Page 18 - Terrorism

PFI has links with Al Qaeda, leaders in touch with terror group: NIA report

In a report filed before a Kerala court, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) claimed that the outlawed Popular Front of India (PFI) has links with the Al Qaeda

One killed as Taliban militants take hostages in northwest Pakistan

At least one policeman was killed and many others were injured when Pakistani Taliban militants seized a counter-terrorism centre and took some people hostage in the Bannu district of Pakistan's troubled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. One of the militants, who had been arrested and being interrogated at Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) police station inside the cantonment, on Sunday snatched an AK-47 from the police and opened fire. He then freed other suspects being held at the building who took control of the compound. They also took several policemen hostage. The situation is still tense 17 hours after the incident as a military operation is going on. The body of one policeman killed in the shooting has been shifted to a local hospital in Bannu. Akram Khan Durrani, a former chief minister of the province, and sitting provincial minister Malik Shah Muhammad have reached Bannu to initiate talks with the militants. Both Durrani and Muhammad hail from Bannu. Militants have demand

Pakistan could reconsider strategy for Afghanistan under Taliban: FM Bhutto

Pakistan could reconsider its strategy for dealing with Afghanistan's Taliban rulers, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said, as he expressed disappointment over their failure to prevent the banned TTP from conducting cross-border terrorist attacks in his country. Addressing a UN event in New York Bilawal said: "Pakistan will not tolerate cross-border terrorism by the TTP (Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan) or other terrorist groups, like the BLA (Balochistan Liberation Army). He said that Pakistan could reconsider its strategy for dealing with Afghanistan's Taliban rulers, but it could not afford to disengage with Kabul, the Dawn newspaper reported. Separately, in his address to a commemoration event to honour the victims of the December 16, 2014, terrorist attack on the Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar, Bilawal said that Kabul's Taliban rulers had failed Pakistan's hope and expectation of constraining the TTP from conducting cross-border terrorist attacks. The TTP militant

Karnataka CM Bommai urges Kharge, Gandhis to clear their stand on terrorism

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday asked the AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, former party presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to clear their stand on terrorism and terrorists

World sees Pakistan as 'epicentre' of terrorism, says EAM Jaishankar

The world sees Pakistan as the "epicentre of terrorism" and it should clean up its act and try to be a good neighbour, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said, asserting that the world has not forgotten where the menace stems from. He also recalled former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's blunt message to Islamabad that snakes in one's backyard will eventually bite those who keep them. Jaishankar was addressing reporters on Thursday at the UN headquarters after chairing a signature event held under India's presidency of the Security Council on Global Counterterrorism Approach: Challenges and Way Forward.' Responding to a question by PTI on Pakistan Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar's recent statements about a "dossier" and allegations against India, he said, I saw, I read the reports on what minister Khar said. And I was reminded, more than a decade ago, my memory serves me right. Hillary Clinton was visiting Pakistan. And Hina Rabbani Khar was a

World sees Pakistan as 'epicentre' of terrorism: EAM Jaishankar at UNSC

The world sees Pakistan as the "epicentre" of terrorism, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said here on Thursday, asserting that the international community has not forgotten where the menace stems from, despite the brain fog induced by over two years of Covid-19. He made the remarks while addressing reporters at the UN Security Council stakeout after charing a signature event held under India's presidency of the Council on Global Counterterrorism Approach: Challenges and Way Forward. In terms of what they are saying, the truth is everybody, the world today, sees them as the epicentre of terrorism," he said. "I know we've been through two and a half years of Covid and a lot of us have brain fog as a result. But I assure you the world has not forgotten where terrorism emanates from, who has their fingerprints over a lot of activities in the region and beyond the region. "So, I would say that it's something which they should remind themselves before indulging in the kind of ...

M23 kills 131 civilians including 17 women, 12 children in east Congo: UN

In eastern Congo last week, M23 rebels killed at least 131 civilians, including 17 women and 12 children, a UN spokesman said

No one to disrupt gains of war against terrorism, says Pak Army chief

Pakistan's recently appointed Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, said on Tuesday that no one would be allowed to disrupt the hard-earned gains of the war against terrorism. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the military, Gen. Munir made these remarks during his visit to Tirah Valley in Khyber district on the western border with Afghanistan. General Munir said that defence of the motherland will be ensured at all costs and there won't be any space for spoilers of peace. "No one will be allowed to disrupt the hard-earned gains of war against terror made thus far," he was quoted as saying. While interacting with officers and men, General Munir praised them for their high morale and operational readiness in the line of duty. The COAS said that the state's writ has been established due to innumerable sacrifices by tribal people and security forces. "Our fight against terrorism will continue with the support of the nation till we achieve endurin

Financial support is 'lifeblood' of terrorism, says NSA Ajit Doval

The NSAs of India and Central Asian countries on Tuesday called for collective action to deal with use of terrorist proxies for cross-border terrorism, terror financing and radicalisation and asserted that Afghanistan must not become a safe haven for terrorist activities. A joint communication issued at the end of the India-Central Asia meeting of NSAs said it was agreed that connectivity initiatives should be based on principles of transparency, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, in what is seen as a tacit endorsement of New Delhi's views on China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In his address at the meeting, NSA Ajit Doval said connectivity with Central Asian countries remained a key priority for India and that New Delhi stands ready to cooperate, invest and build connectivity in the region. On threat of terror groups, he said financial support is the "lifeblood" of terrorism and greater priority should be accorded to counter terror ...

India-Central Asia meet of NSAs calls for action to deal with terrorism

The NSAs of India and Central Asian countries on Tuesday called for collective action to combat challenges like terror financing, radicalisation and use of terrorist proxies for cross-border terrorism, while asserting that Afghanistan must not become a safe haven for terrorist activities. The meeting hosted by NSA Ajit Doval also emphasised the need for respecting Afghanistan's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and urged non-interference in its internal affairs. A joint communique said the officials agreed that the expansion of terrorist propaganda, recruitment and fund-raising efforts have serious security implications for the region, and therefore, a collective and coordinated response is essential. "The misuse of new and emerging technologies, arms and drugs trafficking, using terrorist proxies for cross-border terrorism, abuse of cyber space to spread disinformation and unmanned aerial systems present new challenges in counterterrorism efforts and call for collective

Terrorist networks in Afghanistan a matter of concern: NSA Ajit Doval

India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval in a conference termed the existence of terrorist networks in Afghanistan as a matter of concern

Priority should be given to countering terror financing: NSA Ajit Doval

NSA Ajit Doval on Tuesday strongly pitched for giving greater priority by countries of the region to counter terror financing, saying monetary resources are the "lifeblood" of terrorism. In an address at the inaugural India-Central Asia meeting of national security advisors, Doval also said that all UN member states should refrain from providing any form of support to entities or persons involved in terrorist acts and fulfil the obligations enshrined in relevant counter-terror conventions. He described Central Asia as India's "extended neighbourhood", and said New Delhi accords "highest priority" to this region. The NSAs of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are attending the conclave while Turkmenistan is being represented by its ambassador to India. "Afghanistan is an important issue concerning all of us. India's concerns and objectives with regard to immediate priorities and the way forward are similar to those of many of us around the table," he said. Doval said

Zero-tolerance approach can defeat terrorism: India's envoy to UN Kamboj

Terrorism remains a global challenge and only a unified and zero-tolerance approach to this can defeat it, India's permanent representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj said

Anti-terrorist operations to not stop till last terrorist is removed: Sinha

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday asserted that anti-terrorist operations will not be stopped until the last terrorist is eliminated in the Union Territory. Sinha also said Jammu and Kashmir has marched a great distance in the last three years in ensuring that no section of society is left behind. "Jammu and Kashmir government is committed that until last terrorist and mentors on the ground are eliminated, anti terrorist operations will not be stopped and assault on terror ecosystem will not be slowed down," the LG said while inaugurating Amar Jawan Shourya Sthal in Reasi. He said that fear, corruption and dynasty rule in Jammu and Kashmir for a long time had caused damaged to the social setup here, but during past 2-3 years, there has been a great change. "The effort is to bring major positive changes in social setup in J&K." He said that for the past thirty years, cross-border terrorism in the Union Territory has been posing a challenge to us. "It is .

India, Bangladesh pledge to work to curb terrorism as envoy meets PM Hasina

Newly-appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina here on Wednesday during which they pledged to work together to curb terrorism in the region. Verma, a 1994-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, met Hasina a month after presenting his credentials to President Abdul Hamid on October 27. India has a policy for neighbouring countries. But Bangladesh gets the highest priority. Bangladesh always gets priority in any case, Verma was quoted as saying by a PMO spokesperson during his meeting with Prime Minister Hasina at her official Ganabhaban residence. Noting that Bangladesh is "a very good friend" of India, Verma said the two countries will work together to stamp out terrorism in the region. Echoing the envoy's comments, Hasina said Bangladesh has vowed not to allow terrorists to use its soil. "(The ruling) Awami League never ever pampers terrorism and it never allows the use of Bangladesh soil for the purpose," she said. She

'Economy grew 1 position under economist PM, is 5th largest under chaiwala'

With just two days remaining before Gujarat goes to polls in the first phase, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday escalated his tirade against Congress accusing it of stopping armed forces from acting against terrorism when it was in power due to vote bank politics and took a jibe at former PM Manmohan Singh over the slow pace of economy in ten years of the UPA rule. Modi said the country's economy climbed up by only one position to reach the tenth spot despite a renowned economist being the PM for ten years but it became the fifth largest in the last eight years under a government led by a "chaiwala". He also slammed the Congress for its "divide and rule" strategy over the participation of anti-Narmada activist Medha Patkar in Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra. The prime minister addressed rallies in support of BJP candidates at Palitana, Anjar, Jamnagar, and Rajkot seeking another term for the BJP in his home state where the party has been in power for the last 27 years. The ra

Cong had tied hands of armed forces in acting against terrorism: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday alleged the erstwhile Congress government had stopped armed forces from taking action against terrorism due to the party's vote bank politics. Addressing a rally in Jamnagar town in the Saurashtra region of poll-bound Gujarat, the prime minister appealed to the people to not allow "urban Naxals" to enter the state. Polling for 182 Assembly seats in the state will be held in two phases on December 1 and 5. The counting of votes will be taken up on December 8. "Anarchy, terrorism, nepotism and vote bank politics were rampant during the Congress rule. Congress leaders used to remain mum against those who were involved in spreading anarchy and terrorism. People were feeling insecure. Bomb blasts used to kill people in different parts of the country," he said. The PM said due to the vote bank-oriented politics, Congress had even "tied the hands of our armed forces". "Congress created hurdles in their work. You cannot fight terrorism with such an .

Australia downgrades national terrorism threat level to 'possible'

Australia's terrorism threat level has been downgraded from probable" to possible for the first time since 2014, the head of the main domestic spy agency said Monday. The defeat of the Islamic State group in battle in the Middle East and an ineffective al-Qaida propaganda machine failing to connect with Western youth has resulted in fewer extremists in Australia, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Director-General Mike Burgess said. This does not mean the threat is extinguished, Burgess said. It remains plausible that someone will die at the hands of a terrorist in Australia within the next 12 months, he added. However, there have been increases in radical nationalism and right-wing extremist ideology in Australia in the past couple of years, Burgess said. Individuals are still fantasising about killing other Australians, still spouting their hateful ideologies in chat rooms, still honing their capabilities by researching bomb-making and training with weapons, Burgess .

Kejriwal well-wisher of terrorism, corruption, says UP CM Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday dubbed Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal as a 'namoona' or buffoon, and accused him and his party of supporting terrorism and corruption. Speaking at an election rally in Somnath town in Gir Somnath district of Gujarat for BJP candidates, he also accused main opposition Congress of not respecting other people's religions because of its "Muslim vote bank". "A 'Namoona' (buffoon) from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) who is visiting Gujarat now a days is a true well-wisher of terrorism. He had also opposed the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya. He had sought proof from our brave soldiers when the Indian Army carried out a surgical strike in Pakistan," said Adityanath, who is among the Bharatiya Janata Party's star campaigners. "When the Pakistan government itself was admitting that the strike had broken their back, AAP kept on asking for evidence. Support for terrorism and corruption is in their genes," the UP CM claimed. ...

Raids at residences of scribes over online threats to journos in Kashmir

Police on Thursday carried out raids at multiple locations, including residences of some journalists, in three districts of Jammu and Kashmir in connection with the online threats to scribes given by terror outfits. "Searches are going on in multiple locations in Srinagar, Badgam and Pulwama districts in connection with 'online journalists threat' case," Srinagar police tweeted. According to police, the searches carried out on Thursday were subsequent to the leads received from similar searches done few days ago in the same case. 'KashmirFight', an online page used by terror outfits, had issued a hitlist of journalists accusing them of working at the behest of security and intelligence agencies. At least five journalists, all working for local media outlets, have since resigned from their jobs. Giving details, a police spokesman said raids were carried out at seven locations in Srinagar, Budgam and Pulwama. "The premises which were raided today and subsequently searched belong t