singh, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, denounced Pakistan’s “state sponsored terrorism” and underscored India’s right to revoke J&K’s special status. Highlighting Pakistan’s shoddy and shameful human rights record, she sarcastically questioned our neighbour right to point fingers at us when “trampling upon them [human rights] at will in their own country.” She accused Pakistan’s of pushing a “malicious political agenda under the garb of human rights.” Projecting India as a law-abiding, sovereign power, Singh said, “These decisions were taken by our Parliament after a full debate that was televised and enjoyed widespread support. We wish to reiterate that this sovereign decision, like other legislations passed by Parliament, is entirely internal to India. No country can accept interference in its internal affairs, certainly not India.” On Wednesday, first secretary to India’s permanent mission at the UNHRC, Geneva, Vimarsh Aryan, followed up by exposing “Pakistan’s hysterical statements with false, fabricated narratives aimed to politicise and polarize this forum.” Himself from J&K, Aryan excoriated Pakistan for being “the epicentre of global terrorism,” encouraging violence by calling for jihad in J&K and elsewhere. In addition to trying to foment trouble in the Valley and mounting international pressure on India, Pakistan will also encourage its friends and proxies in foreign media houses to push its case. The leading newspapers and TV channels, not to mention national broadcasters, have often fallen for its victimhood narratives. In India, too, the last vestiges of Lutyens Delhi will also scream day in and day out that things are not normal in Kashmir. But when were they normal, we might ask them. Normalcy is only now returning to the region with the anomalous 370 and 35A being altered. Both India and the world need to accept the new normal in Kashmir. For this the narrative and diplomatic war must supplement the battle-ready formations on the border and the internal law and order machinery in the new Union Territory. Coming back to the UNHRC, let’s be fully prepared for Imran Khan’s tirade on 27th September. (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)

Kashmir: The New Battlefront

The article on 9/11 attacks by the New York times fails to mention Terrorism.

New York Times Blames Airplanes for 9/11 attacks

Recalling the horrific <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-to-mark-the-18th-anniversary-of-the-september-11-attacks-249001">9/11 terrorist attack in the US</a>, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Mathura on Wednesday that terrorism has now become a "global threat" and an "ideology" not confined to any single nation and is deeply rooted and flourishing in Pakistan.&nbsp;

"Now terrorism has become an ideology which is not confined to the boundary of any nation. This is a global problem and has become a global threat whose deep roots are situated in our <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-designates-leader-of-pak-based-terror-group-as-terrorist-249007">neighbouring country</a> and are flourishing there," he said at "Swacchata Hi Seva" programme here.

"About a century ago, Swami Vivekananda delivered a historic speech in Chicago and the world came to know in-depth about our culture. But unfortunately, on the same September 11, a big terrorist attack that shook the world took place in America," said Modi.

He said that India has taken a bold step against terrorism in past and will continue to do so in future.

"The whole world needs to take a pledge and stand up against those who give shelter and training to the terrorist. India is very much capable of tackling the menace on its own. We have shown this in past and will continue to do so in future," said Prime Minister.&nbsp;

The PM also highlighted the need to eliminate single-use plastic in the country saying animals are dying because of plastic trash.&nbsp;

"The problem if the plastic is growing each day. You Brijwasis are well aware of how plastic becoming a major factor of animals` death.&nbsp;

Similarly, the marine animals, especially fishes living in rivers, ponds are also dying because of plastic pollution in the water bodies," he said addressing the inaugural event of National Animal Disease Control Programme.

He also urged people to carry eco-friendly bags while going to the market.

"Waste to Wealth is what is going to protect our environment. I request you to carry a cloth or a jute bag while going for shopping. I urge traders to use very less plastic for packaging. It is our duty to be responsible about the environment," he said.

The Prime Minister also urged self-help groups and young minds to work towards making India plastic-free country.

"I appeal to Self Help groups working in villages, social organisations, youth organisations, clubs, schools and colleges to join the campaign against single plastic use and make India clean and green," he said.

"We have to try that by October 2, we rid all our homes, offices, workplaces and surroundings of single-use plastics," Modi added.

Besides single-use plastic, the Prime Minister also talked about combating terrorism, climate change and sanitation drive at the event.&nbsp;

Recalling the horrific 9/11 terrorist attack in the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Mathura on Wednesday that terrorism has now become a "global threat" and an "ideology" not confined to any single nation and is deeply rooted and flourishing in Pakistan.

Recalling the horrific 9/11 terrorist attack in the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Mathura on Wednesday that terrorism has now become a "global threat" and an "ideology" not confined to any single nation and is deeply rooted and flourishing in Pakistan. "Now terrorism has become an ideology which is not confined to the boundary of any nation. This is a global problem and has become a global threat whose deep roots are situated in our neighbouring country and are flourishing there," he said at "Swacchata Hi Seva" programme here. "About a century ago, Swami Vivekananda delivered a historic speech in Chicago and the world came to know in-depth about our culture. But unfortunately, on the same September 11, a big terrorist attack that shook the world took place in America," said Modi. He said that India has taken a bold step against terrorism in past and will continue to do so in future. "The whole world needs to take a pledge and stand up against those who give shelter and training to the terrorist. India is very much capable of tackling the menace on its own. We have shown this in past and will continue to do so in future," said Prime Minister. The PM also highlighted the need to eliminate single-use plastic in the country saying animals are dying because of plastic trash. "The problem if the plastic is growing each day. You Brijwasis are well aware of how plastic becoming a major factor of animals` death. Similarly, the marine animals, especially fishes living in rivers, ponds are also dying because of plastic pollution in the water bodies," he said addressing the inaugural event of National Animal Disease Control Programme. He also urged people to carry eco-friendly bags while going to the market. "Waste to Wealth is what is going to protect our environment. I request you to carry a cloth or a jute bag while going for shopping. I urge traders to use very less plastic for packaging. It is our duty to be responsible about the environment," he said. The Prime Minister also urged self-help groups and young minds to work towards making India plastic-free country. "I appeal to Self Help groups working in villages, social organisations, youth organisations, clubs, schools and colleges to join the campaign against single plastic use and make India clean and green," he said. "We have to try that by October 2, we rid all our homes, offices, workplaces and surroundings of single-use plastics," Modi added. Besides single-use plastic, the Prime Minister also talked about combating terrorism, climate change and sanitation drive at the event.

Terrorism is now 'global threat', has deep roots in Pakistan: PM Modi

From terrorism to Forced conversions, India counters Pakistan at UNHRC. Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Siddhant Sibbal brings you the latest updates.

Today Tonight: India counters Pakistan at UNHRC

India to highlight Pakistan sponsored terrorism in Kashmir

India rebuts Pakistan on Kashmir at UNHRC

We stand with India and commend it for utilizing new legal authorities to designate 4 notorious terrorists: Maulana Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and Dawood Ibrahim.

US backs India's move to curb terrorism

Bangladesh Accuses Pakistan Of Sponsoring Terrorism

Gravitas: Bangladesh Feels ISI Could recruit from Rohingya Camps

Poland has assured India its support to deal with cross border terror issue during the visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to the country. EAM Jaishankar met his Polish counterpart Prof.

Poland has assured India its support to deal with cross border terror issue during the visit of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to the country. EAM Jaishankar met his Polish counterpart Prof. Jacek Czaputowicz on Thursday. The India Poland Foreign Minister in a joint statement said, "FM Prof. Czaputowicz expressed the commitment of Poland to support global efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, particularly cross-border terrorism." During the half-an-hour face-to-face talks, Jaishankar appreciated Polish Presidency in United Nations Security Council. Poland as the UNSC chair had told Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi when he called him to brief on Kashmir that Warsaw is in favour of a dialogue between Pakistan and India to sort out differences. "We exchanged views on a number of regional and global matters, especially in the context of Poland’s Security Council membership," Jaishanker said after press statements alongside the Polish foreign minister. This is the first visit by Indian foreign minister to Poland since 1987. Visiting Indian minister expressed New Delhi's desire to engage with Poland under the Visegrad format, something he had talked about during his visit to Hungary earlier this week. Visegrád is a group of four central and eastern European nations — Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. "We value Poland as a large and important country in Europe, as a key member of the European Union and as a pillar of the Visegrad-4. It is currently a member of the UN Security Council which is in itself a recognition of its stature", Jaishanker said. Polish national carrier LOT will be starting direct flights from Warsaw to New Delhi from September 12 and Deputy Polish Prime Minister Piotr Gliński himself would be leading the Polish delegation on the inaugural flight. During the visit, Jaishankar called on the Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Deputy Polish PM Piotr Gliński. Jaishankar was on a three-nation visit this week to Hungary, Russia and Poland.

Poland assures India support in dealing with cross border terrorism

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has slammed Pakistan for using terror as a state policy and a country that has been obstructing trade and connectivity in the region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/afghanistan-iran-to-dominate-jaishankar-lavrov-talks-in-moscow-245855">Speaking at the powerful think tank Valdai club</a> in Moscow EAM said, "Problem with Pakistan is very different. I would say if today you look at international relations, I cannot think of any other country in the world,&nbsp;which actually uses terrorism as a diplomatic tool against its neighbour. It a very unique phenomenon."

Jaishankar highlighted how Islamabad refused to grant the most favoured nation or MFN status to India despite New Delhi granting it. India had withdrawn the status after the February 14 Pulwama terror attack perpetrated by Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group.

Jaishankar said, "We have struggled to have normal trade. They would not give us MFN status, although we are members of the WTO and Gatt. They would not allow connectivity from India to Afghanistan."

Pakistan has also been hindering India-Afghanistan connectivity. To increase connectivity India and Afghanistan started the air corridor which has been expanded to many cities of both the countries.

The foreign minister further explained, "So if have a neighbour who will not trade with you normally, who would not allow connectivity, using terrorism as a means of pressurizing you is okay as a policy, it is not a normal neighbour. We have some unique problem out there. We will find ways to deal with. There are complicated political and historical reasons for it"

Asked if, in foreseeable future, there can convergences between the two neighbours, Jaishankar said, "It will certainly would be my hope that they would become a normal neighbour, one day. I mean, that is something I would like to see happen."

The comments by Jaishankar comes even after Pakistan on Tuesday said that it is considering a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-considering-closing-airspace-to-india-says-minister-246070">complete closure of Air Space to India</a> and a complete ban on the use of Pakistan land routes for Indian trade to Afghanistan.

Jaishankar is on a two-day Russia visit and will meet his counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has slammed Pakistan for using terror as a state policy and a country that has been obstructing trade and connectivity in the region.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has slammed Pakistan for using terror as a state policy and a country that has been obstructing trade and connectivity in the region. Speaking at the powerful think tank Valdai club in Moscow EAM said, "Problem with Pakistan is very different. I would say if today you look at international relations, I cannot think of any other country in the world, which actually uses terrorism as a diplomatic tool against its neighbour. It a very unique phenomenon." Jaishankar highlighted how Islamabad refused to grant the most favoured nation or MFN status to India despite New Delhi granting it. India had withdrawn the status after the February 14 Pulwama terror attack perpetrated by Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group. Jaishankar said, "We have struggled to have normal trade. They would not give us MFN status, although we are members of the WTO and Gatt. They would not allow connectivity from India to Afghanistan." Pakistan has also been hindering India-Afghanistan connectivity. To increase connectivity India and Afghanistan started the air corridor which has been expanded to many cities of both the countries. The foreign minister further explained, "So if have a neighbour who will not trade with you normally, who would not allow connectivity, using terrorism as a means of pressurizing you is okay as a policy, it is not a normal neighbour. We have some unique problem out there. We will find ways to deal with. There are complicated political and historical reasons for it" Asked if, in foreseeable future, there can convergences between the two neighbours, Jaishankar said, "It will certainly would be my hope that they would become a normal neighbour, one day. I mean, that is something I would like to see happen." The comments by Jaishankar comes even after Pakistan on Tuesday said that it is considering a complete closure of Air Space to India and a complete ban on the use of Pakistan land routes for Indian trade to Afghanistan. Jaishankar is on a two-day Russia visit and will meet his counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday.

In Moscow, India's foreign minister Jaishankar slams Pakistan for supporting terror

Political activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) have accused<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-envoy-to-pakistan-to-reach-new-delhi-today-after-expelled-by-islamabad-242051"> Islamabad</a> of spreading terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir with no regard for the locals.

They said that Islamabad is only using religion as a tool to nurture and proliferate terrorism which has deeply hurt the interests and ambitions of Kashmiris.

Nasir Aziz Khan, a political activist from PoK and spokesperson of United Kashmir People's National Party said, "When militancy set its foot in Kashmir in the 1990s, we, the United Kashmir People`s National Party (UKPNP) had appealed and informed to all that Pakistan never had Kashmiri welfare in mind and was using them in their proxy war against India".

"But the people, who had distorted notions in their mind and continue to have the same beliefs even today, went ahead and embraced militancy shouting slogans of 'Al-Jihad' and 'Al Qatar'," he added.

"Kashmir is a multi-cultural and multi-religious state and providing support to one particular religion has only consolidated the divisive mindset and fanning the flames on minor communal incidents clearly means that you don't have any sympathy for the people of the region and you don`t want to see them united", said Nasir.

Several terror organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen, which are now amongst the most dreaded terrorist groups, were floated in the 80s in the name of Kashmiri welfare.

But, their agenda is well exposed. Locals say that their movement was crippled by such organisations as Kashmiris were dubbed internationally as terrorists and the region became infamous due to this only.

Sardar Sagir Khan, a leader of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-supports-terrorism-for-creating-turmoil-in-jammu-and-kashmir-pok-activist-245257">Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF)</a> in Rawalakot said, "We have, for years, been saying that Pakistan`s intelligence agencies have been sabotaging our movement by smuggling non-state actors into our territory. People perceive our movement as terrorism. We have not been given any importance".

&nbsp;"Our movement has been left behind by the things that panned out after 9/11. Our sacrifices are wasted. We were protesting then and we are still protesting," he added.

Nisar Shah, a lawyer and activist of Jammu Kashmir People`s National Alliance (JKPNA) said, "The nation which has been raising a slogan "Kashmir Banega Pakistan" (Kashmir will become Pakistan) and holding its own flag, is the one which is responsible for the killing of 90,000 Kashmiri people in the name of jihad".

Pakistan continues to hold a significant portion of Kashmir under its control and it has been meting out a novercal treatment to the people living here.

They are deprived of fundamental rights and are not given services and facilities at par with the people in the other parts of the region.

They do not have any representation in the parliament and their pleas and demands are not rendered any attention.&nbsp;

They are not eligible for even key posts in the region.

The ruling dispensation, which had promised of undoing the wrong done with Kashmir, has not just been ineffective but has stepped up cruelty to a newer level, which has induced unprecedented plights for the people. 
&nbsp;

Political activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) have accused Islamabad of spreading terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir with no regard for the locals. They said that Islamabad is only using religion as a tool to nurture and proliferate terrorism which has deeply hurt the interests and ambitions of Kashmiris.

Political activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) have accused Islamabad of spreading terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir with no regard for the locals. They said that Islamabad is only using religion as a tool to nurture and proliferate terrorism which has deeply hurt the interests and ambitions of Kashmiris. Nasir Aziz Khan, a political activist from PoK and spokesperson of United Kashmir People's National Party said, "When militancy set its foot in Kashmir in the 1990s, we, the United Kashmir People`s National Party (UKPNP) had appealed and informed to all that Pakistan never had Kashmiri welfare in mind and was using them in their proxy war against India". "But the people, who had distorted notions in their mind and continue to have the same beliefs even today, went ahead and embraced militancy shouting slogans of 'Al-Jihad' and 'Al Qatar'," he added. "Kashmir is a multi-cultural and multi-religious state and providing support to one particular religion has only consolidated the divisive mindset and fanning the flames on minor communal incidents clearly means that you don't have any sympathy for the people of the region and you don`t want to see them united", said Nasir. Several terror organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen, which are now amongst the most dreaded terrorist groups, were floated in the 80s in the name of Kashmiri welfare. But, their agenda is well exposed. Locals say that their movement was crippled by such organisations as Kashmiris were dubbed internationally as terrorists and the region became infamous due to this only. Sardar Sagir Khan, a leader of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) in Rawalakot said, "We have, for years, been saying that Pakistan`s intelligence agencies have been sabotaging our movement by smuggling non-state actors into our territory. People perceive our movement as terrorism. We have not been given any importance". "Our movement has been left behind by the things that panned out after 9/11. Our sacrifices are wasted. We were protesting then and we are still protesting," he added. Nisar Shah, a lawyer and activist of Jammu Kashmir People`s National Alliance (JKPNA) said, "The nation which has been raising a slogan "Kashmir Banega Pakistan" (Kashmir will become Pakistan) and holding its own flag, is the one which is responsible for the killing of 90,000 Kashmiri people in the name of jihad". Pakistan continues to hold a significant portion of Kashmir under its control and it has been meting out a novercal treatment to the people living here. They are deprived of fundamental rights and are not given services and facilities at par with the people in the other parts of the region. They do not have any representation in the parliament and their pleas and demands are not rendered any attention. They are not eligible for even key posts in the region. The ruling dispensation, which had promised of undoing the wrong done with Kashmir, has not just been ineffective but has stepped up cruelty to a newer level, which has induced unprecedented plights for the people.

Pakistan using terror, religion as tools to mislead Kashmiris: Activists

Pakistan Prime Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-economic-crisis-countrys-debts-liabilities-exceed-the-size-of-its-gdp-245554"> Imran Khan</a> addressed his nation today as he sought to "internationalise" the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-meets-president-trump-at-g7-summit-245727">Kashmir issue</a> even as the UN said the repeal of Article 370 was India's internal matter. 
&nbsp; 
"We have succeeded in internationalising the issue of Kashmir, we talked to world leaders and embassies. UN for the first time since 1965, convened a meeting on the Kashmir issue. Even international media has picked it up," the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/selected-government-of-pakistan-should-be-worried-about-economy-reham-khan-243992">Pakistan prime minister</a> said during the national address.

"If the conflict moves towards war then remember both nations have nuclear weapons and no one is the winner in a nuclear war and it has global ramifications," said Imran Khan in his televised address to his nation, adding, "superpowers of the world have a huge responsibility..whether they support us or not Pakistan will go to every extent."

Watch: PM Modi makes position on Kashmir clear; says Kashmir issue should be handled bilaterally

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As the Pakistan prime minister spoke, the UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres told PM Modi at the sidelines of the G7 summit that the repeal of Article 370 was India's internal matter and no step has been taken by New Delhi that in any manner threatens regional peace.

PM Modi told the UN chief that terrorism was the primary threat and in keeping with that certain restrictions will remain in place in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure law and order is maintained.

Earlier during the day while in a meeting between PM Modi and President Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit, the US president told the press that he had spoken to the Indian prime minister on the Kashmir issue while emphasising that PM Modi had the situation under control.

"They speak with Pakistan and I'm sure that they will be able to do something that will be very good," Trump added.

During the address, the Pakistan prime minister accused India of racism and painted Kashmir as a "religious conflict" while also taking responsibility for raising the Kashmir issue. Imran hoped that Muslim countries will back Pakistan at some point.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed his nation today as he sought to "internationalise" the Kashmir issue even as the UN said the repeal of Article 370 was India's internal matter.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed his nation today as he sought to "internationalise" the Kashmir issue even as the UN said the repeal of Article 370 was India's internal matter. "We have succeeded in internationalising the issue of Kashmir, we talked to world leaders and embassies. UN for the first time since 1965, convened a meeting on the Kashmir issue. Even international media has picked it up," the Pakistan prime minister said during the national address. "If the conflict moves towards war then remember both nations have nuclear weapons and no one is the winner in a nuclear war and it has global ramifications," said Imran Khan in his televised address to his nation, adding, "superpowers of the world have a huge responsibility..whether they support us or not Pakistan will go to every extent." Watch: PM Modi makes position on Kashmir clear; says Kashmir issue should be handled bilaterally × As the Pakistan prime minister spoke, the UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres told PM Modi at the sidelines of the G7 summit that the repeal of Article 370 was India's internal matter and no step has been taken by New Delhi that in any manner threatens regional peace. PM Modi told the UN chief that terrorism was the primary threat and in keeping with that certain restrictions will remain in place in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure law and order is maintained. Earlier during the day while in a meeting between PM Modi and President Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit, the US president told the press that he had spoken to the Indian prime minister on the Kashmir issue while emphasising that PM Modi had the situation under control. "They speak with Pakistan and I'm sure that they will be able to do something that will be very good," Trump added. During the address, the Pakistan prime minister accused India of racism and painted Kashmir as a "religious conflict" while also taking responsibility for raising the Kashmir issue. Imran hoped that Muslim countries will back Pakistan at some point.

We have succeeded in internationalising the issue of Kashmir, claims Imran in national address

Pakistan now faces the challenge of avoiding being placed under FATF's overall black list in October. It was earlier placed in the 'grey list' by FATF.

Big Setback for 'NAYA' Pakistan as FATF's Asia-Pacific Group blacklists Pakistan

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-wedding-suicide-attack-in-kabul-243841">Islamic State </a>group remains a threat in Syria and Iraq, and in some areas has even gained power despite the elimination of their "caliphate", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday.

"There are places where ISIS is more powerful today than they were three or four years ago," Pompeo said on CBS's "This Morning" show.

"But the caliphate is gone in their capacity to conduct external attacks, it's been made much more difficult," he said.

"We've taken down significant risk. Not all of it, but a significant amount. We're very pleased with the work that we've done."

US President Donald Trump declared early this year that US-led forces in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-killed-as-syria-regime-forces-battle-jihadists-243898"> Syria</a> and Iraq had achieved "100 per cent victory" over the Islamic extremist group after a campaign to eliminate their redoubt in the Euphrates river valley in Syria.

But many fighters are believed to have melded into the population, and the group maintains small strongholds in remote locations in Iraq.

A report by the Pentagon's Inspector General earlier this month said IS is transitioning "from a territory-holding force to an insurgency in Syria," and has firmed up its insurgent capabilities in Iraq.

The US drawdown or reassignment of some security forces in the region has left some room for the group to rebuild, the report said.

The Islamic State has "established 'resurgent cells' in Syria and sought to expand its command and control nodes in Iraq," it said.

IS has also become a potent threat in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/death-toll-reaches-123-in-multiple-bomb-blasts-in-afghanistans-jalalabad-244306">Afghanistan</a>, where it acts independently of the Taliban, which is currently negotiating a peace deal with the United States.

On Saturday the IS took credit for a suicide bombing of a wedding in Kabul that killed 63.

The Islamic State group remains a threat in Syria and Iraq, and in some areas has even gained power despite the elimination of their "caliphate", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday.

The Islamic State group remains a threat in Syria and Iraq, and in some areas has even gained power despite the elimination of their "caliphate", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday. "There are places where ISIS is more powerful today than they were three or four years ago," Pompeo said on CBS's "This Morning" show. "But the caliphate is gone in their capacity to conduct external attacks, it's been made much more difficult," he said. "We've taken down significant risk. Not all of it, but a significant amount. We're very pleased with the work that we've done." US President Donald Trump declared early this year that US-led forces in Syria and Iraq had achieved "100 per cent victory" over the Islamic extremist group after a campaign to eliminate their redoubt in the Euphrates river valley in Syria. But many fighters are believed to have melded into the population, and the group maintains small strongholds in remote locations in Iraq. A report by the Pentagon's Inspector General earlier this month said IS is transitioning "from a territory-holding force to an insurgency in Syria," and has firmed up its insurgent capabilities in Iraq. The US drawdown or reassignment of some security forces in the region has left some room for the group to rebuild, the report said. The Islamic State has "established 'resurgent cells' in Syria and sought to expand its command and control nodes in Iraq," it said. IS has also become a potent threat in Afghanistan, where it acts independently of the Taliban, which is currently negotiating a peace deal with the United States. On Saturday the IS took credit for a suicide bombing of a wedding in Kabul that killed 63.

Islamic State persists despite territory loss: Mike Pompeo

Germany&nbsp;has for the first time allowed&nbsp;children&nbsp;whose parents were suspected members of the Islamic&nbsp;State&nbsp;to return to&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;from&nbsp;northern&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../mobile-cinema-brings-movie-magic-to-syria- kurd-children-244341">Syria</a>.&nbsp;

Foreign minister Heiko Maas said it will push for more such&nbsp;children&nbsp;to come to the country.

Like other western countries,&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;faces a tricky decision on how to deal with citizens who went to the Middle East to join groups like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-wedding-suicide-attack-in-kabul-243841">Islamic&nbsp;State</a>, which was driven out of its last territorial enclave in March by US-backed forces.

Three of the&nbsp;four&nbsp;repatriated German&nbsp;children&nbsp;are orphans, according to German media, but no further details were available.

"We will push for more&nbsp;children&nbsp;to leave&nbsp;Syria," Maas said on Monday. "These are mostly young&nbsp;children&nbsp;... they cannot be made responsible for the actions of their parents and we want to do something to help," he added.

Thousands of&nbsp;Islamic&nbsp;State&nbsp;members, including foreigners, women and&nbsp;children, are being held by Kurdish-led authorities in northern&nbsp;Syria.

German intelligence officials say more than 1,000 Germans went to fight in&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;and Iraq where&nbsp;Islamic&nbsp;State&nbsp;once controlled swathes of territory in a self-declared caliphate.

Around a third have returned to&nbsp;Germany, another third are believed to have died and the rest are believed to be still in Iraq and&nbsp;Syria.

Other western countries including Britain and France are facing decisions on how to handle their citizens who went to join the Islamic&nbsp;State. The British government was heavily criticized after it decided to strip a 19-year-old woman of her citizenship in February, leaving her in a refugee camp in&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;where her baby died.

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Germany has for the first time allowed children whose parents were suspected members of the Islamic State to return to Germany from northern Syria. Foreign minister Heiko Maas said it will push for more such children to come to the country.

Germany has for the first time allowed children whose parents were suspected members of the Islamic State to return to Germany from northern Syria. Foreign minister Heiko Maas said it will push for more such children to come to the country. Like other western countries, Germany faces a tricky decision on how to deal with citizens who went to the Middle East to join groups like Islamic State, which was driven out of its last territorial enclave in March by US-backed forces. Three of the four repatriated German children are orphans, according to German media, but no further details were available. "We will push for more children to leave Syria," Maas said on Monday. "These are mostly young children ... they cannot be made responsible for the actions of their parents and we want to do something to help," he added. Thousands of Islamic State members, including foreigners, women and children, are being held by Kurdish-led authorities in northern Syria. German intelligence officials say more than 1,000 Germans went to fight in Syria and Iraq where Islamic State once controlled swathes of territory in a self-declared caliphate. Around a third have returned to Germany, another third are believed to have died and the rest are believed to be still in Iraq and Syria. Other western countries including Britain and France are facing decisions on how to handle their citizens who went to join the Islamic State. The British government was heavily criticized after it decided to strip a 19-year-old woman of her citizenship in February, leaving her in a refugee camp in Syria where her baby died.

Germany takes back four Islamic State children from Syria

Pro-regime forces were locked in heavy fighting with insurgents Sunday near a jihadist-run town in northwestern Syria, leaving dozens of combatants dead, a war monitor said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../clashes-kill-70-combatants-in-northwest-syria- report-242094"> "fierce clashes"</a> between loyalist forces, jihadists and allied rebels were taking place one kilometre (0.6 miles) west of Khan Sheikhun in Idlib province.

The latest fighting broke out overnight Saturday to Sunday and has already<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../syria-at-least-17-killed-in-airstrikes-in-idlib- 243724"> killed</a> at least 45 jihadists and allied rebels as well as 17 members of the pro-regime forces, the Britain-based monitor said.

The town of Khan Sheikhun lies on a key highway coveted by the regime.

The road runs through <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../syria-regime-gains-ground-in-deadly-idlib-push -monitor-242164">Idlib</a>, connecting government-held Damascus with the northern city of Aleppo, which was retaken by loyalists from rebels in December 2016.

Pro-regime forces are deployed around three kilometres from the road and have been advancing over the past few days in a bid to encircle Khan Sheikhun from the north and the west and seize the highway.

On Sunday they retook the village of Tel al-Nar and nearby farmland northwest of Khan Sheikhun "and were moving close to the highway," Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said.

But their advance from the east was being slowed down due to "a ferocious resistance" from jihadists and allied rebels.

Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) controls most of Idlib province as well as parts of the neighbouring provinces of Hama, Aleppo and Latakia.

A buffer zone deal brokered by Russia and Turkey last year was supposed to protect the Idlib region's three million inhabitants from an all-out regime offensive, but it was never fully implemented.

Regime and Russian airstrikes and shelling since late April have killed more than 860 civilians, according to the Observatory, which relies on sources inside Syria for its information.&nbsp;

On Sunday air strikes by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../syrian-army-takes-strategic-town-from-rebels-in -new-advance-242227">Syrian regime</a> and its ally Russia killed two people, including a child, in the south of Idlib, the Observatory said.

More than 1,400 insurgents and over 1,200 pro-regime forces have been killed since April, according to the monitor.

The violence has displaced more than 400,000 people, the United Nations says.

Khan Sheikhun was hit by a chemical attack that killed more than 80 people in April 2017, attributed to the Syrian regime by the UN and international experts.&nbsp;

In response, US President Donald Trump ordered strikes on the regime's key Shayrat airbase.&nbsp;

Now almost emptied of inhabitants, Khan Sheikhun sheltered almost 100,000 people before the start of the current military escalation, the majority displaced from Hama province.

"Many of these people have been displaced up to five times," the UN's regional spokesman for the Syria crisis, David Swanson, told AFP on Saturday.

Pro-regime forces were locked in heavy fighting with insurgents Sunday near a jihadist-run town in northwestern Syria, leaving dozens of combatants dead, a war monitor said.

Pro-regime forces were locked in heavy fighting with insurgents Sunday near a jihadist-run town in northwestern Syria, leaving dozens of combatants dead, a war monitor said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said "fierce clashes" between loyalist forces, jihadists and allied rebels were taking place one kilometre (0.6 miles) west of Khan Sheikhun in Idlib province. The latest fighting broke out overnight Saturday to Sunday and has already killed at least 45 jihadists and allied rebels as well as 17 members of the pro-regime forces, the Britain-based monitor said. The town of Khan Sheikhun lies on a key highway coveted by the regime. The road runs through Idlib, connecting government-held Damascus with the northern city of Aleppo, which was retaken by loyalists from rebels in December 2016. Pro-regime forces are deployed around three kilometres from the road and have been advancing over the past few days in a bid to encircle Khan Sheikhun from the north and the west and seize the highway. On Sunday they retook the village of Tel al-Nar and nearby farmland northwest of Khan Sheikhun "and were moving close to the highway," Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said. But their advance from the east was being slowed down due to "a ferocious resistance" from jihadists and allied rebels. Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) controls most of Idlib province as well as parts of the neighbouring provinces of Hama, Aleppo and Latakia. A buffer zone deal brokered by Russia and Turkey last year was supposed to protect the Idlib region's three million inhabitants from an all-out regime offensive, but it was never fully implemented. Regime and Russian airstrikes and shelling since late April have killed more than 860 civilians, according to the Observatory, which relies on sources inside Syria for its information. On Sunday air strikes by the Syrian regime and its ally Russia killed two people, including a child, in the south of Idlib, the Observatory said. More than 1,400 insurgents and over 1,200 pro-regime forces have been killed since April, according to the monitor. The violence has displaced more than 400,000 people, the United Nations says. Khan Sheikhun was hit by a chemical attack that killed more than 80 people in April 2017, attributed to the Syrian regime by the UN and international experts. In response, US President Donald Trump ordered strikes on the regime's key Shayrat airbase. Now almost emptied of inhabitants, Khan Sheikhun sheltered almost 100,000 people before the start of the current military escalation, the majority displaced from Hama province. "Many of these people have been displaced up to five times," the UN's regional spokesman for the Syria crisis, David Swanson, told AFP on Saturday.

'Dozens killed' as Syria regime forces battle jihadists

Outraged Afghans questioned on Sunday the point of negotiations with the Taliban aimed at getting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/donald-trump-wants-troop-withdrawal-in-afghan-before-2020-election-us-state-secretary-mike-pompeo-239310">US&nbsp;troops</a> to leave and ending the war, after 63 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack on a wedding reception in the capital, Kabul.

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../over-40-dead-100-injured-as-blast-rips-through -wedding-party-in-afghanistans-kabul-243740">suicide bomber blew himself</a> up late on Saturday in a packed wedding hall, bringing new carnage to a country plagued by decades of violence.

Many women and children were among the dead and 182 wounded, officials said.

"Peace with whom? With those who bomb our weddings, schools, universities, offices and houses?" Twitter user Rada Akba wrote on the social media platform.

"Selling out this land and its people to those killers is sick and inhuman. History won't forget this," she wrote.

The Taliban denied responsibility for the blast at a west Kabul wedding hall in a minority Shi'ite neighbourhood and condemned it.

Islamic State militants also operate in Afghanistan and have carried out bloody attacks in towns and cities, some against Shi'ites.

Journalist Sana Safi said she doubted the Taliban denial.

"Who else is capable of carrying out such brutality?" she asked.

"So 'peace agreement' with the Taliban isn’t going to end the bloodshed for ordinary Afghans?"

Tawab Ghorzang, an adviser at the ministry of transport, said negotiations with the Taliban gave them legitimacy.

"If thousands of times the Taliban are given legitimacy on the platform of peace talks, their war crimes and a crime against humanity will go on," he wrote on Facebook.

The Taliban and the United States are trying to negotiate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-meeting-advisers-on-afghan-peace-plan-243511">an agreement on the withdrawal of US&nbsp;forces </a>in exchange for a Taliban commitment on security and peace talks with Afghanistan's US-backed&nbsp;government.

Both sides have reported progress after eight rounds of talks since late last year.

Under the expected deal on a staggered withdrawal of US&nbsp;troops, the Taliban would guarantee Afghanistan would not be a sanctuary for militants to expand and plot new attacks, both sides have said.

The government has not been involved in the negotiations - the Taliban refuse to talk to the administration they see as a US&nbsp;puppet - but the militants are expected to make a commitment to open power-sharing talks and agree to a ceasefire.

The government insists a ceasefire must be part of any deal.

Tabish Forugh, an Afghan journalist, also questioned the Taliban denial of responsibility for the Saturday's blast.

"They are responsible in the eyes of Afghans. They have turned a country of 30 million people into a slaughterhouse," Forugh wrote.

"We should not surrender to Taliban terror."

The European Union mission in Afghanistan condemned the blast saying those behind it were "enemies of humanity".

The Kabul blast followed a bomb attack on a mosque in Pakistan on Friday that killed four people, including a brother of Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, and wounded about 20.

Outraged Afghans questioned on Sunday the point of negotiations with the Taliban aimed at getting US troops to leave and ending the war, after 63 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack on a wedding reception in the capital, Kabul.

Outraged Afghans questioned on Sunday the point of negotiations with the Taliban aimed at getting US troops to leave and ending the war, after 63 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack on a wedding reception in the capital, Kabul. A suicide bomber blew himself up late on Saturday in a packed wedding hall, bringing new carnage to a country plagued by decades of violence. Many women and children were among the dead and 182 wounded, officials said. "Peace with whom? With those who bomb our weddings, schools, universities, offices and houses?" Twitter user Rada Akba wrote on the social media platform. "Selling out this land and its people to those killers is sick and inhuman. History won't forget this," she wrote. The Taliban denied responsibility for the blast at a west Kabul wedding hall in a minority Shi'ite neighbourhood and condemned it. Islamic State militants also operate in Afghanistan and have carried out bloody attacks in towns and cities, some against Shi'ites. Journalist Sana Safi said she doubted the Taliban denial. "Who else is capable of carrying out such brutality?" she asked. "So 'peace agreement' with the Taliban isn’t going to end the bloodshed for ordinary Afghans?" Tawab Ghorzang, an adviser at the ministry of transport, said negotiations with the Taliban gave them legitimacy. "If thousands of times the Taliban are given legitimacy on the platform of peace talks, their war crimes and a crime against humanity will go on," he wrote on Facebook. The Taliban and the United States are trying to negotiate an agreement on the withdrawal of US forces in exchange for a Taliban commitment on security and peace talks with Afghanistan's US-backed government. Both sides have reported progress after eight rounds of talks since late last year. Under the expected deal on a staggered withdrawal of US troops, the Taliban would guarantee Afghanistan would not be a sanctuary for militants to expand and plot new attacks, both sides have said. The government has not been involved in the negotiations - the Taliban refuse to talk to the administration they see as a US puppet - but the militants are expected to make a commitment to open power-sharing talks and agree to a ceasefire. The government insists a ceasefire must be part of any deal. Tabish Forugh, an Afghan journalist, also questioned the Taliban denial of responsibility for the Saturday's blast. "They are responsible in the eyes of Afghans. They have turned a country of 30 million people into a slaughterhouse," Forugh wrote. "We should not surrender to Taliban terror." The European Union mission in Afghanistan condemned the blast saying those behind it were "enemies of humanity". The Kabul blast followed a bomb attack on a mosque in Pakistan on Friday that killed four people, including a brother of Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, and wounded about 20.

Peace with whom? After blast, enraged Afghans question talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-less-than-70-days-of-new-govt-article-370-is-history-pm-in-independence-day-speech-243082">addressed the nation on the occasion of country's 73rd Independence Day</a>. Without naming Pakistan directly, the prime minister slammed the countries who are supporting terror.

During his speech from the rampart of Red Fort today, PM Modi said that India's policy on countries sponsoring terror is clear.&nbsp;

"For world peace, India has to play its role. India can't be a mute spectator and India is strongly fighting against those who are supporting terror," he said.

"Terrorism is a war against humanity and that is why the world needs to speak in one voice against those who support, promote and export terror. India will play its role to fight against those who are exporting terror," the prime minister added.&nbsp;

India, at various international forums, has been highlighting Islamabad's support to terror groups. Pakistan has been facing the heat especially with anti-terror financing bodies like the FATF or the Financial Action Task Force&nbsp;where it faces a blacklisting.

PM Modi also mentioned Sri Lanka Easter day terror attacks that killed more than 100 people.&nbsp;"Some people have targeted our neighbours like Bangladesh, Afghanistan and in Sri Lanka people where people were killed in church... our policy against those who spread terror is clear," he said.

PM Modi had visited St Anthony's church, one the locations of the April terror attacks, during his visit to Sri Lanka in June. He was the first world leader to visit the location and pay homage to those who died in the attacks. The attacks were claimed by an Islamic State-inspired group.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the nation on the occasion of country's 73rd Independence Day. Without naming Pakistan directly, the prime minister slammed the countries who are supporting terror.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the nation on the occasion of country's 73rd Independence Day. Without naming Pakistan directly, the prime minister slammed the countries who are supporting terror. During his speech from the rampart of Red Fort today, PM Modi said that India's policy on countries sponsoring terror is clear. "For world peace, India has to play its role. India can't be a mute spectator and India is strongly fighting against those who are supporting terror," he said. "Terrorism is a war against humanity and that is why the world needs to speak in one voice against those who support, promote and export terror. India will play its role to fight against those who are exporting terror," the prime minister added. India, at various international forums, has been highlighting Islamabad's support to terror groups. Pakistan has been facing the heat especially with anti-terror financing bodies like the FATF or the Financial Action Task Force where it faces a blacklisting. PM Modi also mentioned Sri Lanka Easter day terror attacks that killed more than 100 people. "Some people have targeted our neighbours like Bangladesh, Afghanistan and in Sri Lanka people where people were killed in church... our policy against those who spread terror is clear," he said. PM Modi had visited St Anthony's church, one the locations of the April terror attacks, during his visit to Sri Lanka in June. He was the first world leader to visit the location and pay homage to those who died in the attacks. The attacks were claimed by an Islamic State-inspired group.

Terrorism is war against humanity, India's policy on it is clear: PM Modi

When Beijing said this week that it saw the "first signs of terrorism" among Hong Kong's young pro-democracy protesters, it marked an ominous step in a progression of escalating rhetoric.

When Beijing said this week that it saw the "first signs of terrorism" among Hong Kong's young pro-democracy protesters, it marked an ominous step in a progression of escalating rhetoric. Weeks of rallies, demonstrations, and occupations have seen millions of people take to Hong Kong's streets in the biggest challenge to China's rule of the semi-autonomous city since its 1997 handover from Britain. And as tensions between demonstrators and Hong Kong authorities intensify so has the messaging from the central Chinese government, as it seeks to shape how the protests are perceived both overseas and on the mainland, where social media and news outlets are tightly controlled. Here's how Beijing's framing of the protests has evolved: Pro-extradition crowds On June 9, crowds bring central Hong Kong to a standstill to protest a controversial extradition law that critics say would erode freedoms in the city. Organisers say more than a million people marched through the streets in opposition to the bill. State-run news agency Xinhua downplays it as a "public procession." That evening's main news broadcast by state-run CCTV does not mention the protests and censored searches for the demonstration on China's Twitter-like Weibo platform yield no results. But in the following days, state media changes tactics: they de-emphasise the opposition marches and focus on support for the bill instead. "800,000 say 'yes' to rendition bill," reads one-China Daily piece, which describes the opposition rally as a much smaller counter-protest of "about 240,000" people. A Chinese-language People's Daily article echoes the same line, claiming "all walks of life have expressed their support for the amendment." External forces Soon after that rally, China begins blaming the protests on what it says is a small group of organisers colluding with Western governments. In mid-June, the People's Daily accuses "external forces" of interfering in China's internal affairs, a common refrain from China's foreign ministry whenever the country faces international criticism. This rhetoric amplifies as Western politicians throw their support behind Hong Kong protesters, whose demands to shelve the extradition bill had evolved into a wider movement for democratic reforms. When Britain's foreign minister calls Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam to voice concern about the protests, China says Britain is "stirring up trouble" in the semi-autonomous city. At a press briefing in Beijing, Yang Guang, spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, links foreign interference with separatism. One of their goals is to "turn Hong Kong into a base for opposing the central government and a pawn to pin down China," he tells reporters. Violent radicals Violence in Hong Kong escalates throughout the summer and police use tear gas, rubber bullets, and batons to disperse projectile-throwing crowds. At the end of July, anger boils over after masked men, suspected of being triad gangsters attack protesters inside a train station. Demonstrators, frustrated by the government's intransigence, overrun the city's legislature and vandalise the walls of Beijing's office in Hong Kong. Chinese authorities blame a "few radicals" among protesters, while coverage of alleged police brutality is censored on the mainland. Official state news agency Xinhua warns "violent radicals" are pushing Hong Kong into an "abyss" and says there should be no compromise to their demands. Terrorism August sees a sharp increase in rhetoric and propaganda. On August 1, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) garrison in Hong Kong releases a slick video showing armed troops practising to quell a protest. "The primary goal would be to intimidate Hong Kong protesters by suggesting they might move in and restore 'stability' by force," said Andrew Chubb, a Chinese politics and foreign policy researcher at Lancaster University. State-run outlets like the Global Times and People's Daily circulate footage of police drills and military vehicles near the Shenzhen border in southern China. On Monday, the day protesters cripple Hong Kong's busy airport, Beijing's language stiffens and it says the demonstrations show "the first signs of terrorism emerging". It repeats the charge on Wednesday, saying airport protesters are guilty of "terrorist-like actions". "The Communist Party uses its words very carefully," said Ben Bland, a research fellow at Lowy Institute. "The choice of words, in this case, is designed to signal to the Hong Kong authorities that they can use a higher degree of violence and repression," he told AFP. "It’s designed to scare off the protesters by saying, 'We view this very seriously.'"

From silence to 'terrorism': Beijing's evolving rhetoric on Hong Kong

Sri&nbsp;Lanka's tourism industry, badly hurt by Easter day bombings, is showing signs of gradual recovery, industry executives say, although a national election later this year is likely to weigh on holiday season arrivals.

The island nation's tourism sector, one of the country's top revenue streams, suffered a massive blow following April 21 Islamist militant bombings of churches and luxury hotels, which killed more than 250 people, including 42 foreign nationals.

Tourist arrivals from Europe and Asia-Pacific, which together account for 90 per cent&nbsp;of the total visitors to&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka, nearly halved in July from a year ago, according to the latest data from the country's Tourism Development Authority.

SriLankan Airlines, the country's lone carrier, will likely post a loss of as much as $160 million in the financial year to end-March 2020 as it lost business after the attacks, its chief executive officer told Reuters.

To be sure,&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;is trying to woo tourists back: it has offered a raft of discount deals, scrapped the fee on tourist visas for 48 nations, including China, India and the United Kingdom, and simplified the visa process for visitors from those countries.

Those moves have started to pay off, hospitality executives said.

"(We are) almost 50 per cent&nbsp;booked for the winter and see a pickup in bookings," said Sanjeewani Yogarajah, an executive at Hikkaduwa Beach Hotels in the southern coastal belt of Hikkaduwa, 112 km (69 miles) from the capital Colombo and popular for water sports.

"This time also we hope we will get around 90 per cent&nbsp;(bookings) by winter," she added.

Tourist footfall is gradually reviving, said the high-end Taj Samudra and Shangri-La hotels in Colombo.

While the Taj, operated by the Indian Hotels Company, said it was hoping for a recovery as the winter holiday season draws nearer, the Shangri-La hotel, which is part of Shangri-La Asia, said the pace of winter bookings was slower than previous years.

The holiday season, from November through January, is the busiest time of the year for&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's tourism industry, which accounts for nearly 5 per cent&nbsp;of the country's GDP and was its third-biggest source of foreign exchange in 2018.

Even though arrivals to&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;have improved in the months since the attack, tourist inflow in July was almost half of what it was a year ago, hurting revenues and profits for hotel chains and tour operators.

Revenue from the sector in the first half of 2019 has fallen 13.4 per cent&nbsp;to $1.89 billion, according to official data.

Boosting it will likely be a challenge as an impending presidential election, preceded by political campaigning, could persuade tourists to steer clear of&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka.

Given&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's volatile ethnic and religious mix there will become concerns about communal violence.

The politically powerful Sinhala Buddhists make up about 70 per cent&nbsp;of&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's 21 million population, Hindu's constitute almost 13 per cent, Muslims 10 per cent, while about 7 per cent&nbsp;are Christians.

The country was plagued by 26 years of civil war which ended with the defeat of the Tamil Tigers in 2009, allowing peace to return to the island.

"Of course, the election will have an impact on tourism," said Sanath Ukwatta, chairman of the&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;Hoteliers Association.

"We have to convince people to come here. There is still fear psychosis among consumers that&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;is not safe."

Sri Lanka's tourism industry, badly hurt by Easter day bombings, is showing signs of gradual recovery, industry executives say, although a national election later this year is likely to weigh on holiday season arrivals.

Sri Lanka's tourism industry, badly hurt by Easter day bombings, is showing signs of gradual recovery, industry executives say, although a national election later this year is likely to weigh on holiday season arrivals. The island nation's tourism sector, one of the country's top revenue streams, suffered a massive blow following April 21 Islamist militant bombings of churches and luxury hotels, which killed more than 250 people, including 42 foreign nationals. Tourist arrivals from Europe and Asia-Pacific, which together account for 90 per cent of the total visitors to Sri Lanka, nearly halved in July from a year ago, according to the latest data from the country's Tourism Development Authority. SriLankan Airlines, the country's lone carrier, will likely post a loss of as much as $160 million in the financial year to end-March 2020 as it lost business after the attacks, its chief executive officer told Reuters. To be sure, Sri Lanka is trying to woo tourists back: it has offered a raft of discount deals, scrapped the fee on tourist visas for 48 nations, including China, India and the United Kingdom, and simplified the visa process for visitors from those countries. Those moves have started to pay off, hospitality executives said. "(We are) almost 50 per cent booked for the winter and see a pickup in bookings," said Sanjeewani Yogarajah, an executive at Hikkaduwa Beach Hotels in the southern coastal belt of Hikkaduwa, 112 km (69 miles) from the capital Colombo and popular for water sports. "This time also we hope we will get around 90 per cent (bookings) by winter," she added. Tourist footfall is gradually reviving, said the high-end Taj Samudra and Shangri-La hotels in Colombo. While the Taj, operated by the Indian Hotels Company, said it was hoping for a recovery as the winter holiday season draws nearer, the Shangri-La hotel, which is part of Shangri-La Asia, said the pace of winter bookings was slower than previous years. The holiday season, from November through January, is the busiest time of the year for Sri Lanka's tourism industry, which accounts for nearly 5 per cent of the country's GDP and was its third-biggest source of foreign exchange in 2018. Even though arrivals to Sri Lanka have improved in the months since the attack, tourist inflow in July was almost half of what it was a year ago, hurting revenues and profits for hotel chains and tour operators. Revenue from the sector in the first half of 2019 has fallen 13.4 per cent to $1.89 billion, according to official data. Boosting it will likely be a challenge as an impending presidential election, preceded by political campaigning, could persuade tourists to steer clear of Sri Lanka. Given Sri Lanka's volatile ethnic and religious mix there will become concerns about communal violence. The politically powerful Sinhala Buddhists make up about 70 per cent of Sri Lanka's 21 million population, Hindu's constitute almost 13 per cent, Muslims 10 per cent, while about 7 per cent are Christians. The country was plagued by 26 years of civil war which ended with the defeat of the Tamil Tigers in 2009, allowing peace to return to the island. "Of course, the election will have an impact on tourism," said Sanath Ukwatta, chairman of the Sri Lanka Hoteliers Association. "We have to convince people to come here. There is still fear psychosis among consumers that Sri Lanka is not safe."

Sri Lanka tourism industry begins to recover after attacks

In a stern message to Pakistan, the United States asked the country to take demonstrable action against terrorism on home soil instead of focusing on any “retaliatory aggression.”

Pakistan must take action against terrorists, refrain from retaliatory aggression, says US

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/seen-this-drama-says-india-on-hafiz-saeeds-arrest-by-pakistan-236906">UN-proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed</a>&nbsp;has been charged under the&nbsp;Anti-Terrorism Act after a Pakistan&nbsp;court found him guilty in the terror-financing case.

The case has now been shifted to Pakistan's Gujarat.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-arrests-2611-mumbai-terror-attack-mastermind-hafiz-saeed-236587">26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind </a>and the chief&nbsp;of Jamaat-ud-Dawa(JuD)&nbsp;Saeed was arrested by Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 17 in connection with charges relating&nbsp;to terror financing.

Counter-Terrorism Department had registered 23 cases in July against the leadership of JuD, Lashkar-e-Taiba and FIF (Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation) for acquiring assets from terror&nbsp;financing through non-profit organisations.

India blames Saeed for masterminding the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 166 people were killed including several Americans.

Saeed was declared a global terrorist by the UNSC recently after a long, protracted battle by India at the UN body, a move which was consistently blocked by China. The US had declared a $10 million reward for capturing the Pakistan-based terrorist.

(With inputs from agncies) 
&nbsp;

UN-proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed has been charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act after a Pakistan court found him guilty in the terror-financing case. The case has now been shifted to Pakistan's Gujarat.

UN-proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed has been charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act after a Pakistan court found him guilty in the terror-financing case. The case has now been shifted to Pakistan's Gujarat. 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and the chief of Jamaat-ud-Dawa(JuD) Saeed was arrested by Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 17 in connection with charges relating to terror financing. Counter-Terrorism Department had registered 23 cases in July against the leadership of JuD, Lashkar-e-Taiba and FIF (Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation) for acquiring assets from terror financing through non-profit organisations. India blames Saeed for masterminding the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 166 people were killed including several Americans. Saeed was declared a global terrorist by the UNSC recently after a long, protracted battle by India at the UN body, a move which was consistently blocked by China. The US had declared a $10 million reward for capturing the Pakistan-based terrorist. (With inputs from agncies)

Pakistan court finds Hafiz Saeed guilty in terror financing case: Report

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday asked the Amarnath pilgrims to "curtail" their stay in the valley and return as soon as possible after in the wake of inputs of terror threats to the annual yatra.

"Keeping in view the latest intelligence inputs of terror threats, with specific targeting of the Amarnath yatra, and given the prevailing security situation in the Kashmir Valley, in the interest of safety and security of the tourists and Amarnath yatris, it is advised that they may curtail their stay in the valley immediately and take necessary measures to return as soon as possible," the advisory said.

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J&amp;K govt has issued security advisory for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmarnathYatra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmarnathYatra</a> pilgrims&amp;tourists asking them to curtail their stay in the Valley and to take necessary measures to return as soon as possible. Amarnath Yatra from Jammu route is suspended till August 4, due to inclement weather.(file pic) <a href="https://t.co/d8RtpZY481">pic.twitter.com/d8RtpZY481</a>
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The advisory was issued immediately after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-attempts-are-being-thwarted-no-one-will-be-allowed-to-disrupt-peace-in-jammu-and-kashmir-indian-army-240171">the Indian Army </a>on Friday said that Pakistan terrorists are plotting to carry out an attack on the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and that the security forces even recovered a Pakistan Ordnance factory anti-personnel mine from a terror cache.&nbsp;

"A Pakistan Army landmine has also been recovered from one of the caches of terrorists. This clearly indicates that Pakistan Army is involved in terrorism in Kashmir, this will not be tolerated," Lt General KJS Dhillon, Commander of the Chinar Corp said.

Addressing a joint press conference along with Lt General KJS Dhillon, Dilbag Singh, DG J&amp;K Police added that the forces are getting inputs that violence levels may increase by the militants.&nbsp;

About a week ago, the central government had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-denies-deploying-additional-troops-in-jammu-and-kashmir-report-240110">moved 10,000 central forces personnel</a> to the valley to strengthen counter-insurgency operations and law and order situation. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday asked the Amarnath pilgrims to "curtail" their stay in the valley and return as soon as possible after in the wake of inputs of terror threats to the annual yatra.

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday asked the Amarnath pilgrims to "curtail" their stay in the valley and return as soon as possible after in the wake of inputs of terror threats to the annual yatra. "Keeping in view the latest intelligence inputs of terror threats, with specific targeting of the Amarnath yatra, and given the prevailing security situation in the Kashmir Valley, in the interest of safety and security of the tourists and Amarnath yatris, it is advised that they may curtail their stay in the valley immediately and take necessary measures to return as soon as possible," the advisory said. J&K govt has issued security advisory for #AmarnathYatra pilgrims&tourists asking them to curtail their stay in the Valley and to take necessary measures to return as soon as possible. Amarnath Yatra from Jammu route is suspended till August 4, due to inclement weather.(file pic) pic.twitter.com/d8RtpZY481 — ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2019 × The advisory was issued immediately after the Indian Army on Friday said that Pakistan terrorists are plotting to carry out an attack on the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and that the security forces even recovered a Pakistan Ordnance factory anti-personnel mine from a terror cache. "A Pakistan Army landmine has also been recovered from one of the caches of terrorists. This clearly indicates that Pakistan Army is involved in terrorism in Kashmir, this will not be tolerated," Lt General KJS Dhillon, Commander of the Chinar Corp said. Addressing a joint press conference along with Lt General KJS Dhillon, Dilbag Singh, DG J&K Police added that the forces are getting inputs that violence levels may increase by the militants. About a week ago, the central government had moved 10,000 central forces personnel to the valley to strengthen counter-insurgency operations and law and order situation. (With inputs from agencies)

'Cut short stay, return as soon as possible': Jammu and Kashmir government to tourists, Amarnath pilgrims

Taliban put forwards new condition to the US for peace talks. Taliban sources have told WION that the group would declare ceasefire only in areas where US troops have left. Watch this video to know more.

Taliban's new condition to the US for peace talks

A special MCOCA court on Monday extended police custody of noted gangster Dawood Ibrahim's nephew Rizwan Kaskar, and two others - Ahamed Raza and Ashfaq Towelwala - till August 5.

The case pertains to a dispute between Towelwala and his partner - the complainant in the case - over the payment of Rs 15.5 lakh to the latter.

Earlier today, Rizwan's lawyer had contended that the police had already received all the information it needed and, therefore, there was no reason to extend his custody.

"The mobile phone has been recovered. The investigation has already been completed, whatever data the police wanted it is being already with the police. Police already kept accused Rizwan in 14 days of custody, therefore, him being sent to custody again is not required," he said.

On July 18, the Esplanade Court had sent him to police custody till July 22, which was later extended to July 29.

According to police, a Dubai-based gangster Fahim Machmach had threatened the complainant saying he should not expect any money from Towelwala.

During its investigation, the police had found that Towelwala contacted Machmach through one Ahmed Raza Vadharia, who was arrested from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport on Tuesday.

The police investigated as to how the dispute reached Dubai and found the involvement of one Ahmed Raza Vadharia.

The police arrested and questioned him.

"The name of Mohammed Rizwan Hassan Sheikh Ibrahim (Rizwan Kaskar) cropped up during Vadharia's questioning," Crime Branch DCP Datta Nalawade had said.

The police, however, did not clarify how much money the accused businessman was to pay Machmach or Rizwan.

Rizwan was arrested from Mumbai airport while he was trying to flee the county to Dubai with his wife on July 17.

Vishal Ingole, Rizwan's lawyer, however, had said that his client was being framed since his name is linked with Dawood Ibrahim.

"He has nothing to do with the case or the D-company. He has a business in Dubai. He is being framed because of his name," he said here.&nbsp;

A special MCOCA court on Monday extended police custody of noted gangster Dawood Ibrahim's nephew Rizwan Kaskar, and two others - Ahamed Raza and Ashfaq Towelwala - till August 5.

A special MCOCA court on Monday extended police custody of noted gangster Dawood Ibrahim's nephew Rizwan Kaskar, and two others - Ahamed Raza and Ashfaq Towelwala - till August 5. The case pertains to a dispute between Towelwala and his partner - the complainant in the case - over the payment of Rs 15.5 lakh to the latter. Earlier today, Rizwan's lawyer had contended that the police had already received all the information it needed and, therefore, there was no reason to extend his custody. "The mobile phone has been recovered. The investigation has already been completed, whatever data the police wanted it is being already with the police. Police already kept accused Rizwan in 14 days of custody, therefore, him being sent to custody again is not required," he said. On July 18, the Esplanade Court had sent him to police custody till July 22, which was later extended to July 29. According to police, a Dubai-based gangster Fahim Machmach had threatened the complainant saying he should not expect any money from Towelwala. During its investigation, the police had found that Towelwala contacted Machmach through one Ahmed Raza Vadharia, who was arrested from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport on Tuesday. The police investigated as to how the dispute reached Dubai and found the involvement of one Ahmed Raza Vadharia. The police arrested and questioned him. "The name of Mohammed Rizwan Hassan Sheikh Ibrahim (Rizwan Kaskar) cropped up during Vadharia's questioning," Crime Branch DCP Datta Nalawade had said. The police, however, did not clarify how much money the accused businessman was to pay Machmach or Rizwan. Rizwan was arrested from Mumbai airport while he was trying to flee the county to Dubai with his wife on July 17. Vishal Ingole, Rizwan's lawyer, however, had said that his client was being framed since his name is linked with Dawood Ibrahim. "He has nothing to do with the case or the D-company. He has a business in Dubai. He is being framed because of his name," he said here.

Police custody of Dawood Ibrahim's nephew extended till August 5

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-three-killed-in-taliban-attack-on-police-base-238912">Taliban said on Sunday</a> they will not hold direct talks with the Afghan government and rejected a statement from a senior minister about plans to hold the such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-talks-could-happen-within-two-weeks-238906">meeting within the next two weeks</a>, a senior Taliban official said.

"Intra-Afghan talks will start only after a foreign force withdrawal is announced," said Suhail Shaheen, a spokesman for the Taliban's political office in Qatar.

On Saturday, Abdul Salam Rahimi, the state minister for peace affairs, said the government would be represented by a 15-member delegation during direct talks with the Taliban "in the coming two weeks".

The apparent development comes after Taliban negotiators sat with Afghan representatives at a so-called intra-Afghan dialogue brokered by Germany in Doha this month.

The Afghan stakeholders had agreed to attend in a "personal capacity" so the Taliban can continue to insist it is not talking directly to the Kabul administration.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP any new talks would only begin after a deal has been forged with the US, and he reiterated the insurgents' long-held position that they would "not talk to the Kabul administration as a government".

Rahimi said the next delegation would include some of those who went to Doha, as well as religious scholars, women and other members of civil society.

Meanwhile, the war rages across Afghanistan, with the Taliban, the US and Afghan forces all fighting at an increased tempo.

Watch:&nbsp;Taliban-Afghan agree to peace roadmap

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At least three police officers were killed and a dozen more wounded Saturday when a Taliban suicide bomber drove an explosives-packed, US-made armoured vehicle into a compound in eastern Afghanistan, officials said.

On Thursday, three blasts rocked Kabul, killing at least 10 people and wounding scores more, even as US and Afghan officials pledged to speed up their efforts to reach a negotiated settlement.

The Taliban said on Sunday they will not hold direct talks with the Afghan government and rejected a statement from a senior minister about plans to hold the such as meeting within the next two weeks, a senior Taliban official said.

The Taliban said on Sunday they will not hold direct talks with the Afghan government and rejected a statement from a senior minister about plans to hold the such as meeting within the next two weeks, a senior Taliban official said. "Intra-Afghan talks will start only after a foreign force withdrawal is announced," said Suhail Shaheen, a spokesman for the Taliban's political office in Qatar. On Saturday, Abdul Salam Rahimi, the state minister for peace affairs, said the government would be represented by a 15-member delegation during direct talks with the Taliban "in the coming two weeks". The apparent development comes after Taliban negotiators sat with Afghan representatives at a so-called intra-Afghan dialogue brokered by Germany in Doha this month. The Afghan stakeholders had agreed to attend in a "personal capacity" so the Taliban can continue to insist it is not talking directly to the Kabul administration. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP any new talks would only begin after a deal has been forged with the US, and he reiterated the insurgents' long-held position that they would "not talk to the Kabul administration as a government". Rahimi said the next delegation would include some of those who went to Doha, as well as religious scholars, women and other members of civil society. Meanwhile, the war rages across Afghanistan, with the Taliban, the US and Afghan forces all fighting at an increased tempo. Watch: Taliban-Afghan agree to peace roadmap At least three police officers were killed and a dozen more wounded Saturday when a Taliban suicide bomber drove an explosives-packed, US-made armoured vehicle into a compound in eastern Afghanistan, officials said. On Thursday, three blasts rocked Kabul, killing at least 10 people and wounding scores more, even as US and Afghan officials pledged to speed up their efforts to reach a negotiated settlement.

Will not hold direct talks with Afghanistan government: Senior Taliban official

WION World Order: Palki discusses role of SCO in shifting power dynamics and urgent need to boost regional security, combatting terrorism and extremism with Kyrgyzstan Ambassador Asein Isaev, Afghanistan's Charge d'Affairs @tahirqadiry and ORF distinguished fellow @jonandan on #WIONWorldOrder

WION World Order: Role of SCO to boost security, tackling terorism, extremism? Discussed with panel

WION World Order: Decoding the 'Alliance of the East' Grand Strategy

The United Nations has called on the international community to take urgent action to help children living in a camp in north east Syria, warning they remain the most vulnerable to violence and extremism.

UN seeks support for children in Syria's camps

Migrants at a Libyan detention centre say they are forced to live in unhygienic conditions, and often face food shortages.

Migrants stranded at Libya detention centre

How Pakistan Delays Justice By Hiding Behind The Garb Of 'Judicial Process'. Here's a report on the faultlines in Pakistan's judiciary and how the government routinely uses it to delay and deny justice in serious cases related to terrorism.

Gravitas: Pakistan's delaying tactic #1: 'judicial process takes time'

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