Page 33 - Operation Sindoor

'No religious sites targeted': India counters Pakistan's false narrative

India refutes Pakistan's allegations of strikes on mosques and defence systems, asserting that all operations targeted terror infrastructure and inflicted heavy damage on military assets

More than 3,000 youth in Punjab sign up as civil defence volunteers

More than 3,000 young people stepped forward with an unwavering resolve to serve as civil defence volunteers at an event here on Saturday that was held hours before the directors general of military operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan agreed on a ceasefire. The event was held amid a military conflict between India and Pakistan. However, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri subsequently announced that the DGMOs of the two countries have agreed to stop all firings and military action on land, air and sea with effect from 5 pm on Saturday. Earlier in the day, civil defence enrolment and training camps were held at the Tagore Theatre in Sector 18 and Tiranga Urban Park in Sector 17. The camps witnessed an overwhelming response. Punjab Governor and the Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria's words on the occasion struck a deep chord with every listener, especially youngsters, who stood silently yet solemnly as he addressed them not as mere citizens, but a

Pak army faces string of failures amid border tensions, internal crises

Pakistan Army faces mounting failures -- from missile misfires to internal dissent -- raising doubts about its operational readiness and leadership under General Asim Munir

Mock drills held at Sriharikota Space Centre and Tirupati airport

Mock drills were carried out at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR) in Sriharikota and Tirupati Airport in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday, in view of the India-Pakistan military conflict. From 9:30 am to 11:30 am, multiple security teams undertook the mock drill at SHAR, an ISRO rocket-launching facility in Andhra Pradesh. The exercise was aimed at evaluating the preparedness, coordination, and response time of security forces in the event of a potential threat, said an official press release. Under the supervision of CISF DIG Sanjay Kumar, various security and emergency units such as the CISF Quick Response Team (70 personnel), CISF Bomb Disposal Team, CISF Fire Department, and medical staff participated in the drill. A three-member Intelligence Bureau (IB) team, two-member marine police team and local police also partook in the drill, which demonstrated effective communication and swift action for the success of the exercise. Similarly, a comprehensive mock drill was conducted at Tiru

Why India abstained on IMF's $2.3 billion loan package for Pakistan

India abstained from voting on the IMF executive board's approval of two loan proposals worth $2.3 billion for Pakistan, officially recording its objections without casting a dissenting vote

Maritime security raised to level 2 for Indian ports amid tensions

The Directorate General of Shipping has increased maritime security for Indian ports, terminals, and Indian-flagged vessels to "MARSEC Level 2 or heightened security", considering the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, a senior government official said. The directive was issued on May 8, the official added. The Directorate General of Shipping functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), forms a crucial part of the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention. It was adopted in response to growing global concerns over maritime security, especially in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. One of the core components of the ISPS Code is the classification of security levels. These levels are designed to ensure that ships and port facilities can operate securely under varying threat environments. Security Level 2 involves maintaining of appropr

Future terror acts to be treated as acts of war against India: Govt sources

Any future act of terror in India will be considered an "act of war" against the country and will be responded to accordingly, top government sources said on Saturday. With this decision, the government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks to draw red lines against terror incidents and makes clear its intention to firmly respond to the perpetrators and conspirators, in what is seen as a message to Pakistan -- a country linked to various terrorist groups involved in targeting Indians. The decision comes amid an intensifying conflict with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which had left 26 civilians, mostly tourists, dead.

Ex-defence minister AK Antony backs armed forces' action against Pakistan

Congress stalwart A K Antony on Saturday said he fully backs the steps taken by the Indian armed forces in the ongoing conflict with Pakistan. Speaking to reporters here, the former Union Defence Minister said the central government has left it to the Armed forces to take appropriate action and he fully supports them. "Beyond that, I have nothing more to say. I am not going to sit and discuss the action they are taking," he said. Tensions between the two neighbours soared significantly after the Indian armed forces on Wednesday conducted precision strikes, under Operation Sindoor, targeting terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that had cross-border linkages. Antony said that families in Kerala of soldiers who are deployed in the border areas should be supported and comforted by the government and the local residents. The Congress leader also welcomed the recent reshuffle in the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committ

NOTAM issued as India closes 32 airports, restricts airspace till May 15

India suspends civilian flights at 32 airports amid rising tensions with Pakistan; NOTAM issued to restrict airspace and alert pilots of changes through 15 May

Indian govt asks media outlets not to use air raid sound on news programmes

Govt warns media against using civil defence sirens in shows, fearing public may ignore real alerts amid rising India-Pakistan tensions

Afghan defence ministry rejects Pak claims about Indian missile strikes

Afghanistan and India reject Pakistan's claims of Indian missile strikes on Afghan territory, calling them baseless and part of a broader misinformation campaign by Pakistani state agencies

J&K CM announces ex-gratia of ₹10 lakh each for kin of Pak shelling victims

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in Pakistani shelling in the Union Territory. An additional district development commissioner and 19 villagers were killed in Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu and Baramulla sectors in the past four days after Indian armed forces struck nine terrorist infrastructure targets across the border on May 7 in retaliation to last month's Pahalgam terror attack. While 12 civilians were killed in Poonch on Wednesday, two others were killed in Uri and Poonch on Friday. Another five civilians, including a senior government officer, lost their lives in Pakistani shelling Saturday morning. "Deeply pained by the loss of innocent lives due to recent shelling from Pakistan. My Government is taking every possible measure to minimise the hardship of our people," the chief minister said in a post on X. The post, shared by the office of the chief minister, said wh

Govt directs CISF to check cargo, in-line baggage amid tighter security

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on Saturday said it has extended an additional security cover to temporarily supervise cargo operations and in-line hold baggage screening system at 69 civil airports of the country under its counter-terrorist cover. A spokesperson for the paramilitary force said the move has been initiated following a directive issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on May 9 "temporarily" extending CISF's cover to these processes in "direct response" to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent security scenario in the country. This new arrangement will be in place till May 18, the spokesperson said. The CISF usually is only entrusted to frisk passengers and their cabin baggage. The cargo and In-line Hold Baggage Screening System (ILHBSS) checking was done by private security staff engaged by the airlines and airport operators. "The enhancement of CISF's mandate is essential to reinforce security arrangements at all civil ...

Bomb threat to Indore stadium over 'Operation Sindoor' turns out hoax

The Holkar Stadium in Indore received a bomb blast threat, with the unidentified sender of an e-mail warning of retaliation in response to Operation Sindoor, police said on Saturday. The threat turned out to be a hoax. "MPCA's (Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association) official email (ID) on Friday received a threatening message. The email, written in English, mentions that the stadium will be blasted due to 'Operation Sindoor' (of Indian armed forces)," Tukoganj police station in-charge Jitendra Singh Yadav told PTI. After being alerted by MPCA, four teams of police personnel and a bomb squad thoroughly searched the stadium's premises for five hours. "No suspicious thing was found in the Holkar stadium," Yadav said. Police are trying to trace the origin of the hoax e-mail in collaboration with the cyber squad, and legal action will be taken. Prima facie, the email seems a "copy-paste" job for mischief, although the police are investigating various aspects, an officer said. The office

Rajasthan CM briefs parties on state's preparedness amid border tensions

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Saturday held an all-party meeting at his office here and briefed party representatives about the state government's preparedness amid the ongoing military conflict between India and Pakistan. The western part of Rajasthan, which shares International Border with Pakistan, has been facing aerial threats from the neighbouring country. Even today, a high alert was issued in the border districts Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner and Sri Ganganagar amid threats of potential strikes by Pakistan. The all-party meeting was attended by Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully and representatives of other political parties. The chief minister shared details regarding the state government's preparations and also sought suggestions. "The CM called an all-party meeting to discuss the situation. Details regarding our preparations were shared with the leaders of political parties and suggestions were sought. The leaders of all parties extended support," Parliament

Maha Cyber branch removes 5,000 posts for misinformation amid conflict

Maharashtra Cyber has removed 5,000 posts from social media platforms containing fake news and misinformation about the military conflict between India and Pakistan, an official said on Saturday. According to officials, fake news about the army's movements, strategic operations, or retaliatory measures from neighbouring countries was found on social media. The cybercrime detection agency has also issued an advisory on the circulation of fake news and misinformation related to the military conflict, the official said. He said such unverified and misleading content poses a serious risk to national security and may contribute to the escalation of the conflict. Taking serious cognisance of such fake news and misinformation, the agency issued notices to take down and remove such false narratives from social media and communication platforms, he said. The official said the agency has removed around 5,000 social media posts containing fake news and misinformation about the military ...

PM Modi chairs high-level meet with defence brass amid Pak conflict

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting with the top defence establishment to take stock of the emerging security situation amid the intensifying military conflict with Pakistan. Modi met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the three service chiefs and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan to review the security scenario and chalk out strategies for the future course of action, officials said. The conflict with Pakistan has intensified with the armed forces responding proportionately and adequately to Pakistani attempts to target Indian installations. Pakistan's military is moving its troops in the forward areas, India said on Saturday, as the two countries continued to attack each other's military facilities. "The Pakistan military is observed to be moving their troops to the border areas," Colonel Sofiya Qureshi said at a press briefing along with Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Tripura CM urges security agencies to coordinate amid Indo-Pak conflict

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday said he has urged security agencies in the state to maintain coordination among them to deal with any untoward situation, amid India-Pakistan military conflict. Saha's comment comes a day after a high-level meeting between the chief minister and the representatives of the Army, BSF, CRPF and the state police was held to review the security measures. The CM said he had a meeting with the representatives of central and state security agencies. "I told the security agencies to maintain coordination among them to deal with any kind of situation. Instruction was also given to maintain strict vigil along the state's border with Bangladesh," he said. Saha said the Centre has already sent a standard operating procedure to the state, amid the military conflict between India and Pakistan. "The Centre has already sent a list of dos and don'ts for the states in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and its subsequent development. Our securit

India should take 1st step to de-escalate tensions with Pakistan: Mehbooba

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said India should embrace its leadership role in the subcontinent and take the first step to de-escalate tensions with Pakistan, as it is a moment for the country to stand tall and demonstrate that its true strength lies in its soft power and commitment to peace. Mufti's remarks came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Pakistani Army chief Asif Munir, and urged both parties to find ways to de-escalate. "Even though US Vice-President J D Vance initially said that America wouldn't intervene beyond a certain point in the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, in light of the worrying intensity of the situation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has now reached out to the Pakistani Army chief, urging de-escalation," Mufti said in a post on X. Rather than relying on "inconsistent" international support, India should take the first step to de-escalate, she said. India as the world's largest democracy and now as an emerging power/

Fact check: Govt debunks false claims, advises people to verify information

The government stated that most misinformation has surfaced from Pakistani social accounts. PIB debunked nine fake claims amid rising cross-border tensions