Page 1619 - Politics
IAF to display firepower in Pokharan on Saturday
The Indian Air Force will demonstrate its full spectrum combat and fire capabilities during 'Exercise Vayu Shakti-2019' in Pokharan firing range close to Indo-Pak border in Rajasthan on Saturday. Akash missile firing, gun firing from Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and MiG 29's air-to-ground role will be among four "first-time demonstrations" in the exercise which is scheduled to be attended by Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Indigenously developed weapons, aircraft and equipment displayed in the exercise will be Akash (mid-range surface-to-air missile), Astra (all-weather beyond visual range air-to-air missile), light combat aircraft Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) systems on Embraer (aircraft) platform. Ability to detect targets, multi-spectrum capability, swift identification and neutralising targets with precision will be displayed in the 1.55-hour long exercise aimed at showcasing the force's capabilities to prosecute
Cong feels Ambedkar not keen on being part of grand-alliance
The Maharashtra Congress, which has been trying to persuade Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) leader Prakash Ambedkar to join the anti-BJP coalition, says it was disappointed with his approach as he was not showing any flexibility and keenness for a tie-up. The Congress said Ambedkar was adamant that the party should give an action plan in writing on bringing the RSS in the constitutional framework. The Congress and NCP have earlier said they were ready to give four seats to Ambedkar. However, the latter has announced candidates for 12 Lok Sabha seats. Interestingly, the Dalit leader, grandson of Dr B R Ambedkar, has not announced his own candidature from Akola, a Lok Sabha seat he had earlier represented. The Congress Friday expressed surprise that he was yet to announce the candidate from Akola. "We agree there has to be a common minimum programme. But Ambedkar's insistence that the Congress gives an action plan in writing on how to curb parallel administration run by the
Singapore detains alleged sponsor of Malaysian IS fighter
A Singaporean man who gave financial support to a Syria-based Islamic State (IS) militant from Malaysia has been detained under the city-state's tough internal security laws, authorities said Friday. The arrest highlights the continued influence of Southeast Asian militants fighting with IS in Iraq and Syria in radicalising people back home, even as the jihadists face defeat in the Middle East. Singaporean businessman Mohamed Kazali bin Salleh, 48, is suspected of being a "close associate" of Mohamad Aquil bin Wan Zainal Abidin, believed to be the most senior Malaysian IS fighter in Syria, according to Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Kazali, who had been living in the Malaysian state of Johor next to Singapore, paid for the militant's trip to Syria in late 2013 to fight with IS and continued to support him financially, the ministry said. In return, Aquil "kept him updated on his exploits on the battlefield", it said. Kazali became increasingly radicalised over time and ...
Forces permitted to choose time and place for future action against terrorists: PM on Pulwama
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday asserted the security forces have been given permission to choose the timing, place and nature of their response to the Pulwama terror attack, which left 40 CRPF personnel dead on Thursday. Without naming Pakistan, he told a public meeting that the attack was an outcome of the neighbouring country's desperation as it is in a bad shape and has been forced to go to different countries with a "begging bowl" to meet even its daily expenses. The prime minister was in the Uttar Pradesh town to lay the foundation stone of a defence corridor in the Bundelkhand region. Pakistan thinks that it can force India into a bad shape as well, he said, asserting that it has been left behind in development due to policies it has adopted while India has been progressing day and night due to the path it had chosen. A day after Jammu and Kashmir saw one of the worst terrorist attacks in the state, Modi said every Indian is in anger and he wanted to assure the 130 crore ...
India to press for early adoption of convention on international terrorism: Jaitley
India will press for an early adoption of a draft convention on international terrorism pending with the United Nation since 1986, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Friday. Briefing reporters after the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security convened to discuss the Pulwama terror attack, Jaitley said India had tabled the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism in the United Nations in 1986. "But for the past 33 years, it has not been implemented because there is no unanimity on the definition of terrorism," he added. The senior minister said New Delhi will consult all countries to implement it and engage with them for early adoption of the anti-terror measure. According to details available on the internet, the convention proposes to criminalise all forms of international terrorism and deny terrorists finance and safe havens. At least 40 CRPF personnel were killed in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish suicide bomber rammed .
India will never compromise with terrorist forces: Manmohan
India will never compromise with terrorist forces and will deal with the menace unitedly, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Friday, condemning the Pulwama terror strike. The priority is to convey to families of those who have been killed and those seriously injured that "we are with them in condemning this act of terrorism", Singh said at a press conference along with Congress president Rahul Gandhi, and senior leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and A K Antony. "We shall never compromise with terrorist forces. Whatever the country requires, we will work together as one united nation to deal with this menace of terrorism," he said. Singh said terrorism is a scourge and was something with which India can never compromise. "As the Congress president said, today is not a day to raise contentious issues. Our role today is to convey to our soldiers, their families, our heartfelt condolences...We will do all that is necessary to keep this country united in support of anti-terrorist ...
Amarinder wants 'befitting reply' to Pakistan
Mincing no words, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday called for a "befitting response to the enemy" and warned the Pakistan Army and ISI against indulging in any such games in Punjab, as the state Assembly passed an unanimous resolution strongly condemning the barbaric attack by Jaish terrorists on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama.
Pulwama terror attack: Himachal Assembly adjourned in mourning
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly was adjourned on Friday after it unanimously mourned the worst-ever terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
Governor, Kashmiri leaders slam each other after suicide bombing
A bitter public spat has broken out between Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik and some Kashmiri political leaders in the aftermath of the terror attack on a CRPF convoy that left 45 troopers dead.
All political parties must oppose terror: Joshi
Veteran BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi on Friday said that all political parties should take a unified approach on combating Pakistan-sponsored terrorism without trying to score political points.
US asks Pakistan to immediately end 'support' and 'safe haven' to all terror groups
In a stern message to Pakistan, the White House has asked Islamabad to "immediately end" its "support" to all terror groups and not to provide "safe haven" to them, as the US strongly condemned the deadly Pulwama terror attack. Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) has claimed responsibility for the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Thursday that left at least 40 CRPF soldiers dead and five others critically wounded. "The United States calls on Pakistan to end immediately the support and safe haven provided to all terrorist groups operating on its soil, whose only goal is to sow chaos, violence, and terror in the region," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a late night statement on Thursday. "This attack only strengthens our resolve to bolster counterterrorism cooperation and coordination between the United States and India," she said in a strongly-worded statement issued by the White House. Sanders said the United States condemns in the strongest
Curfew in Jammu city after protests over Pulwama attack, Army asked to help
Curfew was imposed in Jammu city on Friday as a precautionary measure following massive protests over the terror attack in Pulwama in the Kashmir Valley in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed, officials said. The Army has been requested to help the administration in maintaining law and order and conduct flag marches, they said. Curfew was clamped as authorities feared a communal backlash, officials said. Protesters, particularly in the old city, refused to disperse even after loudspeakers announced that curfew was imposed.
China condemns Kashmir terror attack
China on Friday condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 45 CRPF troopers and said it has dealt professionally on the issue of declaring Pakistan-based terrorist Masood Azhar whose JeM group claimed responsibility for the killings.
Movement of convoy of forces in Kashmir valley suspended on Friday
The movement of convoy of security forces in Kashmir Valley was suspended on Friday apprehending law and order situation, a day after an audacious attack on a bus killed 40 CRPF personnel, officials said. There will be no convoy movement on Friday in Kashmir Valley as there is a possibility of law and order problems, a Home Ministry official said. Movement of isolated vehicle is strictly prohibited while movement of Army and CRPF vehicles in the interior, inter-district and intra-district in the valley is also banned on Friday, the official said. Forty CRPF personnel were killed and five injured on Thursday in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish-e-Mohammad suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 100 kg of explosives into their bus in Pulwama district. The bus was part of a 78 vehicles convoy of CRPF travelling from Jammu to Srinagar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said those responsible for the attack will pay "a very heavy price" and ...
Angry India ends MFN status to Pakistan, says 'incontrovertible' evidence of Pakistan hand in Pulwama terror attack
Acting tough, an angry India on Friday withdrew the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status granted unilaterally to Pakistan while asserting that there is "incontrovertible evidence" about Pakistan's direct hand in the gruesome terror attack in Kashmir's Pulwama yesterday.India will also make all possible efforts to ensure "complete isolation" of Pakistan in the international community and work for early adoption of the long-pending Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), which is pending before the United Nations.The decisions were taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the situation in the wake of yesterday's terror attack was assessed, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters here.He also said that an all-party meeting will be convened, possibly tomorrow after the return of Home Minister Rajnath Singh from Kashmir, to brief on the situation arising out of the terror attack."Most Favoured Nation
Entire opposition stands with government in its actions: Congress on Pulwama terror attack
Asserting that no force can divide or break the country, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that the entire opposition will stand with the government "in its actions" in the wake of Pulwama terror attack."We are hurt. Every single Indian is hurt," said the Congress president while addressing a special press conference along with former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad.Condemning the attack on a CRPF convoy that took place on Thursday, Rahul said: "This is a terrible tragedy. This type of violence done against our security forces is absolutely disgusting. The aim of terrorism is to divide this country and we are not going to be divided. We will support our security forces and the government in its actions."According to CRPF, 37 of its personnel have lost their lives and five injured in the terror attack.Addressing the media, Manmohan Singh said the Congress party will do all that is necessary to keep the nation united. ..
Those behind Pulwama attack will be definitely punished: PM Modi
Coming down heavily on Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that those behind the Pulwama terror attack have committed a "grave mistake" and they will be "definitely punished"."If our neighbour, which is totally isolated in the world, thinks it can destabilise India through its tactics and conspiracies, then it is making a big mistake. Its plans will never succeed, they will not be allowed to succeed," the Prime Minister said."I want to tell terrorist organisations and their guardians that they have done a grave mistake. Those behind the attack will be definitely punished for their actions...The blood of Indians is boiling... A strong reply will be give to this attack," Modi said here while flagging off the Delhi-Varanasi high-speed Vande Bharat Express train.Paying tributes to around 40 CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama attack, he said, "Our security forces have been given full freedom (to carry out anti-terror operations). We have full faith in ...
KCR condemns Pulwama attack, cancels birthday celebrations
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Friday condemned the attack on CRPF Jawans at Pulwama and cancelled his birthday celebrations in the wake of the deadly terror attack.The chief minister also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members of the deceased and wished speedy recovery of the injured.He also appealed to his party leaders and workers not to celebrate his birthday which falls on February 17.YSR Congress Party Chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also condemned the "cowardly" attack."I strongly condemn this cowardly attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama and stand in solidarity with our brave soldiers. My heart goes out to the grieving families of the martyrs and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured jawans," he tweeted.In the deadliest attack on security forces in Kashmir, around 40 CRPF personnel were killed on Thursday when their convoy was targeted by a suspected suicide bomber of Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad in Pulwama district on the Srinagar-Jammu ...
Pulwama attack: World unites against terrorism
Several countries, including Canada, Germany, Saudi Arabia and UAE, have condemned the ghastly Pulwama attack which claimed the lives of nearly 40 CRPF personnel in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir."Canada strongly condemns the terrorist attack that took place in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir today. Canada offers its deepest condolences and profound sympathy to the families and friends of those killed and injured in the attack," a statement issued by Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland noted."Canada remains steadfast in its support of the global fight against terrorism. We stand in solidarity with the government and the people of India in the fight to prevent radicalization and defeat terrorism in all its forms," the statement further puts forth.Around 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives when their bus - which had 42 personnel on board - was targeted by a suicide bomber from the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) on Thursday. Their bus was part of 78 vehicle convoy which was ..
Jaitley resumes charge as Finance Minister
Union Minister Arun Jaitley was on Friday officially reinstated as the Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs."The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has directed to assign the portfolios of the Minister of Finance and Minister of Corporate Affairs to Shri Arun Jaitley," read a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique.In his first official engagement as Finance Minister, Jaitley attended a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Pulwama terror attack. According to CRPF, 37 of its personnel were killed in the attack.Jaitley, who was designated as 'Minister Without Portfolio', underwent treatment for nearly a month in New York and returned to India on February 9.In his absence, his portfolios of Finance and Corporate Affairs were temporarily assigned to Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on January 23.Jaitley underwent renal transplant last year at AIIMS here. Although he was away from India, Jaitley remained active on ..