Page 41 - War Conflict
Taliban issues Eid message, pledges to end ceasefire anytime soon
While the doors for dialogue with the United States to end the 18-year-long war in the country remain open, the Taliban on Saturday pledged to end the ceasefire anytime soon.In his annual message on Eid, Taliban leader, Mullah Haibatullah Akhunzada, said that the group will continue fighting until the group's objectives were reached, Al Jazeera reported."No one should expect us to pour cold water on the heated battlefronts of Jihad or forget our 40-year sacrifices before reaching our objectives," he said in the message, adding that the Taliban aimed for "an end to the occupation and establishment of an Islamic system".The statement comes days after a Taliban official was quoted as saying that "decent progress" had been made during talks with a group of senior Afghan politicians in Moscow last week, but a breakthrough was not achieved.A sixth round of US-led talks in Qatar also wrapped up last month with "some progress" made on a draft agreement for when foreign troops might withdraw ..
Taliban leader says no ceasefire as US envoy heads to region
The Taliban's leader said Saturday the insurgents will not call a ceasefire any time soon, even as a US envoy was heading to the region for a fresh round of peace talks. In a rare and defiant message ahead of what would be the seventh round of recent negotiations, Taliban chief Haibatullah Akhundzada boasted foreign forces in Afghanistan are "condemned to defeat" -- but said the Islamist insurgents would continue talks with the US. The Taliban's fight "and resistance against the occupation is nearing the stage of success, Allah willing," Akhundzada said in a message marking Eid, the upcoming festival at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The insurgents, believing they have major leverage on the military front, have rejected widespread calls for a ceasefire. "No one should expect us to pour cold water on the heated battlefronts of jihad or forget our 40-year sacrifices before reaching our objectives," Akhundzada said. Akhundzada has led the Islamist militants since his predecessor ..
Report says Sudan summons its envoy from Qatar
Sudan's state-run news agency says the Foreign Ministry has summoned the country's envoy from Qatar, a day after the satellite news channel Al-Jazeera said Sudanese authorities shut down its Khartoum bureau. Saturday's report by SUNA has quoted Babaker al-Amin, spokesman for the ministry, as saying that Ambassador Fathel-Rahamn Mohammed was summoned for consultations and "will be sent back to Doha within the coming hours." Qatar-funded Al-Jazeera said Friday that Sudan's authorities banned its journalists from reporting in the country. The development comes amid concerns from protesters that the ruling military council might disperse their main sit-in in Khartoum. Both sides remain split over the make-up and leadership of a sovereign council that would run Sudan during a three-year transition period after the military overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir in April.
Jammu IGP admits militants' presence in Kishtwar
The Jammu and Kashmir police Saturday admitted presence of militants in Kishtwar district of Jammu region and said it has tasked its anti-terror Special Operation Group to track neutralise militants in area. Inspector General of Police M K Sinha of Jammu Zone made the admission a day after two special police officers (SPOs) were injured in a gun battle between police and militants, who managed to escape. Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh on May 20 had ruled out the presence of militants in Kishtwar belt. IGP Sinha said there are reports about eight militants being active in the vast area of the district and the SOG has been activated to neutralise them. "We have activated SoG in Kishtwar after the terror incidents took place," he told reporters. Replying to a question on spread of militancy in Jammu region, Sinha said militants will keep up their nefarious designs but the police will soon neutralise them. He said as and when police get information, they act quickly as they ..
Violent video games dangerous for children
Kids exposed to violent video games are more likely to pull the trigger in reallife situations, as compared to those who do not indulge in such gaming habits, researchers have warned.
Police book Army man, two others for encroaching public land
An Army man and two others have been booked for grabbing a piece of public land in a Kishtwar district village and attacking the anti-encroachment team, said an official Saturday. Naik Haq Nawaz of Jammu and Kasahmir Light Infantry was booked along with his brother Mohammed Ayaz and one Tanvir Ahmed of Indira Nagar in Lachkhazana village, he said. The trio had pelted stones at the anti-encroachment team led by Kishtwar Tehsildar Parmod Kumar, besides damaging the JCB, he added. The team, however, managed to retrieve the prime plot of land measuring three and half kanal earmarked for setting up Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) at Indira Nagar of Lachkhazana village in Kishtwar. The anti-encroachment team also managed to retrieve another piece of state land near a middle school in Bagwan Mohalla of Kishtwar, encroached by one Karam Chand. Their was no resistance from Karam Chand.
Pak Army soldier killed in attack by militant in North Waziristan
A Pakistan Army soldier was killed on Saturday in an attack on a military patrol vehicle by some unidentified militants in the North Waziristan tribal district, the Army said. The incident happened when an Army vehicle was on routine patrolling duty in the Boya area of the district. The vehcile of army was on routine patrolling in Boya area of the district when it was targeted by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and subsequent firing by the militants. "A 26-year old soldier was killed in the attack," the Pakistan Army said in a statement, adding that terrorist activities in North Waziristan has increased lately. During the last one month, five soldiers have been killed and 31 others injured various terror attacks in the district. The Army said that the arrest of facilitators linked to such terrorist activities led to the Kharkamar post incident on May 25. Two lawmakers Ali Wazir and Mohsin Dawar led a mob that allegedly attacked the post, forcing soldiers to open fire in which ...
Northern Army commander review security along LoC in Kupwara
Northern Army commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh Saturday reviewed the security situation and the operational preparedness of the force along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara sector of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. Lt Gen Singh visited forward areas of Kupwara sector in north Kashmir on Saturday, an Army official said. He said the northern Army commander reviewed the operational preparedness and the security situation along the LoC and lauded all ranks for their strict vigil, professionalism and high morale, the official said.
Two jan militia members held in Chhattisgarh
Two lower-rung naxals, who were allegedly involved in torching a bus in 2018 and active as jan militia members, were arrested Saturday in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, police said. The duo, identified as Sayabi Wacham (24) and Somdu Mudma (25), were nabbed from the forest of Murkinar village under Bedre police station area, around 450 kms from the state capital Raipur, by a joint team of security forces, a local police official said. The two tried to flee after spotting the patrolling team near Murkinar, but were held after a short chase, he added. The duo have been active as jan militia members of Maoists and allegedly involved in setting a bus on fire on Kutru-Bedre road on February 3 last year, the official said.
BSF reaches out to villagers to strengthen security in J-K's Samba district
The BSF has reached out to villagers living along the International Border (IB) to strengthen the security grid in Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district, officials said. The Border Security Force (BSF) has taken the decision in wake of the threat of infiltration of militancy, narcotic smuggling and ceasefire violation along the borderline, they said. The force authorities held scores of meeting with people living along the IB in the district on Saturday, they said. It also organised a village coordination meeting in Border Out Posts (BoPs) of Bundhtip, Gallar village, Nursery and Chak Faquira, they said. During the meeting, local issues of villagers pertaining to border area and its security were discussed, they said. A BSF official emphasised that villagers are an important aspect of border protection grid and their timely and appropriate response to any untoward event plays significant role in the national security. They were asked to be vigilant and keep an eye on any movement close ..
White Knight Corps observes its 48th raising day
The White Knight Corps, which looks after the operational control of the area south of Jammu and Kashmir's Pir Panjal, observed its 48th raising day Saturday. Jammu and Kashmir has three corps looking after the operational areas along the LoC and parts of hinterland along with five counter-insurgency divisions. The General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the Corps, Lt Gen Paramjit Singh, complimented all ranks for their outstanding contribution in maintaining vigil on the Line of Control and ensuring peace and tranquility in the hinterland. He paid floral tributes to the fallen soldiers at the 'Ashwamedh Shaurya Sthal' and exhorted all troops to work with zeal and enthusiasm to achieve new milestones. Raised on June 1, 1972, the White Knight Corps is operationally committed to guarding and maintaining the sanctity of the LoC and combating militancy.
5 Kashmiri youths give up arms, return to families
Five Kashmiri youths gave up arms and returned to their families on Saturday in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, police said.
2 Karbi militants held
Two armed militants of the People's Democratic Council of Karbi Longri (PDCK) were arrested from East Karbi Anglong district of central Assam, defence sources said Saturday. Acting on a tip off, Army troops launched a joint operation with the police and apprehended the two from Bakulia area on Friday. One .22 pistol along with a magazine, six rounds of .22 ammunition, three mobile phones, six SIM cards, three memory cards, Rs 5,855 in cash, and other articles were seized from the two PDCK cadres, the sources said. Interrogation revealed that they are close associates of PDCK 'chief of army staff' David Mukrang and have been collecting extortion money and providing logistical assistance to him, the sources said.
Taliban leader indicates no ceasefire anytime soon
The Taliban are unlikely to call a ceasefire any time soon, the group's leader indicated Saturday, though he said the "doors of dialogue" with the US remain open. The rare message from Haibatullah Akhundzada comes after a sixth round of US-led talks ended last month in Qatar with little sign of progress and amid continued bloodshed across Afghanistan. "The doors of dialogue and negotiations have been kept open and at this very moment, the (Taliban) negotiation team... is engaged in negotiations with the American side," Akhundzada said in a message ahead of the upcoming festival of Eid, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had proposed a nationwide ceasefire at the start of Ramadan early last month, but the Taliban rejected the offer. Last year, the Taliban observed a three-day ceasefire over Eid and many Afghans -- exhausted by decades of war and violence -- had pinned their hopes on another truce this year. But Akhundzada said: "No one ...
One Pakistani national among two terrorists killed in Pulwama encounter: Police
One of the two terrorists killed in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama district on Friday was a Pakistani and the duo belonged to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit, police said on Saturday. Four terrorists and an "active associate" were killed Friday in two encounters with security forces in Shopian and Pulwama districts of Jammu and Kashmir. One of the militants killed in the encounter at Midoora in Awantipora area of south Kashmir's Pulwama district has been identified as Yawar Ahmad Najar, a resident of Darganie Gund Tral while the other has been identified as Pakistani code named Umar, a police spokesman said. He said both the ultras as per police records were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit JeM and were wanted in a series of terror crimes including attack on security establishments in the area and many other civilian atrocities. "As per the records available with police, they were involved in series of terror attacks in Tral and Awantipora area including killing of
Five militants from Kulgam shun path of violence, surrender: Police
Five youths from Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, who had joined militancy, shunned the path of violence and surrendered, police said Saturday. "Five youths, who had joined different terror outfits, shunned the path of violence and returned to the mainstream following efforts by their families and police," a police official said. He did not reveal their names, saying their identities "stand protected for security reasons". Dozens of militants have laid down arms in Kashmir since 2017 when police announced that they would accept offer of local militants to surrender even during ongoing encounters. Most of these militants have returned home after appeals by their families to shun the path of violence.
Rajnath pays tribute to jawans at National War Memorial ahead of taking charge as Defence Minister
Ahead of formally taking charge as Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh on Saturday visited the National War Memorial here and paid tribute to jawans who laid down their lives for the country post-independence.Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa and Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh were also present at the memorial.Singh was allotted the Defence ministry after taking oath as a Union Minister on Thursday. He will take over from his predecessor Nirmala Sitharaman who has been allotted the Finance ministry. During the first term of Modi government, Rajnath had handled the Home ministry.The war memorial, located next to India Gate in the heart of the national capital, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 24 this year.The state-of-art monument spread over an area of approximately 40 acres is dedicated to soldiers who laid down their lives defending the nation during Sino-Indian war in 1962, Indo-Pak wars in 1947, 1965 and 1971, Indian Peace ...
Kin of slain soldiers hail changes in PM's Scholarship Scheme
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first Cabinet decision to approve a major change in the 'Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme' under the National Defence Fund has garnered wide-scale support from the kin of those who lost their lives in the line of duty.In his first decision after being sworn in for a second term, Modi increased the rates of scholarships from Rs. 2000 per month to Rs. 2500 per month for boys and from Rs. 2250 per month to Rs. 3000 per month for girls.Speaking to ANI about the Cabinet decision, wife of Kadti Mukesh, who has killed during an encounter with Naxalites on February 18 last year, said, "I learned about this scholarship scheme. My daughter will get help in education with this scheme and I am happy about it."Kadti has a three-year-old daughter who will soon start school.Family members of another soldier, Kawasi Hunga, who lost his life in a bomb blast in the year 2014 also expressed delight over the announcement. The deceased soldier has three daughters aged ...
UN to cut 1,000 troops from Somalia force
The United Nations Security Council decided Friday to cut 1,000 troops from a regional peacekeeping force in Somalia, despite a rise in attacks by the Al-Shabaab militia in Mogadishu. The council voted unanimously to draw down the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), but left the door open for the council to revisit that decision if violence worsens. The resolution put forward by Britain reduces AMISOM troops by 1,000 to a ceiling of 19,626 by February 28, but maintains 1,040 police. The force's mandate was extended for a year. Under a transition plan agreed in 2017, AMISOM will gradually hand over security to Somali forces, but the African Union has raised concern about the extra responsibility as the country heads to elections next year. The United Nations is seeking to shore up stability in Somalia, where Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab fighters have been seeking to topple the government for a decade. The Shabaab were chased out of Mogadishu in 2011 by AMISOM, and have had to ...
Ceremony held to commemorate sacrifice of Indian soldiers during WW II in Italy
A solemn ceremony was organised in Prato, near Florence in Italy to commemorate the sacrifice made by two Indian soldiers - Hari Singh and Palu Ram of the Indian Army during World War II.The ceremony for the presentation of urns was organised on Wednesday at Public Assistance, Prato (Florence).In addition to a sizeable presence from the community of Prato and the Italian Armed Forces, the ceremony was attended by the Mayor, President of Public Assistance and Prefect of Prato.Representatives of Common Wealth War Graves Commission, Red Cross Society and host of other dignitaries of Prato also attended the ceremony.The Indian side was represented by Reenat Sandhu, the Indian Ambassador to Italy and Colonel Rohit Teotia, the Defence Attache to Italy.As many as 16 senior officers attending the National Defence College Course in India and on a study tour to Italy also represented India and attended the ceremony.The function was conducted as per appropriate military honours after which urns .