Page 36 - War Conflict
Naxal husband-wife duo surrender in Chhattisgarh
A Naxal couple surrendered on Saturday in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, police said. Vetti Hurra, a "militia commander" and his wife Kalmu Huye, an activist with Maoist front organisation Krantikari Adivasi Mahila Sangthan (KAMS), carried rewards of Rs 1 lakh each on their heads, Superintendent of Police Shalabh Sinha said. Vetti was involved in a deadly attack on the Central Reserve Police Force personnel on April 24, 2017 in Burkapal area of Sukma, in which 25 troopers were killed and seven injured, the SP said. The surrendered Naxals have told police they were disappointed with the Maoist ideology, the SP said.
PM Modi meets top Lankan leadership; describes terrorism as 'joint threat'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said he had an "immensely fruitful" meetings with Sri Lanka's top leadership, including President Maithripala Sirisena, during which the two sides agreed that terrorism is a "joint threat" that needs collective and focussed action, weeks after the island nation witnessed the worst jihadi attack. Modi, the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the deadly Easter terror attacks on April 21, was accorded a red carpet welcome. His visit is considered as a sign of India's affirmation of solidarity with Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the attacks, the worst in the history of the island nation that killed 258 people, including 11 Indians. "Met President @MaithripalaS, our second meeting in 10 days. President Sirisena and I agreed that terrorism is a joint threat that needs collective and focussed action. Reiterated India's commitment to partner with Sri Lanka for a shared, secure and prosperous future," Modi tweeted after his talks with President ...
US army vehicle damaged in mine explosion in Niger
A US army vehicle was damaged in a mine explosion in western Niger, but there were no fatalities, and the US military was investigating whether the incident was hostile, embassy and local security forces said on Sunday. The incident occurred in Ouallam in the Tillaberi region, not far from the border with Mali, where four US soldiers and five Niger soldiers were killed in an ambush in 2017, according to the sources. "A US mine-resistant, ambush-protected all-terrain vehicle was damaged in Niger" on Saturday, the US embassy in Niamey said in a statement. Ouallam is located about 100 kilometres (62 miles) from Niamey and is home to a major training camp of the Nigerien army where soldiers are trained to participate in the UN Mission in Mali, known as Minusma. "The incident occurred outside a weapons range, so it is possible that non-hostile factors were the cause of the damage," it said. "We're still looking to confirm that element." The US mission in Niger has been heavily scrutinised .
PM Modi makes unscheduled visit to Colombo's bombed church; pays tribute to victims
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday pledged India's solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka as he made an unscheduled visit to the St Anthony's church, one of the sites of the horrific Easter Sunday attacks, and paid tributes to the victims of the deadly terror strikes that killed 258 people, including 11 Indians. Prime Minister Modi's entourage made a detour to the Catholic church in Colombo on their way to the Presidential Secretariat for official engagements. "I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again. Cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka," said Modi, the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the Easter attacks on April 21. "My heart goes out to the families of the victims and the injured," Modi added. Nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of ...
Neighbourhood First: Modi wraps up 2-nation visit to Maldives, Sri Lanka
Highlighting the importance India attaches to its neighbourhood, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday wrapped up his first overseas bilateral trip to Maldives and Sri Lanka after assuming office for a second term.He visited the two island nations within 24 hours, taking part in 15 engagements in total, according to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar."24 hours - 2 countries - 15 engagements. PM @narendramodi emplanes for Delhi after a successful visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka, demonstrating our priority to #NeighbourhoodFirst. Seen off by Sri Lankan PM @RW_UNP," Kumar tweeted on June 9.Starting off his first two-nation overseas trip after assuming office for a second term, Modi arrived in Maldives to a grand ceremonial welcome on June 8.The Prime Minister was conferred with the Nishan Izzudeen medal - the highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries by Maldives - by the island nation's President, Ibrahim Solih, during a ceremony in Male.Receiving the award, ...
Dozens arrested during election protests in Kazakhstan
Dozens of people were arrested on Sunday in the Kazakh capital Nur-Sultan and the southern metropolis Almaty during rallies that called for a boycott of presidential elections being held across the Central Asian republic, media reported.
Afghanistan: 4 Taliban militants killed after IED explodes prematurely
At least four Taliban militants were killed and one sustained injury after an improvised explosive device (IED) went off prematurely in the central province of Daikundi on Sunday.Provincial governor Ahla Rahmati told media that the militants had planned to plant the IED in Malkok area of Pato district to target the security forces convoy. The bomb, however, exploded prematurely, killing four on the spot and leaving one grievously injured, reports Xinhua.Taliban militants frequently use IEDs to target security forces. As per official figures, at least 120 civilians in Afghanistan are killed in such incidents every month.In a separate development, at least six Taliban militants were killed and five others sustained injuries in an anti-terrorism operation carried out by Afghan forces in the western province of Farah, provincial police spokesman Mohibullah Mohib said on Sunday.No comments have been received by the Taliban with respect to the above two developments.Afghanistan is suffering
ICC rejected Gayle's request to use 'Universe Boss' logo before censoring Dhoni
The International Cricket Council has not only rejected Mahendra Singh Dhoni's request for wearing keeping gloves which had a dagger insignia but also refused West Indies opener Chris Gayle permission to use 'Universe Boss' logo on his bat. In both cases the ICC cited equipment regulation violation. Gayle, a self proclaimed 'Universe Boss', had requested the ICC to allow him use it for his bat branding but he was informed that he can't use any clothing or sporting equipment for personal messages. "ICC couldn't have made an exception for Dhoni as no personal messages are allowed on equipment. Gayle wanted it but when he was refused permission, he accepted it and moved on," a source privy to the development told PTI on conditions of anonymity. Talking about Dhoni, the official said, "It is not about military symbolism. It is about a simple rule that no personal messages are allowed. If ICC did not make an exception for Gayle, then how come they would make it for Dhoni." It has also been
PM Modi ends Sri Lanka visit, flies to Tirupati
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday left Sri Lanka after a packed day's visit to the island nation.
Democracy a part of India's ethos: Modi interacts with expatriates in Sri Lanka
Welcomed amid loud chants of "Modi!Modi!", Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the Indian diaspora in Sri Lanka at the India House here on Sunday.He expressed his pleasure at meeting the Indian community during his address, along with speaking on the recently culminated Lok Sabha elections which propelled him to power for the second consecutive term."I thank the Indian community for coming to meet us here. It is always a delight to interact with the Indian diaspora," he said during his address.He talked about the Indian elections, outlining how people have delivered a "clear-cut" mandate. "Democracy is a part of India's ethos...After independence, this is the largest voter turnout that the elections saw," he told the gathering.One member from the gathering shouted "2030 Modiji!" during his speech, which invited laughter from the leader."Today India's position in the world is getting stronger and a large part of that credit goes to the Indian diaspora. I've been to many ...
Sri Lanka MPs clash with president over Easter attacks probe
Sri Lanka's parliament warned President Maithripala Sirisena not to scuttle a controversial investigation into security lapses before the Easter suicide bombings, the Speaker's office said Sunday. The warning came after Sirisena said he would not cooperate with the parliamentary probe and would not allow defence or police officials to testify before the select committee (PSC). The president called an emergency cabinet meeting on Friday night to oppose the legislature's investigation into the April 21 attacks that killed 258 people, including 45 foreigners, and wounded nearly 500. "Any public servant summoned by the PSC is obliged to give evidence," Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said in a hard-hitting two-page response to Sirisena. "Officials are fully aware of the serious consequences if they fail to respond." Officials at the Speaker's office said Jayasuriya made it clear to Sirisena that he will not call off the PSC and it will continue its public hearings. Evidence before the ...
Sudan police fire tear gas as civil disobedience campaign begins
Sudanese police fired tear gas Sunday at protesters taking part in the first day of a civil disobedience campaign, called in the wake of a deadly crackdown on demonstrators. Protesters gathered tyres, tree trunks and rocks to build new roadblocks in Khartoum's northern Bahari district, a witness told AFP, but riot police swiftly moved in and fired tear gas at them. "Almost all internal roads of Bahari have roadblocks. Protesters are even stopping residents from going to work," said the witness. The latest bid by demonstrators to close off streets in the capital comes nearly a week after a deadly raid on a sit-in outside army headquarters which left dozens dead. The bloody crackdown prompted the Sudanese Professionals Association, which first launched protests against longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir in December, to announce a nationwide civil disobedience campaign starting Sunday. The SPA said the movement will end only after the military rulers, who took over after Bashir's ouster two ..
Sri Lankan President warns against emergence of a 'Muslim Prabhakaran'
Warning against the emergence of a "Muslim Prabhakaran", Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has called for unity among all communities in the country which saw the worst terror attack on Easter Sunday. Acknowledging that the country has now been divided, Sirisena, who spoke in Mullaitivu, a former bastion of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), said on Saturday that religious leaders and politicians in the country were divided today. The President urged the public "not to leave room for a Muslim Prabhakaran to be born," Colombo Gazette reported . Velupillai Prabhakaran was the founder and leader of the LTTE or the Tamil Tigers, a militant organisation that sought to create an independent Tamil state in the north and east of Sri Lanka. The civil war in Sri Lanka that has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people ended with the killing of Prabhakaran by Sri Lankan army in 2009. "If we divide and fall apart the whole country will stand to lose. Another war will ...
PM Modi meets top Lankan leadership; describes terrorism as a 'joint threat'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday for the second time within 10 days and the two leaders agreed that terrorism is a "joint threat" that needs collective and focussed action. Modi is the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the deadly Easter terror attacks in April. His visit is considered as a sign of India's affirmation of solidarity with Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the attacks. "Met President @MaithripalaS, our second meeting in 10 days. President Sirisena and I agreed that terrorism is a joint threat that needs collective and focussed action. Reiterated India's commitment to partner with Sri Lanka for a shared, secure and prosperous future," Modi tweeted after his talks with President Sirisena. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that the two leaders discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest. A banquet was hosted in honour of Prime Minister Modi by President Sirisena. Modi also received a ..
PM gets Samadhi Buddha Statue as gift from Lankan President Sirisena
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a special gift, a replica of the Samadhi Buddha Statue, from a "special friend" Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena after the two leaders met here on Sunday. "This replica of the Samadhi Buddha Statue has been hand carved using white teak. This masterpiece has taken almost two years to complete. The meditation pose is known as Dhyana Mudra," Prime Minister's Office tweeted. "A special gift from a special friend. President @MaithripalaS presented PM @narendramodi the Samadhi Buddha Statue. This is considered to be one of the best sculptures in the Anuradhapura era. The original statue was sculptured between the 4th and 7th centuries AD, " the tweet read. Prime Minister Modi arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday for a day-long visit and met with President Sirisena and discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest. Modi was accorded a ceremonial reception at the President's House. Sri Lankan President Sirisena was seen holding an umbrella and ...
PM Modi meets Sri Lankan Oppn leader Mahinda Rajapaksa
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the incumbent Sri Lankan Leader of Opposition and former President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, during his official visit to the nation on Sunday.Before the meeting, he had discussed issues of "mutual interest" with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena during a bilateral meeting at the President's Secretariat. He also signed the visitor's book at the Secretariat in Sirisena's presence."Reinforcing partnership. PM @narendramodi and President of Sri Lanka @MaithripalaS discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest. A banquet was hosted in honour of PM by President @MaithripalaS #Neighbourhoodfirst," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.Sirisena was amongst the BIMSTEC leaders who had attended Modi's swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi on May 30. The two leaders had also held a bilateral the following day.Showing India's solidarity with Sri Lanka, Modi is the first world leader to visit the country after the devastating Easter terror .
Terrorism is joint threat, say India, Sri Lanka
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday agreed that terrorism was a joint threat that needed collective and focussed action.
PM Modi visits terror attack hit church in Colombo; pays tribute to victims of Easter strikes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday pledged India's solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka as he visited the St Anthony's church, one of the sites of the horrific Easter Sunday attacks, and paid tributes to the victims of the deadly terror strikes that killed 258 people, including 11 Indians. Prime Minister Modi's entourage made a detour to the Catholic church in Colombo on their way to the Presidential Secretariat for official engagements. "I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again. Cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka," said Modi, the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the Easter attacks on April 21. "My heart goes out to the families of the victims and the injured," Modi added. Nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church
PM Modi meets Lankan President; discusses bilateral issues of mutual interest
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday and the two leaders discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest. Modi is the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the Easter attacks in April. His visit is considered as a sign of India's affirmation of solidarity with Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the deadly Easter terror attacks in April. "PM @narendramodi and President of Sri Lanka @MaithripalaS discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest. A banquet was hosted in honour of PM by President @MaithripalaS #Neighbourhoodfirst," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Earlier, Modi was accorded a ceremonial reception at the President's House. Sri Lankan President Sirisena was seen holding an umbrella and providing cover to himself and Prime Minister Modi from rain. Modi arrived in Colombo from Maldives where he held wide-ranging talks with Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Saturday.
PM Modi visits church in Colombo; pays tribute to victims of Easter attacks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday visited a Catholic church - one of the sites of the horrific Easter Sunday attacks - soon after his arrival here and paid tributes to the victims of the deadly terror strikes, saying "cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka". Prime Minister Modi's entourage made a detour to St Anthony's church on their way to the Presidential Secretariat, where a red carpet welcome awaited. "I am confident Sri Lanka will rise again. Cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka," said Modi, the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the Easter attacks in April. "My heart goes out to the families of the victims and the injured," Modi added. Nine suicide bombers carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church in the eastern town of ...